Was it difficult to clear the air with John Delaney?
No, it was very straightforward. Obviously Martin had already made contact with me and that was discussed. I think actually one of my strong points is that, when I meet up with people who I've had disagreements with before, I can move on pretty quickly. It's happened in other parts of my life.
To be honest I'm going to disappoint you because it was very, very straightforward. It was a case of we wanted what was good for Irish football and Martin wanted me on board. The past is the past and so honestly, it was very, very straightforward.
Do you think there is a group out there that will still maybe not forgive you?
Possibly so, possibly so but I can't really worry too much about that. It's about the future and about today and working with the present group of players and trying to help Martin and the rest of the staff and the team. Like I said, if we can do our jobs properly and hopefully people get behind the team, there might be some good days ahead.
But I'm not here to try to change anybody's opinion about myself or decisions I've made in the past. I spent years trying to please everybody and trust me, it's a waste of time and energy. You've just got to do what you think is right and get on with it.
So the John Delaney issue is put to bed?
I hope so, yeah. If I had any issues or any doubts, trust me I wouldn't be sitting here. Everything's very positive – obviously we've only been here two days and that can obviously change. We need results and that's what we've come on board for. That's the conversations I've had with Martin – we can do something with the group of players.
I know a lot of the players anyway. I’ve played with some of them, I’ve managed quite a few of them. Obviously a few of the younger players I don’t really know but obviously that’s what we’re going to do over the next few months.
We're going to try to get a winning team together. That's ultimately the job that lies ahead. So I'm certainly not too worried about what's gone on in the past. It's just about trying to bring something to the table and to help the players.
What about some of the players you criticised or who fell out with you?
Generally speaking I am pretty sure I had a decent relationship with players I have managed. And if not I would be the first to say it. There are lots of players I think I've managed and I hope we are quite okay with each other. There is not this tension or any sort of issues like that.
A number two can be like an uncle-type figure – can you see yourself in that role?
I could be yes if things go well. If we are winning yes, Jesus. Listen you all have an uncle you don't really like, don't you?
You don't really have an arm-round-the-shoulder image?
I think that will help me. Strangely enough, if people are thinking that – particularly the players – I don't think that will be an issue with me and the players over the next few years because I'm not as bad as everyone makes me out to be in terms of criticising players.
I’m demanding of players, of course, and hopefully that will never change. But this idea of being, I don’t know, being a bit softer with players – obviously I’m not going to be the one dropping players or leaving players out. That might give me the opportunity to be nicer to players but without being a pal to them either.
Hopefully the players are in for a pleasant surprise, particularly the lads who've not worked with me. I know people can believe what they hear and read. They could be thinking for some reason that some monster's going to turn up and all of a sudden I'm quite placid.
Some players have been critical of you, like Jon Walters?
Has he? What's he been saying? This is the bad uncle now.
Do you just address that head-on?
Yeah, you do, yeah.
And that has been done?
Of course, yeah. Jon Walters did very well for me, very well for me. We were disappointed with the way it ended but any time a player wants to leave a club – it's not going to be a pals' act when someone is desperate to leave your football club and you're desperate for him to stay. That's only natural.
I've been with Jon the last day or two and that's all been sorted out.
And Aiden McGeady?
Yeah, I had a bit of banter with Aiden the other night. No problem. That's never an issue. I had the same when I came back as a player – what's going to happen? All that's put to bed very quickly.
I’m very comfortable with stuff like that. People have said something and it’s taken the wrong way. People might have said that I had an issue with Aiden, that he could do better. I think that’s a compliment because I rate the player.
It’s the lads you don’t talk about or put demands on – they’re the ones that should be worried. If you’re putting demands on players, it’s because you believe in them. Listen, you can do better. What is wrong with that? I’m sure you get that in your working environment.
I think Aiden probably sees it that way. I had a bit of a chat with Aiden two nights ago and it was actually quite . . . it can turn into a bit of craic and a bit of banter. Aiden’s trained well for the past day or two and I think he’s a really good player. Hopefully, I think he can do better.
Jesus, there’s nothing wrong with saying that.
