Ireland’s record goalscorer always possessed a knack of seeing around corners and he knew what to expect at a press conference following his confirmation as Maccabi Tel Aviv boss.

All ten of the top-flight sides have something to play for, be it the title, European qualification or avoiding the relegation playoff and the automatic trapdoor to the First Division.

There’s no guarantee that Tom Cannon will be emulating the manoeuvre perfected by Rice and Jack Grealish before him but history hasn’t favoured Ireland once that dreaded hiatus to a budding international career begins.

The absence of a sponsor for the men’s team, and their missing out on the bonanza of qualification for three tournaments on the spin, suffocates cashflow whatever the spin doctors espouse.

Lifetime stadium bans form one deterrent but how this unfolds from the police inquiry is what is being closely watched.

By the time the vaunted greatest league in the world wraps up on Sunday, Irish involvement over the 20 teams’ 38-game series will cling onto double figures.

Everybody knew Brexit would be a game-changer in Ireland and U17 European finals starting tonight may supply the first indicators as to whether it will be a whole new ball game on the pitch.

Having missed one window of opportunity, getting the next one right will determine what type of window into the future beckons for City.

Figures presented by expert analysts illustrated the increasing portion of wagers being laid on other sports, particularly football, raising the argument for a proportionate allocation towards improving facilities in that code.

The notion that Ferguson was being lined up for United in the short-term was far-fetched.