Living down to expectations

In recent years, the moments at which successive Ireland managers have reached the point of no return have usually been accompanied by howls of rage and frustration from the stands.

In 2002, the Lansdowne crowd chanted “Keano, Keano” as Mick McCarthy’s last game in charge ended in defeat to Switzerland.

In 2005, the Ireland fans roared in rage and disbelief as Israel and their pantomime villain goalkeeper Dudu Aouate took a 2-2 draw that fatally undermined Brian Kerr’s prospects of leading us to the World Cup.