Scottish group to carry out review

By Bill George

THE FAI has announced that the Scotland-based sport management consultancy Genesis will conduct the review into the association’s involvement in this summer’s World Cup finals.

It will be the end of October before the investigations are complete. Genesis is being paid in the region of £20,000 to discover what measures can be taken to help ease the team’s progress into the finals of major competitions.

Roy Keane was particularly critical of training facilities and kit. He successfully overturned the previous method of travelling to games, where officials flew in business class at the front of the plane, and players in economy behind.

In addition, Keane suggested there were dietary problems which needed to be addressed and also that there were too many occasions where the players were being mobbed by supporters.

In contrast to Manchester United’s more rigid approach in the face of supporter bombardment, Ireland have traditionally encouraged the bond between player and fan. And though he has pledged to implement the report’s findings, FAI general secretary Brendan Menton insisted that will not change.

“We are not just going to follow what happens in Italy or England,’’ he said. “Culturally we do things our own way but we are as professional as everyone else.

However, Menton admitted Keane’s walk-out had proved the catalyst for the review. He added that all 23 members of the travelling squad including Keane plus the coaching staff were likely to be asked for their observations.

“What happened with Roy was a key element of deciding to have a review but we are trying to look beyond that now,’’ he said.

“We are prepared to defend ourselves but this process would welcome any valid criticism providing it contributes to the overall debate.’’