The Pitch: Are too many consultants spoiling the message for FAI?

The hiring of so many outside third-party operatives is a legacy issue from the Jonathan Hill era.

New Ireland women's manager Carla Ward with, from left, FAI chief executive David Courell, FAI chief football officer Marc Canham, FAI president Paul Cooke and FAI chairperson Tony Keohane.

The Football Association of Ireland has hired the services of four outside agencies and advisors in the past year, to support its downgraded communications department.

They include 53Six, Teneo and LBA, along with consultant Murray Barnett – once compared to Harry Kane in the world of commercial and comms.