‘I am the boss, whatever I say goes,’ insists Staunton

NEW Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton laid down the law to Bobby Robson and declared: “I am the boss.”

With Robson on a two-year deal as International Football Consultant, the title is a vague one, yet Staunton was unequivocal in his reply yesterday when queried on the respective boundaries of their appointments.

“It’s not that unusual for such a partnership if you look throughout Europe,” said Staunton, who was handed a four-year contract on Friday.

“But I am the boss, the gaffer, and whatever I say goes. The buck stops with me, and I will use Bobby in whatever role I see fit.”

Robson, after his years in management with Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Newcastle and England will have to learn his place.

Whether he is told to take training, sit in the stands or the dug-out for games, go scouting or whatever,

Robson will have to take orders.

“I’ve decided to call him ‘Stan’ not Steve,” said Robson, referring to Staunton’s nickname.

“But I’m sure I should call him boss, and I will. I will do whatever Stan wants of me, and I will be on his shoulder in all the preparation for games. Wherever he sees a doubt or a problem, and whenever he wants my advice or opinion, I will be there. I will do it, and I will guide him through the difficult moments.

“I have spent the last 35 years of my life, virtually every day, in a football club and on a football field. I have coached, trained, prepared, selected and got results at a very high level, the highest you could play at.

“We know, and we’re not disguising it, that Stan is inexperienced. It’s his first job, and there are some doubting Thomases, some sceptics.

“But that’s what I am here for. This is the role I saw myself in, so give us a chance. What Stan wants around him is some expertise, advice, an old head, a mentor. He wants to be groomed and blooded into the job, and I’m here to do that. I won’t be jealous of him. I don’t want his job because I am here to get success for the FAI.

“But I’m not going to be a dummy. I will look at situations and if there is anything I see lacking, then I will tell him.

“If he then tells me, ‘well, I hear what you say, but I’m not doing it that way’, then that’s fine. I will also support the situation.”

Robson’s passion was undeniable, conceding he had turned down other posts since his sacking from Newcastle in August, 2004, waiting for what he describes as “the perfect job for me” with Ireland.

It is now incumbent on the duo to instil their passion on a team clearly lacking such a characteristic in the final stages of former manager Brian Kerr’s reign.

“What we have to get from the players is their maximum ambition, enthusiasm, motivation and ability, and if we get that then we have a chance,” insisted Robson.

“They have to give us everything they have in their bodies. That makes the difference and gives you the edge.”