Quinn brokered Robson’s Ireland role

NIALL QUINN was the intermediary who helped new Ireland manager Steve Staunton and the FAI to land Bobby Robson as an international football consultant.

Quinn ended his professional career with Sunderland in the northeast of England and knew Newcastle native Robson socially from his time in the area. It has emerged that Staunton contacted Quinn before Christmas with a view to meeting the former England and Newcastle boss.

With Staunton’s blessing, Quinn contacted Robson, who said he would only consider the approach if it was sanctioned by the FAI. When that permission was granted Quinn then spoke to Robson about joining Staunton.