Genesis Report to be presented for ratification
It is certain the report will not be accepted with unanimity by both bodies for football executives outside of the senior international group fear the implementation of the report will divert too many resources to the senior team.
There are other issues troubling football authorities outside of the FAI and the National League. Representatives of intermediate and junior football clubs are increasingly dissatisfied with the numerical strength of the National League clubs on management committees of the FAI.
One representative of an intermediate club argued: “How can you expect officers whose own clubs are in the red, to successfully manage the affairs of the FAI? The National League clubs have too strong a say in the FAI and we need to reduce their representation.”
It is expected the FAI will set up working committees to study the Genesis Report in depth and to bring forward a plan for the progressive implementation of the best proposals contained in it. The FAI will also decide on appointing a former international, or perhaps two, to join with the officers in seeking a new manager for the senior team. Liam Brady was high on their list but it is now believed he will not be available.
The FAI have, of course, a man of considerable international experience on their own staff in Eoin Hand, who was manager of Ireland’s international team for five years. He is likely to be invited to join the interview board together with one other person based in England, with Mark Lawrenson among those likely to be considered.
At today’s meeting, Dundalk’s Des Casey will be honoured by the FAI after a lifetime of voluntary service to the game.
Football was always in Casey’s blood. His father, the late PJ Casey, was League of Ireland honorary treasurer and a founder member of Dundalk FC.
In 1962 he was elected to the board of the club and then served as secretary from 1968 until 1972. Later he was elected as honorary treasurer of the League of Ireland and also became a member of the FAI council.
More top honours were to follow with Casey elected vice president of the FAI in 1982 and president of the association between 1984 and 1986.
Along with the late Dr Tony O’Neill, Casey was instrumental in the appointment of Jack Charlton as national team boss in 1986.
A member of the UEFA youth committee between 1986 and 1994, he was elected to the UEFA executive committee before being appointed vice president two years ago.
* Eamonn Doherty of Derry City was yesterday named as Eircom League Player of the Month for October for his part in helping Derry to their first FAI Cup success since 1995.
Doherty is captain of Derry and played a major role as they negotiated a difficult semi-final hurdle by beating Cork City at Turner’s Cross before overcoming favourites Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in the final.
Derry were unbeaten in the Eircom League during October and their success this season represented an important breakthrough for Doherty, who joined Derry from Coleraine in 1997.
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