New Irish boss Doolin seeks winning feeling

“IT’S about developing players but it’s also about qualifying and hopefully winning things.”

So says Paul Doolin of his new job as head coach of the Republic of Ireland U18 and U19 teams. And, having officially been confirmed in the position yesterday, the former manager of UCD, Drogheda United and Cork City will be put to the test as early as next month when he takes charge of the U19s in their European Championship qualifying matches in Bulgaria against Luxembourg, Serbia and the host nation.

But, before that, Doolin will be taking his U23 side to Estonia next week for the final group match of the International Challenge Trophy. Should the team qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled for next March, Doolin will again be in charge unless there is a clash with his U19 duties, in which case the latter would take precedent.