Trapattoni scoops Manager of the Year award

GIOVANNI TRAPATTONI was yesterday named Philips Manager of the Year after guiding the Republic of Ireland to a major championships for the first time in a decade.

The Italian followed in the footsteps of Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy who claimed the accolade for similar achievements during their terms at the helm.

Trapattoni was first choice in a vote of representatives from the newspaper industry. The Italian was unable to attend yesterday’s gala ceremony with Irish goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly collecting the award on his behalf.

Among the other contenders were Joe Schmidt who delivered a second Heineken Cup for Leinster, Michael O’Neill of Shamrock Rovers and Dublin football manager Pat Gilroy.

Philips monthly award winners: December 2010: Anne Keenan-Buckley, (Athletics); January 2011: Fran Ryan, (Basketball); February: Noel O’Brien, (GAA); March: Phil Simmons, (Cricket); April: Anthony Daly, (GAA); May: Joe Schmidt, (Rugby); June: Billy Walsh, (Boxing); July, (James Horan, (GAA); August: Michael O’Neill, (Soccer); September: Brian Cody and Pat Gilroy, (GAA); October: Peter Taylor, (Boxing); November: Giovanni Trapattoni, (Soccer).