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.