Colin Bell wants women to shine in new spotlight

Last time Colin Bell experienced a labour dispute putting a game in jeopardy, the matter was solved by an envelope pushed under a hotel room door

The very public nature of the Ireland women’s impasse this week naturally overshadows Bell’s first match as boss on Monday. But he had his full complement of players on the training pitch yesterday at the end of a momentous week for Irish football.

The newly installed manager distanced himself from the off-field mess which hurtled his players into the spotlight of the Irish and international media for 48 hours, but he won’t allow any further dissent to distract from his aim of leading them to a first tournament qualification in 2019.