Ruud Dokter key conduit as Ireland embraces transition

For a man from the Lowlands, Ruud Dokter has been propelled to the highest levels of Irish football since joining the FAI five years ago.

Initially tasked with replacing fellow Netherlands native Wim Koevermans in the role of High Performance Director, a job working in the background to nurture young talent, he’s been at the forefront in a week that rivalled some of the most eventful in the game here.