Jim Crawford: 'Grassroots is where the fire is lit in players, the place they fall in love with the game'

Crawford was speaking about the growing schism arising from national clubs taking over the elite youth function.

Republic of Ireland Under-21s boss Jim Crawford. Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.

When the FAI’s new director of football wants to hear some home truths about what he's facing into, Jim Crawford’s door will be wide open.

The association are on the brink of announcing their latest guru, understood to be an English-based coach with a track record in the Premier League.