Heimir Hallgrimsson: 'Excuses when you lose 5-0 is kind of pathetic'

When Hallgrimsson walked into the auditorium in Wembley after seven o’clock on Sunday evening he brought nothing in the way of double-speak or evasion.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson.

There was no sugar-coating this. How could there be?

Heimir Hallgrimsson has brought a refreshing brand of straight-talking to his role as Ireland manager. It has served him well, apart from the first camp when his decision to stand back and let his staff take centre stage caused some initial confusion.