Former Ireland player Kevin Doyle believes that Heimir Hallgrimsson should follow the example of his Irish managerial predecessors in terms of getting to know the players.
The Icelander took charge of the Irish team in July but had a hands-off role when it came to squad selection for the England and Greece games in Dublin.
Many questioned the decision to leave the squad selection in the hands of the more familiar John O'Shea, his assistant at the time. The likes of Brian Kerr and Eamon Dunphy shared their opinions on the new Ireland boss, and both were unhappy with his conduct during that week.
The Independent also reported that Hallgrimsson would not be attending League of Ireland games in September—another decision that angered some.
Former Ireland international David Connolly said in two tweets in September
"Talk that Heimir Hallgrímsson isn’t attending any @premierleague games today. I just worked an itinerary. Flight leaves 7:20 a.m. Dublin to Southampton, 12:30 p.m. KO. See chat to Smallbone, Manning, and Bazunu. 30-mile drive to Brighton, 3 p.m. KO to see Ferguson/Mahoney; may miss KO," said the first tweet
"Next best date for another south coast trip: Saturday, 21st September @SouthamptonFC vs. @IpswichTown. He could stay at my house like Mick McCarthy did once in Holland, to save the FAI some cash. Then Sunday, 22nd, @OfficialBHAFC vs. @NFFC. Flight €44 if booked far enough in advance, said the second tweet.
Hallgrimsson has announced his Ireland squad for the trips to Finland and Greece this month and has selected a much-changed squad compared to the one that lost both games in September.
Doyle, speaking about the issue, brought up examples of Ireland managers doing the opposite of the current Ireland boss and believes that the Icelander should follow suit.
Talk that Heimir Hallgrímsson isn’t attending any @premierleague games today. I just worked an itinerary. Flight ☘️leaves 7.20am Dublin to Southampton, 12.30pm KO. See chat to Smallbone, Manning, Bazunu. 30 mile drive to Brighton 3pm KO to see Ferguson/ Mahoney, may miss KO pic.twitter.com/nEnQrEKmI6
— David Connolly (@MrDavidConnolly) September 14, 2024
"Regarding not going to see players playing in the first few weeks—and I don't know what he’s doing at the moment—I remember Brian Kerr when he first took over, when I first got into the team in England (Reading), and him coming to watch me. The boost that gave me as a young player to know the Ireland manager was watching me," said Doyle on RTE this week
"I dropped him to the airport after the game and got picked in the next squad, so it worked in my favour.
"Giovanni Trapattoni came to watch us play when he first took the Ireland job. The buzz of the Ireland manager actually being here, especially when you’re a young player, is huge.
Doyle also believes that Hallgrimsson will give the younger players confidence if he makes the effort to watch them.
"It’s different when you’re older, you’re in the second half of your career, it’s not the same. But when you’re younger and you know you have a chance of getting into an international team, and the international manager is there, it gives you a buzz. It gives you confidence. The same with Steve Staunton; he came to watch me play.
"That, to me, would be important—that he does go, especially to watch those younger players, and have a word with them.
"I don’t know if he is at the moment, but we do know he wasn’t initially. Hopefully, he does."
Republic of Ireland Squad: Finland & Greece
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O'Leary (Bristol City)
Defenders: Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Dara O'Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).
Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).
UEFA Nations League: Fixtures
10/10 - Finland vs. Ireland, Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, 7.45pm (9.45pm local time)
13/10 - Greece vs. Ireland, Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens, 7.45pm (9.45pm local time)
