These updates may occur once a week but they’re definitely still happening!
Our Nations League semi-final didn’t go to plan…
Despite being the better team, we lost 3-1 to the team ranked number 1 in the world.
I made 6 changes for the 3
rd place game, which was against Portugal.
Once again a loss was a harsh result but we just don’t have the quality that nations like France and Portugal have.
The goalscorers in that game were Stephen Kearney, who is just about good enough to start for Shamrock
And Adam Idah, who has been in and out the squad since I became Ireland manager 7 years ago (7 years!!) but scored 20 goals for Montpellier last season so I couldn’t leave him out.
I’m not too fussed about losing those 2 games, the priority is about qualifying for the World Cup next year.
Elsewhere, the EURO under 21 tournament is taking place and we have just the 17 players taking part.
And Sligo players have been amongst the end of season Champions League awards. Leandro Machado was second top scorer despite us only getting to the quarter final
And Marcin Bulka was third in goalkeeper of the season.
I remember not being convinced by him when he first signed but he’s probably been one of the players of the save!
Having said that, he might be getting replaced this summer…
We’ve got some big clubs circling around our best players, hopefully we don’t lose any in the transfer window!