Brian Kerr disputed almost everything Roddy Collins said in the latter's scathing rant about Sunday's cup final and the League of Ireland more generally.
He disputed the crowd was poor, saying it was very respectable given the level of promotion that went into it, and argued that the game was a good tactical battle which most speectators enjoyed.
The first point Roddy made was about the crowd. I didn’t think the crowd was poor at all. There have been a lot less people at some recent Irish internationals at Lansdowne Road.
“And given the lack of real promotion of the game by the FAI, I thought it was quite a decent crowd, and they were very, very enthusiastic. And anyone I spoke to after the game enjoyed the game.
He also expressed surprise at the comments Roddy attributed to Luton Town manager John Still - a manager known for his ability to spot players from the lower leagues.
If the manager of Luton – and they are doing well, they’re in second place in division four – thinks there isn’t a player good enough, I don’t think his judgement is very good, because, for me, there were plenty of players on the pitch who could play at a higher level that League of Ireland and could easily cope with the lower divisions in England.
Keith Fahey would have no problem playing at that level. Neither would Greg Bolger, on yesterday’s display. From a Derry point of view, Barry McNamee, when he came on, still a young player; Patrick McEleaney; Sean Hoare, centre-back for Pat's, who I thought had an excellent game yesterday ... there are a lot more players like that around the league, who can play at a higher level in the future.
He alluded to the fact that several of the players in the current Irish squad had come through the League, including James McClean, We Hoolahan, David Meyler, Shane Long, Kevin Doyle, David Forde and Stephen Ward.
[RTE]
