Richie Sadlier is in, John Giles is out. It's the biggest game of the year and RTÉ have made a big change to the A Team. At least that's what was emerging yesterday.
And yes, it is a bit depressing that the big news ahead of our biggest match of the year concerns someone sitting (or not sitting) in a TV studio. Nonetheless, the RTÉ panel are intrinsically tied to the Ireland team and as much as we may give out about them, it just wouldn't be a big Ireland game without their, let's say, 'analysis'.
Anyway, Giles is out and there's disagreements about why that's the case. The Star's original report into the 'dumping' of Giles quoted an unnamed individual who revealed that it was a shock to both the former Leeds man and his fellow panelists, Dunphy and Brady.
Despite those reports, RTÉ were keen to ensure that everyone knew there was nothing untoward in the decision to draft in Sadlier. The state broadcaster released a statement explaining that rotation on the panel had become the norm and pointed to the fact that Giles has only been behind the desk for three of Ireland's five games in this qualifying games.
That seemed to put to bed ideas that there was any bad feeling on the part of Giles. However, the Independent are now reporting that the 74 year old 'would have worked for free' if it meant being on the panel for such a big game.
Giles is contracted for a certain number of games through out the year and it seems RTÉ were conscious of that number when deciding the line-up for this weekend. But, given the magnitude of the game, it appears the move to draft in Sadlier is being taken as something of a slight.
We're blaming Roy Keane for all this. It's usually the Ireland assistant manager who gives us something to blow out of proportion in the week before a game. The 'car crash' just didn't cut it this week.
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