On Wednesday we asked you to vote for your ideal panel to replace the old guard that have filled the seats in the RTE studio for far too long, and you have voted in your throngs.
The New Anchor
We gave you four potential hosts that could replace Bill O'Herlihy in the anchors chair, and it came as no surprise really that Eoin McDevitt edged out Rachel Wyse, Kevin O'Connell and Billo's current understudy, Darragh Maloney.
The results were...
McDevitt- 58%
Wyse- 14%
O'Connell- 3%
Maloney- 25%
It seems McDevitt's popularity is even greater than first suspected. Despite only appearing on RTE four times in the past, it seems he is in line for the biggest job in Irish football already.
The New Pundits
As for the make-up of the punditry panel, there were three clear winners that the masses are baying to see replace John Giles, Liam Brady and Eamon Dunphy.
Richie Sadlier- 27%
Kevin Kilbane- 15%
Kenny Cunningham- 11%
Jason McAteer- 7%
Joe Lapira- 3%
Steve Staunton- 3%
Tony Cascarino- 8%
Roy Keane- 26%
Richie Sadlier, Kevin Kilbane and Roy Keane were chosen to be RTE's new first string panel of experts, a trio far more in touch with modern game that the current incumbents of those three chairs.
The results reflect on how serious the voters took this pool, as respected figures with vast knowledge were chosen above the likes of 'Stan' Staunton.
As the image above shows, Kilbane will replace Giles as the kindly, much-loved figure of the group, while Sadlier could seamlessly slot into Brady's shoes, as the more tactical and thoughtful brain of the operation, and finally we have Keane, who takes up the seat on the extreme right, long filled by Eamon Dunphy.
The Dynamic
One has to feel that McDevitt's friendly, laid-back manner, yet serious questioning and own extensive personal knowledge, will bring the best out of the new panel.
Additionally, surely the new pundits will all compliment each other. Roy would surely find an ally in Richie Sadlier, a man who has never felt his wrath on a football pitch, while Kevin Kilbane will have the respect of Roy for his efforts on the pitch, whilst also providing some comic relief.
We look forward to seeing these boys in action when the next campaign kicks off next September.
