Kevin Doyle exclusive
Kevin Doyle is backing Chris Hughton to replace Stephen Kenny as Republic of Ireland manager when the time comes. Only five players from Republic of Ireland’s starting line-up against Greece play for a Premier League team. “I don’t know I suppose the problem is that we don’t have the players”, said Doyle. Stephen Kenny has found it difficult as Republic of Ireland manager as he has only won six competitive matches. “There isn’t a million of managers out there but to take the Ireland job the one person that stands out to me is Chris Hughton I don’t know if he is available or not”, said Wexford native. Managing the Republic of Ireland is tough because Stephen Kenny tried to play football which previous managers failed to do but he was unsuccessful in achieving positive results.
It was announced recently that Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will be hosting Euro 2028. “Yeah we are going to have a couple of games in Dublin I don’t think they said if you will qualify automatically or not if you are hosting”, said Doyle. Stephen Kenny has given 17 Ireland players their debut while in charge. “Stephen Kenny has blooded a lot of players I would say one of his things or problems I have we could never before hand pick the starting team no one gets it right you are always two or three out”, said Wexford native. Kenny has made some strange calls while in charge for example Adam Idah scores against Netherlands but was on the bench for the next game against Greece. “It’s not because of injuries he changes it a lot yeah a great opportunity for the next guy I think but if it’s the right guy”, said Doyle.
Doyle's old club St Patrick’s Athletic are in next week's FAI Cup final against Bohemians. He has happy memories of his time at the club and keeps an eye on their progress, as he does for all his former clubs. “ST Pats was my first club under Pat Dolan”, said Doyle. Doyle moved from St Patrick’s Athletic to Cork City before playing in England’s Premier League with both Reading and Wolverhampton Wanders. “Yeah your old clubs you want to see them do well I would love to go back to Reading and watch Premier League games with my son”. Reading will be possibly a pathway for young Irish footballers in the future to play football in England. “It’s a really good club they have set up a deal with Wexford FC to take some of their younger players”, revealed Doyle.
Former Wolves striker is impressed in how Gary O’ Neill is doing as manager. “Yeah it’s early days but he seems to settle in straight away”. Wolves are currently 12th in the Premier League table but O’ Neill’s biggest win so far was beating Manchester City at Molineux. “He is a young manager he has started off brillantly”.
Doyle is a Man United fan since been a youngster and gives his opinion on what is next for the ownership of his boyhood club. “I personally like the idea of someone from the country that might be a Man United fan”, said Wexford native. In 2021 Saudi Arabia were allowed to take over Newcastle United. “There is enough countries owning teams in England at the moment which doesn’t sit right with me”, said former Ireland striker. Manchester United have spent over one billion on transfers over the last 10 years. “It has been a tough 10 years a few false dawns not for lack of money spent”.
Over the last couple of years Man United have signed Anthony for £86 million and spent £70 million on bringing Casemiro to Old Trafford. “Lots of money throwing down the drain Sancho £80 million and he will be gone in January they will be lucky to get £30 million for him”, said Doyle. Manchester United have signed 60 players since Sir Alex Ferguson departed as manager in 2013. “No player in my opinion has improved since they have signed for Man United in the last 10 years”. It is remarkable that Manchester United don’t have a Sporting Director. “I don’t know who is in charge of the recruitment they need to have a figure head who has an excellent track record”, said Wexford native.
You can listen to Doyle’s interview in full by searching Paddy Tees It Up from wherever you get your Podcasts from.