Ben from ‘Football in Luxembourg’ joins the lads to preview his sides tie with Ireland in Dublin. Luxembourg’s key men and tactics are discussed as well as their ex-youth international Miralem Pjanic and Ryan Johansson who represented north nations underage.
The full Green Machíne compliment react to Ireland’s 3-2 loss to Serbia in what was a promising night despite the disappointment.
In the buildup to the opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia, the lads discuss Stephen Kenny’s sides chances in Belgrade, the Serbia squad and predict the lineup for Wednesday night’s tie
The lads react to Stephen Kenny’s squad announcement and press conference. Jim Crawford’s under-21 squad is also briefly discussed.
Stephen Kenny’s transparent Q&A is digested as the lads look forward to Thursdays squad announcement. The weekend review of Irish players is also discussed.
This weeks midweek show addresses the concern around Ireland’s goalkeepers, mixed feelings from fans on a David McGoldrick return and the Serbia squad announcement. Brían also gives his views on why this international window probably shouldn’t be happening.
The final episode of the first Mick McCarthy era sees yet another drama filled year off the field in what was the last embers of a colourful regime. 2002 began with such optimism in the buildup to the World Cup finals before disaster struck in Saipan. Despite a heroic World Cup showing from a young Ireland, the writing was on the wall for McCarthy after an awful start to the Euro 2004 campaign.
Ross from LOI TV joins the Green Machíne to explain the impacts of the FAI using his pages name for the new League of Ireland streaming service will have on his page. Ross raises the importance fan channels have for the marketing of the league and engagement of new fans. The notion of the FAI still being detached from fans is also discussed in light of this.
The lads digest the news that Ireland look set to put together a joint bid with the UK for the 2030 World Cup and discuss the appointment of Anthony Barry. They then make their Ireland squad prediction for this months fixtures against Serbia, Luxembourg and Qatar.
After two successive qualification heartbreaks, the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers heralded Mick McCarthy’s first successful campaign. The on the field excellence is reminisced as Ireland reached the finals via a famous victory against Holland in Dublin and a tense night in Tehran. The potential seeds of Saipan are also discussed in what was a flawless campaign for Roy Keane on the pitch but a frustrating one off it.
In this weeks mid-week news catch-up, Shane Duffy’s disgusting online abuse is discussed, the coup that is Vera Pauw’s contract extension is digested, Matt Doherty’s Spurs exit rumours are addressed and the lads read out the influx of fan comments calling for an Aiden McGeady recall.
Part 2 of the McCarthy era sees the heartbreaking Euro 2000 campaign retold with even more off the field drama for big Mick. The complexities to fixtures due to the Kosovo War, death threats to Roy Keane and Denis Irwin and earthquake tremors in Turkey came amongst several late goals that denied Ireland a place in the European Championships.
Former FAI CEO Bernard O'Byrne explains the ins and outs of the proposed multi-purpose stadium Eircom Park which fell through just over 20 years ago. Bernard also shares his views on backing Mick McCarthy in the late 90s and his hopes for Stephen Kenny's Ireland.
In the mid-week news show, James McClean’s continued abuse and momentum of support is discussed as well as John Egan’s injury worries and the rumours that David McGoldrick has ended his international retirement.
In the first of the ‘Manger Monday’ series, the lads throw back to Mick McCarthy’s appointment in 1996 and the subsequent 1998 World Cup Qualifying campaign. In what was a colorful couple of years in Irish football for all the right and wrong reasons, the on and off the field drama is relived in a memorable nostalgic episode.
On Liam Brady’s 65th birthday, the sometimes forgotten stories of his absence from Euro 88 , Italia 90 and the abrupt end to his Ireland career by Jack Charlton are reflected on.
Nick and David examine Matt Doherty’s struggles at Spurs since his move from Wolves last summer and debate where he fits into an Ireland XI with Seamus Coleman.
Ross from LOI TV joins the Green Machíne discussion to digest the news that WATCHLOI won’t be rolled out for a full season after it was deemed unsuccessful by RTÉ. The lads discuss how WATCHLOI should have been revolutionary for the League of Ireland and debate how the league itself could be enhanced in these trying times and beyond. This episode is dedicated to Liam Miller and his family.
It is 14 years to the day since that infamous night in a San Marino when the hosts were 8 seconds away from embarrassing Stan’s Ireland. Martin describes being at the game and David shudders at Brian’s Kerr punditry at half time when he suggested Ireland ‘Jizz it up’ for the second half.
As we approach 11 years since Shane Duffy switched his allegiances from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, the Green Machíne lads discuss the tug of war between the FAI and IFA in what became is consistent theme of the last decade and a half. The idea of nationalist discomfort within the Northern Irish setup is debated as is the idea that the issue has quieted down in more recent years.
As Kevin Kilbane turns 44, the Green Machíne pay tribute to Ireland’s 4th most capped player of all time. Kilbane’s commitment, consistency and pride in his country are discussed as well as Nick and Brían’s encounter with the Irish legend on a flight to Copenhagen.
This week marks 18 years since Brian Kerr was appointment to the hot seat of Irish football. What is often forgotten is the time between Mick McCarthy’s sacking at the start of the Euro 2004 qualifiers and Kerr’s eventual appointment as is the fact that there was an interesting shortlist drawn up to replace McCarthy. The parallels between Kerr and Stephen Kenny’s appointments are also discussed on the Green Machíne.
As the domestic season hits its official midpoint, the lads give an in depth and detailed mid-season review of the players in and just outside the Ireland squad.
As Kevin Zefi be subject to the next international eligibility saga?Why are all the Irish dropping down the divisions?
The lads digest James McCleans latest social media mishap and debate the his litany of off the field events that have overshadowed his footballing career.
Nick, David and Kenny discuss Damien Duffs announcement to step away from the Irish setup and who should replace him.The issue of Robbie Keane’s FAI wages is also raised and if it is tainting his reputation.The lads also discuss the Irish January transfers so far and what others could materialize.
Reaction to Ireland’s 2020 World Cup qualifying draw and the need for Stephen Kenny to put his trust in youth and break free from the status quo selections.
Nick and David discuss the revelations emerging from the Irish dressing room prior to the friendly against England.The international break is digested with eyes now focused on December’s World Cup draw.
Nick and David digest what has been a difficult week for Irish football, consider if Stephen Kenny’s tenure is too early for criticism and look forward to tomorrow’s tie against Bulgaria.
Barry Maguire is a Dutch born footballer who just over a decade ago was part of a tug of war between the Irish and Dutch FA’s.He discusses his career which has seen him play all over the world,that tug of war and his views on the granny rule.
