Joe Molloy was joined by Colm Keys and Brendan O’Brien for the Sunday Paper Review as they discussed the change in image of FAI CEO John Delaney.
The flamboyant leader has been known to mix with fans at international tournaments, buying €2,000 worth of alcohol for fans at Euro 2012, along with covering the front pages with stories of his personal love life.
Delaney has adopted a quieter approach in recent years to his role with the FAI as he turns his attentions to clearing the organisation’s debt by 2020 and developing youth players.
And Brendan O’Brien believes Delaney is intent on improving the Irish domestic game before taking up a more senior role within European football in the coming years.
“He’s gone back to basics. And the basics with John Delaney is grassroots. I find it interesting that he’s talking to the assembled soccer press again because he didn’t for a long time,” O’Brien told OTB.
“As for Delaney himself, it’s clear to see he isn’t going anywhere. He’s basically said: ‘I’m here as long as the people want me’.
“He talked about the Euro 2020 games that are going to be in Dublin and the centenary of the FAI in 2021 – despite the fact he has his role in Uefa.
“I think eventually we’ll see him in a more European role than he has at the moment but he still feels there is a lot going on at the moment [in Ireland].”
The panel praised Delaney for his efforts on developing youth football and for his relentless approach to making appearances at clubs around the country.
But given the FAI’s falling with the PFAI over players’ wages – and a struggling national league – Keys believes Delaney needs to be more receptive to constructive criticism.
“On reflection, he may have tried too hard to show himself as a grassroots man,” Keys said.
“Maybe the role of a chief executive needs a little detachment from [mixing with the fans]. As a CEO of a big sporting organisation he should be going out and selling the message beyond the issue with stadium debt and take the hard questions.
“It will always be there until it’s answered and it’s moved on.”
James Hopper
