Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers | Dundalk FC Programme | 17th June 2022.
As a League of Ireland supporter, I was delighted when Stephen Kenny was announced as manager of the Republic of Ireland Senior Team in April 2020, after his recent exploits with Dundalk FC and more recently with the U-21 Ireland Team, Stephen had shown that he was well capable of managing at that level.
It was a testament to Stephen and his man management skills, but life in the new position didn’t start off well for Stephen, unfortunately the pandemic hit in March 2020 with all games opted to be played in empty stadia, and the results didn’t go his way early on, everyone who knew how good Stephen was really felt for him and really wanted him to turn things around.
Thankfully the results started to come, the performances were starting to open the eyes of other teams around Europe, a revolution was under way at Abbottstown, what was really going on at the FAI under Stephen Kenny?
We all know that Stephen has an eye for picking out talented players from a group that many wouldn’t, but Stephen has done just that yet again, with the likes of Jason Knight, Gavin Bazunu and Michael Obafemi to name just a few, he has built a team of young, hungry, and talented players, while trying to implement a new tactical style of play, the plan was to actually make us play good, attractive football.
Recently, our Nations League campaign kicked off, we played Armenia and Ukraine with results not going our way, two defeats in a row saw the “Kenny Out” brigade dust off their banners and their Twitter accounts.
The pressure started to build, the media monster was starting to ask harder questions and the pundits started to doubt Stephen’s vision, but those of you who know Stephen Kenny know, never doubt him, he is the man for the job, and it can take time for a new road not travelled to be seen.
Ireland took on Scotland on Saturday last in the Aviva, going into the match nobody really gave us much hope, a draw was our best option, it’s often said when an animal is wounded and cornered is the time it comes out fighting, by God did this animal come out fighting.
There are good things to come under Stephen Kenny as all Dundalk fans know, those who doubt his vision please just get behind him and trust when I say that there are good times ahead.
On Tuesday night this week, Ireland took on Ukraine away in Poland, a wonder goal from Nathan Collins and an equalizer from Ukraine after half time meant the game ended in a draw, but with another fantasic performance from this young Ireland team its very promising, the future is bright.
In Stephen Kenny we trust.
C’mon The Town!