Galway-born,
Pat Dolan, discusses his future and indeed Ireland’s future as we try
to rebuild from our horrific Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. He talks to
this paper on what he wants from the FAI in the search for our new
national team manager, about our need for a leader both on and off the
pitch, and how he feels Robbie Keane is over criticised. (Picture courtesy the Sunday World)

Dolan has come a long way in his football career; he was a trainee at
Arsenal before moving top Walsall. After an unsuccessful time there he
returned home to Ireland to ply his trade. After spells with Galway
United and Shamrock Rovers.

He moved onto St Patrick’s Athletic where his career was cut short
after several injury problems. Pat eventually became manager of the
Saints and guided them to the league title in his second season in
charge before stepping down. Dolan later managed Cork City before both
sides unceremoniously parted.

“I would like to see a process that is honest but tells us who these
‘Kingmakers’ are,” Dolan demands from the FAI in relation to their
recruitment of a new boss. The British style of management hasn’t
worked,” he states, believing the FAI should look closer to home for
Staunton’s successor. But the former St Patrick’s Athletic boss
realises that successful Irish managers, such as himself and Paul
Doolin, are not candidates for the Irish job and this frustrates him.

“I believe I have been a top Irish manager in Irish football and yet
I’m not a candidate