One of the legends of the Republic of Ireland and Arsenal, Liam Brady, age 52, has agreed terms to assist Giovanni Trapattoni. Mr. Brady signed a two year contract with an option for a similar length after the initial term.
He will join former Juventus teammate, Marco Tardelli, who is also part of Mr. Trapattoni’s back room staff. Both played for Mr. Trapattoni at Juventus, and Mr. Brady won two Scudetti (Italian championships) during that period.
Mr. Brady, who has been the Head of Youth Development and the Arsenal Academy Director since 1996, will maintain those roles along with his new responsibilities. Previously, he had managed Celtic (1991 to 1993) and Brighton & Hove Albion (1993 to 1995), respectively, before his return to Arsenal. During his playing career, he was a midfielder.
Comments by Mr. Brady
“I was a senior international player for 16 years from when I was 18 until I was 34 and I am really looking forward to working with Giovanni Trapattoni and trying to qualify for the World Cup Finals.”
“I had a meeting with Giovanni Trapattoni last week during which he clarified my role and I am very happy with what he expects of me. He wants me to work with the players, which is of most interest to me, and also to be on the bench and in the dressing room during games. He sees me as someone he can talk to along with Marco Tardelli.”
“I will also be part of the scouting network and will be going to as many games as I can to monitor the players in the squad and also track the progress of up and coming players.”
Comments by FAI Chief Executive, Mr. John Delaney
“Liam Brady is one of the greatest players that this country has ever produced and he has a tremendous amount to offer. He has an important role to play and I think it is a very good appointment by Giovanni Trapattoni.”
“I would like to thank Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Football Club for their co-operation in allowing Liam to link up with the senior international team and combine it with his role as Head of Youth Development at Arsenal.”
Source: FAI Web Site.
Career Honors
- 72 caps with 9 goals for the Republic of Ireland.
- Arsenal: 1973 to 1980.
- Won the 1979 FA Cup with Arsenal.
- Juventus: 1980 to 1982.
- Won the Serie A Scudetto (Championship) with Juventus in 1981 and 1982.
- Sampdoria of Genoa: 1982 to 1984.
- Internazionale: 1984 to 1986.
- Ascoli: 1986 to 1987.
- West Ham United: 1987 to 1990.
- 2006: Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
Famous Goal Against Tottenham Hotspur
Their first game in charge will occur on 24 May against Serbia in Croke Park. On 29 May in Craven Cottage, London, they will face Colombia in another friendly. Before these friendlies, there will be a training camp in Portugal:
“The Republic of Ireland senior squad will be heading to sunny climes in May after the FAI confirmed that a training camp will be held in the Algarve region of Portugal during the week prior to the friendly match against Serbia on May 24 in Croke Park. The training camp will enable newly appointed Ireland senior team manager Giovanni Trapattoni and his staff an excellent opportunity to work on tactics with his players ahead of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign which begins in September. The Irish squad’s last training camp held in the Algarve two seasons ago was hailed as a tremendous success. ”
Source: FAI Web Site.
The Republic of Ireland’s next scheduled friendly ahead of World Cup 2010 qualification will be 20 August 2008 against Norway in Oslo. Their first qualification fixture occurs on 06 September in Georgia.
Steve Amoia is the author and editor of World Football Commentaries, and writes for Soccerlens. He also contributes to Keeper Skool.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
