Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has admitted that he felt like he was treated like “an outsider” by the Dublin press.
The former Nottingham Forest star had played and captained Northern Ireland during his playing days, so he always felt that there a section of the press that couldn’t accept him.
Alongside Roy Keane as his assistant manager, O’Neill guided Ireland to Euro 2016 and got them through to the knockout stages of the competition.
However, after some persuading, the ex Celtic boss remained in charge of the national team, helping them reach the Play-offs for the World Cup, but things started to sour at that stage.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Stick to Football podcast, O’Neill explained why he never had a good relationship with the Irish press.
“The press lads in Dublin… I never really got in with (them) – I have said this before, and they say it’s nonsense, but I felt a bit like an outsider.
“I’m from Northern Ireland, I had been a Northern Ireland player, and captain of the side, but I never felt any problems with the crowd, because a lot of Irish fans, would be Celtic fans.
“We never had a problem with the crowds, the crowds came in droves to the games, so we had to get the very best out of them for a couple of days work, and with respect, we weren’t the most skilful side.
“But we’re trying to qualify for a competition, and in fairness, Roy’s contract and my contract were the same, we wouldn’t have had a renewal, and the only we we could definitely get a renewal in our contract was by qualifying for the Euros in 2016.
“So we got this opportunity, Roy was saying that we should continue on and do it – I must admit that wasn’t sure, but Roy convinced me.
“We tried to qualify for the World Cup, we got to the Play-off final, we were fourth seed in the group, we draw with Denmark in Copenhagen, so we have to win in Dublin.
“We score first, we miss two good chances after that, but because we had only drawn at home, the away goals was going to count at this stage, they hit just before half-time, Erikson had a blinding game and scored a hat-trick.
“The first interview I do afterwards, the fellow whose primed anyway, he says, is this not a sackable offence?”
Ireland haven’t even looked close to qualifying for another competition since that Play-off game against Denmark, but fans will be hoping that will change soon.
Heimir HallgrÃmsson is in charge of the team now, and has his sights set on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup next year, but it is easier said than done.