Soccer Shorts: READING striker Kevin Doyle was last named as the Eircom FAI senior international player of the year for 2008. The 25-year-old from Wexford had previously won the Young Player award and had last year received the award for goal of the year, reports Emmet Malone.
This time around he beat off competition from Shay Given and John O’Shea for the main prize of the night at Citywest in Dublin. “Shay’s probably been up for it for the last 10 years in a row,” he joked as he received the trophy. “He’s always one of our busiest players and I suppose they just thought they’d give it to somebody else.”
Doyle said he was very pleased to receive the accolade, though. “I’m delighted to get it, very proud. Its something Ill always remember.”
Celtic’s Aiden McGeady took the under-23 award ahead of Andy Keogh and Stephen Rice. while Owen Garvan of Ipswich was named at the under-21 player of the year ahead of Stephen Quinn and Darren O’Dea.
Brian Murphy, meanwhile, was rewarded for an outstanding season for double winners Bohemians with the League of Ireland award. His team-mate Owen Heary and Keith Fahey, who recently moved from St Patrick’s Athletic to Birmingham City, were the other nominees.
The Hall of Fame award went to Arthur Fitzsimons, the 79-year-old Dubliner who scored seven goals in 26 appearances for his country between 1949 and 1959. As a 20 year-old, Fitzsimons left Shelbourne for Middlesbrough, where he had an impressive career before spells with Lincoln City and Mansfield Town. He eventually moved into management and had was in charge at Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers.
Award winners: Senior: Kevin Doyle (Reading); Young/Under-23: Aiden McGeady (Celtic); Under-21: Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town); International Goal of the Year: Andy Keogh v Serbia (H) 24/05/08; League of Ireland: Brian Murphy (Bohemian FC); Under-19: Michael Spillane (Norwich); Under-17: Aaron Doran (Blackburn Rovers); Under-16: Mark O’Brien (Derby County); Intermediate: Derek Prendergast (Bangor Celtic); Junior international: Séamus Crowe (Athenry); Senior women: Niamh Fahey (Arsenal); Under-19: Karen Duggan (Piltown); Under-17: Ciara Grant (Kilmacrennan Celtic); FAI Schools: John Mulroy (Moyle Park College); Football for all: Stephen Coleman (Street Leagues); Special merit: Eddie Foley; Hall of fame: Arthur Fitzsimons; International personality: Ruud Gullit.
Staunton looking for a fresh start
STEVE STAUNTON, who has been out of work since losing his job at Leeds United before Christmas, suggested yesterday he was open to the possibility of returning to the Ireland job at some stage but says his first priority is to get into club management, reports Emmet Malone.
“You never say never,” said Staunton when asked about whether he might ever end up managing his country again, “but I would love to try my hand at club management and get in on a day to day basis. I loved working at Leeds with Gary (McAllister) and seeing how it was run and what is needed and I am keen and eager. I love my football and I am eager to get back into it.”
The former Ireland captain blamed a combination of bad luck and media criticism for the loss of his job towards the end of 2007. “There was supposed to be a transitional period and it needed time,” he said. “The supporters were fantastic absolutely superb with me but it was basically the press, but that is part and parcel of the job.
“When I look back we were unlucky, but everyone can say that.”
Kinnear eager to return to work
CHRIS HUGHTON has revealed Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear is already planning his return to the training ground as he waits to be released from hospital.
The 62-year-old remains under observation in a Sutton Coldfield hospital following his admission yesterday morning after he complained of feeling unwell at the team hotel ahead of the 3-2 Premier League victory at West Brom.
Assistant manager Hughton went to visit Kinnear, who suffered a mild heart attack almost 10 years ago, along with managing director Derek Llambias after the game.
He said: “He was in very good form, typical Joe. . . He is expected to be out in the next couple of days. He is in very bullish mood and already talking about when he is going to be back at the training ground.”
Beckham in line to equal record
DAVID BECKHAM returned to the England squad on Saturday when coach Fabio Capello named him in his 23 for Wednesday’s friendly away to Spain.
Beckham, who turns 34 in May, now looks set to equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 caps for an outfield player by playing some part against the European champions in Seville. Meanwhile LA Galaxy have rejected AC Milan’s first offer for Beckham, the Italian club’s chief executive Adriano Galliani said on Saturday.
