ACCORDING TO CORK City manager John Caulfield, a certain number of his managerial peers in the SSE Airtricity League need to alter their media output.
Caulfield feels there’s “a cosy cartel between a couple of managers” who should use their public platform to shed some positive light on the League of Ireland instead of “slagging” Cork City, who are currently 15 points clear at the top of the Premier Division.
The City boss made the comments following his side’s 4-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers. When asked by The42 if the Leesiders had been motivated by a pre-match interview given by Rovers manager Stephen Bradley, Caulfield insisted he hadn’t paid it any attention.
Defender Ryan Delaney, who scored twice in the win against the Hoops, had stated that the City players were keen to give a response to Bradley, who told The Irish Sun in the build-up to the game that the current league leaders haven’t yet matched the standards set by the Dundalk side that won the last three Premier Division titles.
“I never mentioned it,” Caulfield said in relation to Bradley’s comments. “There’s a cosy cartel between a couple of managers who like slagging me or slagging the club off. We’d be a lot better off if we all promoted the league and drove forward.
“What’s the point in slagging me? People around this country know me. Most people know what I am; I’m passionate about the league, I’m passionate about soccer. It’s about promoting the league. Stand up and be counted. Slagging me off, two or three of them, it’s grand, it’s water off a duck’s back. They’re better off standing up for the league. Be counted.”
Caulfield’s side will be looking to extend their undefeated run in the league to 17 games on Friday when they travel to Oriel Park to face defending champions Dundalk.
The game will be the first meeting of the rivals since Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny caused controversy in April by accusing City of manufacturing penalties.
Caulfield continued: “This league needs to drive on. People need to speak out. That’s what really annoys me. I don’t see it and I’m disappointed.
“I’ve come into the league four years ago and I can’t understand why people just don’t stand up, because the managers are powerful in this country. They can stand up and be counted.”
Caulfield spoke passionately about the health of domestic football last week, with the former Cork City striker expressing a belief that the success of Connacht Rugby has set an example for what can be achieved by the League of Ireland in the future if investment increases and TV coverage and facilities improve.
Great season for Irish and Leinster rugby. Leinster are in a very special place at the moment in terms of the coaches, players and backing they have. I can see a few more trophies for them in the next couple of seasons for them. Nothing left to say but congratulations.
@Dave Barry: we are a bit behind at the moment but so is everyone else. Well done Leinster
@Dave Barry: cheers Dave. Classy comment. Good man.
What a season!
@Stephan Antuma: A bittersweet day for Leinnster would probably be the best way to describe it
@eric qualen: Rochelle, nothing bitter sweet about it unless you are are a bitter Munster troll.
I hope you enjoyed that as much as you enjoyed Leinster winning a 4th European Cup.
Larmour try was worth admision money. the kick, the pickup, the try. what a season for Leinster.
@Ardmore02: felt he definitely should have been man of the match instead of Sexton.
@Sam Harms: Don’t think so! Brilliance from Larmour for his try. But Jonny Sexton. After that hit to the head, he showed his genius in his kick to touch for Cronin’s try. He pulls the strings! He drives us forward. The man is incredible! Great day though!!!!
@Sam Harms: get a grip, he picked the ball off the ground like he does everyday at training. Sexton on the other hand bossed the game. If you think one moment of magic outweighs a masterclass performance shows what you know!
@blindside: not one moment of magic he made some great tackles during the game too. Lowe was up there in man of the match territory too, he had another great game. Just what I think no need to tell me to get a grip.
@blindside: ah calm down it was a great team performamce. to be honest at half time I was jumping up and down with sextons quick pass to lowe. now that was magic. alot of great performances fro. pro14 and champions cup champions.
@blindside: Sexton was man of the match but Larmour did more than that pick up. He was great defensively and had Halfpenny and Evens shitting it whenever a high ball went up
@Sam Harms: nah I think Sexton deserved MOTM, but that LARMOUR was a try of the championship type moment.
That pick up !!!
Some achievement winning champions cup and pro in the same season. Before they only had the pro final after the European final this time they had to play the pro semi afterwards as well
So happy great day,in the Beggars pinting with Scots
@rugbyanbeer:
You were looking forward to your day. Enjoy