TM Ireland - Trophymanager Ireland

Don't know what the fuck's going on with that title, but anyway.  Caught up with ol' Askeaton celebrating his second cup win, in 18 seasons (or thereabouts).

• Right so Askeaton, long time no speak, how you been keeping?

I'm good, thanks for asking:)

• How's it feel to re-claim the cup after all these seasons?

Its nice to win a trophy of any kind and the cup is one of the most important out there

Askeaton History

• How much luck do you need to win it?

a bit of luck is needed with home draws but injuries and suspensions are always a problem

• Alot of managers perpetually rate the league over the cup and don't take it seriously, what are your thoughts on this?

I too rate the league higher than the cup but I don't take it any less serious.

• Your second cup win, but your first trophy for a while. You were touted as one of the, if not the one team who could break the Teabag/ Shark dominance, but there they are as dominant as ever — what's the story?

Its a long process to get to where the two boys are now. My fan base is climbing slowly and my young team have come of age. I'm quietly confident of challenging in the top three next season. Hopefully I won't have to eat those words....

• For a team that relies heavily on youth sales to survive how have you found the market lately?

I'm quite disappointed in the return I'm getting for quality players. I've sold a couple of gems in the last year and they made pittancefor me. I sold an excellent midfielder last July for 64m, his asi was 33k and high stats. I would expect over 100m for this type of player. Going forward (ala Biffo) I might have to change my policy on youth. I will only take on a 13 rated player from my YD and hope he improves to at least 15*

Bargains for Some

• That's a very young, pretty inexperienced keeper there, has he got the goods to get your name back on the title?

You have two choices with keepers, buy them young with potential or old with experience. I'm hoping he will not let me down in the coming years.

Young Keeper

• He got you a cup at least! Europe last season, how did you go?

I was very happy with this seasons run in europe. A couple of yrs back I thought europe was an unneccessary distraction with no hope of any irish team progressing. After this season I see that we need to be highly competitive to get up our overall co-effecient up.

• Based on that experience, how do you think Irish teams compare to European sides?

I definately think we are closing the gap. We have about 10 teams in the LoI who have been playin top flight football for many yrs. This is a sign of their teams gradually improving. Hopefully the two big boys don't pull further away from the rest of us

Euro Success

• Hard to go past andy glynn when looking through your squad, he's had a great few seasons (particularly since the new ME came in), why do you think he has suddenly become awesome?

He was always consistent but once he hit his prime of 27 he took off. I believe his high routine ,stats, age and experience have combined to give me the countrys MVP

• Will he make the NT this season do you think...??

a no brainer!

• Will you ever sell him?

Not at this stage. Crimson Kings tested me a few yrs back with a substantial bid but at 29 he's here for life

• Any new young players down in the depths of your academy looking to make a similar impact as glynn in the future?

I really only have one young lad who has NT potential. Jack Ennis is a 23yr old striker but hasn't bloomed yet. He will easily hit over 100m asi

• Not blooming yet?  Fecken hell.  Does the League of Ireland continue to get stronger every season?

definately, some newly promoted teams give every team a hard time. As I said earlier i think there now about 10 teams who are regulars in the top flight and 6 of these could easily win the title

• So season 22, what's your prediction, can anyone break the Shark/ Teabag trophy stranglehold?

PND have put down a good year and should be there again. Elland and Cavan have very strong squads. The Tipp Scum are around for yrs and will be back in the top flight next season, they might surprise a few. Also that Moloney guy has a nice side, with proper sober mamagement who knows what they could achieve...lol

• Was that an attempt at flattery?? How did you know I was off the wagon?  Anyhoo, cheers bud, well done and good luck flying the flag again next season

Speaking of Drunken Mgt, I was a pilot once