OTB Football

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan joins The Green Scene to reflect on a bruising start to his first head-coach role at Livingston — and the harsh reality of modern football ownership, data-led recruitment, and being judged after just five league games.
Whelan breaks down what went wrong behind the scenes, what he’s learned about “managing up”, and why the experience has only fuelled his desire to get straight back into management.
We also look ahead to the latest Ireland squad: Seamus Coleman’s absence, midfield options alongside Jayson Molumby, what Bosun Lawal can bring if fit, and the challenge of balancing creativity with defensive solidity.
Plus, thoughts on Stephen Bradley’s potential move to Hibs, the League of Ireland title race, and the protests around the upcoming games with Israel.
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Phil Egan is back with Tuesday’s Football Daily, as Ireland fly to Kosovo for their Nations League opener — with Heimir Hallgrímsson set to face questions after a furious response from the Israel FA to his comments ahead of this window.
We also look ahead to a big opening night in the Women’s Champions League, with Ireland international Kyra Carusa in action, and hear from Arsenal boss Renée Slegers on juggling a packed schedule.
Plus, Dermot Corrigan breaks down why Florentino Pérez has turned to José Mourinho again — and why Atlético Madrid are pushing back on referee pressure — while there’s injury news for Scotland, Wales’ Craig Bellamy on League A, and the latest from FIFA.
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Welcome to a brand new series on Off The Ball where Brian O'Driscoll sits down with legends of Irish sport who have retired their sporting career for something new. In episode one, Brian spoke to former professional footballer for Ireland, Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland, Niall Quinn about the transition from athlete to running a business.

The Next Play on Off The Ball is brought to you by Amazon.ie, Irish brands at local prices. Start your search at our dedicated and curated ‘Brands of Ireland’ section

Phil Egan is on hand to bring you Monday's Football Daily.
Ireland get a late squad shake-up ahead of a huge Nations League window, with Killian Phillips drafted in after injuries to Jamie McGrath and Harvey Vale. We’ve got all the travel plans too, as Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side gear up for Kosovo, Israel, Austria and the return date in Serbia.
Plus, the FAI confirm Brian Sørensen as part of Carla Ward’s coaching team for the upcoming World Cup play-offs, starting with Kazakhstan.
And in the Premier League, the heat rises on Michael Carrick after Manchester United’s drab draw at Fulham, while Liverpool edge Bournemouth and take encouragement from improving defensive numbers ahead of the international break.
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Stephen Doyle and Vinny Perth were on hand to give their immediate reaction as Manchester United left it late to equalise away to Fulham and get a point before the International Break.

The Final Whistle on Off The Ball with Novibet

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