OTB Football

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Ireland-Israel debacle plus the weather lays waste to games across the country in the League of Ireland.
Republic of Ireland learn their fate in the UEFA Nations League B3, drawn alongside Austria, Kosovo and Israel, with fixtures now confirmed.
The Boys in Green begin with a September away double-header in Kosovo and Israel, before October clashes at the Aviva Stadium.
Boycott calls grow louder as former Ireland international Eoin Doyle urges action over the Israel fixtures.
Bohemians COO Daniel Lambert says the Football Association of Ireland, fans and players should not be put in this position.
The42’s Gavin Cooney explains why UEFA ultimately hold the financial power in the debate.
Stormy conditions threaten another chaotic night in the League of Ireland, with multiple pitch inspections across the country.
Drogheda United host Waterford at Sullivan & Lambe Park after late drama on opening weekend.
Dundalk could debut Tyreke Wilson against Derry City, as James McClean continues his return to domestic action.
First Division focus as Wexford FC, UCD and Cobh Ramblers aim to get their campaigns up and running despite the weather.
Cork City begin life back in the second tier with a Munster derby against Treaty United, as Seani Maguire targets promotion.
Arsenal drop points in the Premier League title race after a 1-1 draw at Brentford, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side four clear of Manchester City.
Keith Andrews’ Brentford remain in the European hunt and are boosted by Igor Thiago signing a new long-term deal.
Glen Whelan prepares to lead Wigan Athletic into the FA Cup spotlight against Arsenal at the Emirates.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is set for a dual role at Blackburn Rovers, while Dean Brennan receives a nine-game ban and Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior prepares for an emotional return to Hull.
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Ger Gilroy was joined in studio by the Irish football writer, Richard Fitzpatrick, to discuss his brilliant new book, 'HH: Helenio Herrera – Football's Original Master of the Dark Arts'.
What is in part a study of a footballing icon from the early days of the European Cup, Richard's book explores regions of Herrera's life that extended well beyond the pitch itself.
From his relentless philandering to his larger-than-life personality, his violent temper to his application of mind games that informed Jose Mourinho's approach in later decades, it is a remarkable story superbly told in this new book.
Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.
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Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Colm Boohig sits down with the former host of Soccer AM John ‘Fenners’ Fendley for an in-depth chat from his time on the show & so much more outside of that!

Catch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.

SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Off The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

Daniel Lambert joins Eoin Sheahan and Eoin Doyle on the line to give his reaction to the UEFA Nations League draw which saw Ireland drawn in the same group as Israel for the 2026 edition of the competition. Daniel Lambert and Bohemians proposed a motion that the FAI brought forward for Israel to be banned from European competitions, however that was not passed by UEFA.

On Thursday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest as Nottingham Forest are on the hunt for another new manager, Jim Ratcliffe's inflammatory comments and Ireland to find out their Nations League fate.
Sean Dyche is sacked by Nottingham Forest after just four months in charge following a frustrating 0-0 draw with Wolves, with owner Evangelos Marinakis now searching for a fourth manager of the season.
Former Wolves boss Vitor Pereira emerges as a leading candidate to replace Dyche, having previously worked successfully under Marinakis at Olympiacos.
Keith Treacy reflects on Dyche’s departure on Off The Ball Breakfast, admitting the timing may not come as a major surprise.
Manchester City close the gap to three points at the top after a dominant 3-0 win over Fulham, with Pep Guardiola sensing belief growing in his squad.
Arsenal face a tricky London derby against Brentford as Mikel Arteta’s side aim to stretch their lead, while Igor Thiago looks to continue his red-hot scoring form.
Liverpool edge Sunderland 1-0 to end their unbeaten home run, while Aston Villa and Burnley both secure crucial Premier League victories.
Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial comments on immigration draw criticism from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with Henry Winter discussing the fallout on OTB Breakfast.
The Republic of Ireland await their Nations League League B draw, with potential heavyweight clashes ahead and major implications for Euro 2028 qualification.
A full breakdown of how Euro 2028 qualification will work for co-hosts Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales — and what safety nets are in place.
LOI Pod reviews the opening week of the League of Ireland season, spotlighting Shelbourne’s Jack Henry-Francis as a potential breakout star.
Celtic leave it late as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores a dramatic debut winner, while Rangers drop points in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Thomas Tuchel commits his future to England through to Euro 2028, ending speculation linking him with a Premier League return.
This week our live League of Ireland commentary comes from a sold-out Tolka Park as the 2024 champions Shelbourne, welcome 2025 champions Shamrock Rovers across the Liffey.
Jonathan Higgins will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on your radios from 7 and on the GoLoud App.'
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