OTB Football

Join Matthew Brennan, Ben Symes and David Wilson as they delve into the biggest stories this week in the world of Irish football.
A full Irish EFL-focused transfer roundup, including moves for Johnny Kenny, Andrew Moran, Sammie Szmodics, Aidomo Emakhu, and Jacob Devaney
Should Kenny have chosen Germany, or is League One his best bet of making March's squad?
What these transfers say about the current market — and why so many Irish-linked players are heading to England and Scotland
A quick “Green Scene” run-through, tying the transfer chatter into the wider Ireland picture
A deep dive on James McClean after alleged abuse from Rovers fans — is this becoming a recurring issue?
Ireland midfield check-in: Browne flying, Knight struggling, Molumby off the pace, Taylor steady
What Moran’s move means, Cullen’s absence, Lawal’s role, and whether Azaz is heading deeper
And as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch?
You can do so by emailing [email protected]
Contact us on socials @offtheball across all our platforms.
Or if you want to contact us directly message the @offtheball.football account on Instagram.
And as ever, we are on WhatsApp on 087 9 180 180.
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Irish who made the moves on deadline day, plus Heimir Halgrimsson on the pressure ahead of Ireland's playoff with Czechia.
Deadline day movement for Irish players, including who made moves and who stayed put
Johnny Kenny joins Bolton on loan from Celtic in search of first-team football
Sammie Szmodics heads to Derby County, reuniting with former manager John Eustace
Andrew Moran returns to the Championship with a permanent move to Preston
Aidomo Emakhu leaves Millwall to sign for Oxford United, while Festy Ebosele stays put
Mipo Odubeko remains at Shelbourne after a late collapse of his move to Cercle Brugge
Heimir Hallgrimsson plays down pressure relief despite Troy Parrott’s winner in Hungary
Big Premier League talking points including Burnley Sunderland and Chelsea’s EFL Cup hopes
Debate grows over Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City after more dropped points
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr future in doubt amid reports of unrest and frustration
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ahead of the new 2026 League of Ireland season, Shelbourne head coach Joey O'Brien spoke to our own Stephen Doyle about the 2024 champions ambitions for the season ahead.
Joey O’Brien looks ahead to the 2026 League of Ireland season and what to expect
Assessing how standards across the league have evolved in recent years
Key storylines, clubs and players to watch as the campaign gets underway
The challenges facing players and coaches in a still somewhat a part-time league
How the league fits into the wider Irish football pathway
Why 2026 could be a defining season for the League of Ireland
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Republic of Ireland women's national team boss Carla Ward was speaking to Ruairi O'Hagan of Red FM on their visit to Midleton FC on Monday night.
Reflecting on her first year in the role and the work done to build a clear on- and off-pitch identity.
High praise for Denise O’Sullivan amid her transfer to Liverpool as both a player and a person.
Looking ahead to major tests against France and the Netherlands, embracing underdog status.
The significance of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the desire to bring big Ireland games back to Cork.
Thoughts on League of Ireland challenges, squad development, and strengthening the backroom team.
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Welcome to a time-travel podcast diving into football’s greatest almost moments — the transfers that came within touching distance of reality, Richie McCormack's Sliding Doors.
Sliding Doors goes beyond rumours and gossip to uncover deals that were genuinely on the table
Each episode explores how one decision could have reshaped clubs, careers, and the entire football landscape
From whispered negotiations to official bids, this is the anatomy of football’s biggest “what ifs”
Think Michael Laudrup to Liverpool, Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn… and yes, Ronaldo to Rangers
This episode rewinds to the summer of 1997 — Britpop excess, post-Eurovision Ireland, and a transfer market on the brink of chaos
A 20-year-old Ronaldo Nazário is tearing La Liga apart and attracting every giant in European football
Barcelona, Inter, Lazio… and astonishingly, Glasgow Rangers enter the race
With Champions League ambition and serious financial muscle, Rangers launch a sensational bid
Inside the negotiations, the contracts, the Nike influence, and the offer that would’ve shocked world football
What would it have meant for Scottish football, European competition, and the 1998 World Cup?
One signature. One fax. One sliding door — and football history might have looked very different
Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join