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"He was a god in Sunderland" | Elliott says Quinn's FAI role can only be a positive

Former Ireland international Stephen Elliott believes Niall Quinn's interim Deputy CEO role at t...



Soccer

"He was a god in Sunderland" | Elliott says Quinn's FAI role can only be a positive

Former Ireland international Stephen Elliott believes Niall Quinn's interim Deputy CEO role at the FAI is only a positive thing for Irish football going forward. 

The Dubliner joined OTB Football Saturday to discuss his former colleague's new role with the association.

"There's no better person for the job to get all these guys back on board. Niall will work hard in the role, there's no doubt about that. Everything he's done he's worked really hard at.' said Elliott.

Former Sunderland player Elliott worked under Niall Quinn whilst Quinn was chairman and manager of the Premier League club in 2006.

Elliott says the former Manor Town United player will be nothing but a positive influence for Irish football. He believes Quinn's aura can help lift spirits amongst the Irish football community.

"During my short spell at Sunderland he was always really good around the place and there was always a positive feel, even when things weren't going too well.

"Before Roy Keane came in as his manager he had that presence about him to keep everybody positive. That's going to be a huge thing going forward over the next few years to get that positivity running through the veins in Irish football again,' added the former Hearts striker.

Although Elliott doesn't believe the impact will be felt immediately off the pitch, he thinks the group as a whole will become a positive group to head the association.

He says things at the embattled organisation can only improve from here.

"I think appointing Niall has been a really good thing along with the other lads. For me, I'm going to look at it as it's not going to happen overnight, all the guys that have gone in there are really positive. I don't see how it can't be a lot better than what it was.

The 36-year-old pointed to the impression Quinn left on the people of Sunderland after his association ended with the club. He says Quinn was revered by the people of the city.

"He was a god in Sunderland - ask anybody around here. Even at times when he was chairman, there was kind of questions asked about him but there's no doubt he's a people person. When he speaks people listen. That's the effect he will have in Ireland, as well."

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FAI Niall Mcgrath Niall Quinn Otb Soccer Stephen Eliott Sunderland