OTB’s John Duggan was joined by Cobh Ramblers boss Shane Keegan, the Irish Independent’s Dan McDonnell and the broadcaster Johnny Ward on Football Saturday, exploring all things Premier League, League of Ireland and the newly rebranded Football Ireland.
The FAI’s identity rebrand this week sparked plenty of debate online, with a new crest revamp in particular drawing plenty of opinions.
OTB’s Football Saturday had their say on the matter on today’s show, citing that perhaps more priority should lie with substance over style when it comes to the football organisation’s priorities.
“I know some people are very energized by it…I think it’s the most nonsense debate of all time” Dan McDonnell, football correspondent with the Irish Independent said.
The logo, as well as the distinct separation of the FAI from the national teams of ‘Football Ireland’ come as the FAI had launched a four year strategy in February of 2022, with one of the objectives set to “build a trusted and respected brand.”
“It has a value, but the FAI have a really important strategic plan with a lot of things in it and my fear is that I don’t want to be there in 2025 going well the facilities audit we’re getting there, the third tier hasn’t quite happened yet but you know what we’ve done- the logo.
“And maybe that’s an overly cynical point of view because the FAI do have some great things going on, like that FAI connect app will be an excellent resource. So there are great things going on but there’s just a whiff of corporate speak about this.”
The new look appearance then must be followed up by improvements elsewhere then according to the panel.
"You can paint the front of the house and make it look different, but if it's still in tatters inside, it's still in tatters inside” McDonnell continued.
“Everybody is going to have an opinion on the front of your house and I get it that there’s going to be new kits coming out and people like to wear their merchandise and that it can be energising to some people but personally I just don’t care” he concluded.
“Again I would be far more concerned about the actual things going on and I suppose the selfishness in it is this doesn’t effect me in any way shape or form” Keegan added.
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