I’m enjoying managing a club – O’Neill or McCarthy might miss it

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I’m delighted to say the lads were magnificent again on Saturday as we won 2-1 at Havant & Waterlooville.

It was very hard-fought. We went 2-0 up early in the game and after that it became a bit difficult for us. We had to make a change at half-time to shore the midfield up and set up to hit them on the break with the pace we’ve got.

You can always tell when you’ve had a great victory – there’s not much celebrating in the changing rooms.

That’s because the lads were all spent, they had given every single drop. It’s still early days though – a lot of clubs use the 10-game mark as the yardstick and we’re not quite at that stage yet.

We’re on the road again this weekend, this time to league leaders Eastleigh. They’re the champions in a lot of people’s eyes.

I went down to watch them beat Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday and I’ve also read a report from an analyst who said they’re the most talented team in our league by far – that’s some claim.

They’ve certainly spent a few quid and they have to live up to that now. That will put pressure on them but there’s also a lot of pressure when you’re picking a team on limited resources as we are. It certainly tests your mettle as a coach.

We learned our FA Cup opponents this week – Tonbridge Angels. Ideally it would’ve been nice to have an easier draw, against a lower level club, but it is what it is and we will do our best to get into the next round.

Having played in an FA Cup final at Wembley [1996 for Liverpool against Manchester United] I’m now seeing it from the other end.

I remember when Havant led twice at my old club Liverpool – that’s the dream for clubs at this level, knowing you can go and cause upsets like that.

Speaking of teams I used to play for, it’s a shame Ireland have failed to qualify for another major tournament. It always gives the country such a lift, especially in the tough climate we’re in at the moment.

We’ve got great fans – arguably the best when it comes to travelling to places – but there’s just not the players coming through right now.

I think Giovanni Trapattoni’s done a fair job. It will be interesting to see who is appointed now he’s gone.

I know Martin O’Neill’s name has been bandied about, along with Mick McCarthy, but I wonder if they would prefer day-to-day club management.

I really don’t know who I’d want but it’s a great job for whoever gets it.

The Euros in 2016 will have more teams so qualification will be easier and Trap’s leaving behind a squad that’s difficult to beat.

Would I like to manage my country one day? Well, let’s get this season out the way first!

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