Bradley refuses to give view on controversial FAI man’s reign

The Hoops boss was coy with the media.

Marc Canham stepped down as FAI CFO earlier in the week, following a relatively unpopular three-year reign.

There was little improvement at the organisation during his time, and the feeling throughout Irish football is that a change was needed.

When asked about his view on Canham's time in the role, the answer from Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley heavily implied that he did not think much of it, and he stressed that Canham's successor needs to be someone with a deep understanding of Irish football.

He said: “It’s not a view that I’d like to share. My focus is on this team, trying to win against Shelbourne and us as a club getting better.

“It’s important that the person who comes in understands the Irish football landscape. Where it is and what conversations need to be had. That’s most definitely really important. We’re really good as a nation being open to high-quality people, Irish or wherever they’re from. So I wouldn’t say they must be Irish, but they must understand Irish football.

“Irish football is like no other. The landscape is completely different to any other country because of the factions around the country.

“If someone doesn’t understand that and thinks they can pay lip service by just washing over it, that’s not this country. Others might work that way, but we’re unique in how we operate and all of that deserves to be shown respect by the new person.

“I’m sure decisions have to be made that won’t make everybody happy, as before, and that’s fine, but conversations need to be had and the factions listened to.”