Paul Doolin has the war paint on already, but it’s what he does.
You’ll see from his interview elsewhere in this newspaper that he’s taking veiled swipes at other managers.
It creates a siege mentality in his head and is his way of preparing for battle.
Having won a league title under him at Drogheda United in 2007, I know the signs.
He’s looking for an edge, but there are pros and cons because management has changed since he was last in the league 12 years ago.
But first things first. Paul Doolin should be involved in the game.
It’s crazy that someone of his pedigree and experience has been on the periphery since leaving Ireland’s U19s in 2016.
I’ve seen managers with less experience getting big jobs in the meantime, and that’s Paul’s point.
But his problem is that nobody’s listening.
It’s not like a regular job where you can have it out with the boss if you’ve been overlooked for a role you’re clearly qualified for.
Football managers are lone wolves.
He’s entitled to have a go in the media, and I welcome the fact we’ve a manager who speaks his mind instead of the usual drivel dished up by others.
But I hope Paul has changed some of his ways during his time out.
For starters, he needs to understand compromise. 10 or 15 years ago, the balance of power sided with managers and it was their way or the highway.
But that’s no longer the case and if you can’t compromise with staff, players and club officials, well, you’ve no chance.
We had team meetings at Drogheda where Paul would just go through players one-by-one, in front of everyone.
It was about as useful as a chocolate teapot and whatever he was trying to achieve, it had the opposite effect.
He’s narky, but plays up to it. Thinking that everyone doesn’t like him makes him tick.
But it’s a dangerous game in a modern world where likeability matters and everything you say and do is recorded.
He doesn’t have to play the pals act, but he needs to let people in.
Paul has an ego. But here’s news - everyone does. I’ve an ego. You’ve got one too. It’s knowing when and when not to use it that matters.
Paul was great at keeping egos in check, keeping players grounded through hard, honest work. He just needs to apply it himself.
But I loved his technical application as a coach and his disciplinarian ways where he’ll demand that players are in peak physical condition.
I’ve seen one or two players around the league this season who are two stone overweight and it’s a joke that managers allow them away with it.
Athlone have conceded 33 goals and that’s Paul’s first port of call - making them hard to beat and then next year is when he’ll be judged.
Keith Long turned Bohs into a force without breaking the bank and that’s the model every club is looking at.
Paul’s time with Ireland U19s will stand to him as he had to work with what was available, rather than play the transfer market.
I wish him well ...it won’t be dull anyway.
ROVERS MUST CUT MISTAKES
Shamrock Rovers are well capable of turning this tie around and reaching the group stages.
But the difference between being one goal down and two goals down is enormous - psychologically.
Had they just got their act together in those dying stages, they would be happy out with a 3-2 defeat.
Do your job, manage the game and see it out because the stakes are too high.
Well, you reap what you sow.
And Rovers’ defending was remarkably bad. At this level, you deserve to lose games carrying on like that.
Graham Burke’s moment of magic was the only plus point I took from the game. He gave them hope at a vital time because the tie was slipping away.
But those behind him managed to undo all the good work. They have a mountain to climb, but Rovers can still do this if they cop on.
THIS BETTER BE GOOD, LADS
I’m dying to see what the FAI have been working on for the League of Ireland.
Because there’s no way they can be this quiet with nothing to show for it. Right?
Or is that just wishful thinking?
Not a peep out of Jonathan Hill or Mark Scanlon of late, so I can only presume they’re hatching the masterplan.
Watch this space.
IT'S THE WRIGHT MOVE BY STUTTERING SLIGO
Andre Wright is a hell of a signing for Sligo Rovers who have been crying out for someone to stop the rot.
When he joined Bohs, he looked raw but I saw a huge change and signs of progression last season.
He deservedly made the PFAI Team of the Year and if he gets goals, Sligo will have something to fight for.
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN
My first single ‘Drowning The Scream’ was released two years ago today and I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone.
I’m still so proud of it and encourage you all to have another listen
