The new coach of the Ireland Minifootball team took up his post officially last week and immediately promised to produce attractive, entertaining football.
Lee Kill, who was announced as the coach earlier this month after the departure of Mark O’Sullivan, said that fans could look forward to watching good football as the Irish team prepares to compete in this autumn’s MiniEURO event: “I like to see attractive, entertaining football,” he confirmed, upon his first official engagement as boss – scouting for new talent at the recent Ireland 6 a side Championships.
However, although the emphasis will be on goals and enjoyment, Lee warned that it wouldn’t be a gung-ho approach adding: “I believe in a strong defence too, and our game plan will reflect that.”
Kill, a 46-year old from Kilkenny, said that was “honoured and proud” to be taking over as National Team Manager and will be assisted by his colleague, Pat O’Connor. The pair have worked together for a number of years, since the new manager was forced to retire from football at the age of 39 through persistent injuries.
The boss said that he was pleasantly surprised by the depth of talent he had at his disposal to work with: “There’s no shortage of talent so I expect to be able to choose from some great players in all positions,” he confirmed.
Kill and his squad will be going to Israel this November for a second crack at miniEURO. The first – in Crete last year – ended in failure at the group stages, but the coach thinks that the climate in Eilat will provide its own in challenges but admits he cannot wait for the chance: “Conditions will be hot in Israel so it will be important to measure our approach and take this into account, but it will be a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against the very best teams in Europe. It’s a great challenge and one I’m really looking forward to.”