CARLO HAS BLUEPRINT TO FINALLY END TROPHY DROUGHT SAYS SHEEDY
THE names simply roll off Kevin Sheedy’s tongue – Bob Paisley at Liverpool. Howard Kendall at Everton. Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United. Jack Charlton with the Republic of Ireland.
“I was very fortunate to play for these managers,” said former Toffees star
Sheedy, now 61. “They made training fun. The sessions were always based around the ball and we had game-related sessions. That’s what we want to do now, make every day as enjoyable as we can for the players.
“But at the same time we will want them to work 100 per cent every single day they come in to us too.”
Speaking ahead of Everton’s FA Cup meeting with Sheffield Wednesday, Sheedy reckons Carlo Ancelotti (right) will be added to that list one day.
The ex-Goodison academy coach said: “It’s a big season. Carlo has made a big impact.
“He’s made some excellent signings and I’m sure he will be bringing more in when he can.
“The squad he’s got now is near the top of the league, where the club needs to be.
“Anybody can win the league this season but for Everton to break into that top six or top four would be great to build on.
“Carlo realises Everton have not won a trophy for a long time, too long, and the opportunity is there for the FA Cup.
“He is a serial winner and if anyone can win a trophy for Everton it will be Carlo.”
But Sheedy has more pressing things on his mind. With trusted assistant Mike Newell by his side, the pair were the surprise management package named by League of Ireland Premier Division club Waterford United before Christmas.
Owner Lee Power made contact and Sheedy insists there was no hesitation in making the move to Munster.
He added: “It was an easy decision and we made it very quickly when we were offered.
“You’ve got to get on with your life and live it as best as you can.
“We’re football people. All I have known in my life has been football. I was 17 when I signed professional with Hereford and I had been an apprentice before that so I feel fortunate to have lived a life dedicated to football.”
Sheedy, one of Ireland’s heroes at Italia 90 and the scorer of the Republic’s first goal at a World Cup when he equalised against England, has already set up base in the country’s oldest city with Newell.
However, their families have remained in the UK, something they were used to while working together in Saudi Arabia.
Sheedy said: “We are here to do the job properly and give 100 per cent to the job.
“We’re serious about this and our families understand this is what we want to do.
“They’re behind us. We can’t wait for the season to start and get going.”
Sheedy’s new side will begin pre-season on February 8 with the FAI confirming last week that the 2021 SSE Airtricity Premier Division campaign will kick off on March 19.
“We’re looking to get players signed and add to the squad,” he said. “We’re speaking to contacts and seeing what players we can bring over.
“With Covid and all the guidelines in place that will make it slightly more difficult but we’re on the phone every day trying to add the right players.
“It’s easy to get bodies in, it’s making sure you get the right bodies that’s the difficult part.
“With the start of the league being put back it gives us a bit more time to work but we’ve already got the ball rolling.”