LOI Central

It has been a momentous few days for Irish football and Dan takes a quick break from the madness to recap on what has been going on with the FAI and what is likely to happen in the near future as the game begins to ready itself for a life post-John Delaney. Our star guests are Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers and ex-goalkeeper Shane Supple, both of the PFAI, with Gary the first guest ever on the show to bring his thesis in with him. All four discuss thoughts on the FAI's turbulent few weeks, the future and an exciting title league campaign so far. Johnny also spoke to Derry City Assistant Kevin Deery after they defeated St.Pats in Inchicore on Monday evening to go 2nd in the League Table.

Dan comes in – fresh or otherwise – from Wednesday's Oireachteas committee proceedings and gives his take on a potentially seminal day for football without a ball being kicked. We hear from Ger O'Brien after St Patrick's humbled champions Dundalk but our two studio guests are Owen Heary and Gary O'Neill. Heary reflects on a frustrating end of his Shelbourne reign while Gary is still on a high after UCD's recent win over Waterford and discusses his future as his time runs out at Belfield.

We could have spent all day talking to Ireland coaches Tom Mohan and Jim Crawford – but unfortunately Dan had to jet off to attend an Oireachtas Committee – as you do. Mohan, Ireland under-19s supremo, discusses his managerial career so far, and recalls his playing days & memories of Derry City playing Finn Harps ahead of the northwest derby this weekend. Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Crawford recalls Shelbourne's 2004 European odyssey, discusses what it’s like working with Stephen Kenny & looks ahead to the under-21s' Toulon tournament in June. The lads also give their views on the league season so far, while Mohan makes a plea for more improvements that can be made in a league he predicts is going to improve dramatically.

We couldn't find an Executive Vice President this week but we do have St Patrick's Athletic manager Harry Kenny, who explains how he made some new friends in his search for a dressing room en route to the studio. Harry talks about the Saints' sluggish goalscoring start to the season, and the all consuming reality of life as a full-time manager. Dan discusses the FAI mess, while the lads also discuss the win over Georgia.

Johnny McDonnell and Greg Bolger joined the lads in studio to talk about talented midfield players after Jack Byrne's call into the Ireland squad. Greg tells us about the physical changes that have contributed to an upturn in his performances with top of the table Shamrock Rovers - but says that nobody in Tallaght is getting ahead of themselves despite the best attempts of the two Johnnys to tell him that this could be Rovers' year. Gibraltar weather, Giovanni Trapattoni's boat to Athlone and the mandatory Galway reference also get an airing on this week's show.

No Ward no problem. Dan holds court in studio as Johnny is away on Cheltenham duty, but don't worry he still gives his thoughts on LOI proceedings & on Countdowns highest rated show ever. Six time league winner Stevie O'Donnell joined us in studio to discuss his new career off the pitch with his new club Dundalk, while PFAI Player Executive Ollie Cahill and his five league medals were also in attendance. We also caught with Derry City fan & player Ciaron Harkin, while reminiscing about European nights, Paddy McCourt and of course, "Weso".

Alan Reynolds and Johnny Dunleavy both make long trips to our Dublin studio for episode four, with "Rennie" discussing recent tensions with Cork City and his theory on why he was brought in to work with John Caulfield back in 2016. “JD” also reflects on his years at Turner's Cross but is revelling in his new role at Sligo Rovers. The lads also discuss the joys of coaching courses and the challenge of integrating overseas recruits to LOI dressing rooms. All the while, an under-par Dan struggles through the show as Johnny talks up the health of the First Division.

3 is the magic number, yes its an early pod, but only a few hours after losing a lead and the game away to champions Dundalk, making it three defeats from three games, UCD manager Collie O'Neill still comes into studio to chat to the lads about the season so far. Johnny catches up with Shane Supple after Bohs win another Dublin derby, while the lads discuss revolutionary new statistical data that managers have access to – as well as the second and third round of games. Aaron Greene red card, yes or no?

Belvedere boys Sean Kavanagh and Jake Hyland are reunited for this week's pod to reflect on their childhood penalty shootout heartache and the grown-up reality of football in England and Ireland. Sean discusses the loneliness of his final days at Fulham and the lift he received from coming back to Shamrock Rovers. Drogheda skipper Jake opens up on his horrific hospital experience after breaking his leg last October. We also hear from Limerick boss Tommy Barrett ahead of the First Division's big kickoff and St Patrick's Athletic stalwart Ian Bermingham discusses their opening win over Cork City.

Third season syndrome is upon us & LOI Weekly is going strong....somewhat so at least. Dan & Johnny return with a strong opening act as the new Shels boss Ian Morris & Bray's new recruit Paul Keegan join the lads in studio, while we also hear from Dundalk's Sean Hoare about life without Stephen Kenny & Derry City's new manager Declan Devine about his return at the helm.