Pat Fenlon is the manager of Shamrock Rovers. Fenlon started his youth career at Chelsea. in 2004 he became the first manager to reach the third qualifying round of the Uefa Champions League with an Irish club. On behalf of “XTRATIME” commentator Suman Chakravorty had a chat with him.
XT) Before coming to India, what were the conceptions u had about Indian football?
Ans)I didn’t know a lot about Indian football.
XT) One special wish which hasn’t been fulfilled in your life as yet?
Ans) To win a major trophy with SRFC
XT) Do you have any plan to do coaching in India in future?
Ans) No not at the moment but you never know in the future.
XT)According to you who has been the greatest Irish player and why?
Ans) John Giles.He had everything what a midfield player should have.
XT)Tell us about the future prospects of Shamrock Rovers in European club football?
Ans) We would hope to be able to progress the club both on and of the pitch and to make progress in Europe.
XT) After the retirement of the Roy Keane, and to some extent Robbie Keane, Republic Of Ireland haven’t been successful in international football, is there any dearth of talents?
Ans)Robbie is still playing and will lead Ireland to the European Championships.
XT) Which had been the most precious moment of your playing career?
And) Leading Hibernian FC out in 2 Scottish FA Cup finals.
XT) Which has been the most painful phase of your life which u want to forget as a footballer?
Ans) None. I enjoyed my career all so far.
XT)As a coach who is your idol and why?
Ans) I don’t have any idols in football but I have learned a lot from good coaches I have played under
XT) you have scored more than 100 goals in your playing career, as a coach what would be your advice for the future Indian footballers?
Ans) Work hard , listen and learn