JOHN Giles is ‘disappointed’ he won’t be involved as an analyst on RTE’s coverage from Saturday’s crunch European Championships 2016 qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
Speaking on Newstalk’s Off the Ball programme last night Giles said: “I’m disappointed and can’t go along with the reason of the contractual situation.
“There is a contractual situation where I am contracted to do a certain amount of matches and I have fulfilled the obligation, but we’ve always been very, very flexible on matches that we’ve done and we could do more for less.
“This game against Scotland is one of the most important Ireland games for many years. I made it clear that I could do this extra match for no extra payment.
“Ryle Nugent is the head of sport in RTÉ, so you’ll have to ask him why I’m not on the panel.
“Any information, I got from Eugene O’Neill, who is the producer of our particular programme, I’ve never spoken to the head of sport directly about this. I would have liked to have got a call from the head of sport to explain to me what the situation is.”
Giles also suggested that Eamon Dunphy attempted to intervene. “I think Eamon did make a case to Ryle Nugent about getting me on Saturday. I had to stress to Eamon that I’m not seeking this. It’s like going to a party that you’re not invited to.
“Eamon and Liam (Brady) certainly wanted me to do it, but it’s not their decision.
“I’m contracted with RTÉ up to August. I’m not actually contracted at the moment to the rest of the campaign, so I don’t know what the future holds.
“I feel okay and enjoy doing what I’m doing. I feel I’m capable of doing what I’m doing. I’m 74 now, I’m knocking on a bit, but I don’t believe in the age situation.”
