‘I’ve a few bucket list things’ – New RTE football pundit reveals unorthodox plan for post-retirement life
SHANE Long delved into his post-retirement plans while making his punditry bow on Wednesday evening.
He was alongside former Ireland strike partner Kevin Doyle as they ran the rule over Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Bologna.
Prior to kick-off at Anfield though, host Peter Collins quizzed him on what he’s been up to since hanging up his boots in May 2023.
To which the Tipperary native reflected on his swansong at Reading and on how he’s spent 2024 so far.
He said: “Retirement wasn’t forced on me through injury. I had a year back at Reading where it had all started.
“It didn’t really go to plan but I loved every minute of it.
Read More On Irish Football
“I got to 35 reasonably fit and healthy so it was time to call it a day.”
Regarding post-retirement life, he added: “Well I’d always promised myself a year out of football when I finished up.
“So I’ve been spending time with the kids. I’ve a few bucket list things so…going skiing and getting my handicap down in golf!
“But it’s been a year now and I suppose it is time to think about the future and see what my next step is.
“I know it won’t be in coaching or in football so I’m trying my hand at this media side of things and see how that goes!”
At that stage, Doyle then implored the FAI to snap Long up as a youth coach.
He recalled seeing Long taking to coaching kids like a duck to water at a youth camp over the summer.
Furthermore, the Wexford man noted that Long boasts a plethora of relevant experience to help guide up and coming Irish talents in their path to becoming professional footballers.
Doyle argued: “In the summer I was away with my kids at a camp and Shane was one of the coaches.
“And he was fabulous. He has a gift for coaching kids.
“For the FAI to have someone like him…who’s been there and done it…was in the Irish system…played GAA…all the things that Irish kids do.
“But then went on to the Premier League. What experience to be able to pass on to kids. He’d be fabulous at it.”
HIT THE SPOT
Such a ringing endorsement caught the attention of viewers.
Former European amateur boxing champion Eric Donovan was among them.
He said of it: “Nice touch from Kevin Doyle on Shane. When your peers endorse you, it’s a great sign.”
Similarly, Peter Gallagher agreed: “Could offer a lot to the FAI if they’re listening.”