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The Blessed Martin was scheduled to take part in Euro2008 web chat today on the offical Euro2008 website. Our Martin turned up 20 minutes late and looked like he was doing his own, slow, typing. Below is a transcript,

15:01 – David Farrelly (Moderator)
Martin O’Neill will be in the chat room soon. Please keep those questions rolling in…

15:22 – Martin O’Neill
Hi there, sorry to keep you waiting. I am delighted to be here in the chat room in between my time with the BBC, and to take some time to answer your questions.

15:22 – chopperward
Hi Martin. Like your managament style. Who has impressed you the most and who realistically could you see coming to Villa to fit your team? I know jop was mentioned on beeb and also gomez. I reckon you would take gomez for sure! good luck

15:26 – Martin O’Neill
As we stand the Dutch have been very impressive, I don’t think it is any surprise that Portugal have come through from Group A. They have the best player in the world in Ronaldo. It is interesting to see Italy and France trying to qualify as only runners-up considering they contested the World Cup final. As for players coming, we were having some fun in the studio and we mentioned them in a joking way, as they weren’t playing so well. So I don’t think we were being serious.

15:26 – danjodanjo
Hi Martin,
I like your management style. Who will be the player of the tournament?

15:29 – Martin O’Neill
I think that there is little question that even if his tournament ends against Germany that Ronaldo is the best player in the world and he doesnt necessarily need this tournament to prove it. David Villa of Spain is a player I have admired for quite some time and it is no surprise that he is coveted by the very best clubs in Europe at the moment. Like Zagorakis last time, there might be a surprise, but that will probably depend on how far his country goes in the tournament.

15:29 – seb_gva
Do you watch all the games and have you spotted any new tactical trends?

15:33 – Martin O’Neill
I have watched all the games, except one, which I have to watch over again. In terms of tactical trends, I haven’t seen anything that I would call new, however I wasn’t expecting to either. France play two holding midfielders, but this is nothing new. When I was manager of Celtic, we came across this on many occasions in Europe. The same basic principles probably apply most often and I am just pleased that the art of dribbling and going past players, hasn’t died.

15:33 – kkrAllstar
Hi Martin, big Villa fan here, keep up the fantastic work!

Have you set any targets for the team next year and what would you consider our realistic ambitions to be?

15:37 – Martin O’Neill
First thing to do is build up the squad, as we were operating with the smallest squad in the league and we were relatively lucky with injuries. We may have had problems if the injury list had been bigger. Sixth last season was very satisfactory and in normal season would have got us into UEFA Cup. Our immediate plan is to get into that through the Intertoto Cup. But next season we will attempt not to stand still. The eventual aim hopefully sooner rather than later is to compete with the top four (easier said than done).

15:37 – adiman
Can you see Northern Ireland reaching a final tournament in the near future?

15:41 – Martin O’Neill
It is getting very difficult but not impossible for small nations to get into major tournament finals. Northern Ireland in the last few seasons have done exceptionally well, winning some major battles, but in football terms, losing the war. For a country like Northern Ireland it is a bit cyclical in the sense that that team had a great side in 1958 and had to wait until 1982 and 1986 to have another top quality group of players. Perhaps that might happen in the not too distant future, but at least there is great optimism because of what they have done recently. I hope it happens!!!

15:41 – kevashby
Martin, if you would have been appointed England coach do you think the team would be here now? For the record, I do.

15:44 – Martin O’Neill
That is extremely kind thing to say…you must be related!!!!

15:44 – KoolBavarianKing
@Martin
Same old question everybody asks:
Who do you think will reach the final and who amongst them will raise the trophy?

15:47 – Martin O’Neill
At the start of the tournament, Gary Lineker posed the question to myself, Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer. I possibly through sentimentality went for France. It looks as if on the eve of the game with Italy I need my head examined. However, I’ve seen it too often in the past that countries have the ability to come good in the course of the competition..stranger things have happened that the winners of ITA v FRA, should Romania not beat Holland could end up in the final. So, I’ll stick with my original choice and see the doctor tomorrow morning

16:02 – Martin O’Neill
Sorry guys, but I have to go…..I appreciate taking the time to chat with me when I am sure you have many other interesting things to be doing. I hope you are enjoying the tournament, it’s getting to the big deciding time now!!!!!

16:04 – David Farrelly (Moderator)
We’d like to thank Martin O’Neill for taking the time to answer your questions. Thanks to all who contributed. Back to the action. Have you taken the Fan Challenge?

As Gerry said, on the discussion forum, A couple of moments of interest interspersed with long empty pauses culminating in a disappointing and fruitless ending. A typical Martin O’Neill summer activity according to some.