The Interview. The next morning I checked my emails to find that South East, Tullamore and Limerick 37 had all cancelled our friendlies and not given a reason for it. Great, unless I can find replacements it going to be harder to see who's the best in this team, I thought to myself. Then an email popped up from D.C.U. asking to take Lynch off our hands. Even though it was nothing, literally, I still accepted seeing as the lad was only worth £1k and it would be hard to get anymore than that. I sent the email back to D.C.U. explaining that they had my permission to talk numbers with Lynch. Then my P.A. beeped in,
"Mr. Ruane, there's a man called John Harcourt here to see you about an interview." "Send him Claire." I said back through the buzzer.
John walked through the door with a pen and paper. The interview itself took only about 15 minutes. They rest of the time was spent chatting about the club and how he was a lifelong supporter of the club. As we finished John shook my hand in a professional manner and said that he hoped that he'd have first dibs on future interviews, which I was glad to promise him. He'd given me some interesting questions. As I saw the lad out of my office, he turned to me.
"The interview will be up on the site tomorrow if you wanna see it." "Don't worry, I will read it." I smiled.
"I've gotta make sure you don't portray me as a bad guy." We both laughed as he left.
The rest of the day went by without much happening. U.C.D. had got in contact with Lynch that day and Lynch told me that he'd agreed terms with them, meaning today was his last day as a Pat's player.
When I arrived home at about a quarter to 6, John was sitting on the couch watching Man United, his favoured club. They were losing so I decided not to say anything. I just got two beers out of the fridge and took my place on the sofa next to him, handing him a can. After the game, which United won 2-1 in the end, John and myself watched Taxi Driver and Scarface before calling it a night.
Before I went to bed I had my usual night talk with Emma. She was explaining that my sister had finally become a qualified nurse. I was pleased for her and asked Emma to hand over my congratulations.
The first thing I did when I woke up was check the interview out...
An Interview With Stephen Ruane. Firstly Mr Ruane, I would like to thank you on behalf of stpatsfc.com :: Home To The Saints for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us today. No problem, I think it's the least I can do for the fans. Mr Ruane ….. St Patrick’s Athletic would have an immense tradition in Irish football, do you know much about our history and did that help influence you accepting the position of club manager? To be honest, the only thing I knew about this club was they are on FIFA 08. I was just happy to have a chance to manage a club. St. Pat's could be the AFC Wimbledon of Ireland, I still would've taken the job. John McDonald stated before his illness that he thinks Pats have a fantastic opportunity to challenge for the Eircom League this year, what are your feelings now that you’re in charge? You know, the first thing I said to the team in my first training session was that I truely believed that St. Pat's could dominate the entire country. I really wouldn't be surprised if Pat's went on to have great success with or without me. This club has a great family feel to it. I felt it from the first day I walked in the doors. If we don't win it this year, we will definately next, whether it's John (McDonald) or myself in charge. John McDonald also brought in several new exciting singings like Bobby Ryan and Gary O’Neil …… Do you think these players are the answer to bringing back the Holy Grail (league championship) to Inchicore or do you intend to strengthen the squad more? I'm looking to bring in a backup keeper to Barry Ryan and I've got my eye on a young Spanish striker but to be honest, I cannot see why this current crop of players can't win the league. What I've seen so far, they are more that willing to put a full shift in, whether it be in training or even a friendly match as we saw yesterday. We all know you that you are here on a short term basis Mr Ruane and its rumoured John McDonald will be recovering for at least a season, have you spoke to him personally regarding the team and how he would like the team to play or are you going to run the team how you want to? I've actually been told that McDonald has asked to be left out of team affairs whilst he's recovering. Trevor (Croly), our assistant, has enough knowledge about how John likes to run the club but with all due respect to him, I like to do things my way. Mr Ruane, what would you say to the fans who are questioning your credentials and ability to take Pats forward? They have every right to be upset. I mean, my past experience has merely been at grassroots level and even then, my father was the manager. I was only an assistant. But, I believe that I have the ability to take Pat's forward and give John the best squad on his return. Maybe even have a few medals and trophies in the cabinet when he comes back as well. Lastly Mr Ruane, from a fans perspective, we would like to extend the welcome that has been giving to you by the board, is there anything you would like to say to the fans? Trust me, I will make St. Pat's great. I leaned back in my chair, happy with the outcome of the interview. Suddenly, I jumped up. I needed to be at training in 5 minutes. I quickly got dressed. As I ran through the kitchen, I nicked a piece of toast from John's plate. As I left the door I shouted.
"I'm borrowing your car John. I can't find my car keys." Credit to johnireland for the questions. 
