The phrase ‘end of an era’ is thrown around very loosely these days…
But there are very few pundits in any country who have been as present as John Giles, 75, has been on our screens for the past 30 years. The quirky quartet of Bill, Eamonn, Liam and Johnny is, for many, an essential part of the experience of watching Ireland play football.
In a statement given to the Herald, John Giles has confirmed that he’ll be leaving RTÉ, but has no intentions of retiring from punditry – and will even consider future TV work.
“I’ve been approached recently about my position with RTE after the Euros and I want to clear up any speculation. In my negotiations with RTE Head of Sport Ryle Nugent last year, he made it clear to me that this was to be the final year of my full-time engagement with RTE.”
He said that this was designed to allow him to continue the requirement to plan and prepare for the future. This was perfectly understandable to me and I signed the contract which finishes after the Euro 2016 final in France in good faith. But I want to make it perfectly clear that I’m not retiring or even thinking about it.
I’ll be busy with my work for The Herald, Newstalk radio and I wouldn’t rule out television work in the future.”
