Towell: Bradley’s Criticism Would Have Been Better Kept Private
Richie Towell thinks Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley went a bit too far by publicly calling out Josh Honohan after the team’s 0-0 draw with Galway United. The game marked the last fixture before the mid-season break, bringing Rovers’ five-game winning streak to an end. While Honohan has just earned his first senior international call-up with the Republic of Ireland, Bradley didn’t hold back in his post-match comments, especially after subbing him off an hour into the match.
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Bradley’s Harsh Words for Honohan
Bradley told reporters, “He was awful. That’s the worst I’ve seen Josh. It wasn’t good enough for us, Ireland, or anyone.” The manager acknowledged that Honohan had been brilliant in the past and fully deserved his Ireland call-up, but insisted the defender’s performance against Galway was nowhere near his usual standard. Bradley’s remarks didn’t stop with Honohan he also criticized the entire team for a lackluster first half.
Towell Questions the Public Approach
Towell, who previously played with Honohan at Rovers, said on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast that while it’s totally fair for a manager to demand more from his players, those kinds of comments should usually stay behind closed doors. “I don’t like the public side of it,” he said. “If a player’s lazy or has a bad attitude, maybe. But Josh is the opposite of that.” Towell described Honohan as one of the most hardworking and dedicated players at the club, someone who always shows up early, trains hard, and takes his responsibilities seriously.
A Whirlwind Week for Honohan
Given the emotional high of receiving an international call-up, Towell believes it’s natural for a young player like Honohan to experience a small dip in performance. He felt Bradley could’ve shared his feedback privately rather than “hammering” the defender in the press. “It’s a bit disappointing because Josh has been incredible for him, and he’ll continue to be,” Towell added.
Cawley Offers a Different Perspective
Alan Cawley, another guest on the podcast and a former Shelbourne title-winner, offered a different take. He suggested that Bradley’s public criticism wasn’t just aimed at Honohan, but was likely a message to the whole squad not to get too comfortable or overconfident. According to Cawley, it was a way to keep everyone grounded and maintain high standards as Rovers sit in a strong position at the halfway mark of the season.
