FAI Cup 2017

**Philosophizer** · 30/09/2017, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

Ronan Finn is a brilliant footballer, but I think he sacrificed his footballing ambition for a longer term future - and most people who realise the game and understand football know this too.

Absolutely true, but he was totally entitled to move.
He's been part of the only 2 LOI sides to make big strides in Europe in this generation so I'm sure he's happy enough with his lot. He's probably looked at the situation pragmatically and realised that the chances of Dundalk making the group stages again in the next few years is relatively slim, even considering last year's run.

**Ezeikial** · 30/09/2017, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Philosophizer

Absolutely true, but he was totally entitled to move.
He's been part of the only 2 LOI sides to make big strides in Europe in this generation so I'm sure he's happy enough with his lot. He's probably looked at the situation pragmatically and realised that the chances of Dundalk making the group stages again in the next few years is relatively slim, even considering last year's run.

I totally agree that he was entitled to move.

Being "happy enough with his lot" encapsulates exactly what I referred to about sacrificing further footballing ambition. His move clearly was not about increasing his prospects of competing for trophies or trying to build on previous European performances.

I don't have any difficulty with his decision - but his claims that celebrity watching and the club having a promising academy are the main reasons for his move is obviously ridiculous

**Charlie Darwin** · 30/09/2017, 12:51 PM

**sbgawa** · 30/09/2017, 4:41 PM

Miaow

**nigel-harps1954** · 30/09/2017, 4:51 PM

In fairness, what ambition does he need to show? He's done it all in Ireland now and realistically he's not going to get a big move away now at 29 years of age. He'll be 30 by the time next season comes around.

Getting a hefty wage, and a full time job on top of that, is as good as he can do for himself now while he only has another three or four seasons left at the top of his game.

**Ezeikial** · 30/09/2017, 5:19 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

In fairness, what ambition does he need to show? He's done it all in Ireland now and realistically he's not going to get a big move away now at 29 years of age. He'll be 30 by the time next season comes around.

Getting a hefty wage, and a full time job on top of that, is as good as he can do for himself now while he only has another three or four seasons left at the top of his game.

It is entirely his call as to what is important to him. It's just s pity that he is disingenuous about it in that interview.

Playing with a club who have a promising academy is hardly a credible bucket list ambition for most elite footballers

**RathfarnhamHoop** · 30/09/2017, 5:31 PM

Yeah because Dundalks season has been so much better than the one Rovers have had...a clear lack of ambition there.

**sbgawa** · 30/09/2017, 6:44 PM

Maybe he taught the next few seasons with rovers will be better and maybe he is right. Time will tell.

**Philosophizer** · 30/09/2017, 6:45 PM

Originally Posted by Ezeikial

It's just s pity that he is disingenuous about it in that interview.

Almost every player pays this type of lip service in interviews for the fans who are too young/dumb to realise the real reason why players move.
If he mentioned money or benefits in the interview he'd be slaughtered by all and sundry for being a mercenary who doesn't love the game. It's a no win situation so he just said the usual BS that all players say in similar situations.

**AlanOB** · 30/09/2017, 7:27 PM

Analysis of last night's semi-final here: http://bit.ly/2x4IXl0

**White Horse** · 30/09/2017, 8:49 PM

Does Finn really believe that the ex internationals hanging around training sessions justifies his move in football terms? Perhaps he does.

He gave Dundalk one good season and one great season. He was out on contract and got a good deal at Rovers.

He made his decision and time will tell if it was the right one.

Dundalk are too busy with the building for future to give him much thought.

**sadloserkid** · 01/10/2017, 7:06 AM

The notion that LOI footballers (particularly once they pass the age that a lucrative move abroad is likely) should put their footballing ambition ahead of their overall life ambition always amuses me.

In any case Ronan Finn is playing in the same division as last season. It seems likely that he will be playing in the same European competition next season with Rovers that Dundalk will play in. If he turned down a move to, say, Preston to sign for Rovers you'd have a point. If he left Dundalk for somebody like Sherrif I'd raise an eyebrow. As is he effectively took a sideways step on the football ladder with one eye on his long term future.

Yes, his comments were vague, cliched and trite but that's 99% of football interviews. All those players talking about how great their fans were are doing the same thing, playing to their audience and keeping it safe.

**thebronze14** · 01/10/2017, 9:37 AM

Originally Posted by White Horse

Does Finn really believe that the ex internationals hanging around training sessions justifies his move in football terms? Perhaps he does.

He gave Dundalk one good season and one great season. He was out on contract and got a good deal at Rovers.

He made his decision and time will tell if it was the right one.

Dundalk are too busy with the building for future to give him much thought.

A Dundalk fan brought it up so some thought must have been given

**GCdfc** · 01/10/2017, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by thebronze14

A Dundalk fan brought it up so some thought must have been given

There is a difference between clubs and their fans. I’m sure that Stephen Kenny and his team aren’t worried about Finn now and are more concerned about building up the squad for next season.

**sbgawa** · 01/10/2017, 2:48 PM

Originally Posted by thebronze14

A Dundalk fan brought it up so some thought must have been given

Again and again and again

**GCdfc** · 01/10/2017, 3:47 PM

Scumbags burnt the pitch.

**Dalymountrower** · 01/10/2017, 4:25 PM

Great Dundalk goal.Luke Byrne awol for the first 15 minutes
Dundalk look shakey enough at the back though and wouldn't be surprised if they concede one.

**White Horse** · 01/10/2017, 4:42 PM

Originally Posted by Dalymountrower

Great Dundalk goal.Luke Byrne awol for the first 15 minutes
Dundalk look shakey enough at the back though and wouldn't be surprised if they concede one.

Vemellend is taking too many risks at left back and Hoare is taking too much time on the ball. Rovers would need to step up a lot to take advantage.

Dreadful wind is making the game difficult. Rovers had it on their backs in the first half.

**DannyInvincible** · 01/10/2017, 5:23 PM

Rovers back in it again. Good finish from Miele.

Edit: And now Rovers are down to ten men. I expect Dundalk to pile on the pressure now and take the upper hand again.