Ciaran Clark D Free agent b.1989

[Charlie Darwin]

Clark was superb today, he made one mistake the entire match! Poor guy.
Is that the first positive thing you've ever said about an Irish footballer?

[Colbert Report]

Probably. I've always had a soft spot for Kevin Kilbane though. He just seems like such a nice fella.

[the doc]

Clark was superb today, he made one mistake the entire match! Poor guy.

He's been making theses mistakes all season.
The Villa fans don't rate him at all, they should know having seen him all season.

Mark my words he will cost us dearly.

Trouble is as with McClean he's getting over hyped by Irish fans and look what happened there?

Fools on here keep saying " He will be so much better with an older experienced player along side him.

The truth is he won't!

[DannyInvincible]

Just seeing Clark's brain-fart now:
http://rutube.ru/video/cc16093d90d725effaa1af4458d0de38/

Looks like he was clipped, so probably a foul, but it was slack to first allow Dzeko to get so close to him and reckless to then attempt a turn like that being the last man back. To be fair to him, he nearly got back and stopped Tevez' shot on the line.

[tricky_colour]

Just seeing Clark's brain-fart now:
http://rutube.ru/video/cc16093d90d725effaa1af4458d0de38/

Looks like he was clipped, so probably a foul, but it was slack to first allow Dzeko to get so close to him and reckless to then attempt a turn like that being the last man back. To be fair to him, he nearly got back and stopped Tevez' shot on the line.

Yes there may have been and element of a foul but you can't try to be too clever in that area of the pitch.

[SkStu]

I didn't see much of a foul there boyos! Being generous. His feet seemed to get tangled up in a combination of pressure and a fancy pirouette... ;) black Swan.

[Closed Account]

To be fair to him, Gary Neville slowed it down in studio and he's clearly tripped with the benefit of hindsight. You tend to lose these tight calls when you're near the bottom of the league. He won't be trying that again anytime soon.
Dunney is always at that, has been caught out a few times. As have plenty other centre halfs who fancy themselves as a bit of a baller. Rio for example. Meh, as long as he doesn't do it in an Irish shirt, I couldn't give a ****.

[Charlie Darwin]

It does look like he was tripped. I was impressed that his first instinct was to go turn around and try to prevent the goal even though he felt he'd been tripped. A lot of defenders would just have given up or started shouting at the ref.

[SkStu]

Yeah, didn't see the slow-mo close up in fairness so you could well be right and he was tripped. It didn't appear that way live though!

[geysir]

It's hard to see the foul without the slow motion. In that clip posted earlier, it looked as if he was falling before any contact, pity because it was a neat bit of footwork after he dallied.

[Charlie Darwin]

In real time I definitely thought he just fell over his feet. He was very unfortunate but he was possibly going to fall over anyway if he hadn't been clipped.

[Charlie Darwin]

Clark's reaction to Baker's own goal today is hilarious.


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xy2rre_rea1avi0_sport#.UTvRbBzIa9F

[Closed Account]

Meh, as long as he doesn't do it in an Irish shirt, I couldn't give a ****.
Damn you Ciaran!

[nigel-harps1954]

Poor display. I hope people realise now we're no better off with Clark in the team. Couple of awful decisions in that match.

[the doc]

Felt sorry for the lad, wouldn't wish that on him.

But the reality is, that he does this type of thing all the time.

I said this would happen and yet again I was proved right.

I know my footie

In Trap we must trust

[BonnieShels]

In fairness you played well when you came on.

Still don't know how you can trust Trap after that amateurish last 30'.

[Fixer82]

Felt sorry for the lad, wouldn't wish that on him.

But the reality is, that he does this type of thing all the time.

I said this would happen and yet again I was proved right.

I know my footie

In Trap we must trust

True.
He can be very solid and then di something rash or have a complete brain fart.
In fairness, Richard Dunne has had many brainfarts for Ireland also, just seems to have gotten away with a lot of them

[Eminence Grise]

Felt sorry for the lad, wouldn't wish that on him.

But the reality is, that he does this type of thing all the time.

I said this would happen and yet again I was proved right.

I know my footie

In Trap we must trust

Quick post-game posting, though I suppose you weren't too long in the shower after the game. Did you even work up a sweat tonight?:sweat::wink:

[DannyInvincible]

Felt sorry for the lad, wouldn't wish that on him.

But the reality is, that he does this type of thing all the time.

I said this would happen and yet again I was proved right.

I know my footie

In Trap we must trust

There's a contradiction apparent in your post; why trust Trap when he favoured Clark over St. Ledger?

[NeverFeltBetter]

In Trap we must trust

You know Foot has, like, a signature feature right?

[tricky_colour]

Is that the first positive thing you've ever said about an Irish footballer?

I think he also once said Noel Hunt has some nice tattoos.

[Kingdom]

I listened to the first half on the radio, and you know you've problems when the first reaction to a player's mistake is to immediately expect a posting by the doc on this thread.

[the doc]

There's a contradiction apparent in your post; why trust Trap when he favoured Clark over St. Ledger?

The only reason St Ledger didn't play was down to his lack of games since his injury.

Where are all these posters who said Clark was the real deal?

He makes these type of errors weekly for Villa, not all get punished as last night.

What about him wrestling the Austrian CB at the corner, when he hopelessly got the wrong side of him?
Definately a pen if the ref had saw it.

I told you he was too rash in the challenge, makes basic errors, but would you listen?

Bring back McShane.

I rest my case

In Trap we must trust.

[SkStu]

Clark is young. He will learn. He will be a very good player for us. Just as SSL learnt from his stupidity in his early days and went on to be a very good player for us. Id like to see them play together in a friendly actually.

[paul_oshea]

Clark is rash, but his mistakes aren't lapses in concentration or stupid things that a bit of cop on and maturity wont iron out - for example breen kept making these silly mistimed mistakes all of the time.

Clark played well over the last two games, bar one naive and inexperienced "I can play this out of defence moment". In one way I admire that he tries this instead of hoofing it like so many of those others we have had over the last few years. He just needs to learn when he can actually do this safely.

[Eminence Grise]

In Trap we must trust.

There once was a proud Irishman
Whose Limericks never would scan.
When they told him so,
He replied: ‘yes I, know.
‘But I’ve always had a liking for putting in unnecessary and superfluous syllables anywhere I possibly can.’

[swinfordfc]

I told you long ago that Clark wasn't good enough for Ireland - he doing these mistakes for Villa all the time and in the end - it will bring Villa down this year cause he not learning fast enough!!!!

[Stuttgart88]

I think Clark is decent but has one brain fart per game in him still. Dunne was similarly error prone but became a rock for us.

SSL came straight into the game and settled immediately, just as he did in Poznan against Croatia. Very reliable player for us.

[SwanVsDalton]

I told you long ago that Clark wasn't good enough for Ireland - he doing these mistakes for Villa all the time and in the end - it will bring Villa down this year cause he not learning fast enough!!!!

Haha. Yup Villa will go down because a centre back makes continually match-changing errors. Brilliant.

Those on here saying Clark makes continual mistakes for Villa are missing a key point. A) That entire defence has been gash all year. B) They've had zero protection from players in front of them. C) Vlaar and Baker have been equally culpable. D) Clark's been Villa's best defender since the New Year (regardless of any mistakes). E) He doesn't make them ALL the time.

No more hyperbole please.

[swinfordfc]

Haha. Yup Villa will go down because a centre back makes continually match-changing errors. Brilliant.

Those on here saying Clark makes continual mistakes for Villa are missing a key point. A) That entire defence has been gash all year. B) They've had zero protection from players in front of them. C) Vlaar and Baker have been equally culpable. D) Clark's been Villa's best defender since the New Year (regardless of any mistakes). E) He doesn't make them ALL the time.

No more hyperbole please.

I disagree there - Clark has not been Villa best back this year, Lowton has by a mile! Vlaar is a better defender than Clark and if Dunne does come back playing soccer - Clark will be off that team and a new left back will be got this summer cause Baker is a central back and the 3 left backs Villa have at present are all useless

[SwanVsDalton]

I disagree there - Clark has not been Villa best back this year, Lowton has by a mile! Vlaar is a better defender than Clark and if Dunne does come back playing soccer - Clark will be off that team and a new left back will be got this summer cause Baker is a central back and the 3 left backs Villa have at present are all useless

Lowton's been decent but you he's been no better than Clark. He's gets caught behind at least half a dozen times a game and gives the ball away like it's made of asbestos. That's actually not as critical as it seems - he's been very good at times but he's got a seriously long way to go.

Vlaar's been disappointing for a guy with his level of experience. For him even to be in the same breath as Baker or Clark is a bad sign.

Clark's made his mistakes but in games where Villa have fronted up defensively he's almost always been at the heart of it.

[swinfordfc]

Villa have fronted up defensively

In fairest for a Villa fan this year - they not done that to often - Only for Guzan and Benteke - we be down by now

[SwanVsDalton]

Villa have fronted up defensively

In fairest for a Villa fan this year - they not done that to often - Only for Guzan and Benteke - we be down by now

Oh aye I'd agree with that. But Clark's done well since the New Year when Villa have been solid at the back imo.

[Charlie Darwin]

3 more years for the doc's nemesis at Villa: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/clark-agrees-new-deal-with-villa-1.1467610

[the doc]

3 more years for the doc's nemesis at Villa: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/clark-agrees-new-deal-with-villa-1.1467610

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.


Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.


I've got no time for players who play underage for England then jump ship to Ireland as their second choice.

The Green shirt and Ireland should be your first and only choice.

It's a honour to wear the green for yourself, the fans and the country.

Sadly some dont share those values and passion.

[Olé Olé]

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.


Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.


I've got no time for players who play underage for England then jump ship to Ireland as their second choice.

The Green shirt and Ireland should be your first and only choice.

It's a honour to wear the green for yourself, the fans and the country.

Sadly some dont share those values and passion.

It wasn't his second choice though. It wasn't too long before him 'jumping ship' from England that he was their captain at under-20 level. Everyone seeking to an informed opinion on Clark should be aware of this.

However, that clearly isn't your intention. Why haven't Millwall signed you up yet? They're currently looking at Nicky Shorey and John Paintsil who are on trial.

[the doc]

It wasn't his second choice though. It wasn't too long before him 'jumping ship' from England that he was their captain at under-20 level. Everyone seeking to an informed opinion on Clark should be aware of this.l.

It was his second choice, fact!
If he thought he could of made the senior England side he wouldn't of come crawling to us.

He played for England underage teams, why didn't he choose to play for Ireland instead? Or at the very least make it know to the FAI of his interest.

In contrast SSL turned down an offer to play underage level with England saying he was only interested in playing for Ireland.

Id rather have players that are truly committed to the green jersey instead of second rate mercenaries.


COYBIG

[youngirish]

It wasn't his second choice though. It wasn't too long before him 'jumping ship' from England that he was their captain at under-20 level. Everyone seeking to an informed opinion on Clark should be aware of this.

However, that clearly isn't your intention. Why haven't Millwall signed you up yet? They're currently looking at Nicky Shorey and John Paintsil who are on trial.
I know the Doc goes overboard with his criticism of his main competition for the central defence spot in the Ireland back four but let's cut him some slack, he's done a good job for Ireland in my opinion and always shows a great attitude towards representing the boys in green. Some more of the current crop including many born and bred in Ireland could learn a lot from him in that regard.


On a side note I have no idea what happened to his form and career at club level. He looked like a certainty to be a future premiership player only a few years ago.

[Irwin3]

It was his second choice, fact!
If he thought he could of made the senior England side he wouldn't of come crawling to us.

He played for England underage teams, why didn't he choose to play for Ireland instead? Or at the very least make it know to the FAI of his interest.

In contrast SSL turned down an offer to play underage level with England saying he was only interested in playing for Ireland.

Id rather have players that are truly committed to the green jersey instead of second rate mercenaries.


COYBIG

When was this? SSL hardly strikes as a Kilbane type or even a Clark type (both have Irish parent(s)). SSL only has 1 Irish-born grandparent, so presumably 3 English/British-born grandparents, 2 English/British-born parents as well as himself being English-born.

Even if true I'd say it was him being pragmatic as he would never have a hope in hell of playing for England. In a different era he would've been lucky to get near our squad, irrespective of how well he has/hasn't played when actually called upon.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.


Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.
Another who'll be playing Premier League football next season.

[the doc]

Another who'll be playing Premier League football next season.

Along with Bruce, so will McShane would you play these ahead of SSL?

Yes I know daddy's boy now plays for NI!

[Charlie Darwin]

Who mentioned playing ahead of Sean St Ledger?

[Paddy Garcia]

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.


Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.


I've got no time for players who play underage for England then jump ship to Ireland as their second choice.

The Green shirt and Ireland should be your first and only choice.

It's a honour to wear the green for yourself, the fans and the country.

Sadly some dont share those values and passion.

England tried to retain Clark - and were far from being ready to dispense with him.

[tetsujin1979]

It was his second choice, fact!
If he thought he could of made the senior England side he wouldn't of come crawling to us.

He played for England underage teams, why didn't he choose to play for Ireland instead? Or at the very least make it know to the FAI of his interest.

In contrast SSL turned down an offer to play underage level with England saying he was only interested in playing for Ireland.

Id rather have players that are truly committed to the green jersey instead of second rate mercenaries.


COYBIG
slightly more than played for their underage sides, he captained them. He didn't know he still qualified to play for the Republic until a chance meeting between his parents and Richard Dunne at pre season

[the doc]

slightly more than played for their underage sides, he captained them. He didn't know he still qualified to play for the Republic until a chance meeting between his parents and Richard Dunne at pre season

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

[SwanVsDalton]

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

POTY.

Doc has spoken. RIP thread. RIP Clark's career.

[tetsujin1979]

POTY.

Doc has spoken. RIP thread. RIP Clark's career.
alas, poor Clarky, we hardly knew him

[BonnieShels]

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

I feel like the doc has just pardied himself in that post.

[tetsujin1979]

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

must be very lucky so, in the squad VS Wales

[back of the net]

Clark starts today against wycombe for their pre season friendly