Ciaran Clark D Free agent b.1989

[the doc]

did you?

Yes, got a compo off Clarky, I'm being serious too!

[Crosby87]

Your famous backrubs are starting to pay off, Doc.

[Stuttgart88]

Did you go to the game?

If not then you can't really comment on the game as a whole.
What's the point of this post?

I wasn't commenting on the game as a whole, which was pretty obvious. I was clearly commenting on the preceived stupidity of getting a suspension when he had a run in the team virtually guaranteed, but I said that having seen the incident I thought he was justified backing up his teammate, as you say yourself.

[CraftyToePoke]

Did you go to the game?

If not then you can't really comment on the game as a whole.

Except he didn't comment on the game as a whole, at all, now did he ?



Villa will be in the Championship next season which is about Clarks level.

Nice, lets hope this is as accurate as your saying SSL was a big part of O'Neils plans and had a big move sorted and sealed, some time back,

[DeLorean]

What's the point of this post?

I wasn't commenting on the game as a whole, which was pretty obvious. I was clearly commenting on the preceived stupidity of getting a suspension when he had a run in the team virtually guaranteed, but I said that having seen the incident I thought he was justified backing up his teammate, as you say yourself.

He was possibly referring to your comment about Villa being comprehensively outplayed, still daft though.

[the doc]

He was possibly referring to your comment about Villa being comprehensively outplayed, still daft though.

Not half as daft as someone making assumptions about a game they never went to.

Are people so stupid that they feel they can comment on a game on the basis of heavily edited highlights.

That's the trouble with forums and message boards people making claims and comments on games they haven't seen.

[tetsujin1979]

Not half as daft as someone making assumptions about a game they never went to.

Are people so stupid that they feel they can comment on a game on the basis of heavily edited highlights.

That's the trouble with forums and message boards people making claims and comments on games they haven't seen.
unfortunately, there's not enough hours in the week to watch the full 90 minutes of every game, in every league, with one or more Irish players involved.

[DeLorean]

Not half as daft as someone making assumptions about a game they never went to.

Are people so stupid that they feel they can comment on a game on the basis of heavily edited highlights.

That's the trouble with forums and message boards people making claims and comments on games they haven't seen.

They show the main chances... if one team had loads and the other team had none, then I think it's reasonable to assume that the latter were outplayed. It's not bullet proof but I'd imagine it's accurate more often than not. Why don't you tell us what really happened then?

[Stuttgart88]

Not half as daft as someone making assumptions about a game they never went to.

Are people so stupid that they feel they can comment on a game on the basis of heavily edited highlights.

That's the trouble with forums and message boards people making claims and comments on games they haven't seen.
Every match report and radio summary I heard said the same thing. These were all reports from people who were there.

I haven't been to Syria myself. Does that mean I'm stupid to think it's not all peace and love there?

[the doc]

Every match report and radio summary I heard said the same thing. These were all reports from people who were there.

I haven't been to Syria myself. Does that mean I'm stupid to think it's not all peace and love there?

You shouldn't believe all that's said and written in the media.

How many times have you been to a game, then watch highlights or listen to a radio report which is way off what you've just seen live?

Unless your at the game, then in my opinion you can't comment on it.

[tetsujin1979]

You shouldn't believe all that's said and written in the media.

How many times have you been to a game, then watch highlights or listen to a radio report which is way off what you've just seen live?

Unless your at the game, then in my opinion you can't comment on it.
That would render about 75% of the opinions on the forum invalid, even higher if you apply it to the internet as a whole

[Dunners]

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php/topic/12557-most-improved-player-so-far-this-season/
Lads thought I would see what the fans that actually see him every week think of his performance. Gets the nod for most improved player this season

[Charlie Darwin]

http://www.villatalk.com/index.php/topic/12557-most-improved-player-so-far-this-season/
Lads thought I would see what the fans that actually see him every week think of his performance. Gets the nod for most improved player this season
Can't wait for the doc to head over and question them all about whether they were there.

[ifk101]

the doc's been called out about this before. He goes to Villa games but also is present at PNE games. In the past he has taken in Villa, PNE and 'Boro games on the same day, despite the games being played simultaneously. Rumours the doc attends games at Portman Rd are however unfounded.

[DannyInvincible]

Rumours the doc attends games at Portman Rd are however unfounded.

Well, there'd be no reason for him to be there now so I don't know why you'd be making such allusions!

And the doc sits beside Kevin Grealish at Villa Park, don't you know?...

[swinfordfc]

Did you go to the game?

If not then you can't really comment on the game as a whole.

Clark did well, but there will always be a big mistake from him, that's just the way he is.

Credit to him for backing his team mate instead of injuring one of them.

Villa will be in the Championship next season which is about Clarks level.

Villa wont be in the Championship next season!

[colonelwest]

Starting today away to Arsenal, just played Giroud a mile onside from a long ball and Osil flick through for Giroud to slot the ball home one on one with the keeper.

Clark's positioning/ concentration letting him down there again, it's the one area of his game he's really not pushed on and improved on over the last few years and he's getting to the stage now where if he doesn't learn he never will.

[SwanVsDalton]

Starting today away to Arsenal, just played Giroud a mile onside from a long ball and Osil flick through for Giroud to slot the ball home one on one with the keeper.

Clark's positioning/ concentration letting him down there again, it's the one area of his game he's really not pushed on and improved on over the last few years and he's getting to the stage now where if he doesn't learn he never will.

Okore brain-farted and sprinted out of the line. If he came, he had to get there. He takes most of the blame.

Although the CBs don't get as much blame for the result as Lambert and the three centre mids, as none of them offered the CBs any protection against Arsenal's plethora of attacking midfielders. Absolutely disastrous set-up against Arsenal.

[DannyInvincible]

No nonsense from Clark:

http://giant.gfycat.com/HilariousFakeEarthworm.gif

[DeLorean]

As much as a tackle like that does the heart good, he's running a pretty serious risk. Many, if not most, referees would view it as excessive force and issue a red. If he did that in the opening ten minutes against Poland, for example, I'd be pretty worried about the outcome.

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't think any referee would give a red card for that.

[DeLorean]

We're seeing two very different things so. I don't think it should be a red or anything, but my heart would definitely skip a beat if it happened in one of our games. He flies into the tackle and turns Schlupp upside down who, in fairness, helped by not playacting. You obviously have way more faith in referees than me.

[SkStu]

Ouchio

http://gfycat.com/PlasticNimbleAiredale

[DeLorean]

He was extremely lucky to escape conceding a penalty at Old Trafford at the weekend.


I thought Rooney made a meal of it, happier to go down than actually take a shot which he might have done. The way Rooney bent both knees was classic Drogba.

Yeah Rooney went down easily for sure, but Clark gave him every reason to go down. He was fairly fortunate to escape I think, possibly because it was so early in the match, knowing the way these things seem to work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8jmNWC2m6c

[Stuttgart88]

Yep, but isn't it terrible that we keep on referring to incidents in the "knowing how these things work" context? It's quite rare for referees (and pundits) to see things differently to how they are conditioned to see them. I'd say the few saw Clark with his hands on Rooney but barely putting any pressure on. He probably thought Roondy was hamming it up so thought stuff him. That's what I'd like to think anyway! Likewise, I think the Polish match ref was unconvinced by Fabianski's claims given how severely the Poles reacted to every other incident. The burden of proof was raised in our favour.

[DeLorean]

Yep, but isn't it terrible that we keep on referring to incidents in the "knowing how these things work" context?

It is. Actually one of the better performances I've seen in recent times was Michael Oliver for the Man Utd v Arsenal cup match. He bravely gave a string of decisions against United in the second half. I thought, each time, that he'd have to give them the next one. All of the decisions were spot on and he dished out yellows for diving too, as well as sending Di Maria off for diving followed by petulance over the decision. I was actually going for United so it's not just the word of a biased ABU! Bellerin was arguably fortunate to escape a second yellow that night alright (just as he was ridiculously fortunate on Saturday) but I have to say I thought it was a really ballsy performance from Oliver.

[tricky_colour]

No nonsense from Clark:

http://giant.gfycat.com/HilariousFakeEarthworm.gif

Lucky to get away with that, hard to see what happens it is do fast but his trailing leg seems to take him out,
but he has to be careful he does not break his own legs, it is a pretty fine line, to judge what is acceptable.

He is currently our highest ranked player statistically.

[Stuttgart88]

I think Wilson and O'Shea are our top two CBs but I think Clark might be our best call at left back against Scotland. I think the occasion got the better of Brady last month and he'd be best utilised wide left. Ward is Ward - you know what you're getting and he'd probably have had the sense to "get rid" when in Brady's situation - but a Ward lacking match fitness can't be trusted.

That said, despite Wilson playing really well against Poland (in general), had Keogh or Clark done what Wilson did for Poland's goal there'd have been a national outcry on social media.

[tricky_colour]

I think Wilson and O'Shea are our top two CBs but I think Clark might be our best call at left back against Scotland. I think the occasion got the better of Brady last month and he'd be best utilised wide left. Ward is Ward - you know what you're getting and he'd probably have had the sense to "get rid" when in Brady's situation - but a Ward lacking match fitness can't be trusted.

That said, despite Wilson playing really well against Poland (in general), had Keogh or Clark done what Wilson did for Poland's goal there'd have been a national outcry on social media.


Note saying I disagree, but the according to the stats ranking, the order of merit is.

Clark http://www.whoscored.com/Players/70099
McShane http://www.whoscored.com/Players/12714
Delaney http://www.whoscored.com/Players/8466
Wilsoon http://www.whoscored.com/Players/23446
O'Shea http://www.whoscored.com/Players/70099

Clark has 8.3 clearance per game O'Shea 4.7

Clark 2 MoM, McShane 1, ducks for the other 3.

O'Shea is the better passer though.

Anyhow I just though I'd put up their stats, would be nice to see them side by side to compare, and of course the stats
are not static players move up and down. Clark has two assists too, and a gooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DeLorean]

I think Wilson and O'Shea are our top two CBs but I think Clark might be our best call at left back against Scotland. I think the occasion got the better of Brady last month and he'd be best utilised wide left. Ward is Ward - you know what you're getting and he'd probably have had the sense to "get rid" when in Brady's situation - but a Ward lacking match fitness can't be trusted.

Ward would definitely have got rid to be fair, but I don't think he would played any role in keeping us on the front foot in the second half the way Brady did. I'd pick Brady to play against Scotland, we need to try to take the game to them. I'd be a bit gutted to see Ward back in to be honest, any combination of Coleman - O'Shea - Wilson/Clark/Brady would be preferable at this stage.


That said, despite Wilson playing really well against Poland (in general), had Keogh or Clark done what Wilson did for Poland's goal there'd have been a national outcry on social media.

True, if Keogh had defended like Brady, O'Shea or Wilson for the goal there would have been some serious fireworks around here. Might have provided some respite for Robbie Keane though.

[DeLorean]

Gone off with a knee injury early on at WHL. You'd have to think he'll miss the FA Cup semi final at Wembley next weekend, major blow for him if so.

[Olé Olé]

http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9892248/Transfers365

A few good stats to demonstrate how good he was last season.

[DeLorean]

To be offered a new contract if one can believe The Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villa-award-ciaran-clark-5932740)

[geysir]

.... if one can believe The Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/aston-villa-award-ciaran-clark-5932740)


http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40155000/jpg/_40155919_morgan203.jpg

[backstothewall]

I've said this elsewhere but I think it's time he took O'Sheas place in the side

[Olé Olé]

I've said this elsewhere but I think it's time he took O'Sheas place in the side

As good as Clark has been for much of this season, O'Shea was immense against Scotland. Can't imagine a team without him at the moment. Clark and O'Shea is a short-term partnership but may be our best, as opposed to Wilson and O'Shea, when all are fit.

[backstothewall]

As good as Clark has been for much of this season, O'Shea was immense against Scotland. Can't imagine a team without him at the moment. Clark and O'Shea is a short-term partnership but may be our best, as opposed to Wilson and O'Shea, when all are fit.

We'll have to agree to disagree about O'Shea vs Scotland.

But he's still 34. Mother Nature & Father Time are coming for him one way or the other. Gibraltar (a) and Georgia (h) are the perfect fixtures to hand the baton on.

[tricky_colour]

He is the top ranked player in the stats for both Ireland and Villa.

[liamoo11]

our natural successor to o shea but think O Shea has been really good this campaign and was excellent against scotland absolutely owned fletcher. Clark will add more incisive passing ability but then everyone will freak out when he gives a few balls away. wilsons ambidextrous ability(he is naturally right footed isnt he?) is a major bonus cause Clark certainly isnt.

[mark12345]

We'll have to agree to disagree about O'Shea vs Scotland. But he's still 34. Mother Nature & Father Time are coming for him one way or the other. Gibraltar (a) and Georgia (h) are the perfect fixtures to hand the baton on.

I agree with you about O'Shea. He wasn't anything like "immense" as described by Ole Ole. O'Shea remains among the worst defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland.

[SkStu]

I agree with you about O'Shea. He wasn't anything like "immense" as described by Ole Ole. O'Shea remains among the worst defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland.

Completely disagree. He has always shown up for his country and always put in an honest and effective performance. Far from the best defender to have worn the green but very, very far from the worst.

O'Shea was very solid against Scotland by the way.

[Charlie Darwin]

I agree with you about O'Shea. He wasn't anything like "immense" as described by Ole Ole. O'Shea remains among the worst defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland.
That's a ridiculous statement to make. He's one of the best defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland - his only misfortune is to have rarely been able to line out with players of his own calibre.

[liamoo11]

I agree with you about O'Shea. He wasn't anything like "immense" as described by Ole Ole. O'Shea remains among the worst defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland.

Ah come on! He helped win a european championship for us under 16 in '98 and has had a very good career since. We were solid as a rock at the back against scotland he did'nt give them one half chance, Its not his fault whelan and hendrick feel asleep for a routine one two. the deflection was pure fluke.

[backstothewall]

Ah come on! He helped win a european championship for us under 16 in '98 and has had a very good career since. We were solid as a rock at the back against scotland he did'nt give them one half chance, Its not his fault whelan and hendrick feel asleep for a routine one two. the deflection was pure fluke.

No blame on him for the goal at all.

I haven't watched the game back, so I'm not going to get involved in dissecting his performance against Scotland. But every time the ball goes near him I'm terrified about him giving away a penalty. He is very fond of a bit of holding on and shirt pulling.

[Charlie Darwin]

No blame on him for the goal at all.

I haven't watched the game back, so I'm not going to get involved in dissecting his performance against Scotland. But every time the ball goes near him I'm terrified about him giving away a penalty. He is very fond of a bit of holding on and shirt pulling.
He's a penalty waiting to happen that boy.

[Olé Olé]

I agree with you about O'Shea. He wasn't anything like "immense" as described by Ole Ole. O'Shea remains among the worst defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland.

It was an unlucky deflection for the goal and aside from that he cleared everything that came near him in the air and dealt comfortably with everything on the ground. Completely nullified the threat of Fletcher.

Ludicrous statement, I think ("among the worst defenders..."). And there are many who will argue that he was something like "immense".

Can I ask how you think Whelan played? I bet you'll tell me he was poor too.

[Olé Olé]

our natural successor to o shea but think O Shea has been really good this campaign and was excellent against scotland absolutely owned fletcher. Clark will add more incisive passing ability but then everyone will freak out when he gives a few balls away. wilsons ambidextrous ability(he is naturally right footed isnt he?) is a major bonus cause Clark certainly isnt.

Clark has spent a good portion of his development in the middle of the park and it shows. He has a willingness to try more incisive passes and, of course, these passes are more punishable when they go awry deeper in his own half.

25 is young enough for a centre half though and I think he has a bright future ahead of him in the green jersey.

Anyone fancy Clark and O'Shea in the centre, Wilson at left back and Brady further up the field? Issue is that I think O'Neill prefers McClean, Walters and McGeady on his wings meaning that Brady's deliveries lead to him being accommodated at left back (no insult intended by using the word "accommodate", I just think he's clearly one of the most technically-gifted attacking footballers we've managed to produce in the last 5 years).

[Charlie Darwin]

Wilson's a very good centre half but a fairly rubbish full back. Ward is miles better despite the fashion being to pan him. I'd be happy with either Wilson or Clark alongside O'Shea. We need a gnarly old head at the back, so O'Shea has to play, but behind him Clark, Wilson and Keogh are all more comfortable with the ball than without.

[backstothewall]

Wilson's a very good centre half but a fairly rubbish full back. Ward is miles better despite the fashion being to pan him. I'd be happy with either Wilson or Clark alongside O'Shea. We need a gnarly old head at the back, so O'Shea has to play, but behind him Clark, Wilson and Keogh are all more comfortable with the ball than without.

Wilson is 27 now. He is coming up on 25 caps. He is the gnarly old head.

It's Clark and Wilson for me, with Duffy not far away if he gets over his injury.

On the statement that O'Shea is "among the worst defenders ever to wear the green of Ireland", it depends what you mean by play. If you are comparing him to the guys who got a significant number of caps, the like of Dunne, Moran, McCarthy and O'Leary, he probably is. If you include Paul Butler he definitely isn't.

[DeLorean]

It's just a ridiculous statement that doesn't deserve further analysis really.