Mark Kennedy

[Stuttgart88]

Have to hold my hands up on this one. Didn't realise Ward could play leftback, never mind actually doing it for Wolves. I always thought he was a forward. must watch them the next chance i get.You should read Manc Irish Wolf's regular match reports on Wolves. Good stuff.

[backstothewall]

Is he someone who plays fullback, as well as further up the park (like Phil Neville), or is he someone who plays further up if given a choice, but can do a job at left full (like Kevin Kilbane)??

Did he ever play left full for Bohs?

[fergalr]

This is the Mark Kennedy thread. Posts about up and coming (and worth watching) Irish full-backs should go elsewhere.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Gradually migrated back after a spell on the left wing last year. Said that he's never played there prior to Miick converting him, but has all the physcial attributes, overlaps well and has a good range of passing - needs to be guided slightly by the more experienceed centre halfs as it's not his natural position but is learning fast and is one to keep an eye on.

[John83]

Is he someone who plays fullback, as well as further up the park (like Phil Neville), or is he someone who plays further up if given a choice, but can do a job at left full (like Kevin Kilbane)??

Did he ever play left full for Bohs?
He seems to play wherever Wolves have the most players injured. He's only been a left back this season, I think, though I seem to remember him on the wing a couple of times at Bohs. I suspect the Kilbane comparison is closer to the truth for now, but perhaps he may settle at full back yet.

[John83]

This is the Mark Kennedy thread. Posts about up and coming (and worth watching) Irish full-backs should go elsewhere.
This is true. Perhaps a mod would be good enough to split the half dozen or so recent posts on Ward into their own thread.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

This is the Mark Kennedy thread. Posts about up and coming (and worth watching) Irish full-backs should go elsewhere.

Valid point. Kennedy is the twighlight of his career. Great potential and player on his day, but sadly never truly fulfilled. Let him be remembered for his classic strike against Croatia (? - battered in Turkey at the time) not a failed spell at left back.

[SkStu]

Valid point. Kennedy is the twighlight of his career. Great potential and player on his day, but sadly never truly fulfilled. Let him be remembered for his classic strike against Croatia (? - battered in Turkey at the time) not a failed spell at left back.

it was against Yugoslavia - beautiful goal. Was at that game that night and the atmosphere was incredible (even for an Irish game...!). Was buzzin for days afterwards. Keano got the first i think...

Kennedy was great for us for about a year around then. Really thought he would kick on and be an important player for us for years.

[fergalr]

Great talent but lacked the extra something to stay in the big time.

I've a vivid memory of an interview where he basically said he got really cheesed off with criticism from Irish fans and said he didn't think that playing for his country was worth that hassle.

[tetsujin1979]

He was. Then he moved to the left wing, and then further back again. Expect him to be a ball-boy by next year. ;)
Ashley Cole had a similar career path. Started out as a striker for the reserves, then played left wing and finally full back for the first team

[Drumcondra 69er]

Is he someone who plays fullback, as well as further up the park (like Phil Neville), or is he someone who plays further up if given a choice, but can do a job at left full (like Kevin Kilbane)??

Did he ever play left full for Bohs?

Never played left full for Bohs, has been converted to left full by McCarthy having started as a striker / left winger at Wolves. Has done well this season albeit with a couple of spells on the bench given it's his first season in that position.

[Drumcondra 69er]

This is the Mark Kennedy thread. Posts about up and coming (and worth watching) Irish full-backs should go elsewhere.

I must confess to finding the anal attitude towrds topics remaining strictly about the subject a bit frustrating here, do any of you ever have pub conversations that wander a bit before returning to the original subject.

I think that, in a debate on whether Mark Kennedy is worth a shot at left back, mentioning alternatives is very relevant and the context would be made unintelligable if the posts were moved to a different thread myself.

[geysir]

it was against Yugoslavia - beautiful goal. Was at that game that night and the atmosphere was incredible (even for an Irish game...!). Was buzzin for days afterwards. Keano got the first i think...

Kennedy was great for us for about a year around then. Really thought he would kick on and be an important player for us for years.
Apart from that goal I thought he had a very poor game, the shock was that he had the some confidence left to hit that shot.

[EastTerracer]

Apart from that goal I thought he had a very poor game, the shock was that he had the some confidence left to hit that shot.


I'd agree with this - I have it on tape somewhere and will always remember Dunphy and Joe Kinnear (remember those days) sitting in Lansdowne saying that Kennedy shouldn't even have been on the pitch at that stage and should have been substituted at half-time he was playing so badly.

Over the years I've seen several journalists talking about Kenedy's great performance against Yugolsavia when in reality he contributed very little apart from a stunning goal

[The Legend]

Anyone remember the dublin night out incident with Babb... that was the end of him!

[geysir]

Mick had some fierce amount of belief in him.

[SkStu]

Apart from that goal I thought he had a very poor game, the shock was that he had the some confidence left to hit that shot.

could be right... my short term memory aint what it used to be... :(

[Stuttgart88]

Nah, he fouled a guy too with Jack Charlton in his commentary shouting "foul him".

Fergal, I dunno, if the talk is about one LB candidate and the retort is that another is better, isn't that just a natural flow in conversation?

One thing that always impressed me about Kennedy is is ability to send in great crosses with minimal backlift from his left foot. He's the kind of player that if you're well on top of game would often deliver the telling blow, but equally you'd never depend on him to get you on top of a game.

I think Kennedy could have done with good advice, maybe from the FAI or maybe within Liverpool, when he went to Liverpool. I think he typifies a wasted half-generation, the Irish for whom it became too easy to earn too much money and who lost perspective.

To his credit, he could have masqueraded his way to Japan but was honest enough to admit he wasn't fit. Respect for that, and respect to Mick for earning Kennedy's respect if you know what I mean. He also played well in Brussels after the humiliation of getting subbed after 30 minutes in the first leg.

God, I'll never forget driving home from whacking a few balls at a golf range in Hendon listening to R5 Live's report on Quinn's testimonial at Sunderland: Kennedy injury, Roy Keane no-show and just thinking that the utopia of our forthcoming Japanese visit might just not be as perfect as it might be.

[Morbo]

This is the Mark Kennedy thread. Posts about up and coming (and worth watching) Irish full-backs should go elsewhere.
Posts about up and coming full-backs are related to this topic tbf since he is in direct competition with them for a playe in the squad.
Anyway I think we have 3 or 4 better options than him at LB and should only be considered if we have an injury crisis in that position.

[Murfinator]

Still doing a consistently decent job with one of the top championship teams at left back, do we have a LB playing regularly at a higher level than him at the moment?

[irishfan86]

Still doing a consistently decent job with one of the top championship teams at left back, do we have a LB playing regularly at a higher level than him at the moment?

Ward at Wolves, but he's just coming back from injury.

Kennedy is 33 years old, and would be 35 by the next time a major tournament comes around, which means I wouldn't be considering him at this point.

Now if he's the best left-full available (which may sadly be the case), then give him a look in a friendly and start with him for the first half of the Euro qualifiers...if a better option emerges, so be it.

Honestly though I doubt Trap will drop Kilbane unless a significantly better left-full emerges that has upside for the future. Kennedy is only going to get worse at this stage and may not be an upgrade on Kilbane as is.

[twoenz]

Mark Kennedy? Wasn't good enough first time around.

I wonder are there English football forums calling for the inclusion of Nick Barmby because he's still playing in the Premier League.

Not much point in shipping a has been in Kilbane out to bring in a never was in the shape of Mark.

[Fixer82]

Anyone remember the dublin night out incident with Babb... that was the end of him!


anyone remember Babb's overhead bicycle kick in a friendly in Lansdowne (Czech Republic?) from a good bit out?

hit the crossbar if I recall.

would've topped Kennedy's wonder-strike. And you're right, Kennedy was having a nightmare in that game before he cut in off the wing and somehow had the confidence to fire that rocket! Cracking goal!!

[Murfinator]

If Nick Barmby played in their weakest position (goalkeeper) you can be sure as hell they would be considering it.

[Murfinator]

Reading some great things about the lad on both a Cardiff and Leicester forum after the playoff game the other night. Apparently went over to console the opposition player who missed the penalty and sent them out after he himself scored his to put Cardiff into the Final. Apparently a cool head coming to the finish and Man of the Match in some peoples book, would love to see him back in the premiership. Said it before but he really is the best left back option we have still, maybe if him and Kilbane swap divisions Trap will start to take note?

http://www.ccmb.co.uk/fudforum/index.php?t=msg&th=214835&start=0&rid=0&S=69a563b768922965e41ac519ab10cb88
http://www.foxestalk.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=65926

[Stuttgart88]

I'd agree but hasn't Kennedy said that he's not fussed about Ireland, it's all behind him now? A bit like Alan Lee (who isn't good enough).

[amaccann]

Good god, Mark Kennedy - shouldn't he be about 102 at this stage? Ok, the internet says 33 but it feels like he has been around forever, never quite fulfilling the potential he showed all those moons ago for Millwall.

[Charlie Darwin]

I said the same thing during the playoff on Wednesday - it seems like he should have retired years ago. According to wikipedia, he was 15 when he made his Milwall debut.

[Murfinator]

Don't think Kennedy ever said he wasn't fussed about a call up. I remember during Stan's reign he said he was unhappy and disappointed that Stan never sent a scout to monitor his progress or even inquired to crystal palace about him so he clearly wanted a call up.

I suppose the reality is this. If he winds up playing a key role for a team that gets promoted to the premiership in a position where we're criminally lacking in quality and numbers then in my view he simply cannot be overlooked.
He's 33. big deal, the best fullback in the world at the moment Javier Zanetti is 36.

[EastTerracer]

Don't think Kennedy ever said he wasn't fussed about a call up. I remember during Stan's reign he said he was unhappy and disappointed that Stan never sent a scout to monitor his progress or even inquired to crystal palace about him so he clearly wanted a call up.

I suppose the reality is this. If he winds up playing a key role for a team that gets promoted to the premiership in a position where we're criminally lacking in quality and numbers then in my view he simply cannot be overlooked.
He's 33. big deal, the best fullback in the world at the moment Javier Zanetti is 36.

I know you're a big younger Murfinator but some of us who lived through Kennedy's meteoric rise from Millwall to Liverpool in the 90s have some bad memories that we mightn't want revived. He was probably one of the most talented players we have ever produced and I remember seeing him playing an U-21 game at Dalymount where he was simply outstanding. Unfortunately the move to spice-boy era Liverpool (as the most expensive teenager in the Premiership) seemed to affect his attitude very badly. He promised so much but consistently failed to deliver. He's older now and hopefully a bit wiser (it was good to see him commiserating with the Leicester players the other night) but I think Ireland need to look to the future. If we were to look backwards then I think Carr would actually be an even better option at right or left back but I'm not advocating that either.

[Charlie Darwin]

I dunno, look at David James on Saturday - still easily the best keeper England have got, and he's 40. If Kennedy can come in and do a job for 2 years, he'd be well worth a go.

[TrapAPony]

There is absolutely no point in bringing Mark Kennedy back a this stage IMO. Much rather see us blood Greg Cunningham or whoever instead.

[dr_peepee]

Always though he was vastly over rated to be honest. Probably the fault of the Sunday World, which described him as a cross between Kenny Dalglish, John Barnes and Ian Rush whilst he was on Liverpools radar at Millwall. Some doing if he goes up with Cardiff, given he went up with City and Wolves previously also.

[tetsujin1979]

weren't both those teams relegated the following season?

[dr_peepee]

Ha!! Yes.. The Championship's about his level it seems..

[Charlie Darwin]

There should be a button on the forum you can click to bring up "The Championship's about his level." It would save an awful lot of typing.

[yapster]

I dunno, look at David James on Saturday - still easily the best keeper England have got, and he's 40. If Kennedy can come in and do a job for 2 years, he'd be well worth a go.


You can't compare the two as the keepers position is a whole different ball game so to speak. Kennedy was way over-rated and hyped up by his agent to get an inflated price for him.

[Charlie Darwin]

In your haste you appear to have missed the point. If Mark Kennedy is our best performing left-back, he should be considered for selection. If he's not, it's a moot point. In either case, we're not so blessed with talent that we can afford to discount players based on age.

[elroy]

Ask yourself the question is MK at least as good an option for left back as KK??

[irishfan86]

Ask yourself the question is MK at least as good an option for left back as KK??

Let's put it this way -- if there was an injury to Kilbane and the choices for left back were a very raw Greg Cunningham or an experienced player like Kennedy for a crunch Euro qualifier, who would you go with?

I see no harm bringing him into the squad. As we've seen with Carr at Birmingham this season, players well into their 30s can make big contributions to a team.

Not saying Cunningham is no good, but he has only played 1 or 2 first team matches in his life. I think it's too early for him to be involved in the senior squad personally...

[Murfinator]

There is absolutely no point in bringing Mark Kennedy back a this stage IMO. Much rather see us blood Greg Cunningham or whoever instead.

I'd much rather see us field our strongest XI and qualify for the European Championships, I've had enough of this "building for the future" garbage over the last few seasons. Let the clubs do that, International sides should be picking the best available players in the here and now. And right now Mark Kennedy is the best left back we have playing consistently well and regularly at a high level. Cunningham is just some guy on a reserve team who might be good some day. :rolleyes:

[SunnySweeney]

Mark Kennedy is signing for Ipswich for a fee believed to be £75,000 - he is 34 years old now.

Good signing for Ipswich and will help shore their defense as Damien Delaney is out injured for the next 3 months.

[EastTerracer]

Mark Kennedy is signing for Ipswich for a fee believed to be £75,000 - he is 34 years old now.

Good signing for Ipswich and will help shore their defense as Damien Delaney is out injured for the next 3 months.

Keane and Kennedy always seemed to have a decent relationship in the Irish squad but it was always quite surprising because, in his International days, Kennedy's attitude was invariably terrible. One of the most disappointing players of my time as he had so much ability but didn't bother his arse most of the time. He has played better as a defender in recent years but can't help thinking this will be another Irish signing for Ipswich who will be on his way again in January.

[irishfan86]

It's getting kind of ridiculous now with Roy, isn't it? He's picking up Kennedy now, and he's being linked with Fulop.....every manager brings in a few players from their past, but it seems like with Roy, every signing he's either played with or managed previously...sure every manager has their favourites they bring along with them, but he shows a complete lack of imagination in the transfer market.

[Charlie Darwin]

To be fair, Kennedy's been playing at a higher level than Ipswich for the past few years - it's not like Healy who was always going to be a bit of a punt.

Just looked at Ipswich's squad on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipswich_town#Current_squad

There are LOI teams with less tricolours than that!

[rebelmusic]

Don't know why anyone is complaining that we have a manager over in England who's giving irish players a good chance :P

[Charlie Darwin]

The problem is he gives them a chance for about 20 minutes, substitutes them and then uses the post-match press conference to put them on the transfer list.

[Metrostars]

The problem is he gives them a chance for about 20 minutes, substitutes them and then uses the post-match press conference to put them on the transfer list.

I'm sure you can post some links to back up your claims.

[geysir]

To save Charlie the trouble i´ll give you one :)
Hyperbole, getting your point across with humour (http://www.dowlingcentral.com/MrsD/area/literature/Terms/hyperbole.html)

[geysir]

To save Charlie the trouble i´ll give you one :)
Hyperbole, getting your point across with humour (http://www.dowlingcentral.com/MrsD/area/literature/Terms/hyperbole.html)