Irish Rams and Opposition Irish [Archive] - Page 3

DeLorean

14/03/2015, 3:29 PM

They're very average defensively without Thorne or Eustace. They're very average offensively without Martin and Bent. They've three very tough games after today and a fairly okay run in after that. They'll be there or thereabouts for the automatics I feel still if they can get back to full strength, sooner rather than later. Ipswich still sniffing around a playoff spot which would be a very decent season for them if they could pull it off.

TheOneWhoKnocks

14/03/2015, 3:36 PM

8 clean sheets in 14 games when Eustace has played.

An 18 year old in midfield.

Christie on the bench again.

TheOneWhoKnocks

15/03/2015, 11:51 AM

http://dcfcfans.uk/topic/18230-keogh/?do=findComment&comment=781311

DeLorean

15/03/2015, 5:17 PM

Not sure what your angle is, that was pretty mixed. Actually the conversation about him having a go at Christie reminded me of Celtic Park, when Forde played a simple ball out and Keogh let it run past him, thinking he was in more space than he actually was. He gave out to Forde for the pass when he was clearly the one in the wrong. I know this is common enough amongst goalkeepers and defenders but it looks a lot better when you hold your hands up I think. I didn't actually see the Christie incident though.

TheOneWhoKnocks

15/03/2015, 5:34 PM

He seems to have form for this. He has had a go at Cyrus, in particular, several times recently enough, and Cyrus has been in and out of the team recently, coincidentally enough. I think it's pretty poor form to scream at teammates, particularly younger teammates, for "their" mistakes. I think there are better ways of showing leadership and captaining. I also remember him, ironically enough, having a go for one of the goals conceded in the Portugal game which I thought was pretty cheeky considering he was culpable for four of them.

None of his teammates had a go at him for his numerous notable mistakes (QPR, Chelsea). In fact, I remember several of them putting their arms around him and consoling him after the Playoff final.

And angle? I suppose the fact that the two players both play for Ireland, the fact that this has occurred a couple times now and the fact that they are a team (reasonably) heavy with Irish internationals scrapping for promotion piqued my curiosity, bucko!

Stuttgart88

15/03/2015, 7:19 PM

I thought keogh had more of a go at Coleman rather than Forde? But so what? Different players let off steam in different ways. Roy Keane was forever shouting at people. Give Christie - or whoever - credit. If he can't handle bring shouted at then Keogh should know better. If he's a big boy and can see what's really going on then it's no big deal., it probably reflects worse on Keogh. I've never been a fan of the hairdryer school of leadership myself, but it's not going to be what wins or loses a tight game at this level. Allow the players to share their ecosystem in their own way. Keogh wouldn't survive long if his teammates thought he was out of order. For all we know they kissed and made up later, assuming Christie actually gave a sh1t.

TheOneWhoKnocks

15/03/2015, 7:36 PM

I think the issue is less bollocking someone than it is deflecting blame and bollocking someone.

A captain doesn't shirk responsibility.

DeLorean

15/03/2015, 10:03 PM

I thought it was Forde in the Scotland game, it's from the actual match I remember it so not sure if it was even caught on camera. I do think he tries to deflect, but then so did Peter Schmeichel, and I'd be okay about having him in our team :)

DeLorean

15/03/2015, 10:09 PM

And in fairness TOWK, Keogh was captain at Coventry and Nigel Clough immediately made captain at Derby after signing. McClaren has pointed to his leadership qualities time and time again. That's three different managers that I know of that obviously see him as a great leader, and they see a lot more behind the scenes than you or I. That doesn't make him an international class defender though unfortunately.

Charlie Darwin

17/03/2015, 7:22 PM

Christie and Keogh start the crucial home against Middlesbrough, while Hendrick drops to the bench. Bamford starts for Boro against his former club.

TheOneWhoKnocks

17/03/2015, 8:17 PM

Derby losing 1-0 to Middlesbrough in a proverbial 6 pointer.

At this moment in time, I would be happy for any one of Brentford, Ipswich or Derby to go through.

Would be nice to see some Irish players go up and have an opportunity of playing in the PL next season.

But it's looking like Watford and Middlesbrough on present form with Brentford and Ipswich doing well to remain in the Playoffs. Worryingly enough for Derby, Wolves are winning comprehensively ATM and Norwich have just equalised through Hoolahan against Huddersfield.

They wouldn't want to lose much more ground with Watford, Wolves and Bournemouth able to score goals at will.

DeLorean

17/03/2015, 8:19 PM

Yeah, this international break can't come quickly enough for them.

tricky_colour

20/03/2015, 10:24 PM

Derby are on a terrible run, 2 points out of 18!
I was wondering if Forest has a chance of promotion and I though they might be able to catch Brentford
as they were having a bad run but it seems Derby are the new Brentford.
But Forest have no chance (50-1 at bookies) as even if Derby did flop Wolves would surely grab the spot.

DeLorean

03/04/2015, 8:48 PM

Well they've really blown in now. 2-2 at home to Watford, who played the whole second half with ten men. Got themselves 2-1 up and went very sloppy instead of killing the game. Finished strong but should have never been in that position they were in such control. Hendrick came on early for injured again Thorne. He was pretty poor. Keogh got booked late on for diving and nearly scored with the final effort of the game with a good header. Hoban and Watford will be delighted under the circumstances, although they were looking pretty well in control until the sending off.

Stuttgart88

04/04/2015, 10:52 AM

Christie had a Robbie Brady moment for the first goal, in fact he was culpable twice in the build up, losing the ball then, having recovered, dithering on the ball instead of clearing it. He was dispossessed and Watford scored one touch later. Clinical stuff.

I only say the first 40 minutes but Keogh did quite well and, for risk of repeating myself, I love how he is always looking to carry the ball out of defence. He had one run last night that any of our midfielders is typically unable to do. I didn't notice Hoban much, quietly competent might be fair? Good physique.

DeLorean

04/04/2015, 11:02 AM

Just in case you're wondering why I didn't mention Christie, I actually missed the first half hour or so. He was subbed at half time, not sure if it was tactical or otherwise. Agree re Keogh, he actually played one class through ball to Bent from around half way, Bent, in his astonishment, miss controlled but he was in otherwise. Derby should really have had another two penalties at the start of the second half, well they were both from the one attack. That said, they can only blame themselves and reading McClaren's comments today he articulated exactly what I was thinking myself, that they deserved what they got for not going about killing the game when it was there for them.

Stuttgart88

04/04/2015, 11:43 AM

Was that the reverse pass in the first half? Super ball.

I didn't know Chritie was subbed but he looked like he was struggling all through the first half. Nothing was coming off for him. He looked nothing like the confident debutant at the Aviva.

Derby need a good win and soon. I think they're good enough to put a run together but football can be crazy and when the finishing line comes into sight wins are harder to come by.

DeLorean

05/04/2015, 12:38 PM

Yeah their luck (momentum) could have turned maybe that day they conceded the two in injury time against Birmingham but if it can go wrong, it will go wrong for them at the moment. It's a bit of a shame because, footballing wise, they're definitely a better side that some of those around/above them. That's tough sh!t though, football is unforgiving and they'll end up where they deserve. On paper, their run in looks manageable, bar maybe Brentford but at least that's at home. Half of their games are against teams occupying the relegation spots, but that in itself beings it's own difficulties I suppose. Yeah that was the pass from Keogh alright, great vision and execution, pity Bent wasn't more alert.

DeLorean

05/04/2015, 12:48 PM

Hendrick slotted in at right back in the second half by the way, so maybe I was a bit hard on him. I only learned this afterwards, as most of the game was played in Watford's half anyway and I was watching without commentary. No excuse really though, how embarrassing :o

paul_oshea

05/04/2015, 1:55 PM

You've gone down even further in geysirs eyes now DeLorean

Charlie Darwin

11/04/2015, 11:48 AM

Derby at home to Brentford this afternoon. Big clash of the Irish in midfield with Hendrick, Douglas and Judge all up against one another, with Keogh in defence as well. Brentford winning after half an hour.

DeLorean

11/04/2015, 12:16 PM

Brentford winning that battle as well. Derby forced into playing 4-4-2 with the absence of midfielders Hughes, Thorne, Eustace and Mascarell. Christie not in squad so must be injured. The goal came as a result of Hendrick losing the ball well inside Brentford territory, having done well initially. I think he could have worked harder to get back and make up for his error, possibly an indication of why he's better suited to a three man midfield and how Derby are really struggling without a defensive midfielder to mop things up. Brilliant finish by Pritchard though.

TrapAPony

11/04/2015, 12:49 PM

Brentford have had enough chances to win 10 games. By far the better team.

Charlie Darwin

11/04/2015, 1:06 PM

Hendrick, lucky to still be on the pitch after a frustrated lunge, sets up the equaliser with a scuffed shot that rolls perfectly for Bent.

DeLorean

11/04/2015, 1:13 PM

Bit of a wild one alright but yellow was probably about right, though he couldn't have complained if it was red. Just as well, last thing Derby would have needed would be a three game suspension to another midfielder. They were absolutely battered today, if they'd lost by four or five it would have been a fairer reflection.

Stuttgart88

11/04/2015, 1:19 PM

Brentford were really good.

DeLorean

11/04/2015, 1:22 PM

They were, they seem to be better away from home. I think Derby are making teams look better than they are at the moment too through their own lack of confidence but Brentford were tenacious, and clever and calm in possession. They really bossed the game completely. Only thing they didn't do was kill the game off, and it wasn't due to a lack of chances.

Stuttgart88

11/04/2015, 4:10 PM

Ok, from an Irish perspective who do we most want to get promoted? Quality over quantity, i.e., I'd prefer a good prospect like Hoban to get promoted over, say, Jon Douglas. Unfair on Douglas who is playing really well but I think you know what I mean.

Put another way, of the Irish players in the mix for promotion, which ones do we think need most to be in the EPL next year?

Arter, Hendrick, Hoban, Hoolahan, Murphy, McGoldrick? I know TOWK liikes Alan Judge.

DeLorean

11/04/2015, 5:48 PM

Hoolahan is a strange one as PL football might see him back on the bench. At this stage of his career we just need him to be playing regularly. He wouldn't necessarily be dropped or anything but Norwich might feel they need an upgrade, based on his expendable status over the past year or two.

Hendrick could do with making the step up for sure at this stage, I think the PL would suit his game and see him develop at a faster rate. We'd learn very quickly if Keogh could be of any use at a high level, I suspect Derby would need better if they were to be competitive.

The automatics are between four now after today and I fully expect Bournemouth to see it through with the fixtures they have. That would leave Norwich, Watford and Middlesbrough fighting it out for one spot. From an Irish perspective, like you say, Watford and Hoban might be the best bet with the Hoolahan situation. In the unlikely event of Bamford declaring, it's unlikely he'll remain at Boro anyway.

Ideally I suppose three from Bournemouth, Derby, Ipswich and Brentford would have been the best result. Mick might even sign another Irish player or two once they've gone up!

Realistically Bournemouth, Norwich/Watford (auto) and Derby (playoffs) might be the best result we could hope for now, although quantity wise Ipswich or Brentford would be ideal, but quality wise questionable.

Stuttgart88

11/04/2015, 6:54 PM

Was thinking the same about Wes, although this new manager might trust him more.

TrapAPony

11/04/2015, 11:44 PM

Was thinking the same about Wes, although this new manager might trust him more.

I'm not pushed if Norwich go up or not. Wes is almost 33 so it's not really going to be hugely beneficial for us. I'd be hoping a team with some young Irish players would get promoted instead.

Charlie Darwin

18/04/2015, 3:08 PM

Derby faltering again. Thrown away a 1-0 lead at Huddersfield and now trail 3-1. Cyrus Christie came on as a first half sub. The goals were probably all Keogh's fault.

Stuttgart88

18/04/2015, 3:59 PM

Finished 4-4. Crazy stuff.

Charlie Darwin

18/04/2015, 4:03 PM

Mad stuff alright. With Wolves and Brentford both drawing, that means they only need a win from their remaining games to secure a play-off spot.

Bournemouth may just have blown the title by conceding a last minute penalty to Sheffield Wednesday, 2-2 there.

tricky_colour

18/04/2015, 5:12 PM

Yea Bournemouth might miss out on automatic promotion too, they seem to have a harder last two games than
their rivals. However they have the best goal difference, nothing is settled at the top yet.

TheOneWhoKnocks

20/04/2015, 1:57 AM

Derby went top of the Championship last night with a late penalty from the Coldplay fella :o

Hendrick played his first 90 minutes (for Derby) since returning from injury

Leon Best came on as a substitute with 15 minutes remaining. My buddy over said he's the worst player he's seen at Pride Park in years, that even Conor Sammon was a bigger threat. Admittedly, this was in frustration after they drew 0-0 at home to Millwall and he did add that he probably just needs a goal to get his confidence up

Richard Keogh has now helped the Rams to six clean sheets on the trot, proving that he's not distracted by his X Factor heroics -

Richard Keogh - Twitter (https://twitter.com/andy_scates/status/523863994856386560)

Swings and roundabouts as Derby hang on precariously to a Playoff place after recently breaking a run of 7 games without winning against relegated Wigan & Blackpool.

27 goals conceded in 17 games as Derby falter at the business end - again.

Hopefully Derby, Ipswich or Brentford go up through the Playoffs. Would be nice to see some Irish players in the PL next season.

DeLorean

20/04/2015, 7:46 AM

Keogh has been decent, for the most part, despite their lack of form. The absence of a recognised holding midfielder has killed them, although there were certain matches they'd have expected to win regardless, i.e. Fulham, Birmingham, etc. When you say "falter at the business end - again", what are you getting at? Obviously they faltered in the very last minute of the business end last season, but before that they seemed to be handling the pressure well, finishing third, hammering Brighton in playoff semi and totally dominating the final at Wembley. It's incomparable to the collapse this season which you seem to be doing.

Edit - and how sad it is that you scanned back to page three of this thread to find a quote that you somehow feel is now disproved.

Charlie Darwin

20/04/2015, 9:04 AM

Swings and roundabouts as Derby hang on precariously to a Playoff place after recently breaking a run of 7 games without winning against relegated Wigan & Blackpool.

27 goals conceded in 17 games as Derby falter at the business end - again.

Hopefully Derby, Ipswich or Brentford go up through the Playoffs. Would be nice to see some Irish players in the PL next season.
Three points clear with two games to play is hardly precarious.

DeLorean

20/04/2015, 9:20 AM

It's actually four points clear and a far superior goal difference. They will need to win one (or draw both) of their two remaining games if either of Wolves or Brentford win both of theirs. On current form you couldn't assume anything but they'll surely have enough (or get lucky with other results!). Precarious definitely too strong a word and I suppose they are unbeaten in their last five and have showed heart to salvage draws from Brentford and Huddersfield, when they looked dead and buried.

Stuttgart88

20/04/2015, 9:34 AM

As a fan who had to hide behind his sofa for the tail end of several Ireland campaigns, Arsenal's faltering 1989 title run-in and Celtic's limp to the line in 1998, I can only empathise with Derby fans. Rovers' league win under Michael O'Neill too. Chuck, was it Bray who 2-2 at Tallaght late in the season with a deflected late equaliser? I thought that was going to be it! You just know that as soon as the first slip up comes others inevitably follow. Was it Birmingham when they shipped two injury-time goals?

I'd say Bournemouth fans just want to hibernate between games now too. Real life can be just too unbearable for football fans at this stage of the season. At least these guys only have to wait days between games. The Euro 2000 qualifying campaign was nearly too much for me!

DeLorean

20/04/2015, 10:12 AM

Yeah Birmingham was a killer for them and, actually, Watford at home when they led against ten men. A lot of damage had been done by then but a win there and they were back in the mix for automatic big time. You'd never know though, they might be in a better position heading for the playoffs than whoever miss out on automatic. QPR were in pretty poor form going into the playoffs last season.

TheOneWhoKnocks

20/04/2015, 11:36 PM

DeLorean

21/04/2015, 10:10 AM

Well obviously I was implying that Derby's run of clean sheet had something to do with Keogh, seeing as I said -

Richard Keogh has now helped the Rams to six clean sheets on the trot

I didn't say he was solely responsible but obviously I implied he played his part. I'm sure he played his part in some of the goals they've conceded recently also, but my overriding opinion would be that he was one of the few steadying influences back there at a time when others have had a severe dip in form, Grant, Christie and Forsyth in particular. The bedding in of Albentosa to a new league after losing the very experienced Jake Buxton was also a major factor I would suggest.

I'm not sure I understand your final sentence. Obviously any defence is going to be more exposed if their best defensive midfielders are absent? You're hardly disputing this?

I take it you've just accepted that you were spouting nonsense about Derby faltering at the business end - again.