Richie Towell

[nigel-harps1954]

Mark Quigley was far too inconsistent.

Killian Brennan was never at an international level.

I'd have put Kevin McHugh ahead of both of the above.

[Olé Olé]

Five players who should have been capped whilst playing in the League of Ireland, according to Nick Menezes of Pundit Arena: http://www.punditarena.com/football/nmenezes/5-players-capped-league-ireland/

He singles out Mark Quigley, Liam Kearney, Killian Brennan, Christy Fagan and Richie Towell.

Does the way all 5 of their careers ended up panning out not demonstrate exactly why they weren't called up for Ireland? That might be harsh on Towell but he hasn't demonstrated that he was deserving of a call up since he signed for Brighton.

[DannyInvincible]

Does the way all 5 of their careers ended up panning out not demonstrate exactly why they weren't called up for Ireland? That might be harsh on Towell but he hasn't demonstrated that he was deserving of a call up since he signed for Brighton.

Towell has been unlucky with injury and, to be fair to him, has been given a contract extension, so Hughton obviously see potential in him, but I'd tend to agree otherwise. Kearney did stand out for Cork, but it was at a time when we had Duff and McGeady (and other cover on the left?), so that posed an obvious obstacle, on top of the fact he played in the League of Ireland.

[Olé Olé]

Towell has been unlucky with injury and, to be fair to him, has been given a contract extension, so Hughton obviously see potential in him, but I'd tend to agree otherwise. Kearney did stand out for Cork, but it was at a time when we had Duff and McGeady (and other cover on the left?), so that posed an obvious obstacle, on top of the fact he played in the League of Ireland.

I agree with you but when fit, Towell hasn't been picked that much. He hasn't gone onto prove himself as a rotational player at a Championship side (regardless of mitigating circumstances). Hardly suggests he was wronged in being overlooked previously.

Taking a retrospective view on Kearney as well. He was class when Heerenveen were in for him. His career tapered off gradually for one reason or another thereafter.

[DannyInvincible]

"'I was as shocked as everyone else' - Richie Towell on new Brighton contract": http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/i-was-as-shocked-as-everyone-else-richie-towell-on-new-brighton-contract-35830577.html


I was shocked as everyone else. The club kept telling me that they rate me. The manager kept telling me that he rates me. And I kept thinking, 'you don't like.' That's just being honest. I didn't think they did. But obviously they showed the faith in me and gave me a new deal. Because they're not going to hand them out.

...

Obviously everyone is ringing asking 'why are you not playing, why are not playing!?' Which is a bit frustrating because you never have the right answers for them. I just wanted to play when I went over. So when I wasn't playing it was frustrating. But the overall experience of being there was something I'll never forget. People don't realise the players we have in our team. They'll play in the Premier League next year and then people will probably realise, 'they're a really good side'.

...

I think I can play Championship. I was a bit unfortunate I was at the best team in the Championship and I found it hard to get in. But obviously seeing as I had a bit of time, I was watching every single game. And I have no doubt I can compete at that level. So, it's just about getting the chance.

[dr_peepee]

It's not apples for apples, and I'm open to correction but I recall Stephen Hunt wasn't integral to Readings promotion to the premier league. But was a critical member of the team once promoted. It's not unprecedented so maybe there's scope here for such a turnaround.

[DeLorean]

Well Towell himself seems to want a chance at Championship level and Hughton already said he's keen for him to send him out on loan.

[Olé Olé]

It's not apples for apples, and I'm open to correction but I recall Stephen Hunt wasn't integral to Readings promotion to the premier league. But was a critical member of the team once promoted. It's not unprecedented so maybe there's scope here for such a turnaround.

Had a quick look and he played 38 games. I think the issue was that he wasn't in their plans and they had Bobby Convey nailed to be their starting PL winger so he was, as far as I can remember, told he could leave. He told them he wasn't letting the chance to play in the PL pass him by.

Not that I think Towell is going to begin the season at Brighton but it's been interesting how quiet they've been in the market so far. The biggest activity they have had is their keeper Stockdale refusing a contract to sign for 'Arry instead.

Fingers crossed he gets the right loan for him. It's quite clear that our lads need to be careful who they sign on loan for and this is a crossroads for Towell.

[mark12345]

It's quite clear that our lads need to be careful who they sign on loan for and this is a crossroads for Towell.

Yeah, the days of our lads singing for Chelsea, United, Liverpool are largely over. You will still get some doing it but it is proving to be a Houdini like act for Irish youngsters to make it at the big clubs.
Regarding Towell, I would love to see him at a place like Reading.

[tetsujin1979]

top of the rankings in some Brighton pre season trials: https://twitter.com/jake_perkins7/status/881831812154130433
according to the replies, it's based around 20m sprints, 5m sprints and body fat

[liamoo11]

top of the rankings in some Brighton pre season rankings: https://twitter.com/jake_perkins7/status/881831812154130433
according to the replies, it's based around 20m sprints, 5m sprints and body fat

Jan molby wept

[DannyInvincible]

top of the rankings in some Brighton pre season trials: https://twitter.com/jake_perkins7/status/881831812154130433
according to the replies, it's based around 20m sprints, 5m sprints and body fat

Any idea if he's going to stay at Brighton for their EPL campaign then or do they still intend on sending him out on loan?

[tetsujin1979]

no, nothing about that.

[mark12345]

Richie Towell not even on the bench for Brighton in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Norwich.
In all honesty a move to a Championship may be the best of both worlds for Richie.
Don't think he's going to break into an Albion team which is going to struggle and ultimately be relegated this season.
If he sets up at a decent Championship team it will be good for him and whereas his Brighton team mates will be headed in the wrong direction this season, he could be moving towards the PL?

[CraftyToePoke]

If he sets up at a decent Championship team it will be good for him and whereas his Brighton team mates will be headed in the wrong direction this season, he could be moving towards the PL?

But hasn't he failed to get in a side challenging in that very division ? Sides gearing up for a tilt at Prem will be looking at better apps stats than he offers, or he would be seen as a squad depth addition which serves him badly. He might have to aim lower, I hope not and I think he is plenty good enough, but 6 months being the best player at a lower end Championship side or upper L1 would do at this stage, get him going again.

[mark12345]

But hasn't he failed to get in a side challenging in that very division ? Sides gearing up for a tilt at Prem will be looking at better apps stats than he offers, or he would be seen as a squad depth addition which serves him badly. He might have to aim lower, I hope not and I think he is plenty good enough, but 6 months being the best player at a lower end Championship side or upper L1 would do at this stage, get him going again.

I think he's been unlucky to be honest. He got injured this time last year and spent a long time on the sidelines. Had he been playing in last season's promotion winners he could have developed a reputation for himself already. He was never going to break into that Brighton team towards the end of the season as they headed for the top flight. I would love to see him hook up with the likes of Reading or Derby or Hull City. I think he could do a job for mid table club like that. On another note, Wes didn't play in the above game either. Nursing some sort of an injury, I believe. We will need him badly on September 2 and 5.

[nigel-harps1954]

Plucked from the wilderness to start for Brighton tonight in the League Cup.

[mark12345]

Played for 77 minutes and was replaced by Aaron Connolly. Not much reported on how Richie played.

[nigel-harps1954]

Played for 77 minutes and was replaced by Aaron Connolly. Not much reported on how Richie played.

He played the full 90. Hemed came off for Connolly.

Brighton fans weren't impressed in the slightest. Reading through a Brighton forum and several have said he was the worst player on the pitch and others saying he wasted a glorious chance to work his way in.

[liamoo11]

He played the full 90. Hemed came off for Connolly.

Some of the comments on one of the fans forum were not complimentary molumpy was the only one getting some bit of praise

[IsMiseSean]

He needs a run of games in a first team somewhere. The Championship might be beyond him. League 1 or the SPFL might be a better option.

[Diggs246]

Yep. He has Hibs written all over him

[Charlie Darwin]

Yep. He has Hibs written all over him
These footballers' tattoos are getting ridiculous.

[samhaydenjr]

He needs a run of games in a first team somewhere. The Championship might be beyond him. League 1 or the SPFL might be a better option.

See here's the problem with all the hysteria over calling up LOI players and the sarky comments about the plane to England making them magically better players. A couple of years ago this started with Towell - the star player in a dominant Dundalk team - banged in 25 goals in 32 league appearances...from midfield! Why on earth were the management team not picking him? This was utter disrespect to the league! I mean, there were half-a-dozen ex-LOI players in the squad, why wait for Towell to go to England to prove himself? Well Towell's experience since moving shows why the management team needs to see top LOI players perform at a higher level before picking them. And yes, while the LOI is better than the barstoolers like to claim, it's still a big step-up to Championship level, and a huge step-up to Premier League Level (realistically it's probably a step-up to League One). If it wasn't, LOI players would be transferring in droves to get paid 5-10 times their current wages. Right now there are about 20 Irish players in the Premier League, about 50 in the Championship, a couple at the top three SPL clubs and one in the top Polish league who all could make a claim to a place in the International squad that is as valid, if not more so, as Sean Maguire, Daryl Horgan, Andy Boyle or Kevin O'Connor. This quartet have got to prove that they can perform at Championship level at least. For example Maguire has got to outperform McGoldrick, Hogan, O'Brien, Sheridan, Rooney and Will Keane to even get in the squad, and there's no guarantee of that. With that said I do hope most, if not all, of these lads find success and put themselves in the frame for regular international football (and there are certainly reasons to believe that there a couple who will). I just think they need to show longer term form in the Championship before we start giving them competitive caps

[Charlie Darwin]

Not sure why on the one hand you're saying the likes of Maguire have to prove themselves at that level and in the same breath mention Will Keane, who has yet to prove himself at any level.

[osarusan]

See here's the problem with all the hysteria over calling up LOI players and the sarky comments about the plane to England making them magically better players. A couple of years ago this started with Towell - the star player in a dominant Dundalk team - banged in 25 goals in 32 league appearances...from midfield! Why on earth were the management team not picking him? This was utter disrespect to the league! I mean, there were half-a-dozen ex-LOI players in the squad, why wait for Towell to go to England to prove himself? Well Towell's experience since moving shows why the management team needs to see top LOI players perform at a higher level before picking them.

If you go back through my post history you'll find that I've always said LOI players need to prove themselves at a higher level before they merit a call up to the national team. I have no argument with that.

what I don't like is when a player transfers to the UK, and very soon, before they have proven themselves at that level, they are getting a call up. There seems to be a fairly lazy approach that 'if he's good enough for (inset UK club here) to sign, he must be worth taking a look at.'

[Diggs246]

You have to be able to do it in the big league as MON would say. Horgan has also lost his place. Lets hope seanie does it, but lets see him do it first in the Championship

[IsMiseSean]

See here's the problem with all the hysteria over calling up LOI players and the sarky comments about the plane to England making them magically better players. A couple of years ago this started with Towell - the star player in a dominant Dundalk team - banged in 25 goals in 32 league appearances...from midfield! Why on earth were the management team not picking him? This was utter disrespect to the league! I mean, there were half-a-dozen ex-LOI players in the squad, why wait for Towell to go to England to prove himself? Well Towell's experience since moving shows why the management team needs to see top LOI players perform at a higher level before picking them. And yes, while the LOI is better than the barstoolers like to claim, it's still a big step-up to Championship level, and a huge step-up to Premier League Level (realistically it's probably a step-up to League One). If it wasn't, LOI players would be transferring in droves to get paid 5-10 times their current wages. Right now there are about 20 Irish players in the Premier League, about 50 in the Championship, a couple at the top three SPL clubs and one in the top Polish league who all could make a claim to a place in the International squad that is as valid, if not more so, as Sean Maguire, Daryl Horgan, Andy Boyle or Kevin O'Connor. This quartet have got to prove that they can perform at Championship level at least. For example Maguire has got to outperform McGoldrick, Hogan, O'Brien, Sheridan, Rooney and Will Keane to even get in the squad, and there's no guarantee of that. With that said I do hope most, if not all, of these lads find success and put themselves in the frame for regular international football (and there are certainly reasons to believe that there a couple who will). I just think they need to show longer term form in the Championship before we start giving them competitive caps

I'd agree with you in saying the LOI contingent need to prove themselves in the Championship before a call up.
Boyle & Horgan were a different, they played well against decent opposition in Europe, but they need to push on now and carve out a career in the Championship.
Maguire doesn't have to prove himself to merit a place in the squad ahead of Aiden O'Brien and especially Will Keane. Maguire has been on a sensational scoring run and is full of confidence. I've no problem with Maguire in the squad.

As for Towell he needs games. A Championship club would be taking a risk bringing him in considering his injuries & form. He's more likely to get a L1 or SPFL side signing him.
I think Towell is well capable of performing in the Championship, but needs to get back on track first.

[Diggs246]

The Towell injury issue is slightly over played IMO, he regularly played for Brightons under 23s

[pineapple stu]

Maguire doesn't have to prove himself to merit a place in the squad ahead of Aiden O'Brien and especially Will Keane. Maguire has been on a sensational scoring run and is full of confidence. I've no problem with Maguire in the squad.
I don't know if I'd quite agree with that. Apart from a hat-trick against an Estonian side, he hasn't scored from play in ten games in Europe. Scoring goals for fun for Cork is what Roy O'Donovan, John O'Flynn and Dave Mooney did before him (ironically, Kevin Doyle has a worse scoring record for Cork than any of those). And the LoI is arguably poorer now than when the others were playing in it.

I agree with osarusan that there's a trend where players get called up the moment they make the move cross-channel, which is annoying. I'll also agree that I've no problems with Maguire being in the squad, partly because our striking options are so thin on the ground. And would love to see him come good of course.

But samhaydenjr's point is absolutely valid. I think the success rate of LoI players going cross-channel is lower than many people might realise.

[IsMiseSean]

I don't know if I'd quite agree with that. Apart from a hat-trick against an Estonian side, he hasn't scored from play in ten games in Europe.

With the run Maguire was on he was a bit of a let down in Europe this season, but it wasn't just him. The whole team were poor. They only lost 2-0 on aggregate to Larnaca but never looked like beating them and nearly blew the 2nd leg at home to Tallinn. This Cork team is nowhere near the level of Dundalk over the past few years, but that's a debate for another section on the forum.


I'll also agree that I've no problems with Maguire being in the squad, partly because our striking options are so thin on the ground.

I'd have him ahead of the likes of O'Brien & Will Keane mainly because neither of those lads have gone on a scoring run (albeit at LOI level) like Maguire has.
In fairness to O'Brien he is back in the Millwall team now but playing out on the left. Keane always seems to be injured.

[tetsujin1979]

Has Will Keane actually changed allegiance?

[pineapple stu]

With the run Maguire was on he was a bit of a let down in Europe this season, but it wasn't just him. The whole team were poor. They only lost 2-0 on aggregate to Larnaca but never looked like beating them and nearly blew the 2nd leg at home to Tallinn. This Cork team is nowhere near the level of Dundalk over the past few years, but that's a debate for another section on the forum
I'd agree with that - but then he had six games last year too, and though he scored three penalties, he didn't score once from open play. That's not a great record.

I guess keep things in perspective is all I'm saying.

[samhaydenjr]

Has Will Keane actually changed allegiance?

I don't think there's anything official, but there was at least one newspaper article last year where he expressed an interest before he got injured. Now he doesn't have a stellar goalscoring record at senior level but Hull obviously saw something in him that they felt made it worth their while paying a million pounds for him and putting him straight into their Premier League first team. I think it would have been good management by MON and Keano to at least touch base with him and acknowledge his interest and let him know that they'll keep an eye on him because there's always a possibility that he'll go on a scoring spree upon his return.

[CraftyToePoke]

If he were to emulate his brother & how he turned it round at Burnley it would be lovely.

[Olé Olé]

I don't think there's anything official, but there was at least one newspaper article last year where he expressed an interest before he got injured. Now he doesn't have a stellar goalscoring record at senior level but Hull obviously saw something in him that they felt made it worth their while paying a million pounds for him and putting him straight into their Premier League first team. I think it would have been good management by MON and Keano to at least touch base with him and acknowledge his interest and let him know that they'll keep an eye on him because there's always a possibility that he'll go on a scoring spree upon his return.

How do you know they haven't touched base with him?

[samhaydenjr]

How do you know they haven't touched base with him?

Sorry, my last sentence wasn't meant to imply any belief that they had or had not made contact, merely that I thought it would have been a good idea.

[IsMiseSean]

No, nothing yet....

[mark12345]

No, nothing yet....

Still nothing, I guess. Does that mean he will be playing U-23 football all season?

[tetsujin1979]

Late move to sign for Rotherham on loan until the end of the season: https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2017/august/signing--millers-land-late-deal-for-towell/

[Olé Olé]

It might be only league one but he desperately needs to prove himself at any level in England and if he gets games in his preferred position there then it's only a good thing.

[gastric]

It might be only league one but he desperately needs to prove himself at any level in England and if he gets games in his preferred position there then it's only a good thing.

Every player needs a shop window and Towell has got one. He has got the ability to shine, will be very interesting to watch.

[tetsujin1979]

Rotherham's game against Portsmouth is live on sky on Sunday. Might get a chance to see him make his debut

[nigel-harps1954]

He should stand out in a poor League One side so it's a good opportunity for him.

[IsMiseSean]

Rotherham's game against Portsmouth is live on sky on Sunday. Might get a chance to see him make his debut

Presumably he'll be registered in time to play.

[Olé Olé]

One thing I'm not sure about is the length of the loan. Half a season there and if he impressed he could do half a season in Championship? That issue is negated if Brighton have the recall option which they could exercise in January and move him onto the Championship.

[seanfhear]

Late move to sign for Rotherham on loan until the end of the season: https://www.themillers.co.uk/news/2017/august/signing--millers-land-late-deal-for-towell/Best of Luck to the Lad . I hope it goes well for him.......

[tetsujin1979]

last minute introduction off the bench today

[nigel-harps1954]

Came on as a sub just before half time and hit a last minute winner for Rotherham today.

[tetsujin1979]

Highlights of Rotherham - Bury on YouTube
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Towell's goal on 1:45