Andy Reid(b 1982)

[Carrigaline]

Apparently Reid had a great game for Forest today, chipping in with an assist to get Forest a vital win - http://www.forestforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30898&page=15

[tricky_colour]

Nice cross for the second goal. The first goal by Gareth McCleary was something though, he picked the ball up and ran 3/4 the length
of the pitch to score, which also says something about Coventry who are the worst away team in the division with just 3 draws
and 7 goals out of 16 away games, that's 3 points out of a possible 48!

[Carrigaline]

Another assist to McCleary to put Forest 1-0 up, if it wasn't for Reid, Forest would probably have been relegated this season.

[Cuyahoga]

Having a great game today for Forest against Millwall. Perhaps Trap will call him in for the euros?

[Colbert Report]

I honestly think I have a better shot of getting called up by Trap.

[Acornvilla]

I honestly think I have a better shot of getting called up by Trap.
Sure why would he take you when he could have me!

[ArdeeBhoy]

AR set up 2 goals brilliantly there and took his goal very well.

Miles more creative than anything we have currently, but then he doesn't fit into Trap's 'modus operandi', shamefully.

[Sullivinho]

AR set up 2 goals brilliantly there and took his goal very well.

Miles more creative than anything we have currently, but then he doesn't fit into Trap's 'modus operandi', shamefully.

He barely fits into (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4185915/Nottingham-Forest-3-Millwall-1.html) his own shirt, shamefully.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5144/andyreisd1468465a.jpg

[Stuttgart88]

I saw him on Goals on Sunday. Two good set piece deliveries and a great shot.

The most notable thing for me however was how his legs filled a pair of baggy shorts.

[ArdeeBhoy]

He barely fits into (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4185915/Nottingham-Forest-3-Millwall-1.html) his own shirt, shamefully.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5144/andyreisd1468465a.jpg

Couldn't you find a better quote than that rag? And what's his 'size' got to do with anything? If he can play, he can play...

[Sullivinho]

Couldn't you find a better quote than that rag? And what's his 'size' got to do with anything? If he can play, he can play...

I didn't quote anything they said. Just added some context to the photo in case anyone thought I was using an action shot of the local pub league star to embellish things.

I am however, scoffing at the notion that Trap's indifference to the ex-messiah's 'creativity' represents something shameful. Stephen McPhail and Owen Garvan can also play. A stunning 30 yard drive from either within the next couple of months and Trap's predictable starting XI in Poznan will look nothing short of diabolical!

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yeah, but that paper's a rag. Surprised you bothered with that link.

And whilst normally acknowledging your dry (& quick) humour, it is a serious point about a lack of creativity.

Don't mind people scoffing if were to sneak through and win the Euros this way, but won't so would personally rather sacrifice pragmatism for the AR's of this world.
McPhail however's, well past it and Garvan never was nor will be good enough.

[CraftyToePoke]

He barely fits into (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4185915/Nottingham-Forest-3-Millwall-1.html) his own shirt, shamefully.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5144/andyreisd1468465a.jpg

Jesus, hadn't laid eyes on young Andrew for a bit. He has really let himself go. Does anyone know what his weakness is lads? Is he a beer merchant or is it the fried chicken and cake?

[Sullivinho]

Yeah, but that paper's a rag. Surprised you bothered with that link.

And whilst normally acknowledging your dry (& quick) humour, it is a serious point about a lack of creativity.

Don't mind people scoffing if were to sneak through and win the Euros this way, but won't so would personally rather sacrifice pragmatism for the AR's of this world.
McPhail however's, well past it and Garvan never was nor will be good enough.

Reid's creativity, overstated as I believe it is and has been, has about as much merit for inclusion in the team as Ian Harte's set-piece ability. We could do with one of them and all. However anything either of those players might bring is offset and then some by what they don't, imo.

[tricky_colour]

He barely fits into (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4185915/Nottingham-Forest-3-Millwall-1.html) his own shirt, shamefully.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5144/andyreisd1468465a.jpg

I think Andy is just unfortunate in that he has a very short neck which has the effect of making him look more barrel chested than he really is.

I'd be interested to see the effect if someone photo shopped that and stretched his neck little, I think he should look pretty athletic.

[SkStu]

Would that explain the barrel chin as well?? :)

[tricky_colour]

Yes the chin would disappear as the neck is stretched.

[ArdeeBhoy]

He's certainly a lump alright. Just imagine him (literally) bulldozing through that limp-wristed Spanish midfield...

[tricky_colour]

Athletic ability is not everything, there are plenty of athletes who are rubbish at football,
Andy does not rally rely on athletic ability for his game, he could never play Shane Long's
role but them I doubt Shane could deliver as many quality crosses.
Horses for courses.

[CraftyToePoke]

I think Andy is just unfortunate in that he has a very short neck which has the effect of
making him look more barrel chested than he really is.

I'd be interested to see the effect if someone photo shopped that and stretched his neck little,
I think he should loook pretty athletic.

I don't know, I had a quick scan of Google Images for him there now and it would strongly suggest the matter extends well beyond his neck. Built, shall we say. Built.

[Charlie Darwin]

Athletic ability is not everything, there are plenty of athletes who are rubbish at football,
Andy does not rally rely on athletic ability for his game, he could never play Shane Long's
role but them I doubt Shane could deliver as many quality crosses.
Horses for courses.
Unfortunately for Andy, Ireland's game does rely disproportionately on athletic ability.

Somehow I doubt the lead-up to the Euros will be dominated by another media-led campaign to restore Reid to the side. It's hardly much of an achievement, but the football media have at least picked better flavours of the month in recent months.

[DeLorean]

The fact that he was in such good shape a few years back showed that it can be done, if the will is there. Now, I'm a big Andy Reid fan but if he couldn't be bothered his arse to get into the best possible shape, he really doesn't deserve anything other than what he is getting. Relying exclusively on his natural ability obviously gets him so far, but there's no doubt being fitter would help his game too, even with simple things like making a bit of space for himself over a couple of yards to send in a cross, have a shot or even make a simple pass. There is no way the guy should be playing for a team fighting for their lives in the Championship, given his ability. It is sinful really given the dietitians and personal trainers at his disposal.

[CraftyToePoke]

The fact that he was in such good shape a few years back showed that it can be done, if the will is there. Now, I'm a big Andy Reid fan but if he couldn't be bothered his arse to get into the best possible shape, he really doesn't deserve anything other than what he is getting. Relying exclusively on his natural ability obviously gets him so far, but there's no doubt being fitter would help his game too, even with simple things like making a bit of space for himself over a couple of yards to send in a cross, have a shot or even make a simple pass. There is no way the guy should be playing for a team fighting for their lives in the Championship, given his ability. It is sinful really given the dietitians and personal trainers at his disposal.

I would go along with this, also from the Ireland viewpoint, we could really do with an Andy Reid at the top of his game in his prime and playing for a decent club in the level above the one he is in at present, but he is choosing not to and it is a choice, he could address it. It always surprises me when there are calls on here for him to be in our squads when he delivers an occasional decent 90 for Forest as he clearly isn't as bothered about it in return.

[Adrianovic]

As has been pointed out earlier in this thread, if it wasn't for Andy Reid then Forest would be down already. But that doesn't mean he should be near the Ireland squad unless we get the cruellest spate of injuries.

He's shamelessly overweight, it doesn't stop him being Forest's best creative outlet though. Reid's crossing is awesome and he threads through some nice passes to actually get our midfield moving and give the strikers something to look forward to. Pace isn't a massive problem as Forest have it on the other side with McCleary and in the Championship Reid's close control and intelligence is enough - at international level it would not be.

Reid's lack of fitness means he's a bit of a luxury to have around, but it would be no exaggeration to say he has created two-thirds of the goals Forest have scored in 2012. It should also be said that his attitude has been good, even when he's been a bit-part player, and is one of the few to give the impression of caring for the club's future.

His influence could become heavier (sorry) if Forest manager Steve Cotterill didn't insist upon defenders bypassing the midfield with such regularity, because the decent players Forest have (Reid, Garath McCleary, Adlene Guedioura) are clearly better suited to a passing game.

So to sum up - yes he's a useful player at Championship level and is showing leadership in a struggling side, but his international days are over.

[Carrigaline]

Watched Andy play in Forest's 7-3 win against Leeds tonight. Reid himself got 4 assists and was sensational, his left peg controlled the game.

[ArdeeBhoy]

It still proves he can do it;sadly though no-one of influence cares any more, least of all Trap.

[Charlie Darwin]

If only we were playing Leeds United and not Spain at the Euros...

[nigel-harps1954]

If only we were playing Leeds United and not Spain at the Euros...


Bang on. There are about 10 better midfielders in the Premier League than Reid.

EDIT: Just seen the highlights now. Crazy stuff.

[Murfinator]

Bang on. There are about 10 better midfielders in the Premier League than Reid.


Shame none of them are Irish.

[nigel-harps1954]

Oh..rry?

[tricky_colour]

Pound for pound he is as good as any midfielder in the premiership.

[Lionel Ritchie]

pound for pound he's as good as several premiership midfielders at once.

[Colbert Report]

I don't think you guys understand how the pound for pound thing works.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yeah, it's the other way around. It applies to athletes the smaller they get.

[tricky_colour]

People see weight as a negative thing but it is useful for stability and balance, also a slightly overweight player
knows he has to be mentally sharp when they loose weight they can loose that and instead rely on mindless athletic
ability. Running around like the proverbial blue arsed fly.

[ArdeeBhoy]

If only we were playing Leeds United and not Spain at the Euros...


To be fair a midfield of Coleman, A.Reid , Stephen (D)Ireland and McClean would probably do little worse than the four first-choice picks in Gdansk, come June...

[elroy]

Was O'Dea playing for Leeds?

[nigel-harps1954]

Was O'Dea playing for Leeds?


Yep, a defensive midfield role supposedly.

[Diarmo]

To be fair a midfield of Coleman, A.Reid , Stephen (D)Ireland and McClean would probably do little worse than the four first-choice picks in Gdansk, come June...


Are you mad? You see nothing imbalanced about that midfield?

[ArdeeBhoy]

Whereas two plodders like Whelan and Andrews have about as much creativity as a wet fart...


What's yer point?
;)

[nigel-harps1954]

Whereas two plodders like Whelan and Andrews have about as much creativity as a wet fart...


What's yer point?
;)

I'd stick with Whelan and Andrews each and every day of the year ahead of what you said.

[AlaskaFox]

Whereas two plodders like Whelan and Andrews have about as much creativity as a wet fart...


What's yer point?
;)

Thinks he means we'd have to have Rik Waller or Yokozuna on the other side to "balance" things out.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yes, Nige. And we'll be one of the dullest teams on the planet?

[nigel-harps1954]

Yes, Nige. And we'll be one of the dullest teams on the planet?

Of course, but still qualifying for major competitions and keeping in tact one of the better defensive records in international football at the moment.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Yes, but what happens if we concede first?

That's part of why we lost to Russia at home and ended up in the play-offs.

The likes of Reid or similar can't do it on their own and are a 'luxury', but every midfield needs a creative outlet. The closest we have is McClean's who's quite direct.
Otherwise our whole system is based on the strikers running from deep, which Doyle (or similar) will do despite his limitations, but it is a bit of a waste of resources when it comes to an aging Robbie...

[Carrigaline]

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Andy-Reid-hopes-proved-worth-Nottingham-Forest/story-16030809-detail/story.html

ANDY Reid believes he has proved his worth to Nottingham Forest, after winning over manager Steve Cotterill.
The winger became an integral figure in the Reds' climb away from trouble in the Championship, producing some match-winning performances amid the club's improvement in the final months of the campaign.


Andy Reid getting some plaudits for helping to pull Forest out of relegation.

[Two Touch]

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Andy-Reid-hopes-proved-worth-Nottingham-Forest/story-16030809-detail/story.html

Andy Reid getting some plaudits for helping to pull Forest out of relegation.

Maybe so, but he is still miles away from getting back into Irish squad. He is well down the pecking order.

[paul_oshea]

But well up the plucking order...

[SkStu]

Surely he deserves two seats on the plane to Poland?

[tetsujin1979]

I think he should get a seat because he's great. In fact, I think he
should get two seats, in case one of
them doesn't work!