Richard Dunne

[Colbert Report]

Seems the same to me. Either way, it's casts doubt on your player analysis.

Well, I think the lack of a final ball from McGeady would be the major difference. Duff's crossing was always pretty good. McGeady is hit and miss, mostly miss unfortunately.

[Stuttgart88]

I used to describe Duff's final ball as impeccable. Even as recently as Slovakia at home Duff set up a late gilt-edged chance for Keane with such little effort that it was a thing of beauty. Unfortunately the finish was a beast.

[gastric]

My pessimism of getting a result of any sort grows with our defensive problems.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/dunne-doubts-leave-trap-with-defensive-dilemma-3241261.html

[Stuttgart88]

I'd be nervous about playing a non-match-fit Dunne even if he was ready.

Sledge & O'Shea in the middle for me.

[gastric]

I'd be nervous about playing a non-match-fit Dunne even if he was ready.

Sledge & O'Shea in the middle for me.

Would agree with this, but I feel Dunne's situation diminishes our chances of getting any type of result.

[ArdeeBhoy]

We weren't and aren't going to get a result v. Germany.

Concentrate on beating the Faroes...

[Charlie Darwin]

If Dunne isn't going to have a club match under his belt I'd prefer him not to play. As much of a fan of his that I am, he is not the type of player who plays well when lacking fitness, and I'm very concerned by his total lack of a pre-season.

[elroy]

Alot of negative comments at the end of that article. Look Im no major fan of the way Trap plays, but the facts are he got us very close to a WC, qualified for a Euros with a relatively average set of players. We dont like the way he plays and many disagree with his selections. But central defence is one of those areas where we really dont have many other options.

Moves JOSH to play in there - yes. With someone like Wilson, Kelly, Foley or Coleman taking the RB position. But we are far from blessed with replacements at CB. It amazes me people calling for Trap to get rid of the likes of "gone past it" Dunne and bring on the youth. But who exactly?!?

Although I do fear an unfit Dunne playing against Germany. When carrying an injury into games for us, he hasnt playing all that well.

[back of the net]

Do you watch him play at club level? I don't miss a game he plays in and let me tell you something. He's the worst player on the worst team in the league, and by a wide margin too. I've no idea how he keeps his place in the Toronto team.

Colbert unlike alot of our colleagues on Foot.ie , I unfortunately for my sins in another life have seen the catastrophy of a team that is Toronto FC quite regulary, yes they are the worst team in the league by a country mile but to conclude O'Dea is their worst player is ridiculous.

Although I will admit, him playing with the calibre of players in that team is not doing Darren any favours

[punkrocket]

He's not coming back any time soon. Hopefully, if he does return at Xmas he'll get a couple of months in before the next qualifiers. Reminds a bit too much of the Given situation though.
http://www.birminghammail.net/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-defender-richard-dunne-270633

[Charlie Darwin]

I've been saying it for months - if he ever plays for Ireland again it will be a huge bonus.

[DeLorean]

Dunne sets sights on return to training (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish/2012/1102/343997-dunne-sets-sights-on-return-to-training/)

[DeLorean]

Good news, hopefully there won't be any setbacks. All going well he'll have a couple of months of football under his belt before Stockholm.

Dunne returns to training (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/1106/344449-dunne-returns-to-training/)

[paul_oshea]

Great stuff, dunne strikes me as someone who could take a long time to get up to speed though, fitness wise. Doesn't look like Villa will renew his contract either.

[DeLorean]

I suppose it will depend on how he does on his return and if he stays fit. They need him back nearly as much as us I think.

[punkrocket]

That picture is groiny as f***.

[Charlie Darwin]

Off to America for another operation: http://thescore.thejournal.ie/dunne-third-operation-in-america-717389-Dec2012/

[Colbert Report]

Tough to read that, sounds like he's really quite crocked and his career could be over.

[DannyInvincible]

Off to America for another operation: http://thescore.thejournal.ie/dunne-third-operation-in-america-717389-Dec2012/

Possibly off to the US for good: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254827/Richard-Dunne-set-make-transfer-Aston-Villa-New-York-Red-Bulls.html


Richard Dunne looks set to join New York Red Bulls in the new year, provided he can overcome his ongoing groin injury.

The MLS side have said that they want the Republic of Ireland international’s transfer from Aston Villa wrapped up by the end of January, report the Sunday People.

Dunne has been out of action for Ireland since their last Euro 2012 game against Italy, and underwent a third operation on his groin in Philadelphia last week.

It is thought he will be back to full fitness within six weeks and will rejoin Ireland as they face Sweden and Austria in March.

With a £50,000-a-week salary on offer, the Villa defender is keen to cross the Atlantic and settle in the Big Apple.

His contract with Villa Park set to expire and the 33-year-old will be available to the American club on a free transfer, meaning the deal could be nailed down within two weeks.

[tricky_colour]

Can't blame him for going for the £50,000 (I would lol), no idea what he was on at Villa but I doubt he would
get £50,000 now. New York sounds far more attractive than Villa in Birmingham anyway.

His old mate Thierry Henry still plays there!!

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/11/19/article-0-07487FCD000005DC-78_468x298.jpg

[Colbert Report]

His career is definitely over now. Sad.

[back of the net]

Possibly off to the US for good: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254827/Richard-Dunne-set-make-transfer-Aston-Villa-New-York-Red-Bulls.html

Was looking forward to Ireland starting afresh and forgetting the disaster that was 2012.......this is bad, very bad

[tricky_colour]

Playing for the US does not mean he can't play for Ireland.

[theworm2345]

Playing for the US does not mean he can't play for Ireland.
I think O'Dea and Robbie have proved that MLS is not a high enough level to be playing at to be picked for Ireland (though, to be fair, O'Dea wasn't really good enough before that).

That being said, most decent Premier League players who are 32+ seem to be linked with that glorified retirement home these days to pick up one last pay check but I don't think Dunne will go there while he is still committed to playing for Ireland. If he misses the rest of the season though with this problem that one last pay check might sound more tempting though.

[Murfinator]

I think O'Dea and Robbie have proved that MLS is not a high enough level to be playing at to be picked for Ireland.

Ridiculous comment considering O'Dea made his breakthrough as a starter this campaign and Keane continues to be a starter and so far ahead of the others he's considered as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 despite being greatly unsuited to it. If you believe that you believe Trap doesn't have the faintest clue at what he's doing which might be a popular opinion around here but not an especially logical one.

[theworm2345]

Ridiculous comment considering O'Dea made his breakthrough as a starter this campaign and Keane continues to be a starter and so far ahead of the others he's considered as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 despite being greatly unsuited to it. If you believe that you believe Trap doesn't have the faintest clue at what he's doing which might be a popular opinion around here but not an especially logical one.
I can't tell if this is meant to be serious.

[nigel-harps1954]

Ridiculous comment considering O'Dea made his breakthrough as a starter this campaign and Keane continues to be a starter and so far ahead of the others he's considered as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 despite being greatly unsuited to it. If you believe that you believe Trap doesn't have the faintest clue at what he's doing which might be a popular opinion around here but not an especially logical one.

O'Dea only made a 'breakthrough' because of so many injuries. The only other option was Paul McShane really.

[Paddy Garcia]

O'Dea only made a 'breakthrough' because of so many injuries. The only other option was Paul McShane really.

Then there was no other option....

[gastric]

Now it's LA with Robbie!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/la-galaxy-target-dunne-deal-3347974.html

[Colbert Report]

His time is definitely up with Villa. Have we seen the last of Dunne in an Irish shirt?

[BonnieShels]

WAHEY!


FOOTBALL
Here's some Aston Villa team news from BBC Sport's Pat Murphy:

"Paul Lambert says Darren Bent's knee injury is not as bad as first feared after the Bradford match - but he won't be fit for tomorrow's match against Southampton. Nor will Marc Albrighton or Chris Herd (both foot injuries).

"Shay Given is struggling with a hamstring strain but Brad Guzan will return. Ron Vlaar is back in training (calf) after missing the last six months with a calf injury but will miss out tomorrow. Richard Dunne expects to resume training next week after a groin operation and could be available at end of January."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/20983892

[BonnieShels]

Further update on RTE:

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2013/0115/362864-dunne-set-for-a-return-to-training/


Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne is poised to return to training later this week after undergoing three operations this season, Press Association Sport have reported.

Republic of Ireland international Dunne, who is out of contract at Villa this summer, has been sidelined all season by groin and hip problems.

Villa have sorely missed his experience at the heart of their defence, particularly during the absence of captain Ron Vlaar with a calf problem.

It has been a nightmare 12 months for 33-year-old Dunne who was also out injured for nearly three months with a shoulder problem before returning at the very end of last season.

Villa boss Paul Lambert said: "If you look when Richard did his shoulder, he only came back for a couple of games and then had the groin problem at the Euros.

"He's not played much football for a year really. But the (latest) operation in America was successful and the main thing for everyone is to get him back fit."

[theworm2345]

What a fool. Doesn't he read this site and know that his career is over? :rolleyes:

[BonnieShels]

What a fool. Doesn't he read this site and know that his career is over? :rolleyes:

Him and James McClean!

[paul_oshea]

He...

[CraftyToePoke]

Jaysus, the last thing that Villa side needs anywhere near it is a 70+ capped international center half. Delusional. Madness.

[Colbert Report]

Darrent Bent can't get in the team, and he's scored more goals than anyone except for Wayne Rooney over the past five seasons.

[Charlie Darwin]

Lambert wants to throw Dickie in the deep end against Newcastle tomorrow: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2013/0129/1224329398989.html

Looks like he no longer wants to ship him out, until May at least.

[Colbert Report]

Desperation time for Lambert. Silly move. Two full weeks of training after being out for the past seven or months? Is he trying to injure Dunne?

[Charlie Darwin]

I think he's trying to keep his job, but to be fair to him I don't think he'd play Dunne unless he was confident there was only a small chance of a relapse.

[the doc]

How things change? It was not so long ago everyone on here was saying Vlaar and Clark would be Villas first choice CBs.
Now as everybody has realised Vlaar and Clark are poor, Richie is now bring asked to come in and save the day.

[ifk101]

How things change? It was not so long ago everyone on here was saying Vlaar and Clark would be Villas first choice CBs.

Wrong forum Sean.

[SolitudeRed]

Dunne not even on the bench then and Villa are looking like another bad defeat is on the cards so that'll be the cue for more Clark bashing no doubt!

[Charlie Darwin]

Oh dear.

BBC: "Paul Lambert reveals Richard Dunne has had another setback with the groin injury that has required surgery. More bad news for Villa."

[IsMiseSean]

More bad news for Villa."

Nevermind Villa... This is terrible for us!

[BonnieShels]

http://i1.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/082/456/Okay.png

[Colbert Report]

Poor Richard Dunne, he was such a great servant to the country. Sad to see him breaking down like Owen Hargreaves or Steven Reid.

[swinfordfc]

Sorry Steven Reid .... isn't he not playing for West Brom ... even though he had a broken leg for 45 mins!!!

[Charlie Darwin]

The Sun reckon Lambert is telling porkies: http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/sport/irishfootball/4771259/A-bit-Rich-of-Lambert-to-suggest-he-is-a-goner.html

[gastric]

Dunne poised to stay at Villa according to The Mirror. Great news if it proves to be correct.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news--1679881