Richard Dunne

[back of the net]

To be honest, THe only club in England that does not need Dune is Man Utd. Liverpool Chelsea and Arsenal could all do with him. So could Everton, Villa and Spurs. Total madness that he is going for 5mand Johnson is going for 18m. One is a world class defender and the others is a flakey attacking full back.

Give me richie dunne over rio ferdinand anyday neil.

Agree with everything else u say though

[Billynose]

Dunne would do a good job for Villa or Everton. It definitely wouldn't be a step down for him either. Also calling Dunne slow is ridiculous.

[briar007]

Personally I think Sunderland will snap dunne up!! But I still think they'll struggle even if they do!! It would be great business at 5M..

[drummerboy]

Dunne's had a terrible season, he's almost 30 and he's already pretty slow. He is at his level, mid-table premiership his best hope is to stay at that level somewhere like Blackburn would be a good move.
Villa appear to be a bit light on cash, which is a shame because that would be a good move. I can't see him going back to Everton, Yobo, Lescott & Jagielka already there, Spurs have King, Woodgate & Dawson plus he turned down Charlton in favour of City because he wanted to stay up north.

Dunne has had an indifferent season by his own high standards. However his is still an excellent defender. He had no cover from midfield last year and it showed. But for someone to say he is slow shows a distinct lack of knowledge of the game.

[geysir]

It's one of the freakiest sights on a football pitch to see Dunne make up ground in those 5,10, 15 meters and pounce on an attacker.
He is still as sharp as ever imo and still at the peak of his game.

[francesco_1]

Sure Maldini was as slow as a wet week in his last few years but it never stopped him playing the highest level in italy and europe.

[SkStu]

Dunne's had a terrible season, he's almost 30 and he's already pretty slow. He is at his level, mid-table premiership his best hope is to stay at that level somewhere like Blackburn would be a good move..

Paul McGrath had no knees and was 34, nearly 35 and was still one of the top players at the 94 world cup and in the premiership.

Dunne at 5million, as mentioned by so many, is an absolute steal. No offence but i hope he doesnt go to Sunderland or Stoke. Villa, Everton, Wigan or West Ham would be a good move.

[SunderlandBohs]

Paul McGrath had no knees and was 34, nearly 35 and was still one of the top players at the 94 world cup and in the premiership.

Dunne at 5million, as mentioned by so many, is an absolute steal. No offence but i hope he doesnt go to Sunderland or Stoke. Villa, Everton, Wigan or West Ham would be a good move.
You don't want him to go to Sunderland but rather to Wigan (whose manager left to go to Sunderland) or Wist am. We're a bigger club than those 2 combined! And in a much healthier position than those two.

[magnumpi]

Paul McGrath had no knees and was 34, nearly 35 and was still one of the top players at the 94 world cup and in the premiership.

Dunne at 5million, as mentioned by so many, is an absolute steal. No offence but i hope he doesnt go to Sunderland or Stoke. Villa, Everton, Wigan or West Ham would be a good move.

in fairness, I'd really like to see him at Villa (they never replaced Laursen), or if not Everton of those. Not sure Wigan or West Ham will have great seasons.

[SkStu]

You don't want him to go to Sunderland but rather to Wigan (whose manager left to go to Sunderland) or Wist am. We're a bigger club than those 2 combined! And in a much healthier position than those two.

i think Martinez would be a great manager for Dunne to work for. Sorry, i should have explained - it wasnt a wind up..... minnow!!

[dr_peepee]

Can't see the Sunderland move materializing... As far as it gets down the line, someone will nip in and hijack the move...

[youngirish]

Spurs might finally be going places under Harry 'Droopy the Dog' Redknapp. They were reported to be interested recently. With Spurs it could either turn out to be a very good move for him or alternatively be the death of his career if they get off to a bad start and do their usual panic buying spree in January leaving all their previous first team players to rot in the reserves.

Certainly better than somewhere like Stoke, Wigan or Sunderland, however.

[Stuttgart88]

I can't believe how underrated Dunne is in the UK. As an Arsenal fan I'd love to see him there, to add some steel and leadership to a frequently shambolic central defence. Agree that Villa or Everton would be good moves for him. I'd say he's very much a MO'N type player, just like Mjallby was for him at Celtic. It's ridiculous how City can think he's not good enough for then, grandiose and all as their plans are. I'd love to see who they replace him with.

[youngirish]

I can't believe how underrated Dunne is in the UK. As an Arsenal fan I'd love to see him there, to add some steel and leadership to a frequently shambolic central defence. Agree that Villa or Everton would be good moves for him. I'd say he's very much a MO'N type player, just like Mjallby was for him at Celtic. It's ridiculous how City can think he's not good enough for then, grandiose and all as their plans are. I'd love to see who they replace him with.

Joleon Lescott another seriously overrated English player.

[Dodge]

I can't believe how underrated Dunne is in the UK.

Conversely I'd imagine they'd believe he's completely overrated in Ireland.

Truth is probably in the middle. He's one of the few Irish players who could slot into the majority of teams in the EPL

[bluepowers]

well worth 5M

[youngirish]

Conversely I'd imagine they'd believe he's completely overrated in Ireland.

Truth is probably in the middle. He's one of the few Irish players who could slot into the majority of teams in the EPL

I agree. I think the reality is that Dunne is a good Premier League centre half. Nothing more, nothing less. He can often be outstanding but also is far too error prone to be ever considered a top class defender.

As usual the posse on here can't see beyond his last game for Ireland. If he'd instead been at fault for a couple of goals that cost us the match I can guarantee those same posters would be claiming he should be sold to a Championship team as he was way past his best.

[Drumcondra 69er]

I agree I think the reality is that Dunne is a good Premier League centre half. Nothing more, nothing less. He can often be outstanding but also is far too error prone to be ever considered a top level defender.

As usual the posse on here can't see beyond his last game for Ireland. If he'd instead been at fault for a couple of goals that cost us the match I can guarantee those same posters would be claiming he should be sold to a Championship team as he was way past his best.


I disagree that he's error prone, one inconsitent season from the last 5 would suggest otherwise.

It won't happen but he'd make a superb signing for Arsenal, he's exactly what they need. Villa or Everton if they lose Lescott would be good for him.

[irishfan86]

Not sure if the new owners are giving the same quotes as Shinawatra, but that is actually one of his quotes from last year about not selling shirts.

The new owners seem to be letting Hughes do his own thing, only telling him that he must make big signings.

As for YI and the overrated comment, you don't get player of the year at your club 3 years in a row being error prone.

[youngirish]

Not sure if the new owners are giving the same quotes as Shinawatra, but that is actually one of his quotes from last year about not selling shirts.

The new owners seem to be letting Hughes do his own thing, only telling him that he must make big signings.

As for YI and the overrated comment, you don't get player of the year at your club 3 years in a row being error prone.

What you seem to be forgetting is that they were a poor Premiership team for the majority of those 3 years and I watched many of his City games during this time and I can assure you he did make his fair share of mistakes in games during that period. Anyway player of the season is a popularity contest and Dunne is/was popular with city fans as much for his effort and guile and loyalty than his ability.

You can't compare Dunne to top quality central defenders like Terry, Vidic, Carragher, even Ferdinand. He's a step below I'm afraid. However, he's just as good if not better than the likes of Upson and Lescott and certainly better than Micah Richards who'd probably sell for double the price if City decided to move him on and not Dunne.

[stiffler]

I would love to see him go to Villa, he could be the rock of their defence for the next 5 years.

[Predator]

I would love to see him go to Villa, he could be the rock of their defence for the next 5 years.

He's good. He really isn't McGrath.

haha!

I don't care where he goes, as long as he's still at his best when playing for Ireland!

[Stuttgart88]

You can't compare Dunne to top quality central defenders like Terry, Vidic, Carragher, even Ferdinand. He's a step below I'm afriad.Funny, I'd compare him directly to Carragher - a "superb backs to the wall" defender but lacking the class & athleticism to be a quality & consistent "all round" defender. As for you for thinking I'm only looking at his last game for Ireland - you disappoint me. Usual "I know best" from YI.

I'd rate the other 3 higher than him alright but I think Dunne would stand up to scrutiny in any company and I stand by my assertion that he'd be a good addition to Arsenal's back 4. They're thinking of Upson and for probably twice the money. I know who I'd prefer.

[OwlsFan]

Lots of rumours and alleged comments about Dunne going here, there and everywhere but nothing concrete.

Let's hope he stays.

[youngirish]

Funny, I'd compare him directly to Carragher - a "superb backs to the wall" defender but lacking the class & athleticism to be a quality & consistent "all round" defender. As for you for thinking I'm only looking at his last game for Ireland - you disappoint me. Usual "I know best" from YI.


Never claimed you to be a member of the remember the last game only brigade. There are other posters on here that fall into that bracket but it doesn't apply to everyone.

[geysir]

You do sarcasm very poorly youngirish.

Give some cause for optimism that you have not become the first teenager to successfully fight off father time

[irishfan86]

I think it may be more a case of Hughes wanting to put his own stamp on the team, by getting rid of an element of the old leadership, and by naming Barry as captain (this may have even been promised to him as part of the transfer).

He may think Dunne is a good enough player, but may be representative of the old way of thinking, if you get my drift.

[geysir]

I only saw City play in a few uefa games and I can't say I was impressed by the way Hughes set up his team. If I had 5 zillion to spend building up a team, I wouldn't leave it in the hands of a manager who displayed such naivety in Europe.

[irishfan86]

I only saw City play in a few uefa games and I can't say I was impressed by the way Hughes set up his team. If I had 5 zillion to spend building up a team, I wouldn't leave it in the hands of a manager who displayed such naivety in Europe.

I think it's pretty clear that Manchester City lacked balance last year. There simply weren't enough defensive minded players in the team, or enough (any?) quality defenders for that matter.

Capturing Barry is a step in the right direction, as he will solidify their midfield.

But as you say, Hughes just seemed naive last campaign. It was horrible, putting 5 attackers out every game. Fun to watch as a neutral, but from a practical perspective it just seemed like schoolboy tactics.

If Hughes is blaming Dunne for Man City's mediocrity at the back, he should take a good hard look at his tactics first.

[Crosby87]

i still cant believe they would give up on him after one so so year.

[endabob1]

Dunne has had an indifferent season by his own high standards. However his is still an excellent defender. He had no cover from midfield last year and it showed. But for someone to say he is slow shows a distinct lack of knowledge of the game.

Oh well now you've told me I'll change my opinion, after all all I've based it on is seeing him play and watch football for 30+ years :rolleyes:
I think he's a good defender, he's had a sh!t season which will effect his price, he's almost 30 which will effect his price, he's not (IMO) as quick as he once was and he has turned down potential moves to London in the past which will effect the clubs he would be likely to join.
He's been a rock at City and before this season but I think we are in danger of rating him based on his often mom performances for Ireland & not his week in week out performaces, which have taken a step backwards this season. I think the no cover argument may have been a fair one before January but with Kompany & De Jong in the side that argument goes out the window as far as I am concerned.

[irishfan86]

Kompany and De Jong have looked out of their depth quite frankly, and have offered very little protection to the back four, especially away from home.

I expect this to change with Barry in the side, as he actually knows how to make a tackle.

[endabob1]

I think Barry will make a big difference, but De Jong & Kompany are both excellent players. I personally think the problems stem more from before January when Given & De Jong arrived, City looked much more solid in the second half of the season

[drummerboy]

Oh well now you've told me I'll change my opinion, after all all I've based it on is seeing him play and watch football for 30+ years :rolleyes:
I think he's a good defender, he's had a sh!t season which will effect his price, he's almost 30 which will effect his price, he's not (IMO) as quick as he once was and he has turned down potential moves to London in the past which will effect the clubs he would be likely to join.
He's been a rock at City and before this season but I think we are in danger of rating him based on his often mom performances for Ireland & not his week in week out performaces, which have taken a step backwards this season. I think the no cover argument may have been a fair one before January but with Kompany & De Jong in the side that argument goes out the window as far as I am concerned.

I don't disagree with a lot of what you say but his pace is one of his many attributes. He may look unathletic but he really overs the ground and I have rarely seen him outpaced. I think a lot of the problems he had with City this year were created by him being exposed by a very lightweight midfield and the loss of form of others around him. Whoever he plays for next season, I fully expect him to have a great season.

[Fitzy]

I would take Richard Dunne over all of England's centre halfs, with the possible exception of Rio Ferdinand who is better on the ball than Dunne. If John Terry had been left as exposed as Dunne was playing behind Man City's midfield last season then he would have had a bad season as well. City played like Ossie Ardiles' Spurs side at times last season, they were so open it was unbelievable.

Dunne and Distin were the main reason why Man City remained in the Premiership during the last few years, and he was their player of the year 4 times in a row before this season. People have very short memories on here. Maybe if they stopped listening to the ****e that Andy Gray and Jamie Redknapp come out with on Sky, and made their own mind up on a player's ability, then the likes of Joleon Lescott, Glen Johnson and Matthew Upson wouldn't be worth two and three times as much as a superior player like Dunne. He could play for any of the top four apart from Man Utd, and if I was Arsene Wenger I would buy him tomorrow.

[an_ceannaire]

I would take Richard Dunne over all of England's centre halfs, with the possible exception of Rio Ferdinand who is better on the ball than Dunne. If John Terry had been left as exposed as Dunne was playing behind Man City's midfield last season then he would have had a bad season as well. City played like Ossie Ardiles' Spurs side at times last season, they were so open it was unbelievable.

Dunne and Distin were the main reason why Man City remained in the Premiership during the last few years, and he was their player of the year 4 times in a row before this season. People have very short memories on here. Maybe if they stopped listening to the ****e that Andy Gray and Jamie Redknapp come out with on Sky, and made their own mind up on a player's ability, then the likes of Joleon Lescott, Glen Johnson and Matthew Upson wouldn't be worth two and three times as much as a superior player like Dunne. He could play for any of the top four apart from Man Utd, and if I was Arsene Wenger I would buy him tomorrow.

Listen I am not saying your wrong ok, and I think Dunne is top class, but do you ever notice, its only in Ireland that he is so highly rated. Similar to Shay that way. Go to England, Scotland, Wales, go to the Continent. Talk to football fans, real fans and Shay is not a top 5 premiership keeper (not my opinion) and Richie is definetly not a top 10 Centre Half, again not my opinion but its pretty much the general consensus outside the 26 counties. We base our opinions on International Football, the rest base it on club football.

[Predator]

Listen I am not saying your wrong ok, and I think Dunne is top class, but do you ever notice, its only in Ireland that he is so highly rated. Similar to Shay that way. Go to England, Scotland, Wales, go to the Continent. Talk to football fans, real fans and Shay is not a top 5 premiership keeper (not my opinion) and Richie is definetly not a top 10 Centre Half, again not my opinion but its pretty much the general consensus outside the 26 counties. We base our opinions on International Football, the rest base it on club football.

Trapattoni rates Shay highly. He said he was like Buffon, did he not? I think Trapattoni would have a sound judgement in comparison to say English supporters and armchair pundits...


...but its pretty much the general consensus outside the 26 counties.

Just as a point of information; There are plenty of people in the '6 counties' who support and have always supported Ireland. In fact I don't actually know any N.I. supporters personally. I'm sure these guys would rate Dunne highly as well. I know it's a minor point, but I felt it should be raised :)

[dr_peepee]

Listen I am not saying your wrong ok, and I think Dunne is top class, but do you ever notice, its only in Ireland that he is so highly rated. Similar to Shay that way. Go to England, Scotland, Wales, go to the Continent. Talk to football fans, real fans and Shay is not a top 5 premiership keeper (not my opinion) and Richie is definetly not a top 10 Centre Half, again not my opinion but its pretty much the general consensus outside the 26 counties. We base our opinions on International Football, the rest base it on club football.

Not really... Last year when City were bought out and the extent of their buying power was known, a number of sites and TV shows predicted future potential city teams over the coming seasons with input from Fans and Pundits... I noticed that Dunne was in every one of the teams.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Listen I am not saying your wrong ok, and I think Dunne is top class, but do you ever notice, its only in Ireland that he is so highly rated. Similar to Shay that way. Go to England, Scotland, Wales, go to the Continent. Talk to football fans, real fans and Shay is not a top 5 premiership keeper (not my opinion) and Richie is definetly not a top 10 Centre Half, again not my opinion but its pretty much the general consensus outside the 26 counties. We base our opinions on International Football, the rest base it on club football.

I see what you mean to an extent but the running joke in England a couple of years back when Ferdinand was being hyped but not really performing and Chelsea were winning leagues was that he wasn't even the best centre half in Manchester let alone England because of Duune's form, there was a large slice of truth behind that.

And to be honest, the majority of fans who actually go to games in England rather then watching it on Sky would always have rated Given due to his performances against their clubs every season.

[tetsujin1979]

according to the Manchester Evening News - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1121280_city_fight_for_dunne_and_robinho - Dunne is on holiday at the moment and will make a decision on his future when he returns

[irishultra]

Richard Dunne at club level is a mull of the mill player, its only because he's Irish that people rate him so highly(its ok its natural) but shay given IS one of the top keepers in europe. you can't judge it in numbers but given would be near the top list for many potential suitors imo. like he's above manchester citys level, he could have gone to arsenal, inter milan years ago and didn't.

[briar007]

richard dunne is a pro , with his ups and downs like any mere mortal but he would definately be up there with the best . I have him in my DreamTeam everytime . Always a high point scorer .. and I still think he will sign for Sunderland!

[EastTerracer]

Richard Dunne at club level is a mull of the mill player, its only because he's Irish that people rate him so highly(its ok its natural)

The following quotes might give you some pause for thought. Every manager he has played for and quite a few opposition managers rate him very highly.


Sven-Goran Eriksson: "He is a good leader, a fighter and in some games he is very very important. He has become a special spcecial player for the club. He has been the best player for the club for the last couple of years and he was Ireland player of the year this year."

Harry Redknapp: 'I think he's a top player but I think there's a couple of clubs in for him at the moment, but I think we've got as good a chance as anyone now"

Keegan: "I think that triangle of Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin and David James is as good as anything in the Premiership.

Joe Royle: “Very few players can run Dunney and the part of his game that has improved the most over the seasons is his heading. He is now a commanding central defender and a seasoned international. "The stories about his drinking and ill-discipline were always exaggerated and he was always going to mature into a top-notch central defender.”

Stuart Pearce: “Richard is my vice-captain, he is a good man and he is a good leader - and at the end of last season he was sensational. Richard is a big player for this football club and hopefully he will be with us for some years to come”

Trapattoni: “Richard Dunne played well. He is like a wardrobe, he is as big as a wardrobe. Whenever the ball was thrown in there, he won it. That was important."

[Dodge]

Joe Royle, Kevin Keegan, Stuart Pearce? Are they really the people we shold be listening to

[EastTerracer]

Joe Royle, Kevin Keegan, Stuart Pearce? Are they really the people we shold be listening to

I was just trying to highlight that it isn't only Irish people who rate Dunne. Personally I don't need any of those managers to tell me how good a player Dunne is, I can see it for myself. However, if you read irishultra's post above you would think that Dunne was the footballing equivalent of Aslan - the best band ever according to some but barely known outside of Ireland.

[joema]

Dunne is a top player, simple as that.

Doesn't matter if he's Irish, or any other nationality.

A good player is a good player. regardless of where he is from.

I'd love to see him go to Spurs.

[tricky_colour]

City would be mad to get rid of him, they won't sell many shirts back in the Championship!!
Why was the last time the idiot who said that played football?

[SunderlandBohs]

Sunderland are close to securing Manchester City defender Richard Dunne for £5m.
Full story: Daily Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/06/19/bruce-plots-city-raid-for-dunne-115875-21453015/)

If true, he'll be the difference in SAFC finishing in the top 10. We would have stayed up with a little bit more ease if we had someone like him last season. Type of player we've been crying out for the last 3-4years.

[drummerboy]

Sunderland are close to securing Manchester City defender Richard Dunne for £5m.
Full story: Daily Mirror (http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2009/06/19/bruce-plots-city-raid-for-dunne-115875-21453015/)

If true, he'll be the difference in SAFC finishing in the top 10. We would have stayed up with a little bit more ease if we had someone like him last season. Type of player we've been crying out for the last 3-4years.

Article also says that Bruce will let Whitehead go to Stoke, which would be a direct threat to Glenn Whelan’s place.

[johnnyc]

Richard Dunne is very much our Fabio Cannavaro. A great leader, immensely strong, plays with his heart on his sleeve. Yes, he will make the odd mistake (ditto Cannavaro) and he had a poor season with a club going through a massive transition. Both Micah Richards (previously linked with all of the top four) and Dunne (City player of the year about 25 years in a row) suddenly turned into Laurel and Hardy.

It's obvious that he's been the best thing about our (outfield) defence since Paul McGrath. If City are silly enough to let him go, someone looking to break into the top four like Villa or Everton should snap him up quick sharp.