Connor Ronan M Colorado Rapids b.1998

[zero]

Good to see. I guess he's another we have to consider a flight risk though, given he's played underage for England?

[Diggs246]

Good to see. I guess he's another we have to consider a flight risk though, given he's played underage for England?

Defo unfortunately. I always check duel players Twitter "handle" and he has wolves and adidas and no mention of FAI or rep of Ireland

[Olé Olé]

Didn't he turn England down in favour of us having sampled both sides? He seemed to have made a clear decision. Rice just didn't have the option. Grealish was getting played age groups above.

[CraftyToePoke]

This was a while ago but he did pick us having had both to chose from at that time

- https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/clamour-teenage-sensation-ireland-england-switch-allegiance-sorry-late-113417



"Going away with England, that went well. But when I was away with England I knew I was going away with Ireland the week after, so it was just to see what it was like," Ronan said.

"I wanted to get an experience and to see which one I’d prefer to play for.

"It’s the atmosphere in the group. With Ireland, it felt like more of a team. Everyone is more together, and you feel more involved."

I don't know if those games were competitive and that is his switch used though.

tets ?

[Olé Olé]

I know his link is the same as Rice though i.e. his father's parents are Irish. This article is recent and references that. I think I saw another previously that said his father was a big Ireland fan: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/loan-ranger-ronan-finding-his-feet-after-slovakia-move-37951122.html

Anyway, the new contract might not have been completely expected. And it also makes his upcoming season that bit more interesting. Ronan doesn't have a body of work at a decent level in England to point to so I'm not sure if Wolves are planning to loan him out again this season or if he is in the first team plans.

[zero]

I know his link is the same as Rice though i.e. his father's parents are Irish. This article is recent and references that. I think I saw another previously that said his father was a big Ireland fan: https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/loan-ranger-ronan-finding-his-feet-after-slovakia-move-37951122.html

Anyway, the new contract might not have been completely expected. And it also makes his upcoming season that bit more interesting. Ronan doesn't have a body of work at a decent level in England to point to so I'm not sure if Wolves are planning to loan him out again this season or if he is in the first team plans.

They've qualified for the europa league - their season now starts on the 25th of July. Perhaps he'll feature in some of those games and then could go out on loan later.

[Olé Olé]

Or impress and not go on loan. I think he may be suited to their style of play. Wolves like to play between the lines and break through the lines. He has that direct running that Jonny, Doherty and Traore have but obviously uses it differently.

[DeLorean]

I don't know if those games were competitive and that is his switch used though.

According to Wikipedia, Ronan made his two England U17 appearances in 2015.

There's a list of their games here (https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/england-u17-h-team/2015/3/). I don't think he features in any of the competitive games so it must be a couple of the friendlies for which they don't have the team sheets available.

[third policeman]

Or impress and not go on loan. I think he may be suited to their style of play. Wolves like to play between the lines and break through the lines. He has that direct running that Jonny, Doherty and Traore have but obviously uses it differently.

Bit of an enigma. He's looked impressive for Wolves on his few first team outings especially the cup game against City. They are generally willing to give young players a chance, but he's been sent out on loan, and sometimes struggled to impress when playing in lower leagues. Not really sure what the level is like in Slovakia, but it's encouraging he has been offered a deal. Just seems like he's too old to be going out on loan again, if he's going to make a break through it has to be this season. In a way, I'd like to see him get a chance with our senior squad even if he's not getting regular football at Wolves. He's the kind of player who looks like he could thrive at the highest level, if given the opportunity and the chance to develop confidence and profile. I know Mick is only there for the short term, but he's surely got to use his tenure to develop and integrate talent for his successor as well as get results. The Connell call up was encouraging, but I'd like to see more younger players given the chance to progress, rather that persisting with players who we already know are not international quality.

[tetsujin1979]

There's an interview with him on the FA's website here: From Spotland terraces to the international stage (http://www.thefa.com/news/2015/Feb/21/connor-ronan-discusses-rochdale-idols-and-england-aspirations-210215)
Looks like his two caps came in the games against Poland (http://www.thefa.com/news/england/development/2015/feb/england-u17s-v-portugal-algarve-tournament-match-report-150215)and the Netherlands (http://www.thefa.com/news/england/development/2015/feb/england-v-holland-algarve-u17s-tournament-match-report-130215)

This quote from the article is interesting

And the next chance to build on his international career will come in his new-found home region, with the Midlands playing host to England’s European U17 Championship Elite Round Qualifiers in March – something which Ronan is desperate to be involved with.

“It would be great. If I keep playing well for my club then hopefully I can get that chance.

Ronan had switched his allegiance by the time of those qualifiers, and actually played against England in the finals: https://www.uefa.com/under17/season=2015/matches/round=2000510/match=2016450/index.html

[tetsujin1979]

Played the full game last night for DAC at home against Cracovia in the first qualifying round of the Europa league. The game finished 1-1, so they'll need a win in Poland next week.

[tetsujin1979]

Just occurred to me that, having already appeared for DAC in the Europa League, Ronan will not be able to take part in Wolves' campaign in the same competition - assuming they're still in it when his loan spell ends

[tommy_c12000]

Through on away goals 2-2 AET. Ronan with first goal:
https://www.flashscore.com/match/QJH23alE/#video

I’ve also noticed he’s been to the forefront of the team conferences as well, such as before today’s game (just him and the manager). Great experience for him

https://t.co/sblyrkJvb1?ssr=true

Atromitos from Greece in second round, they finished 4th in Greek league last year

[Olé Olé]

That's an absolutely fabulous goal.

[liamoo11]

Anyone know what kind of level the slovakian league is? Step above league of Ireland and step below Dutch league?

[samhaydenjr]

Anyone know what kind of level the slovakian league is? Step above league of Ireland and step below Dutch league?

Based on the numbers, a step above the League of Ireland but two or three steps below Eredivisie:

- UEFA Ranking: Slovakia 29th, Rep of Ireland 38, Netherlands 12
- Stadium size - 4 stadia bigger than anything in LOI, the rest about the same size as the bigger LOI grounds (but in better shape from what I see)
- Average Attendance last season - Slovakia 2400, LOI 2136, Eredivisie 18004
- Performance in Europe by Slovak sides: 3 appearances in Champions League Groups stages, four in Europa League
- Quality of players at DAC: a very young squad, a good proportion of which has underage international experience with a few players having played a few senior internationals and one experienced Panamanian international

So probably a good stepping stone for Ronan, but we definitely would be looking for him to play at a higher level in 2020

[elatedscum]

Broken rib(s). Out for 4-6 weeks. Unfortunate for the lad.

It also means that Kenny will be looking for another midfielder in a few weeks.

Who are the options to play with Coventry and Molumby: Mandriou, Taylor, Doyle-Hayes, Bolger, Smallbone, Kavanagh? Knight is still a U19 so I guess play for either one.

I think I'd be looking at Mandriou or Smallbone if I was him

[Charlie Darwin]

Kavanagh would be the obvious one I think, or Knight, given they've been involved already. Mandroiu hasn't really featured so far but Kenny could easily jump him to the front of the queue given the way he's been playing. If I was making the choice myself, Mandroiu would be first in the queue but any of them would be a step down from Ronan.

[tommy_c12000]

Returned today after rib fracture as a 76’ sub for FC DAC in a 1-0 loss. Good to see him back. Should be back to full fitness before Italy u21 game

https://www.dac1904.sk/sk/clanek.asp?id=DAC-Ruzomberok-0-1-0-1-4456

[tommy_c12000]

Another 90 minutes for Connor Ronan today in FC DACs excellent 1-0 win over second placed Zilina. He should be raring to go for under 21s vs Italy.

https://www.dac1904.sk/sk/clanek.asp?id=NAZIVO-DAC-Zilina-1-0-4489

[Razors left peg]

Moves to Blackpool on loan. I would have hoped for a Championship Club for him after playing so much football in Slovakia. If Blackpool are a footballing side it will suit him, but I always worry about short skillful players in the English lower leagues.

1218181329176662018

[Olé Olé]

Very surprising a Championship side wouldn't take a punt but a punt isn't what he needed. One would have to assume or hope that Simon Grayson has provided assurances to Wolves.

[SkStu]

Moves to Blackpool on loan. I would have hoped for a Championship Club for him after playing so much football in Slovakia. If Blackpool are a footballing side it will suit him, but I always worry about short skillful players in the English lower leagues.

1218181329176662018

Worked out well for Wessi!!

[Razors left peg]

Worked out well for Wessi!!

Absolutely, as I said I hope they play football and hes not either watching the ball fly over his head all the time or that hes not just pushed out to the wing out of the way because hes a "luxury Player"

Ive seen nothing of Blackpool in recent years so I have no idea what style of football they play.

[MancIrishWolf]

Good goal today against Bolton. Appears to be liked by their fans and doing well to keep Spearing out. Fans still looking out for him at Molineux, as well thought of after some good displays, although a move might be a better option for regular football...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BShzYktXeqo

[tetsujin1979]

interviewed earlier this week in the Athletic: https://theathletic.co.uk/1864728/2020/06/17/connor-ronan-wolves-blackpool-ireland-nuno-de-bruyne/

[John83]

Now there's a search engine optimised page name. connor-ronan-wolves-blackpool-ireland-nuno-de-bruyne

It's behind a paywall. Anything interesting in there?

[tetsujin1979]

No idea, I don't have a account

[DeLorean]

Now there's a search engine optimised page name. connor-ronan-wolves-blackpool-ireland-nuno-de-bruyne

It's behind a paywall. Anything interesting in there?

Probably the same as this - https://www.the42.ie/connor-ronan-de-bruyne-interview-3679425-Nov2017/

[tommy_c12000]

Off to Grasshopper Zurich on loan. Look like they play in the Swiss second division (challenge league). Pretty underwhelming and hardly a step up from the Slovakian premier league.... but good to see him getting out to play games on the continent again. Historically they are one of the strongest Swiss clubs I suppose and finished 3rd last year in Challenge league (top 2 get promoted) so you’d expect them to be promoted this year...

[elatedscum]

Disappointing

[Bielsa´s irish]

i think S.K will give him a chance and want him to play. The pitches there are amazing.

[nigel-harps1954]

How do you mute someone on here? :rolleyes:

[tetsujin1979]

How do you mute someone on here? :rolleyes:

Click their user name -> Select "View Profile" from the menu -> click "Add to ignore list"

[seanfhear]

Off to Grasshopper Zurich on loan. Look like they play in the Swiss second division (challenge league). Pretty underwhelming and hardly a step up from the Slovakian premier league.... but good to see him getting out to play games on the continent again. Historically they are one of the strongest Swiss clubs I suppose and finished 3rd last year in Challenge league (top 2 get promoted) so you’d expect them to be promoted this year...
Should improve him over the grass with mobility anyways !

[Diggs246]

Who is representing these guy's, that's a terrible move

[Bielsa´s irish]

Such a great prospect this guy. I watched him live at Toulon on t.v. He is a remarkable talent. Reminds me of Hoolahan,

[Razors left peg]

I'm ok with this move. He might have hated the lower leagues in England when he was on loan last season. Hes probably more suited to continental football being small and technical. Keeps him playing 1st team football. If he doesn't make it at Wolves he might have options in other countries in the long term.

Jack Byrne similarly did well on continent and was disaster in lower English leagues. Id rather see Ronan end up in a decent European team than back in LOI living with his Mam (I know Ronan is English born before anyone corrects me)

[DeLorean]

New four year deal at Wolves - https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/under-23/20200916-ronan-agrees-new-contract/#


He’s also done very well at international level with the Republic of Ireland under-21s and Stephen Kenny, who was the under-21s coach and is now the head coach, has always rated Connor very highly. We hope he will soon progress to the full Ireland squad, because we believe he has the ability and potential to do that.

[Eirambler]

Contracted at Wolves beyond his 26th birthday now. Certainly gives him job security but I really do wonder whether he will ever break into the Wolves first team.

[youngirish]

Surely at 22 he should be looking to join a club that can offer him first team football at a lower level. He looked decent at Blackpool last season so there's no reason why his agent shouldn't be able to secure a move to a decent Championship club.

[CraftyToePoke]

Surely at 22 he should be looking to join a club that can offer him first team football at a lower level. He looked decent at Blackpool last season so there's no reason why his agent shouldn't be able to secure a move to a decent Championship club.

We've plenty lads at that, its an interesting one to keep an eye on I think, the way they are going about this if nothing else to see if he ends up any better of for it in the end.

The four year deal is a pleasant surprise, really didn't expect that out of Wolves who must see something in him to offer it

[samhaydenjr]

Could it be just a ploy by Wolves to ensure he doesn't leave on a free? That when they decide to let him go, they get a nice six- or low-seven-figure sum from a Championship/League One/Continental team.

[dr_peepee]

Might do a Victor Moses @ Chelsea thing!!!

[elatedscum]

My guess is that Wolves owners are anxious for a homegrown player or two to make the step up and the club are hedging their bets.

He’s got ample ability. It’s definitely less likely rather than more likely and in my opinion, playing in the second division in Switzerland is very much a backward step. I knew a lad who struggled to get into Finn Harps and UCD’s sides who played in that division during his Erasmus. That’s the level we’re talking about...

He’s got a touch of Wes about him and I think in reality, playing in a good footballing team with good players around him like Wolves, he’d have a chance to be very good.

[Olé Olé]

Whatever about the level of the loan, the onus is on him to rip it up there and prove he's too good for that level.

[Charlie Darwin]

My guess is that Wolves owners are anxious for a homegrown player or two to make the step up and the club are hedging their bets.

He’s got ample ability. It’s definitely less likely rather than more likely and in my opinion, playing in the second division in Switzerland is very much a backward step. I knew a lad who struggled to get into Finn Harps and UCD’s sides who played in that division during his Erasmus. That’s the level we’re talking about...

He’s got a touch of Wes about him and I think in reality, playing in a good footballing team with good players around him like Wolves, he’d have a chance to be very good.
Grasshopper are owned by the Wolves owner's wife so they're pretty much sister clubs. They're expected to dominate their league this year so Ronan will at least be in a team on the front foot at a decent level.

[Diggs246]

How corrupt is wolves. Agents and wives

[seanfhear]

How corrupt is wolves. Agents and wivesThe Wolf Pack. is there a tie in with Mourinho and therefore the Doherty transfer ?

[Eirambler]

That was more through the agent connection - Mendes would have strong links on both sides there.