LOI Fixtures Fri 13th - Tues 17th April 2018

[Ezeikial]

I think to be fair on Cleary, it was more a case of Dundalk offering more, it was put out at the time that Rovers would not be offering him a contract, it was probably more the case that he didn’t accept what Rovers offered.


The simple reality of it is that the Biggest Club in Ireland (TM) had Cleary training with them early on in pre-season - he even played in a friendly match in mid January - before signing for Dundalk in mid February. For whatever madcap reason Bradley seemed to think that Gilchrist, Bone,Grace and Lopez were better options.

It was obvious from his first appearance with Dundalk, that this chap is special

[ArFella]

When was the last time Limerick gave Dundalk a tough game?

Our first meeting with them last year was a tough match, 1-0 win if memory serves me, but I think we're unbeaten against them over the last few years anyway so point taken. I think it will most likely be an ugly game and I wouldn't be surprised if we dropped points because we have looked to really lack fitness at times this season and with the game on friday against Shams being one of such high intensity we may be a little sluggish and if the pitch is heavy in any way it's not going to help us.

[jinxy lilywhite]

In the first division limerick were the team I dreaded us playing

[oriel]

When was the last time Limerick gave Dundalk a tough game?


Maybe the game in summer of 2015 when Limerick were 2-1 up and Dundalk won it 3-2 or 4-2, Richie Towell with 2 I think and then the infamous song from the Limerick fans ……………..‘that’s why your champ----ions’

[colonelwest]

On Cleary, as far as I'm aware Stephen "Bradser" Bradserley was going to sign him as backup and the plan was to send him out on loan, left it on the long finger while he sorted out the rest of the keystone cops and Dundalk nipped in and offered him a contract that Cleary happily accepted. Understandable given he must have been too busy planning for all these cup finals Rovers have been playing in this season and raring 452242 kids in the youth system.

Tough game for us tonight down in Limerick, early doors in the season but a win would do nicely to keep the momentum going. Fond memories of the halycon days of the graveyard and Colin Scanlon doing us a massive favour v Shels!

[White Horse]

On Cleary, as far as I'm aware Stephen "Bradser" Bradserley was going to sign him as backup and the plan was to send him out on loan...

Strange how a couple of thousand Dundalk fans could see, at first glance, that Cleary is huge talent and would be the lynchpin of the defence for the season.

[osarusan]

Maybe the game in summer of 2015 when Limerick were 2-1 up and Dundalk won it 3-2 or 4-2, Richie Towell with 2 I think and then the infamous song from the Limerick fans ……………..‘that’s why your champ----ions’

We went 1-0 up after about 90 seconds, and the next 75 minutes or so was just about the most one-sided siege of a goal I've ever seen, until you finally scored, and from then on there was only going to be one result. Finished 3-1.

You beat us 1-0 in the second or third game of last season, and we were competitive enough, but after that, I don't think we ran you close at all last season, and don't think we'll do it tonight either, although the fact that it rained heavily all night long might work in our favour somewhat. Our best chance of a result is against teams that play long balls or work it wide for crosses, because we defend that pretty well. But any team that tries to play through us will cut us open fairly easily.

[Asterix]

I think to be fair on Cleary, it was more a case of Dundalk offering more, it was put out at the time that Rovers would not be offering him a contract, it was probably more the case that he didn’t accept what Rovers offered.

Bolger is a strange one, thought he actually slowed up their MF v Dundalk a few weeks ago, almost getting in the way. Getting rid of Madden was just nuts.

Cleary wouldn't sign without a clause in the contract that allowed him to leave for free if a uk club wanted him.

[Lim till i die]

Lads, we didn't even give cobh a difficult game ffs. :D

Dundalk by 2 or 3 in second gear.

Dundalk by as many as they like if they bother.

[Ezeikial]

Cleary wouldn't sign without a clause in the contract that allowed him to leave for free if a uk club wanted him.

So Rovers opted for Ally Gilchirst to buttress the defence - who was released by St Johnstone after making no league appearances in the last 4 years?

Daniel Cleary then signs a two year deal with Dundalk - apparently without any free transfer opt-out clause. Go figure

[Nesta99]

In the first division limerick were the team I dreaded us playing

In the first division I just dreaded us playing!!!

[colonelwest]

In the first division I just dreaded us playing!!!

Thomas McGauley against Monaghan at home under Giller, he was never to be seen again after the worst 21 mins I've ever seen anyone play in my life. Still gives me nightmares to this day. That and Jamie Duffy's fake tan!

[Asterix]

So Rovers opted for Ally Gilchirst to buttress the defence - who was released by St Johnstone after making no league appearances in the last 4 years?

Daniel Cleary then signs a two year deal with Dundalk - apparently without any free transfer opt-out clause. Go figure

Opted for? We were going o sign both of them but he wouldn't without the clause. If Dundalk got him without it then the reason is pretty obvious. Kitchen sink and all that.

[marinobohs]

I can't remember an individual player ever getting the level of criticism Bolger got on SR last night, was surprised how hard O'Brien went in in him, especially the line about how his performance was so poor that Bolger should refund his wages

Definitely OTT and very unfair. All players have the odd bad game irrespective of what they are or aren’t paid. It’s part of the game. Hardly as if Bolger is solely responsible for shams recent defeats. Is O’Brien deliberately trying to be controversial ? Maybe sees himself as some kind of LOI Dunphy 😊.
Would expect someone that played the game to know how difficult it is when a player is in a bad rut.

[Nesta99]

Cleary wouldn't sign without a clause in the contract that allowed him to leave for free if a uk club wanted him.

Such a stance is laudible and has worked out well for you so far!

Its crazy how so many people know the fine details of players contracts in this league, clauses and all. Confidentiality at boardroom level in LoI must be zero - and even moreso when its about the details of players signed with other clubs. Cleary may well have requested such a clause at Rovers, he may not have required the same clause when signing with Dundalk, who knows! Maybe the basic wage offered by Dundalk was enough to have him drop extra demands, maybe not, and only time will tell. While Cleary on his current form would be a major loss we do have decent cover as I dont think even SK expected him to have such an immediate impact. Bradley can only wish he took a punt there at this stage. Given plenty of time his judgement might bear fruit at Tallaght as he hasnt done a whole lot wrong really and must be a serious breath of freash air after Fenlon.

[Nesta99]

Opted for? We were going o sign both of them but he wouldn't without the clause. If Dundalk got him without it then the reason is pretty obvious. Kitchen sink and all that.

He is U23 and can walk on the cheap, clause or no clause, regardless and Dundalk wouldnt be in line for much of a development fee for his what would only be 5 months come July at the club.

[ArFella]

God you have to laugh at the pure, unadulterated arrogance of (most) Rovers fans, Bradley is the perfect manager for them, long may he reign :D

https://foot.ie/attachment.php?attachmentid=2665&stc=1

[Ezeikial]

Opted for? We were going o sign both of them but he wouldn't without the clause. If Dundalk got him without it then the reason is pretty obvious. Kitchen sink and all that.

Is there something put in the water or injected into the atmosphere at Tallaght Stadium that leaves Rovers fans naive and accepting of every bit of spin they are fed?

Daniel Cleary was under contract at Birmingham to July 2018 and certainly could have sat out his contract there if he wished. He could probably also have gone out on loan to a LoI club or elsewhere which would have given him options in July. Instead he negotiated a mutual termination agreement which allowed him to sort out something at home that was more long-term. He subsequently signed a 2 year deal with Dundalk and you are still saying that a phantom free release clause was the barrier to him signing for Rovers.

The logical conclusion to what you are claiming is that there is a deficiency in the ability to negotiate with a player at Rovers rather than an inability to recognise talent.

[Ezeikial]

The logical conclusion to what you are claiming is that there is a deficiency in the ability to negotiate with a player at Rovers rather than an inability to recognise talent.

While pondering to figure out which of these it might be, I thought it might be helpful to recap on the Rovers back five in their last home game against Bohs

--------------Horgan---------------
Boyle---Grace----Gilchrist---Byrne

Defence options on the bench:
Chencinski (gk)
Roberto Lopes
Joey O’Brien

[Charlie Darwin]

I can't remember an individual player ever getting the level of criticism Bolger got on SR last night, was surprised how hard O'Brien went in in him, especially the line about how his performance was so poor that Bolger should refund his wages
I think Cawley raised the stakes last week and now all the younger lads are trying to out-Dunphy each other. I assume Sadlier will be on next week to accuse Ethan Boyle of stealing a car or something.

[Yossarian]

He is U23 and can walk on the cheap, clause or no clause, regardless and Dundalk wouldnt be in line for much of a development fee for his what would only be 5 months come July at the club.

The U23 development fee is irrelevant as he is under contract and only comes into play at the end of his contract.

[Ezeikial]

Footage of the Bray goal last night. It looks like Gilchrist was expecting Finn to pass it to his left side and could not readjust.

https://twitter.com/SoccRepublic/status/986197337528774657

[Charlie Darwin]

Gilchrist is left-footed so should have got the pass there, but it wasn't really that. Gilchrist was going wide because it was a better position but Finn decided to pass back inside and presumably didn't lift his head. Just poor play and bad communication all around.

[sulywaterfordfc]

Yeah, hilarious. Anyway, more cards for Waterford. All caulfields fault I suppose.

Corks obession with Waterford continues... Cork fans spend more time talking about Waterford and Stephen Kenny then they do themselves 🙄🙄

Cork have three sending offs this year, two for violent conduct, they’re a team of saints though....


Disgraceful to have another two reds last tonight though. Four players sent off in 11 games is shocking, it doesn’t help that Browne missed the last two games with injury either.

[Nesta99]

The U23 development fee is irrelevant as he is under contract and only comes into play at the end of his contract.

Good point! I wasnt aware that it was a 2 year contract tbh. Its still makes little sense, given the circumstances outlined by Ezekeial, that Rovers dug in on some alleged contractual release clause. (Or that SDCC would close public toilets due to an alleged rogue turd...).

[osarusan]

Disgraceful to have another two reds last tonight though.
Really poor stuff considering the existing bans for Hery and Aborah, professional players should be keeping that in mind, manager should be stressing it too.

[oriel]

Disgraceful to have another two reds last tonight though. Four players sent off in 11 games is shocking, it doesn’t help that Browne missed the last two games with injury either.

Absolutely, if any teams wants to be in the running to win things or at very least qualify for Europe you need your players to be staying on the park for 90 mins.

You can maybe tolerate one, max two per season and sometimes this could be a mad decision like a keeper rushing out and getting his timing wrong, but anything like a straight red is just irresponsible by a player. Having two sent off in one game in just unacceptable.

I think Dundalk might have had one red in 2017 (Shields) and one in 2016** (Horgan) – both 2nd yellows but I`m open to correction.

**EDIT : Dundalk had a good few more, I forgot about O'Donnell second yellow away to AZ Alkmaar and Gartland in Pres Cup away to Cork in 2016, plus also Shields away to Cork 2016 too.

[redarmyfaction]

Cork knocking it long every time

[micls]

Cork knocking it long every time

Played some nice football first half, very poor second half. Just gone 1 up though.

[osarusan]

Dundalk strolled to victory, real men against boys (or invalids) stuff.

[Ezeikial]

Greg Bolger responds to Fabio O'Brien


'Keep it constructive... you clown' - Bolger hits back at RTÉ criticism

The Shamrock Rovers midfielder has responded to comments made last night by Declan ‘Fabio’ O’Brien.
http://www.the42.ie/greg-bolger-responds-fabio-criticism-3962790-Apr2018/?utm_source=shortlink

[outspoken]

Greg Bolger responds to Fabio O'Brien


http://www.the42.ie/greg-bolger-responds-fabio-criticism-3962790-Apr2018/?utm_source=shortlink

Bolger is one of those players who searches his own name on Twitter to see what’s been said about him. He’s been sh1te for rovers, he’d be better off responding on the field. Fabio was spot on in everything he said.

[Crosshead]

Won without playing well, which they say is a sign of a good team, but I'd be a bit worried that it could be a case of riding our luck a bit. Sligo offered nothing and were playing for a draw, the next few fixtures against teams that will have a go at us will be telling. Played some nice stuff for spells of the first half, but seemed to panic in the second that we hadn't scored yet.

[Real ale Madrid]

Bolger is one of those players who searches his own name on Twitter to see what’s been said about him. He’s been sh1te for rovers, he’d be better off responding on the field. Fabio was spot on in everything he said.

Or maybe he just watched Soccer Republic? Fabio is a plonker. Give back his wages? Give it a rest.

[micls]

Bolger is one of those players who searches his own name on Twitter to see what’s been said about him. He’s been sh1te for rovers, he’d be better off responding on the field. Fabio was spot on in everything he said.

Nonsense. He should hand back his wages? Come off the stage. And coming from Fabio of all people it's a bit rich.

[Charlie Darwin]

Bolger is one of those players who searches his own name on Twitter to see what’s been said about him. He’s been sh1te for rovers, he’d be better off responding on the field. Fabio was spot on in everything he said.
I've seen him a lot more than you I expect and he hasn't been great, but hasn't been ****e either. Word is he's been carrying an injury all year.

[mcgonigle]

Dundalk strolled to victory, real men against boys (or invalids) stuff.

Yeah it was very easy, would worry for Limerick. Pitch is awful as well and €18 is a joke, feel for the home fans

[Ezeikial]

Bolger is one of those players who searches his own name on Twitter to see what’s been said about him. He’s been sh1te for rovers, he’d be better off responding on the field. Fabio was spot on in everything he said.

Cheap, hypocritical and attention-grabbing by O'Brien.

Bolger is well entitled to respond to call out that sort of nonsense

[El-Pietro]

Yeah it was very easy, would worry for Limerick. Pitch is awful as well and €18 is a joke, feel for the home fans

They have a very poor record in midweek games this season. Small squad holding back their best for games they think they can get results in. They have done well so far. Right now I think Sligo will finish behind them, and Bohs could be sucked in as well despite their success in derby games.

[osarusan]

Yeah it was very easy, would worry for Limerick. Pitch is awful as well and €18 is a joke, feel for the home fans

The pitch was looking a bit better against Sligo, but the heavy rain on Monday night wrecked it.

18 is a joke, especially as it seems away fans can't get the cheaper tickets in advance. Plenty of home fans don't know what's going on either with the new category of matches. How many other clubs have a similar system?

We are woeful alright, just have to hope that Bray continue to be worse. Sligo looked very poor both times we played them, Bohs a bit better. But beyond those 3, it's hard to see us taking points off anybody. We never look like scoring.

[Ezeikial]

The Bradser speaks:


Bradley said suggestions that European qualification had been made more difficult by their poor start were ‘ridiculous’, pointing out that his side had overhauled Derry City, who had been eight points ahead of them, in their final nine games last year.

https://www.thesun.ie/sport/football/2457338/stephen-bradley-says-he-is-not-worried-about-his-position-as-shamrock-rovers-manager-after-bray-wanderers-and-bohemians-defeats/

[redarmyfaction]

Won without playing well, which they say is a sign of a good team, but I'd be a bit worried that it could be a case of riding our luck a bit. Sligo offered nothing and were playing for a draw, the next few fixtures against teams that will have a go at us will be telling. Played some nice stuff for spells of the first half, but seemed to panic in the second that we hadn't scored yet.

I only saw the second half but knowing how bad we are I thought Cork were absolutely dire.

[El-Pietro]

We had a poor start to the second half. We were much better first half. If we had scored early it could have been a big scoring game. 3 points is all that matters.

[mcgonigle]

The pitch was looking a bit better against Sligo, but the heavy rain on Monday night wrecked it.

18 is a joke, especially as it seems away fans can't get the cheaper tickets in advance. Plenty of home fans don't know what's going on either with the new category of matches. How many other clubs have a similar system?

We are woeful alright, just have to hope that Bray continue to be worse. Sligo looked very poor both times we played them, Bohs a bit better. But beyond those 3, it's hard to see us taking points off anybody. We never look like scoring.

Bray will only get better, Sligo are ahead of you based on what I've seen. Bohs are better than both of them.

Maybe it was a bad night for you but it could have been another 8 if we were bothered

[TonyD]

I've seen him a lot more than you I expect and he hasn't been great, but hasn't been ****e either. Word is he's been carrying an injury all year.

Bolger was one of my favourite players in the Pats title winning side of 2013. Was the best centre midfielder in the league that year in my view. Pity he left under a bit of a cloud ( threw the toys out of the Pram a bit when we wouldn't let him go to Motherwell for buttons.) Havent seen him really this year, but I'd still rate him.

[Ezeikial]

He's off again


“It’s Shamrock Rovers, it’s the biggest club in the country. I fully understand that that comes with being the manager of this club — you get criticised when you lose.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/stephen-bradley-michael-oneill-told-me-thered-be-days-like-this-469684.html

[Ezeikial]

I wonder if Ronan Finn is directing this at his manager, and if he is, whether the manager is capable of grasping it


“If you go in thinking you’re above anyone, you’re leaving yourself open to be hurt. I don’t think any team in the league is good enough to be like that regarding another side.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/stephen-bradley-michael-oneill-told-me-thered-be-days-like-this-469684.html

[Ezeikial]

Genuine questions below especially for any Rovers fans here

Ronan Finn towards the end of this video interview



It’s what happens when you play for Shamrock Rovers, everybody wants to get a little dig at you. Everybody else hopes you fail
https://twitter.com/ShamrockRovers/status/987336026858426370

1) Do you agree with him?

2) If you agree, why do you think that is the case that "Everybody else hopes you fail"

[Kingswood Rover]

Genuine questions below especially for any Rovers fans here

Ronan Finn towards the end of this video interview


https://twitter.com/ShamrockRovers/status/987336026858426370

1) Do you agree with him?

2) If you agree, why do you think that is the case that "Everybody else hopes you fail"
Looked uneasy, what else was he gonna say. I think he is trying to embellish the "siege mentality" that his manager is know to spout from time to time. Everyone else hopes you fail, of course they do, sure we all do that, except when it comes to Europe of Course i would even cheer for the Bohez against any foreign oppo.