LOI In Europe 2025

[pineapple stu]

Worst case scenario they develop him to a level that they sell him for a slight profit on what they paid
Worst case scenario is he doesn't make it and gets released on a free back to Ireland surely?

[2 Year Contract]

I think you missed my point, obviously i have seen him play the senior games my only reference to the underage stuff was that he was never a standout at underage and while he has shown some good form at senior level nothing spectaculer that other players hos age and younger arent doing as well. Hes Irish so i hope he does well but i am still mystified as to how Spurs picked him out as worth the money.

He scored 10 goals in 22 games for the Ireland U17s, if that’s not standing out I don’t know what is. On your point about him not doing anything that other players his age and younger are also doing, Michael Noonan aside (who’s also worth just as much money as Spurs paid for Melia if not more), can you name the other lads aged 17 or younger that are playing as many minutes as Melia in the Premier Division and scoring goals at that level? There are none.

[2 Year Contract]

Worst case scenario is he doesn't make it and gets released on a free back to Ireland surely?
Suppose so, again though it’s peanuts for them so it’s not a financial risk in the slightest even if that were to happen

[sbgawa]

He scored 10 goals in 22 games for the Ireland U17s, if that’s not standing out I don’t know what is. On your point about him not doing anything that other players his age and younger are also doing, Michael Noonan aside (who’s also worth just as much money as Spurs paid for Melia if not more), can you name the other lads aged 17 or younger that are playing as many minutes as Melia in the Premier Division and scoring goals at that level? There are none.

Statistics are great , 10 goals in 22 appearences for the under 21's or put another way 14 goals in all under age Irish appearences in 39 matchs and 14 goals in 65 appearences for PAts.
Better players at his age i would include 3 from Rovers all younger and have the potential to be better by the time they are 18......Kovalaskis, Ozhianvunu and Noonan, appearences harder to come by in a league winning team be fair but they are consistantly around the team and Kovalaskis imo the best of the lot
Cathal O Sullivan in Cork 7 goals in 47 appearences as a midfielder springs to mind, im sure others could think of some 16 and 17 year olds in their own teams.

Im not against Melia and wish the kid the best, me saying i cant see it is my opinion but ive been right and wrong about players before.

[Burnsie]

Palace booted out of the Europa League, despite many claiming last month that UEFA were only targeting small clubs with the MCO rules

[Buckett]

Palace booted out of the Europa League, despite many claiming last month that UEFA were only targeting small clubs with the MCO rules
They're out of the Europa League but will be playing in the Conference League

[2 Year Contract]

Statistics are great , 10 goals in 22 appearences for the under 21's or put another way 14 goals in all under age Irish appearences in 39 matchs and 14 goals in 65 appearences for PAts.
Better players at his age i would include 3 from Rovers all younger and have the potential to be better by the time they are 18......Kovalaskis, Ozhianvunu and Noonan, appearences harder to come by in a league winning team be fair but they are consistantly around the team and Kovalaskis imo the best of the lot
Cathal O Sullivan in Cork 7 goals in 47 appearences as a midfielder springs to mind, im sure others could think of some 16 and 17 year olds in their own teams.

Im not against Melia and wish the kid the best, me saying i cant see it is my opinion but ive been right and wrong about players before.

I never said there wasn’t players his age or younger that have the potential to be better than him. I said other than Noonan, no players his age or younger are playing anywhere near the number of minutes in the premier division as he is and scoring goals at that level, which is a fact. You can disagree with the facts on the Ireland underage goals if you like, but it’s fairly obvious that a striker scoring at that rate was obviously rated highly at underage level, as the top goalscorer for any underage international team would be.

As Melia, Noonan and Elding are all strikers which is how the conversation started, that’s why I was referring to scoring goals, given it’s their primary function in the team. Ozhianvuna (170 minutes of league football this season) and Kovalevskis (75 mins) look great prospects and again, will probably be sold for big money by LOI standards, but they are not strikers so they can be excused for the no goals part but they’ve also not played anywhere near the minutes of Melia or Noonan. Cathal O'Sullivan again, he’s a winger/attacking midfielder but isn’t a striker and despite being closer in minutes played to Melia (1410 mins vs Melia’s 1671 mins) hasn’t had anywhere near the same impact in terms of end product at premier division level compared to the first division last year - 0 goals and 3 assists. He’s also 18, so as I said in my previous post in response to Melia doing nothing that "other players his age and younger aren't doing as well", other than Melia, Noonan is the only player of his age or younger playing that often and scoring goals. For goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders, lads that age just don’t get anywhere near the minutes that Melia and Noonan are getting, let alone excel in doing their job in the team as well as the two of them do, and that for me is very impressive for kids of their age.

Anyways, off to enjoy the sun, here’s hoping all the young lads mentioned go on to play senior level for Ireland and we can get to international tournaments again, it’s the hope that kills you!

[2 Year Contract]

They're out of the Europa League but will be playing in the Conference League
They’ll feel hard done by of course, but at least they’re still in Europe and will have a much better chance at winning another trophy in the conference league, which would secure another season of European football next year too.

[Nesta99]

Palace booted out of the Europa League, despite many claiming last month that UEFA were only targeting small clubs with the MCO rules

They are still being facilitated by being allowed in the conference, it effects the integrity of that comp just to drop a side in to it because they fell foul of rules. I still think a smaller league club would be gone and that Palace have been thrown a bone, probably with an agreement that they dont use any EPL clout and challange UEFA.

[pineapple stu]

I think in fairness it's a reasonable compromise. It avoids the issue of multi-club ownership in the same competition while still recognising they qualified on merit

[Nesta99]

Wishy washy, apply the rules or change them. Yeah it rewards as deserved but its also an appeasment to prevent a fight UEFA dont want with someone who is resourced to fight...imo! A few high profile clubs falling foul and making a stink and things change. LoI cup winners would be swatted away and houts on issues with rules dismissed. Ban muticlubs (unless Dundalk get billionaire owners that own other clubs then just turn a blind eye!!).

[pineapple stu]

I think there's no indication that LoI sides would be treated differently though.

The issue is about clubs in the same competition being owned by the same person. Relegating Palace to the Conference League sorts that. There was nowhere for Drogheda to be relegated to though.

[Nesta99]

Dont let facts get in the way of a persecution complex or conspiracy, no fun there. I agree really on this occasion, but there was plenty of facilitating clubs of much bigger stature in previous years. I still think it stinks and do you really trust UEFA to be fair and transparent if they want a quiet outcome that suits them if a top 5 league team is for the bin on ownership. Its a combination of half hearted FFP among oter things. Like if Delaney hadn't blotted his copybook when he did it looked like he'd have gotten Waterford through the rules that excluded them. I know he was a special case but how many more would be like him.....maybe none tbh!

[pateen]

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-europa-league-drogheda-uefa-b1233327.html

[Another Bohemia]

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-europa-league-drogheda-uefa-b1233327.html

I see textors stake is now being mentioned as 42%. It seems to shrink with every article written. In a few weeks it'll be sub 40% having been as high as 47% in some places. While his is technically a minority stake he also owns the largest individual stake which is likely why UEFA care. The next largest I've ever seen is ~10% mark

[EalingGreen]

I see textors stake is now being mentioned as 42%. It seems to shrink with every article written. In a few weeks it'll be sub 40% having been as high as 47% in some places. While his is technically a minority stake he also owns the largest individual stake which is likely why UEFA care. The next largest I've ever seen is ~10% markCould be wrong, but afaik there are 4 x Directors each with 10% (incls. Parrish), and they are in a group which Textor isn't part of. In fact, a while back Textor was trying/hoping to buy a controlling stake, which the others opposed, suggesting he wasn't in good standing with the rest of the Board:
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/john-textor-crystal-palace-b1234451.html

While his 47%(?) 42%(?) stake may not all be voting shares, but a different category?

All that said, I still cannot make up, my mind on this. Otoh, with a bit of foresight, Palace could have found a way to comply with the rules in the same way eg as Marinakis at NFFC, with his (entirely laughable) "blind trust".

Oto, it does seem harsh, since whatever the technicalities, Textor didn't seem to have the same control over CPFC as he did eg over Lyon. This latter argument may sway CAS?

[EatYerGreens]

They're out of the Europa League but will be playing in the Conference League

Because that is exactly how it works. You're making it sound like they've got off lightly here or someone has done them a favour.

[Acornvilla]

Could be wrong, but afaik there are 4 x Directors each with 10% (incls. Parrish), and they are in a group which Textor isn't part of. In fact, a while back Textor was trying/hoping to buy a controlling stake, which the others opposed, suggesting he wasn't in good standing with the rest of the Board:
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/john-textor-crystal-palace-b1234451.html

While his 47%(?) 42%(?) stake may not all be voting shares, but a different category?

All that said, I still cannot make up, my mind on this. Otoh, with a bit of foresight, Palace could have found a way to comply with the rules in the same way eg as Marinakis at NFFC, with his (entirely laughable) "blind trust".

Oto, it does seem harsh, since whatever the technicalities, Textor didn't seem to have the same control over CPFC as he did eg over Lyon. This latter argument may sway CAS?
Somewhere along the way I learned that there are 4 owners with votes, Textor being one of the 4, but the other 3 always vote in a block together, so he never gets what he wants even thou he has been the one making major investments of late. It's a funny setup.

[EalingGreen]

Somewhere along the way I learned that there are 4 owners with votes, Textor being one of the 4, but the other 3 always vote in a block together, so he never gets what he wants even thou he has been the one making major investments of late. It's a funny setup.something like that, yeah.

Which is why Textor was trying to buy Everton a few months back - had fallen out with the other Palace Directors.

[nr637]

Linfield is anticipating a crowd of around 10,000 at Windsor Park for their Champions League qualifier against Shelbourne tonight. This is for the second leg of the tie, with Linfield aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

[Shearer]

Any link for a stream?

[ger121]

Only one I’m seen is the one the LOI X account posted, but you have to buy it.

[vinnie]

Any link for a stream?

Get one on cricfree if you can put up with all the popups

[redarmyfaction]

Tried doing that on my mobile in playstore by typin in BBC I player message says this app isnt possible on google play in your region. Think I would have to go near the border to get a signal!

Don't know if you got sorted with BBC player but I run it in the Duck Duck Go browser on my phone, over Nord VPN.

[geysir]

livetv.sx is still the best for minor football streams of all sorts. Just have an active adblocker to save you the popup mania.
Link to the game (https://cdn.livetv856.me/webplayer2.php?t=ifr&c=2778816&lang=en&eid=290923484&lid=2778816&ci=901&si=1) but no commentary just crowd noise

[joey B]

Conor Kearns is a lucky boy …

[holidaysong]

The Shelbourne goalkeeper just gifted a chance to Linfield and they missed an open goal. Linfield are the better team so far.

[Nesta99]

This is not nesta, I have hijacked his account, there is no way that he would share a link to a game https://en12.sportplus.live/football/champions-league/6915762/

[Nesta99]

When yOu see Ganno coming on in a CL game it bites when you think about how he was treated by Dundalk FC!

[joey B]

Big goal for Shels

[yurt]

It looks like Shels have got a decent foothold in the game now and the goal has really settled them. Big pitch is playing into Shels' hands. They just need to keep the ball and the gaps will open up.

Kearns looks his game is done, a lot of pressure for Healy to come into, I watched a game earlier in the season where he came on and wasn't convincing at all.

[elatedscum]

When yOu see Ganno coming on in a CL game it bites when you think about how he was treated by Dundalk FC!

jesus he still has real real pace to burn. recovery run there was amazing

[sessylU]

Two non-football observations:

1. Windsor Park looks terrible. Suppose it's a tricky thing to make work on camera, a club of Linfield's size in a stadium so big. Does there be many fans out of shot, under the gantry?

2. Linfield's badge always reminds me of the crest of a Primary School.

[sbgawa]

Delighted for Joey , stepping out from the Duffer shadow. Shels shouldnt lose it fom here

[Acornvilla]

Feels like Shels could hammer them if they wanted to but are just playing everything overly save, already multiple good counters they didn't push through and take chances because they don't need to. As I say it Linfield score! Shields still lives!

[ger121]

Terrible time to concede

[sessylU]

Good goal. Great response.

EDIT: Never mind...

[sbgawa]

ive no sound (thanks to that guy hacking nestas account) what the **** was it dissallowed for

[ger121]

Crazy end to the half

[placid casual]

Joey needs to call 999 cos shels have been robbed there. Disgraceful VAR decision. The ref is clearly a homer so shels need to be careful here.

[Kiki Balboa]

Thats a disgraceful call by the Ref.

What is the point in VAR if you still get terrible calls like that.

[geysir]

ive no sound (thanks to that guy hacking nestas account) what the **** was it dissallowed for
Phantom tug on jersey

[elatedscum]

ive no sound (thanks to that guy hacking nestas account) what the **** was it dissallowed for

i think it was for blocking the defender or something. Honestly the only shirt pull I could see was Kerr McInroy briefly having his shirt pulled as he made his run. Absolutely insane decision...

[Nesta99]

Hard enough to see what it was that VAR called, jersey pull? Shields hardly reacted on the spot nor other Linfield lads. Busy injury time for him, one off the line earlier too. Ye get the feeling that Shels were crusing but almost in a lazy way. They are in a game now and especially after having the 2 goal cushion reduced twice in a way. I know VAR isnt everyones thing but it does get entertaining especially when fans are rubbing in scoring only for it to be right back at ye. If Shels dont beat this average Linfield side well they really did just over perform in a one season wonder.

[sessylU]

ive no sound (thanks to that guy hacking nestas account) what the **** was it dissallowed for

Also watching without sound and don't know names, but Shels scorer was bunched beyond the backpost with another Shels player, who were each marked by two Linfield players. As scorer started his run towards the spot to pick up the pass and finish, his opposite man's shirt was being held (barely) by his team mate.

Absolutely a superb set-piece goal in LoI.
Absolutely not a goal with VAR involved in a UEFA competition.

[ger121]

Terrible decision. Shels will kick themselves if they mess this up.

[yurt]

ive no sound (thanks to that guy hacking nestas account) what the **** was it dissallowed for

Barrett had the tiniest pull on a Linfield player as McInroy was making his run to get free. Seemed pretty harsh as it's one of these fouls that'd never be called unless it results in a goal.

[elatedscum]

if anyone sees it again, tell me that the shirt pull on McIroy isn't stronger and more obvious than the shirt pull on the defender

[total hoofball]

Absolutely correct call by VAR, Barrett grabbed the Linfield defenders shirt for a brief split second that would have made no difference in the defender shutting down McInroy but rules are rules and with VAR's eyes on everything crap like that you get away with 9 times of out of 10 every Friday in the LOI will be picked-up

Very frustrating end to the half that Wilson with his hands flying in the air and Barrett doing unnecessary shirt grabs it's like these guys totally forgot about VAR

This game is far from over, Linfield will have a spring in their step in this 2nd half, after a very shaky injury ridden start Shels have been coasting on that goal lead I hate when we go a goal up in any game when we are on top we never show a killer instinct to hunt for a two goal margin

[Nesta99]

i think it was for blocking the defender or something. Honestly the only shirt pull I could see was Kerr McInroy briefly having his shirt pulled as he made his run. Absolutely insane decision...

Blocking is just defending without hanging out of someone so Im at a loss! Is obstruction even still a thing in football, its shielding the ball....