Gavin Mahon

[bwagner]

A no nonsense battling captain who can score a few goals.
In the premiership next season.....we suck and have no midfield any takers?

[bawn79]

Who does he play for? Im guessing Watford.

[FarBeag]

If he is eligible to play for us and wants to I would have him.Good no nonsense strong player who did not appear TIRED after a long season with Watford when they played Leeds last Sunday.

[bwagner]

Yea mate captain there for a few seasons...I dont want to beg for him like that fool nolan ( who could not even make england's b team last night ) but we are crying out for a competitive midfielder..

[Stuttgart88]

I've been aware of this guy since he was at Brentford, purely because he sounds Irish. But is he eligible, or does he just sound eligible?

[Ash]

from wikipedia



Gavin Mahon (born January 2, 1977 in Birmingham) is a professional
English football player who currently plays as a midfielder for Watford F.C.

Mahon was previously a trainee with Wolves before being released to
non-league Hereford United in 1996. His two years at Hereford impressed
Brentford who signed him for a nominal fee. Mahon was later promoted a
division after signing for Watford in 2002

Dont know if he's declared for anyone though or if he has parents from here etc

[bwagner]

Im sure its a granny rule job, the sun did a article a while back.
But im sure if asked he would be game .
I mean it when i say we have no midfield

[FarBeag]

Ah well, just more speculation. Off topic slightly but while making reference to a Watford Player, what's the story with Marlon King? Was he not linked to us some time ago?

[dr_peepee]

I think he already declared for going back as far as when Watford were last in the premiership...

[bwagner]

well king is playin for jamica now but was mad keen to play for us, he had some passport issues, got snubbed then choose the reggae boys

[Stuttgart88]

well king is playin for jamica now but was mad keen to play for us, he had some passport issues, got snubbed then choose the reggae boys
And in between all that he was jailed for facilitating car theft! At Gillingham I think.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

I might be wrong but I think Plastic Paddy mentioned Gavin Mahon on this forum a few months back. Appologies if it wasnt you PP. Whoever mentioned him definitely thought he qualified for Ireland.

As for Marlon King. He was very keen to play for us a few years back. He played for Jamaica against us at the Valley two years ago.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Saw in the playoff final Mahon making an excellent tackle. This was late in the game and when they were 3-0 up. Shows dedication, commitment and always willing to give 100%. Exactly what Ireland needs in CM. I'd still hav Kav ahead of him but it will be interesting to see how he does in the Prem.

[bwagner]

dmandmythdledge i think given the chance he would quickly out do kav.
Hes only 27 or 28 he must be dying for a cap at international level
Get him in for the holland match maybe he could be ready for next years games.

Given
finnan dunne o' brien o'shea
Mc geady S reid Mahon Duff
Keane
Doyle

Midfield ...could be a great mix of attacking on the wing and strenght in the middle

[bigball]

we can't afford to turn away players but remember we have any amount of midfielders that have or would look top class in the championship. steven reid, alan mahon, graham kavanagh etc. john o'shea and kilbane would look like world beaters there. saying that he's def worth a look along with that young lad at ipswich.

[DmanDmythDledge]

dmandmythdledge i think given the chance he would quickly out do kav.
Hes only 27 or 28 he must be dying for a cap at international level
Get him in for the holland match maybe he could be ready for next years games.
Sorry I meant at the moment. Ye I agree with you.

[bwagner]

I dont want us to sound dispirit but we need someone to kick the rest of the midfield's hole .
Honestly for the past 2 or 3 years we have looked awful there starting form russia 2002 up.
Something has been rotten in the team and we need change badly.
The midfield are continually giving away bad passes and always being over run.

[theworm2345]

A no nonsense battling captain who can score a few goals.
In the premiership next season.....we suck and have no midfield any takers?
How about his namesake, Alan Mahon, a winger for Wigan (he is on loan though right now)

[Plastic Paddy]

I might be wrong but I think Plastic Paddy mentioned Gavin Mahon on this forum a few months back. Appologies if it wasnt you PP. Whoever mentioned him definitely thought he qualified for Ireland.

I salute your memory, JPM, for indeed it was I. Mahon claims his mother is Irish - or certainly did when this article was written back in November 2003.

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/display.var.430860.0.irish_eyes_focus_on_hornets.p hp

Given the season(s) he's has in a Watford shirt (especially since making the permanent switch to centre midfield) I'd have him in an Ireland squad, no bother.

:ball: PP

[4tothefloor]

Given
finnan dunne o' brien o'shea
Mc geady S reid Mahon Duff
Keane
Doyle

I'm sorry but if anyone thinks Kevin Doyle is the answer up front, we might as well call it a day now. I had to remind myself he was even playing against Chile. Jason Byrne made a bigger impression......early days yet I know for Doyle, but if his lack of presence that he has showed since stepping up to International level is anything to go by, he's going to struggle big time in the premiership next season. Hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see anything in him, apart from the odd header here and there. Still behind Morrisson in my book.

As for Mahon/Nolan - bring them on. We are brutal, absolutely brutal in midfield. At this stage I'd even try Joey O'Brien there as it's his natural position. Hopefully Stephen Ireland will play a lot for City. Because Liam Miller is just *no superlative exists to describe how bad he is*.

[Donal81]

I'm sorry but if anyone thinks Kevin Doyle is the answer up front, we might as well call it a day now. I had to remind myself he was even playing against Chile. Jason Byrne made a bigger impression......early days yet I know for Doyle, but if his lack of presence that he has showed since stepping up to International level is anything to go by, he's going to struggle big time in the premiership next season. Hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see anything in him, apart from the odd header here and there. Still behind Morrisson in my book.

As for Mahon/Nolan - bring them on. We are brutal, absolutely brutal in midfield. At this stage I'd even try Joey O'Brien there as it's his natural position. Hopefully Stephen Ireland will play a lot for City. Because Liam Miller is just *no superlative exists to describe how bad he is*.

I must disagree on Doyle. Unlike Clinton, I watched Doyle win every ball that came his way. Four high balls came in, I think, in the first half and he won every one of them, flicking them on for Robbie. He'll be playing at a higher level than Clinton, is scoring more than Clinton at the moment and has had a much better season. I think he deserves his place at this stage. But, like you say, it's early days.

[FarBeag]

Stan..Pick up the phone and call the man if his mum is Irish, god knows he need him.

[Closed Account 2]

I know a few people who work at Vicarage Road, apparently he is interested in playing for us but hasn't heard anything as yet from the coaching staff.

He thinks he would qualify for us as his gandparents were from around the West Meath area but had to leave due to economic conditions. Of course this would all have to be ratified with the proper documentation by FIFA.

In my opinion he would be a good asset. He's a lot like Kav, likes to put the foot in, a hard worker, passionate player with good pace, stamina and ability in the air. He might not be over-blessed with skill, but he does have a good shot from range. The key point is he could play and would be a calm head, and would give 110% - thats just his nature. Another thing is he has played in defensive midfield and as a center back and is good at either.

I certainly think he merits a place in the squad and hope Stan has a look at him...

[Stuttgart88]

I must disagree on Doyle. Unlike Clinton, I watched Doyle win every ball that came his way. Four high balls came in, I think, in the first half and he won every one of them, flicking them on for Robbie. He'll be playing at a higher level than Clinton, is scoring more than Clinton at the moment and has had a much better season. I think he deserves his place at this stage. But, like you say, it's early days.Right now I think Clinton is still ahead of him, but not by much. Doyle & Robbie still haven't had enough pitch time together to form an understanding & I don't think there's enough time for them to get that time together before Stuttgart. Doyle from the bench for now, in my opinion. At least we now have somebody to come from the bench that might make an impact. In the last campaign almost every substitution made was an inferior player coming on for a better one.

[Stuttgart88]

While we're on the topic of midfielders with Irish sounding names, what about Shaun Derry of Leeds? Tall, mobile and physical. Not sure he's got any talent though.

If he were English at heart his name would be Shaun Londonderry.

OK, that was crap, I know.

Keeping the Leeds theme, Jonathon Douglas has been better than Miller from what I've seen. Far more bite.

[bwagner]

I liked your joke stutts dont feel bad

[bwagner]

Stan in the star today said he never heard of him but will look in to it

[Stuttgart88]

God, when you think back to Colin Healy's fantastic debut four and a quarter years ago and see what's happened to him since. What he should have become is exactly what we need.

[livehead1]

Stan in the star today said he never heard of him but will look in to it
jesus christ, even i had heard of gavin mahon maybe 5 years ago when he wasn't even a regular at watford, if he actually said that i would be worried about that actual pool of talent that he is aware of

[colster]

jesus christ, even i had heard of gavin mahon maybe 5 years ago when he wasn't even a regular at watford, if he actually said that i would be worried about that actual pool of talent that he is aware of

I don't think you can blame Staunton for that. He was very out spoken about checking out any one that was eligible. Obviously no one contacted him about this guy. If anything it's an FAI problem if they haven't kept tabs/records of players that are elligible.

[Plastic Paddy]

I know a few people who work at Vicarage Road, apparently he is interested in playing for us but hasn't heard anything as yet from the coaching staff.

I certainly think he merits a place in the squad and hope Stan has a look at him...

Bring it on. I first mentioned Mahon in connection with Ireland on this site two years ago. I'd say that his time has come.


jesus christ, even i had heard of gavin mahon maybe 5 years ago when he wasn't even a regular at watford, if he actually said that i would be worried about that actual pool of talent that he is aware of

Exactly Livehead. That said, if Stan does look him up now, at least we know that we in this thread played our part in bringing Mahon to his attention. :)

(Via The Star? Who's the lurker journo?)

:ball: PP

[zinedineontour]

What age is Mahon though 29 ? Is he really worth bringing into the squad at this stage? Have seen him play against sunderland a couple of times and looked a decent enough championship player but liam miller has had a cracking season for leeds in the championship. nuff said

[eirebhoy]

'Some sources' is almost certainly a reference to Plastic Paddy.
That's what I love about this forum. :) People give out about lazy journalists getting their stories from forum like this but I think it's great. bwagner opens a thread about a player and few days later Stan is made aware of him. :)

[colster]

What age is Mahon though 29 ? Is he really worth bringing into the squad at this stage? Have seen him play against sunderland a couple of times and looked a decent enough championship player but liam miller has had a cracking season for leeds in the championship. nuff said

Sheringham was 29 when he made his debut for England and he was/is some player. At 29 he still has up to 4 good years left in him.

[bigball]

I'm sorry but if anyone thinks Kevin Doyle is the answer up front, we might as well call it a day now. I had to remind myself he was even playing against Chile. Jason Byrne made a bigger impression......early days yet I know for Doyle, but if his lack of presence that he has showed since stepping up to International level is anything to go by, he's going to struggle big time in the premiership next season. Hope I'm wrong, but I just don't see anything in him, apart from the odd header here and there. Still behind Morrisson in my book.

As for Mahon/Nolan - bring them on. We are brutal, absolutely brutal in midfield. At this stage I'd even try Joey O'Brien there as it's his natural position. Hopefully Stephen Ireland will play a lot for City. Because Liam Miller is just *no superlative exists to describe how bad he is*.

i think u were watching a different game. doyle/mcgeady/dunne possible duff were the plus points against chile. jason byrne won a couple of balls but did not look up to it. not sayin doyle is the answer but he looks promising.

[Irish_Praha]

Sheringham was 29 when he made his debut for England and he was/is some player. At 29 he still has up to 4 good years left in him.

I agree.
We are very short in CM with S. Reid a starter and Kavanagh, O'Shea, Quinn and Miller the only realistic options as his partner. Kavanagh would get my vote out of those four but he too has a lot to prove. IMO the Kilbane experiment didnt work out in the last campaign. So if Mahon is anyway decent he would have a good chance of starting or a least be an option from the bench or backup if Kav/Reid get injured.

Gibson, J. O'Brien, Whelan, Garvan and Ireland have all been suggested but IMO they all need a season or two yet. So the fact that Mahon is 29 doesn't worry me as we need someone right now to fill in for the next 2 years. Then hopefully one or two of the youngsters mentioned above should be ready. Of course they could all end up being very average players at international level too. I really hope that O'Brien gets a few games for Bolton at CMF from the start of the season. Then that would put him into the frame.
I think the one last experiment Staunton should try in the Holland game, is to give A. Reid 20 to 30 mins with S. Reid and see if it works out.
Of course if Carsley is back and playing well for Everton he should also come into contention, but that really shows how poor we are in that area :(
I fear if we don't get the right combination we could easily be overrun in MF (ie if O'Shea or Miller play there) by any of the more physical sides in our group. So, getting back on thread, even if Mahon is not the most skillfull of players and is 29 at least he will get stuck in and should be at the peak of his game for at least the next 2 years and that would IMO merit a call-up.

[ifk101]

We already have a bunch of players of the same standing as Mahon - so why do we need another? Better to focus on building the O'Shea and S. Reid partnership for the Euro qualifiers and bringing players like O'Brien, Ireland and Garvan into the picture over the coming years.

[bawn79]

We already have a bunch of players of the same standing as Mahon - so why do we need another? Better to focus on building the O'Shea and S. Reid partnership for the Euro qualifiers and bringing players like O'Brien, Ireland and Garvan into the picture over the coming years.
I normally wouldnt get into slagging players but it is obvious that O'Shea is not the answer in midfield and we have to look to another answer. Kavanagh is a good option and we may as well have andy reid in there because he offers about the same defensive presence that O'Shea has (none) but at least can do more than pass a ball sideways or to the opposition.
No disrespect to the previous poster I just dont think O'Shea is the answer as Giles would say he lacks moral courage!

[eirebhoy]

we may as well have andy reid in there because he offers about the same defensive presence that O'Shea has (none)
I mentioned at the start of the season that I was really impressed with Andy Reid's defensive work. He wasn't doing much for Spurs in an attacking sense but he was working as hard as any player and at one stage in the season only Tainio had put in more tackles than him. He was putting in more tackles than most players in the premiership. He then got injured and has been out of favour ever since. He's an excellent central midfielder in the making and will have no problem doing the dirty work.

[ifk101]

I normally wouldnt get into slagging players but it is obvious that O'Shea is not the answer in midfield and we have to look to another answer. Kavanagh is a good option and we may as well have andy reid in there because he offers about the same defensive presence that O'Shea has (none) but at least can do more than pass a ball sideways or to the opposition.
No disrespect to the previous poster I just dont think O'Shea is the answer as Giles would say he lacks moral courage!

Well - I'm no great fan of O'Shea either but he's still one of our better players. I thought that the O'Shea/ Reid partnership complemented each other against Sweden and, judging from the quotes that our coming from Robson in particular, Reid and O'Shea are first choice in central midfield.

[Plastic Paddy]

We already have a bunch of players of the same standing as Mahon - so why do we need another?

And their names are?


Better to focus on building the O'Shea and S. Reid partnership for the Euro qualifiers and bringing players like O'Brien, Ireland and Garvan into the picture over the coming years.

I don't think that JOS has the application or the edge to his game that's needed in the centre of midfield but there are precious few alternatives right now. Of the three youngsters you mention Garvan is the one that I think will establish himself most quickly in the senior side. Still not convinced that Ireland will establish himself in the Premiership with Man City.

:ball: PP

[ifk101]

And their names are?

Miller, Rowlands, Douglas, Kilbane, Kavanagh, Doyle, Delap ...........


I don't think that JOS has the application or the edge to his game that's needed in the centre of midfield but there are precious few alternatives right now. Of the three youngsters you mention Garvan is the one that I think will establish himself most quickly in the senior side. Still not convinced that Ireland will establish himself in the Premiership with Man City.

:ball: PP

I share your concern about Ireland - possibly another Willo Flood, although I'm not saying that both these chaps won't develop into international players given time. Its still too early to call.

[Plastic Paddy]

Miller, Rowlands, Douglas, Kilbane, Kavanagh, Doyle, Delap ...........

S Reid - automatic choice for me.

Miller - just not good enough. Totally bossed by Mahon in the midfield during the Championship play-off final. For Ireland he was anonymous against Chile when you'd think he'd want to seize the chance.

Rowlands - injury-prone season with QPR. Great (English) third-tier player, yet to have one full good season at Championship level.

Douglas - I like what I have seen of JD - good box-to-box midfielder who seems to have great fitness - and I think he's certainly worthy of a squad place.

Kilbane - his versatility (is it a blessing or a curse?) will mean that he'll probably be used elsewhere. Not enough "steel" to be a midfield enforcer as there's still too much of the long-eared puppy-in-the-park about his game.

Kavanagh - another cert for the squad in the next qualifying campaign.

Michael Doyle - had a reasonable season in the Championship last season but looks to have found his level. Needs to be playing at a higher level if we are to see him reach potential.

Delap - The "nearly man" of Irish international football in the last ten years and IMO so very unlucky. As for the last two seasons? Southampton and Sunderland. Says it all.

So of those you list, I'd have Reid, Kilbane, Kavanagh and Douglas in the squad. That leaves at least one slot for a strong centre midfielder and I firmly believe that Mahon - on his form last season - could do us a turn in that role.

:ball: PP

[ifk101]

S Reid - automatic choice for me.

Miller - just not good enough. Totally bossed by Mahon in the midfield during the Championship play-off final. For Ireland he was anonymous against Chile when you'd think he'd want to seize the chance.

Rowlands - injury-prone season with QPR. Great (English) third-tier player, yet to have one full good season at Championship level.

Douglas - I like what I have seen of JD - good box-to-box midfielder who seems to have great fitness - and I think he's certainly worthy of a squad place.

Kilbane - his versatility (is it a blessing or a curse?) will mean that he'll probably be used elsewhere. Not enough "steel" to be a midfield enforcer as there's still too much of the long-eared puppy-in-the-park about his game.

Kavanagh - another cert for the squad in the next qualifying campaign.

Michael Doyle - had a reasonable season in the Championship last season but looks to have found his level. Needs to be playing at a higher level if we are to see him reach potential.

Delap - The "nearly man" of Irish international football in the last ten years and IMO so very unlucky. As for the last two seasons? Southampton and Sunderland. Says it all.

So of those you list, I'd have Reid, Kilbane, Kavanagh and Douglas in the squad. That leaves at least one slot for a strong centre midfielder and I firmly believe that Mahon - on his form last season - could do us a turn in that role.

:ball: PP


.... and then we have Alan Mahon and O'Connor at Burnley, the Quinns at Sheff Utd, O'Donnell and Craig at Falkirk, Gamble and O'Callaghan in Cork, McPhail, ......., the list goes on.

The point I'm trying to make is that Gavin Mahon isn't different class to the players I mention above and, given his age and the fact that we don't know how he would cope with international football (Is he a Paul Butler?), I think it would be better to focus on developing the Reid/O'Shea partnership and bringing our younger prospects into the team.

[Plastic Paddy]

.... and then we have Alan Mahon and O'Connor at Burnley, the Quinns at Sheff Utd, O'Donnell and Craig at Falkirk, Gamble and O'Callaghan in Cork, McPhail, ......., the list goes on.

And still there's no-one apart from those already discussed who are as good as Mahon. And as for Gamble - isn't that where we fell out last time? ;)


So he plays one game against Leeds that people on here see on the telly and he should start against Holland?!

I do hope that response isn't directed at me. If it is, may I politely suggest you read this and other related threads properly? A few of us have known about Mahon for a while, and don't need a Sky subscription to show us what our own eyes have seen, least of all in the play-off final.

:ball: PP

[DmanDmythDledge]

The point I'm trying to make is that Gavin Mahon isn't different class to the players I mention above and, given his age and the fact that we don't know how he would cope with international football (Is he a Paul Butler?), I think it would be better to focus on developing the Reid/O'Shea partnership and bringing our younger prospects into the team.
Exactly, nobody knows what he will be like. He has been in excellent form for Watford all season(not just the playoff final Tuff Paddy) and deserves a chance to show can he do a job for Ireland.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

S Reid - automatic choice for me.

Miller - just not good enough. Totally bossed by Mahon in the midfield during the Championship play-off final. For Ireland he was anonymous against Chile when you'd think he'd want to seize the chance.

Rowlands - injury-prone season with QPR. Great (English) third-tier player, yet to have one full good season at Championship level.

Douglas - I like what I have seen of JD - good box-to-box midfielder who seems to have great fitness - and I think he's certainly worthy of a squad place.

Kilbane - his versatility (is it a blessing or a curse?) will mean that he'll probably be used elsewhere. Not enough "steel" to be a midfield enforcer as there's still too much of the long-eared puppy-in-the-park about his game.

Kavanagh - another cert for the squad in the next qualifying campaign.

Michael Doyle - had a reasonable season in the Championship last season but looks to have found his level. Needs to be playing at a higher level if we are to see him reach potential.

Delap - The "nearly man" of Irish international football in the last ten years and IMO so very unlucky. As for the last two seasons? Southampton and Sunderland. Says it all.

:ball: PP

Great post.
We really are short of talent in midfield. As far as I'm concerned, Owen Garvan and Darran Gibson are the two players I'm hoping will come good. In the meantime, Gavin Mahon certainly deserves a chance.

[Plastic Paddy]

I was simply saying that he shouldn't be given a starting place just yet, let him prove himself in the Premiership and let's see what he's made of. Is he better than what we already have? I'm sure Staunton would have had him in Portugal had Watford not had the Play-Offs.

Fair point TP and apologies for the somewhat chippy response (a case of typing first, thinking later :o ). I see your point about Mahon proving himself in the Premiership first and, whilst I don't agree totally with that, I fully concur on the need for caution. Given that there's just one friendly scheduled between now and the start of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, I'd like to see him in the squad so that Stan and Bobby can assess him close-up. I certainly wouldn't advocate throwing him headlong into the German match, that's for sure. In any case, as ifk101 points out, the preferred CM partnership would currently seem to be S Reid and JOS with the likes of Owen Garvan maybe a season or so away.

:ball: PP

[Stuttgart88]

S Reid - automatic choice for me.

Miller - just not good enough. Totally bossed by Mahon in the midfield during the Championship play-off final. For Ireland he was anonymous against Chile when you'd think he'd want to seize the chance.

Rowlands - injury-prone season with QPR. Great (English) third-tier player, yet to have one full good season at Championship level.

Douglas - I like what I have seen of JD - good box-to-box midfielder who seems to have great fitness - and I think he's certainly worthy of a squad place.

Kilbane - his versatility (is it a blessing or a curse?) will mean that he'll probably be used elsewhere. Not enough "steel" to be a midfield enforcer as there's still too much of the long-eared puppy-in-the-park about his game.

Kavanagh - another cert for the squad in the next qualifying campaign.

Michael Doyle - had a reasonable season in the Championship last season but looks to have found his level. Needs to be playing at a higher level if we are to see him reach potential.

Delap - The "nearly man" of Irish international football in the last ten years and IMO so very unlucky. As for the last two seasons? Southampton and Sunderland. Says it all.

So of those you list, I'd have Reid, Kilbane, Kavanagh and Douglas in the squad. That leaves at least one slot for a strong centre midfielder and I firmly believe that Mahon - on his form last season - could do us a turn in that role.

:ball: PP
Add in the other names mentioned (& you could add Keith Andrews) and it just shows that currently we have more players playing at a certain (decent) level than ever before. Unfortunately, none is really good enough for what we need. Like I said last week, under Jack we had maybe 25 players in total to chhose from, it was just that the first 11 or 12 were actually very good. These days we've maybe 40 in the picture, but only 5 or 6 are very good.

Of the above listed, I think Douglas may have something to offer - he can get around and has a bit of bite to his game, unlike Miller.

Does anyone remember when Southampton had a good season, was it 3 yrs ago, 4 maybe? They had a poor start, very good middle third and bad finish to the season. During the "successful" middle third, Delap played as a defensive midfielder, doing little other than protecting his centre-backs. I tracked it at the time: when he played, Southamption did well, when he didn't play, they lost.

When Strachan left he was moved to right back where he's just another player. In my opinion he could actually play centre-back. He has all the required attributes, except maybe concentration. Very unlucky not to have more caps. For some reason Mick & Kerr both thought he is a RHM, which he most definitely isn't. He had to endure a humiliation against the USA pre-WC02 at Lansdowne when Mick played him out of position for less than a full game under the offer of "play yourself into our WC finals squad". He tried his guts out but wasn't good enough. How could he have been?

[CraftyToePoke]

not seen much of Mahon, how would he compare to Carsley in that role?