Darron Gibson

[paul_oshea]

I really cant fathom why he would do this if advised he was going to play, if he has any bit of patriotism in him.

But it would not surprise me given his character. Who normally rooms with Gibson btw?

I'm hopeful that meyler(silent e stutts ;)) now takes his chance, because one thing that Trap is is consistent in his selections.

[DannyInvincible]

Does anyone for a moment think Gibson's disappointment is being saddened at the poor display of the team rather than personal disappointment of not getting his perceived deserved time in the limelight?

As Stutts says, no. Trap seems happy to imply that this is the case, perhaps rather craftily, as it depersonalises things from his perspective, but it doesn't add up for me. Plus, the words coming from Everton and David Moyes appear to suggest that Gibson's disappointment is primarily rooted in a lack of game-time: http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2012/09/01/-gibson-has-ireland-future-


Gibson, who picked up a thigh strain in the Blues’ 2-0 defeat at West Brom, is disappointed with a lack of playing opportunities for his country – particularly at Euro 2012.

Moyes said: "He's not played recently and travelled to all the games including the Euros. I'm very disappointed he's not been selected and maybe he feels that way too. I think he's spoken with the manager."

But the Everton boss added: "The club always encourages players to play for their international teams. He will play again for Ireland I have no doubt about that."

[Stuttgart88]

Meylr?

Gibson - in terms of ability, not attitude - has divided opinion here like few others in the last year or two. I've always thought he's a classy player and, in particular, would do very well in a 3 man midfield for us. But McCarthy is the man with most to gain post-Euros and I think if he can hit the ground running then we're quids-in. We're back down a level or two from the standard we were playing at the Euros so I think we can continue to make do with what we have and McCarthy ought to improve things. If Meyler (point taken on pronunciation!) can establish himself as a midfield option, and also Wilson, then I think we can have no reason to miss Gibson. We need mobile players who aren't afraid of the ball and who can snap at ankles. We also need positive characters.

As a related aside, I was impressed by Arsenal yesterday. The XI they had on the pitch seemed like they were all playing for each other and, unusually for Arsenal, all seemed to be positive characters.

[DannyInvincible]

Who normally rooms with Gibson btw?

I've no idea but would have guessed O'Shea if pushed.

[geysir]

Which reason are you referring to specifically?

Afair, that we should be seen (by Croatia) to be playing our best team in our last game even though our hopes were gone and not using the game to give honourable members of the squad a run out, that Trap being Italian would have eyes on him, that we should be seen to be above suspicion.

Imo, Trap certainly had a duty towards the spirit of the competition but he could have balanced that somewhat with his duty to the Irish squad, with one or two changes.

[Mr A]

Very astute move by Gibson. At this stage everyone knows that the best way to increase your reputation as a footballer is to not be in / be on the edge of the Ireland squad. Watch his reputation as a footballer soar now just like Andy Reid's did. And as another stick to beat an increasingly unpopular manager with, he'll soon be the white Pele.

On a more serious note, I'm absolutely disgusted with Gibson. Just when he finally looked like a player that might offer something to the team he throws the toys out of the pram.

[elroy]

Well Im happier than this is Darron Gibson we are talking about and not James McCarthy.

James is key to our future midfield, not so sure about Darron, who at this stage has had a number of opportunities. In fact Trap appeared to favour DG in the early days, for example he started in the one nil win at home to Cyprus in Traps first game and was pretty ineffective that night.

I can understand DG's annoyance with not making the team during the Euros. I think he also joined the squad early and requested to be released to go to Whelan's wedding but was refused. But with his improving performances for Everton, it surely was only a matter of time before he got some game time again and very good chance of it in this game with Andrews out. Very immature and petulant from DG, you have to wonder if it was a competitive game against Wales or Sweden or Faroes (ie somewhere alot closer) would he had felt so disappointed.

[DannyInvincible]

Maybe Darron, like Ronaldo, is suffering from professional sadness: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/ronaldo-sadness-could-spell-the-end-at-real-madrid-0028029-1

[Noelys Guitar]

The Indo is reporting that Gibson threatened to quit the squad after the Spain game. Had to be talked out of it (I believe by Alan Kelly and John O'Shea). I agree with Elroy that McCarthy is a better all round player than Gibson. But our midfield is threadbare and Gibson will be missed. It was interesting to hear Trap say he would continue to follow Gibson ie he will never play again as long as I am manager.

[Acornvilla]

Maybe Darron, like Ronaldo, is suffering from professional sadness: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/ronaldo-sadness-could-spell-the-end-at-real-madrid-0028029-1
I see his dads anniversary is this week, could just be knobhead journos blowing things out of proportion as usual.

[Murfinator]

The Indo is reporting that Gibson threatened to quit the squad after the Spain game. Had to be talked out of it (I believe by Alan Kelly and John O'Shea). I agree with Elroy that McCarthy is a better all round player than Gibson. But our midfield is threadbare and Gibson will be missed. It was interesting to hear Trap say he would continue to follow Gibson ie he will never play again as long as I am manager.

It was a well circulated rumour at the time so presumably there's some degree of truth to it, particularly considering recent events. Walking out while the side is at a low ebb out of no reason other than personal frustration at not getting game time would have been a million times worse than what Roy Keane did, it'd surely have been the end of his international career under any manager, that action would have been crossing a point of no return without a doubt. You'd have to wonder what his teammates thought of him when it got to them that he was considering such a move, wouldn't surprise me if he wasn't the most popular person in the camp given what we hear about him.
But the fact that he was even considering such an action either means he was content to end his Irish career or that he isn't too bright and just reacts without consideration of the consequences.

[geysir]

Trap's idea of the "I'll keep the door open" policy

http://www.anthonyfernando.com/uploads/Image/DoorClosed.jpg

[magicman]

The Indo is reporting that Gibson threatened to quit the squad after the Spain game. Had to be talked out of it (I believe by Alan Kelly and John O'Shea). I agree with Elroy that McCarthy is a better all round player than Gibson. But our midfield is threadbare and Gibson will be missed. It was interesting to hear Trap say he would continue to follow Gibson ie he will never play again as long as I am manager.



But the fact that he was even considering such an action either means he was content to end his Irish career or that he isn't too bright and just reacts without consideration of the consequences.


I'd be interested in knowing what happened with the conversation with Trap and I will reserve judging until/if I hear both sides of the story.
But one thing that has been on my mind since Trap's logic of not bringing him on against Italy is did he use that reasoning with Gibson?
During the conversation they had, did Trap say to Darron, "Oh, I couldn't bring you on because it might look like I was weakening the team to help Italy"? If he did say that to him, then, honestly, I think I would have said the same thing to Trap. Thanks but no thanks.

If Trap told him we didn't play you because you're not good enough, then why would anybody want to play for a manager like that? These guys are competitive.
Maybe he was so down heartened by not getting to play for his country that now he can't bear to face the teammates he nearly walked on?




Walking out while the side is at a low ebb out of no reason other than personal frustration at not getting game time would have been a million times worse than what Roy Keane did..........

Now, I don;t have much time for a lot of your comments because in my opinion they are intentional WUMMING or else you have a very blinkered view but this one takes the biscuit.
A million times worse? You're comparing a captain walking out on his side days before the competition starts to a guy you say is useless talking about walking out on the team after they have been knocked out with only one game remaining and he hadn't had a look in?


That's why I'm slow to criticize him. Guys like you jump on the bandwagon and do everything in your power to stir up as much hatred as possible. I called you on it in the Wilson thread and suprisingly you have given up that fight without replying.
I'll wait for Gibson's reply. If he deserves abuse or if he deserves to be told p*ss off then I will have no problem taking that stance. Likewise if he stood by his morals while being f*cked around by his manager for no proper reasons of promoting Green ahead of him and not giving him a run then I would defend him for doing such.



*Disclaimer All of this is just an alternative view. It's easy to do when on the opposite side of the world and not watching the media everyday. Chances are Gibson is just an egotistical w*nker who couldn't be bothered turning up.

[Charlie Darwin]

The Indo is reporting that Gibson threatened to quit the squad after the Spain game. Had to be talked out of it (I believe by Alan Kelly and John O'Shea). I agree with Elroy that McCarthy is a better all round player than Gibson. But our midfield is threadbare and Gibson will be missed. It was interesting to hear Trap say he would continue to follow Gibson ie he will never play again as long as I am manager.
What's your reasoning here? The one thing we should all know is that it is foolish to interpret Trap's stock phrases as anything other than the meaningless banalities they are.

Trap picked Foley again after he more or less came out and said he wouldn't play again under Trap. Gibson has kept his cards much closer to his chest and is much more likely to be actually required to play in a big game. Trap probably thinks he's a complete idiot, but he will call upon him again if he requires him, and it's likely he will require him.

[Noelys Guitar]

What's your reasoning here? The one thing we should all know is that it is foolish to interpret Trap's stock phrases as anything other than the meaningless banalities they are.

Trap picked Foley again after he more or less came out and said he wouldn't play again under Trap. Gibson has kept his cards much closer to his chest and is much more likely to be actually required to play in a big game. Trap probably thinks he's a complete idiot, but he will call upon him again if he requires him, and it's likely he will require him.

Because he has used th exact phrase before in relation to several Irish players (even used it for Lee Carsely!). I agree with you that Gibson is still needed but he would not have started in this game on Friday and even if he does come back (not going to happen IMO)will not start against Germany. I see the backtracking on playing McClean has already started as I predicted yesterday. Trap and Tadelli make the exact same comments before every game. Build up a player a week before the game. And then don't start him. I expect to see Cox starting out wide left. And I wouldn't put my mortgage on McCarthy starting either despite what has been said previously. It could be Meyler or even Wilson starting alongside Whelan.

[Stuttgart88]

Tardelli was spouting the McClean "maybe not ready yet" line this morning. But he's played and delivered against better players than he's likely to face against Kazakhstan. It's a tricky tie but if he can't start this type of game he'll never be ready.

[Noelys Guitar]

Tardelli was spouting the McClean "maybe not ready yet" line this morning. But he's played and delivered against better players than he's likely to face against Kazakhstan. It's a tricky tie but if he can't start this type of game he'll never be ready.
The Duff comments from Tardelli tell us a lot. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for McClean. It comes back to the system trumping individual players everytime no matter how good the players might be. They don't trust McClean or Long and I'm not sure they trust MccArthy either to stick to the system. And whatever happens in these get togethers seems to confirm Traps and Tardelli's beliefs that certain players can't be trusted to do the required job. Why else would they continue to pick players like Cox and Green ahead of clearly better players.

[DannyInvincible]

Good post, magicman. If you feel Gibson had a right to feel aggrieved (and I think he may well have if Trap actually offered him the same excuse he gave the media the other day), what do you make of his reaction to such disappointment? Whilst his disappointment may have been valid, I still don't think opting out to be the most sensible or appropriate response. Then again, I'm not in Gibson's boots and don't know the full facts of the story.

[jbyrne]

The Duff comments from Tardelli tell us a lot. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for McClean.

Duff is a better player than McClean and definately much more experienced. We play Germany in about 6 weeks and if I were in Tardelli's shoes I would want Duff back also

[Murfinator]

Duff is on a different planet to McClean, it isn't even close. Unfortunately not even McGeady has been getting close to Duff for Ireland.

[magicman]

Good post, magicman. If you feel Gibson had a right to feel aggrieved (and I think he may well have if Trap actually offered him the same excuse he gave the media the other day), what do you make of his reaction to such disappointment? Whilst his disappointment may have been valid, I still don't think opting out to be the most sensible or appropriate response. Then again, I'm not in Gibson's boots and don't know the full facts of the story.

I agree. I think it was wrong to do what he did. Even if he was right, he comes across as nothing but a spoiled idiot. I'm not condoning how he acted, but forgetting the fact it is Ireland, and just looking at how things unfolded, I can understand it.

First he gets named in the squad only to see a guy called up as a replacement(who nobody can argue is much better than Gibson in the role asked) see the game time that Darron assumed would be his.
Maybe when he wanted to leave after the Spanish game, he was convinced to stay because his chance would come?
Maybe when he talked to Trap before the squad was announced and he asked for some assurances that it wouldn't happen again, but got fed the same rubbish about the Italy game that Trap said in the press conference?

Again, take Ireland away and look at those 3 things. 2 are speculation but if I played with any team and was treated in that sort of way I wouldn't have any interest in playing for that manager.

I still feel what he did was wrong. But at the same time, it takes a strong person who feels constantly humiliated to keep returning. Also, how can he possibly return for the next fixture after Trap publicly said he wasn't good enough for the Italy game?
To me that was a dirty dig from the manager. Putting Gibson in a position where he won't want to be around therefore alleviating Trap of any wrongdoing.


I'm only playing Devil's Advocate and trying to look at a different side of the story!

[SwanVsDalton]

To me that was a dirty dig from the manager. Putting Gibson in a position where he won't want to be around therefore alleviating Trap of any wrongdoing.

There's devil advocating, but then there's just being tin-hatted - still don't buy the idea the manager is intentionally alienating players.

To be honest I just don't see the Green thing as that big a deal. Sure - playing in a major tournament is a great accolade - but let's be realistic, we're talking about five minutes at the end of a hammering. And the bigger picture was the squad had just exited the tournament. Yet Gibson appears only to be thinking of himself at that moment.

You answer the call because you want to play, not because you expect to. The only difference between Gibson and most of the others in the squad (many of whom have been similarly overlooked) is his attitude stinks.

[DannyInvincible]

First he gets named in the squad only to see a guy called up as a replacement(who nobody can argue is much better than Gibson in the role asked) see the game time that Darron assumed would be his.

With Green called up after Gibson as a replacement for Fahey, Gibson probably saw himself as being ahead of Green in the pecking order, through both his and Trap's eyes. Still, that doesn't justify any expectation or presumptuousness.

Trap's words appear to indicate it's nothing personal between the two - that Gibson's disappointment is down to the general performance of the team, but I imagine there has to be more to it than that - so it would be interesting to hear Gibson's side.


I still feel what he did was wrong. But at the same time, it takes a strong person who feels constantly humiliated to keep returning. Also, how can he possibly return for the next fixture after Trap publicly said he wasn't good enough for the Italy game?
To me that was a dirty dig from the manager. Putting Gibson in a position where he won't want to be around therefore alleviating Trap of any wrongdoing.

I don't think Trap actually came out and said he wasn't good enough, or did he? Trap said he didn't play him against Italy as it might have compromised Trap's reputation. Although, I suppose implicit in Trap's expressed fear of fielding what could have been perceived as a weakened team against Italy is the notion that Gibson's inclusion would indeed have amounted to weakening the team.

[Noelys Guitar]

There's devil advocating, but then there's just being tin-hatted - still don't buy the idea the manager is intentionally alienating players.

To be honest I just don't see the Green thing as that big a deal. Sure - playing in a major tournament is a great accolade - but let's be realistic, we're talking about five minutes at the end of a hammering. And the bigger picture was the squad had just exited the tournament. Yet Gibson appears only to be thinking of himself at that moment.

You answer the call because you want to play, not because you expect to. The only difference between Gibson and most of the others in the squad (many of whom have been similarly overlooked) is his attitude stinks.

Complete nonsense. Gibson is guilty of being honest and giving up something that obviously meant something to him. Irish times and Pravda/RTE driven rubbish.

[SwanVsDalton]

Complete nonsense. Gibson is guilty of being honest and giving up something that obviously meant something to him.

I didn't say it didn't mean anything to him. I'm sure he thought hard about the decision. I just said his attitude stinks.

Would you like a squad of players so sensitive they throw their toys when overlooked by the same manager who brought them in and stood by them when most would have discarded them?

You don't think players should knuckle down when disappointed? Redouble their efforts? Be proud to play for their country as opposed to selfishly considering only their own prospects and ducking out of a long-haul away trip?

I can see where Gibson's coming from, I just think it's ridiculous and way OTT. It's a very disappointing indictment of his attitude, an attitude which the likes of Kelly, Wilson, McCarthy, McClean, Coleman, Long and Walters (in the current squad) could also have but - surprise, surprise - don't because they're not complete babies.


Irish times and Pravda/RTE driven rubbish.

Eh? Media's on a bit of an anti-Trap trip, imo, but regardless, I have no idea what you're on about.

[Bungle]

I think Trap's man management is very poor right now. His players from yesteryear like Brady and Hamann all talk about his manangement abilities as being why he was a great manager. However, he strikes me now as a stubborn old man, who has poor English (hence communication skills) and is on a cushy retirement number. He genuinely cares about Ireland doing well, but he isn't going to put in the hard graft to deal with difficult and temperamental players or be creative in working with lads like Hoolahan, by having to change his tactics to do so.

In relation to Gibson, I think despite the above, Gibson's attitude is totally wrong. I can understand lads like Gibson, McCarthy, Wilson, Coleman and now McClean being peeved, but keep the head down and get in the team. He just strikes me as a petulant stroppy brat by doing what he did. James McCathy who is imo an outstanding talent is a breath of fresh air compared to Gibson.

[SwanVsDalton]

Gibson ruled out for over a month. (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2012/0914/337615-gibson-is-ruled-out-for-over-a-month/)

So there won't be any rush on him coming back. If Meyler beds in, and Fahey returns, it'll probably take injuries to for him to get back in (if he wants back that is).

[IsMiseSean]

At least now the whole Gibson selection or non selection won't be all over the press in the lead up to the Germany game now..

[Charlie Darwin]

At least now the whole Gibson selection or non selection won't be all over the press in the lead up to the Germany game now..
Just the McClean/McCarthy/Brady/Wilson/Coleman selection/non-selection then.

[CraftyToePoke]

Just the McClean/McCarthy/Brady/Wilson/Coleman selection/non-selection then.

Yep.

And Mr. Ireland will probably fancy a game about three weeks before, only if he's asked nicely of course, in that helpful right on cue way of his.

[the bear]

Yep.

And Mr. Ireland will probably fancy a game about three weeks before, only if he's asked nicely of course, in that helpful right on cue way of his.

Jesus, has it got that bad that you only have to win a beauty pagent to get capped

[DeLorean]

Gibson ruled out for over a month. (http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2012/0914/337615-gibson-is-ruled-out-for-over-a-month/)

Strangely enough, the diagnosis doesn't seem as bad from the BBC.
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19599885)
I'm actually going to Wigan v Everton in a few weeks and was kind of looking forward to seeing how himself and James McCarthy did against each other.

[Stuttgart88]

Trap said this about Gibson after Oman:

As for Darron Gibson, the manager said he is entirely open to the idea of including the midfielder in the squad but insisted that there can be no preconditions.

“I don’t bear any grudges but it is important that he gives us a signal; that he makes it clear he is available.

“I understand that he is disappointed but we cannot be disappointed that Gibson is not coming. If he is not then we must simply move on.

“If he is ready to return then I will be pleased but he must understand that I don’t pick players because they are famous or my friends.

“I pick the players that I feel I need for each game.

“He can look at the example of Kevin Doyle who has more than 50 caps but reacts with great dignity when he does not play and always comes the next time.”

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0913/1224323957966.html

Also says he might play a 3 man midfield.

[SkStu]

Very fair points in fairness to Trap. Well said and surprisingly well articulated.

[DannyInvincible]

Gibson is back on Twitter: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/so-darron-gibson-is-back-on-twitter-0028665-1

[nigel-harps1954]

Didn't last long before the Norn Iron fans got on.

Alastair McCracken ‏@AllyG2603 (https://twitter.com/AllyG2603)
@D_gibson4 (https://twitter.com/D_gibson4) you've never even gave a reason for your judas actions. Happy to steal training off the IFA then stab them in the back.
Collapse (https://twitter.com/AllyG2603/status/250516241146605569)

Reply (https://twitter.com/D_gibson4#)
Retweet (https://twitter.com/D_gibson4#)
Favorite (https://twitter.com/D_gibson4#)



Wonderful fans.

[Charlie Darwin]

"Happy to steal training..."

Steal training.

Steal training.

[Grafter]

Gibson is back on Twitter: http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/so-darron-gibson-is-back-on-twitter-0028665-1

What is with kids and twitter nowadays (I'm not John Giles btw!) Seriously, what is the attraction of twitter to these guys? Are they in the dressingroom saying I've got more followers than you or something. I'd love to know what that kid's major malfunction is?

[NeverFeltBetter]

Because they're people and they like social media?

[Grafter]

Because they're people and they like social media?

Good luck to him and his like in their tweeting, I'm sure alot of good will come of it....:rolleyes:

[Charlie Darwin]

What is with kids and twitter nowadays (I'm not John Giles btw!) Seriously, what is the attraction of twitter to these guys? Are they in the dressingroom saying I've got more followers than you or something. I'd love to know what that kid's major malfunction is?
Some people like to express their opinions and engage in conversation with like-minded people in a semi-public setting. Apparently some of those people even sign up to message boards.

[Grafter]

Some people like to express their opinions and engage in conversation with like-minded people in a semi-public setting. Apparently some of those people even sign up to message boards.
Touche... ;)

[NeverFeltBetter]

Footballers get plenty of attention on any public statement they make, and even a single negative thing in a sea of boring tweets gets them painted as some sort of social media loose cannon. But, at the end of the day, they are as entitled to use Twitter or Facebook or foot.ie as much as anyone else.

I personally think the news "stories" on footballer tweets are way over the top in terms of sensationalism and looking for stuff to manufacture outrage about.

[John83]

Because they're people and they like social media?
Sure, but you can use facebook to keep in touch with folks, and an anonymous twitter account to follow anything that takes your fancy. They're really exposed to a lot of crap on twitter when they don't hide their identities.

[Charlie Darwin]

Maybe they don't want to hide their identities.

[NeverFeltBetter]

And plenty of footballers just ignore the trolls. Not saying that Gibson is at fault for not doing so the first time - people react in different ways to abuse and that's fine - but people like Rio Ferdinand, Rooney etc have been Tweeting for ages, get 10'000 trolling messages for every positive one and have just kept on going.

[tetsujin1979]

Maybe they don't want to hide their identities.
it would be pretty hard for them to do it anyway, with team mates all posting things like "follow @D_gibson4, he's back on twitter"

[TrapAPony]

On his way back to the Irish setup apparently
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/gibson-on-way-back-212617.html

[DannyInvincible]

That's positive. At last he's seen a bit of sense. Hopefully, he can put this embarrassing little episode behind him.

[DannyInvincible]

Was looking for an Anthony Pilkington thread to highlight the bit concerning him at the bottom of that piece but couldn't find one. Anyway, the concluding few paragraphs are quite interesting:


Meanwhile, Trapattoni said that Norwich’s Anthony Pilkington must decide if he wants to commit to the Republic before the manager can consider calling him into a squad.

"Pilkington in this moment we need to ask, ‘do you want to stay?’. We have this doubt situation," said the manager.

"He must answer us. But there is no contact because we have not the possibility because he is not our player."

Or perhaps more ambiguous/confusing than interesting... So, it appears that the ball is in Pilkington's court and we have not contacted him as he is "not our player"? Didn't he play under-age for us though? Why wouldn't we have had the possibility even if he "is not our player"? Or is Trap saying we will be contacting him? :/

At least he's on the radar, I suppose.