Shane Long

[gastric]

With Everton selling Yakubu, they might possibly use the money to buy Long. I still reckon this would be abrilliant move for him.

[Sullivinho]

With Everton selling Yakubu, they might possibly use the money to buy Long. I still reckon this would be abrilliant move for him.

Agreed, I'd ideally like to see him heading there.

Sunderland are very light up front too so I could see them making a move.

[TiocfaidhArmani]

'I'm aware of Celtic's interest in Shane Long,' Madejski said. 'Neil Lennon has been watching him for three games now. He's been at our past two games and he was here again. We are still to hear anything official from Celtic but it's obvious they are interested.

'How confident am I we can ward off Celtic's interest? Not very.

'It's sad that we didn't get promoted because Shane would have liked to stay at Reading if we had reached the Premier League. But that has changed because we will be in the Championship.'

Should Lennon land his top strike target, Madejski believes he will be getting a player who will take the SPL by storm.

He added: 'Shane is world-class. What is the value I would place on him? £20m. Now we will just have to see what happens with him.

'As well as being a great player, he's a lovely lad. If Celtic are to land him, they will be privileged indeed because he's just a super player and a super individual.

'He has all the right credentials to go to the very top of the game. He's hard working and extremely cool in front of goal. I don't know if he will end up at Celtic but what is certain is that he will not be at Reading next season.'

[jbyrne]

if they want £20m for him he wont be going to celtic. thank god

[boovidge]

I don't think a Celtic move would be too disastrous, if he's playing regularly and bagging goals it'll only be good for his confidence for Ireland.

[Duggie]

I don't think a Celtic move would be too disastrous, if he's playing regularly and bagging goals it'll only be good for his confidence for Ireland.

Celtic is a massive club and a huge draw for us irish but the SPL outside the top 2 is dire. hed prob be better of in the championship if he dosent move. hopefully he can get a club where he plays regularly but even the top strikers out there nowadays arent guaranteed a spot anymore. I seen west brom mentioned, that would be a good one. long and the nigerian odinwengie would be a good partnership.

[paul_oshea]

Has shane come off the boil a bit in the last month?

[Duggie]

Has shane come off the boil a bit in the last month?

hopefully he back on the boil sat night. i presume he will start in front of cox?

[jbyrne]

Has shane come off the boil a bit in the last month?

based on the 2nd leg of the semi final vs cardiff, no

[TiocfaidhArmani]

Celtic is a massive club and a huge draw for us irish but the SPL outside the top 2 is dire. hed prob be better of in the championship if he dosent move. hopefully he can get a club where he plays regularly but even the top strikers out there nowadays arent guaranteed a spot anymore. I seen west brom mentioned, that would be a good one. long and the nigerian odinwengie would be a good partnership.

European football with Celtic as well, which can only be a good thing. I'd have him instead of Stokes.

[Duggie]

European football with Celtic as well, which can only be a good thing. I'd have him instead of Stokes.

its hard to know, him and hooper would be first choice id imagine. when robbie went i thought it was a total step down for him but i came round to the idea. but i think at this time long should stay in england. at 24 does he really want to go to the SPL..

[Sullivinho]

Celtic would be a great move...




...when he's 32 and beginning to wind down. At 24 and in the wake of his best ever season, he's primed for premier league action.

[Hibs4Ever]

Not a chance of him going to Celtc. Huge step backwards

[elroy]

Ya second the above, no way should he go to Celtic. Id actually prefer for him to do another year in Reading, be their main man, get plenty of football etc. If not, then go to someone like Everton or Villa would be good, somewhere he'd get plenty of games. Think he would actually form a good partnership with Darren Bent at Villa.

[tetsujin1979]

from today's Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jun/02/football-transfer-rumours-didier-drogba-milan

Reading are all set to be punished for their failure to win promotion by seeing a veritably player exodus, with winger Jimmy Kébé on QPR's radar and prolific striker Shane Long currently being pursued by Celtic, Everton and Newcastle

[DannyInvincible]

Disagreement between Reading's manager and chairman over Long's future: http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/football/articles/2011/06/02/52385-trouble-brewing-at-reading-over-longs-future/


READING boss Brian McDermott and chairman Sir John Madejski look set to clash over Shane Long's future.

McDermott is determined to keep his squad together and wants leading goalscorer Long to spearhead next season's promotion campaign.

But Madejski insists the club's crown jewels will be sold to balance the books following Monday's play-off final defeat.

"I'm aware of Celtic's interest in Shane Long," said Madejski. "How confident am I we can ward off Celtic's interest? Not very.

"It's sad we didn't get promoted because Shane would have liked to stay if we had reached the Premier League, but that has changed because we will be in the Championship."

[BonnieShels]

I would prefer if he stayed and had another season like the one just gone building a reputation and pricing Celtic out if it.

I'm thinking Villa would be the move.

[tommy_c12000]

He is too good for another yr in the chamiponship. He will definitely be on the move this summer to premiership. He won't be moving to Celtic

[BonnieShels]

Correct. But would it not be better for him to stay at reading rather than move to Celtic.

[Sullivinho]

READING boss Brian McDermott and chairman Sir John Madejski look set to clash over Shane Long's future.

That'l be scissors clashing with rock respectively then.

Can't see Long staying there. Goals, physicality, professionalism.. he's moving on (and up).

[geysir]

Long doesn't need to go to Celtic. He is already a proven player, just below his peak and good enough to command a first team spot in a few epl teams.

Though I'm glad Lennon is after him, shows he's serious about getting a quality partner for Hooper.

[Murfinator]

1 very good season and 5 disappointing single digit goal tally ones. I'm not convinced that makes him top class and I don't think top clubs will be convinced either.

[SwanVsDalton]

Players take their own time to find their feet. The class he's shown this season is permanent. there's something there alright. I hope he goes to the right club to develop, if he does he could be an EPL regular no problem and likely even more.

[tetsujin1979]

Ciaran O'Raghallaigh has linked Long with an €8 million move to Bayern Munich!
From Ciaran's twitter feed: https://twitter.com/#!/Ciaran_O/statuses/77384428359385088

Shane Long wanted by Bayern Munich. #readingfc #FAI http://t.co/PT1EK11the link is to this photo of the article
http://yfrog.com/h0syuptj:iphone


<EDIT>


Did some googling, there's an article on the Daily Record's site about Celtic being priced out of a move for Long, due to Bayern's interest: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/spl/2011/06/05/celtic-could-be-priced-out-of-shane-long-move-after-bayern-munich-lodge-interest-in-reading-striker-86908-23181353/

[DannyInvincible]

That's an interesting development. According to that Daily Record article, Reading have meetings set up with Bayern representatives.

[Murfinator]

As much as I'd like to see it happen I can't see what Bayern would want from him.

[Charlie Darwin]

Goals, I assume.

The Daily Record's claim that Celtic are only talking about Long to sate the fans has a ring of truth to it. I really can't see them spending the kind of money that would be required to get Long, regardless of whether Bayern are in to him.

[Eirambler]

Its the annual 'link Celtic with an Irish striker to sell season tickets' trick coming from Parkhead again I think, except this time its Shane Long rather than Robbie Keane.

Ironically they might actually be able to get Keane this summer as his star has fallen a lot in England. Thankfully Long is well out of their range and will move to a far higher standard of football than the SPL. Would love to see another Irish player move to the continent, it has done wonders for McGeady and I think Long would do well in Germany if he got a run of games. He is probably more likely to end up somewhere like Everton though.

[tetsujin1979]

There may be something to the Celtic link, Neil Lennon was at both semi final legs against Forest, and at the final in Wembley

[BonnieShels]

That would be an incredible move for him and Ireland. The more Irish lads playing in mainland Europe the better.

[Noelys Guitar]

Possibly on his way to Bayern Munich going by latest reports. 7mil sterling. Would be a great move.
http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2094190_bayern_munich_join_the_race_to_sign_readin g_fc_striker

[Murfinator]

In terms of Bayerns position they wanted to enter the new season with Olic, Gomez, Klose as backup/impact and Petersen as the reserve / up and coming. Klose rejected a new contract and went to Lazio which frees up a vacancy there. Petersen is a really modest player they got for only 3 million I don't think they'd be comfortable entering the new season with their strikeforce as it is even with Muller capable of playing there as backup. Yet I don't think they'd want to splash big money on a player with Gomez and Olic already there. What they want is someone who can bring bench impact, something different and be a reliable scoring threat. I'd still say Long would be a strange one, but the fact that bayern offered Klose a 1 year deal after signing Petersen tells me they're in the market for a backup striker.

[DannyInvincible]

Do we want Long going there and filling a Solskjær-like role sitting on the bench?

[Murfinator]

Depends on the alternatives, it'd definitely be preferable than another season in the championship. They do have a worrying history of letting quality strikers rot in the reserves over there. Roque Santa Cruz and Lukas Podolski come to mind.

[CraftyToePoke]

Do we want Long going there and filling a Solskjær-like role sitting on the bench?

Its a tough one, we have seen how much he has come on this season with being the number one striker, he is in a position where he had Robbie Keanes spot in his sights until recently according to some, with even Trap hinting at that. If Bayren are willing to spend the kind of dollar being mentioned you would assume they would want more than just a squad player and feel he could contribute regularly to first team requirements. I think he should go for it and if he is good enough the rest will take care of itself.

Also, wasnt Trap manager of Bayren? Maybe he has told them of treasure to be had in the English second division in Long, maybe they agree.

[Sullivinho]

They do have a worrying history of letting quality strikers rot in the reserves over there. Roque Santa Cruz and Lukas Podolski come to mind.

I really like the thought of a young Irish player in his pomp being courted by a European giant but that would be my concern also. Robbie was an even hotter property way back when and had to play fourth fiddle to the likes of Vieri, Zamorano and Recoba although there was a managerial change that didn't help. I wouldn't assume Shane is Bayern's primary or singular target either.

Having said that, I watch a bit of Bundesliga, it's an entertaining league and it'd be smashing to have an Irish interest there.


Also, wasnt Trap manager of Bayren?

Humorously so..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1sprC3-nmM

McGeady was heavily linked with Bayern a few years back. Apparently Trap's opinion was sought and he recommended him but nothing came of it.

[AlaskaFox]

McGeady was heavily linked with Bayern a few years back. Apparently Trap's opinion was sought and he recommended him but nothing came of it.

We can expect to see West Brom receive a bid for Simon Cox in the next few days so.

[Lionel Ritchie]

I really like the thought of a young Irish player in his pomp being courted by a European giant but that would be my concern also. Robbie was an even hotter property way back when and had to play fourth fiddle to the likes of Vieri, Zamorano and Recoba although there was a managerial change that didn't help. I wouldn't assume Shane is Bayern's primary or singular target either. true enough. Though in this instance I'd happily apply Johnny Giles logic that you always go with the biggest club that are in for you. SL goes to Bayern and it works out -result. If it doesn't work out he'll "trickle down" -maybe to the class of EPL club (Wolves, Newcastle, Everton) that are said to be sniffing. He won't trickle down to Bayern from anywhere. No brainer.

[Murfinator]

This is true. Bayern are one of the top 6 clubs in Europe and one of the most renowned historically. If your on their books regardless of your contribution teams will take note if you later become available.

[amaccann]

Why should our players settle for Premiership mediocrity so early in their lives; as mentioned, better to try and fail at a club like Bayern, than to have never tried at all. I actually think Long's good enough for a club like that & could be a great launchpad to a greater career. He'd learn so much in an environment like that.

I personally think for Irish players to improve overall, our lads need to start seriously considering moving away from the comfort zone of the English / Scottish leagues. I don't know if they do already, but perhaps our national coaching setup needs to considering giving our young-lads lessons in european languages so they're more inclined to move abroad.

[BonnieShels]

That would be a smashing idea. However what really needs to happen is a proper academy system a la France. We need a Clairefontaine big time.

[gastric]

That would be a smashing idea. However what really needs to happen is a proper academy system a la France. We need a Clairefontaine big time.

You are on the money there! It is badly needed, but who wouldn't we need a solid professional team set up to then take these players on? Any thoughts?

On Long, the German game IMO is less frantic and would suit him as there seems to be more build up play. With his positional sense and inherent anticipation, he could thrive in the Bundesliga.

[BonnieShels]

In essence yes but that could come down the line. It would be far more advantageous for us that we have better players no matter where they play.

If we ended up with a situation where we had a national academy the trickle down effect would mean that even the LOI would end up with better players and so on.

At the moment we rely on the English systems and all that does is create the same type of player over and over again.

We then have a situation where the truly creative players like Fahey and A Reid get stuck because their skills aren't needed by teams flirting with relegation etc. So they end up at lesser teams than they otherwise would have played with.

Thankfully my spiel can't now just be dismissed because if anything McGeady's move to Russia shows how a player can improve within a mediocre team in a mediocre league.

[gastric]

I understand your argument and in theory it makes sense. However, in practice how do we hold on to these players? We set up an academy and Man Utd comes calling after seeing one of the players. What choice does this player have? You can mention contracts etc that will keep players at an academy, but once a big club comes calling players will inevitably move.
Personally, I think we need to assess what style of football we really want to develop in Ireland. We produce hardworking, determined players who possibly lack the type of skill that continental teams have.
Do we improve this part of our game? I don't have the answers, but keeping in mind the economic mess the country is in, an overhaul of coaching and the introduction of a unified approach to the game's development might be cheaper than an academy.
In saying this I still hate how our young players have no choice but to go to England to further their football opportunities.

[BonnieShels]

It all starts early.
My brother plays u11 in the SDFL. His team have just achieved a second successive promotion by the the long ball.
Whilst it's effective not one of the players on the time has excelled or improved in those 2 years to the extent that you would hope. And now they get to have all the fun of 11 a side next season. Patently ridiculous for kids that size.
These are the things that cab be changed with next to no cost. A smaller ball on a smaller pitch. A ban in kicking it over head height would ensure ball control would have to develop. Anyway that's an over simplification but you know where I'm doing with this.

Your point about Man U or other teams whilst valid is really moot at this stage. Training up these kids will not mean they are lost to Ireland or Irish soccer indefinitely.

Let's start first...

[gastric]

It all starts early.
My brother plays u11 in the SDFL. His team have just achieved a second successive promotion by the the long ball.
Whilst it's effective not one of the players on the time has excelled or improved in those 2 years to the extent that you would hope. And now they get to have all the fun of 11 a side next season. Patently ridiculous for kids that size.
These are the things that cab be changed with next to no cost. A smaller ball on a smaller pitch. A ban in kicking it over head height would ensure ball control would have to develop. Anyway that's an over simplification but you know where I'm doing with this.

Your point about Man U or other teams whilst valid is really moot at this stage. Training up these kids will not mean they are lost to Ireland or Irish soccer indefinitely.

Let's start first...
Your points are certainly valid and I am not trying to be negative for the sake of being negative. But in terms of funding or possible finance where would the incentive be if ultimately the products of an academy ended up overseas. I still think we need clubs here that could further develop these players for such an academy to work. Unfortunately, the LOI clubs would probably be the last option for many potential players. This isn't meant to be a criticism more just the nature of soccer in Ireland.

[BonnieShels]

As I'm typing on mobile its harder to convey points quickly whilst at the same time not chucking my phone against the wall. I'll respond later on gastric as it could be a nice long post.

Also I know you're not being negative for negative's sake.

I can see a new thread in the offing...

[gastric]

As I'm typing on mobile its harder to convey points quickly whilst at the same time not chucking my phone against the wall. I'll respond later on gastric as it could be a nice long post.

Also I know you're not being negative for negative's sake.

I can see a new thread in the offing...

Unfortunately, its bedtime soon in Oz, so I will signing off! However, I agree that something should be done to further develop the game in Ireland, the question I think we are both posing is how best to do it. It is certainly worthy of debate and I am happy to continue this discussion when our morning comes around.

[mark12345]

Music to my ears and many others I suspect.


Why should our players settle for Premiership mediocrity so early in their lives; as mentioned, better to try and fail at a club like Bayern, than to have never tried at all. I actually think Long's good enough for a club like that & could be a great launchpad to a greater career. He'd learn so much in an environment like that.

I personally think for Irish players to improve overall, our lads need to start seriously considering moving away from the comfort zone of the English / Scottish leagues. I don't know if they do already, but perhaps our national coaching setup needs to considering giving our young-lads lessons in european languages so they're more inclined to move abroad.

[the bear]

That would be a smashing idea. However what really needs to happen is a proper academy system a la France. We need a Clairefontaine big time.


You are on the money there! It is badly needed, but who wouldn't we need a solid professional team set up to then take these players on? Any thoughts?

the only way i could see that working is if something similiar to the rugby magners league was set up. with 4 or watever small number of irish teams competing at a high level, drawing big crowds every week. say a team from dublin, cork ,belfast, galway, cardiff etc.

each with an academy and a realistic incentive of top class football, champs league and all.

i think this would be the best way forward. people might be skeptical and stay away at first, but if the standards are high the crowds will come. i see this as the only real way that an irish club could have a impact in the champions league. also the standards of our international team would greatly improve

do you think this is realistic, LOI fans are bound to be against it . im not actually calling for abolishing the league and all the histories of its clubs. that could still operate the same way, with the best players coming to play at these new higher standard irish teams rther than being poached overseas