Irish Players Abroad 06/07

[tetsujin1979]

Yeah, heard it alright. It said Pats are interested, 5 grand a week salary. Can't see it being a good move for either parties. Don't think he's great and he'll probably have a "couldn't be arsed" attitude about the whole thing.
Ah right, did a quick google on it, and there's this article - http://www.doncaster.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=66246 - from a few weeks back.

[Raheny Red]

he a striker or what?

Anyone know if he was with any other clubs before Shels?

[youngirish]

Name a player that has peaked at 24.


Could you be anymore vague? You're contradicting yourself there as well. Backtracking as well seeing as you said McCarthy should be almost the finished article.

Now you're just being silly. McCarthy's 24 I said 25-30 is when a player should be around his peak so logic would dictate McCarthy should be really starting to show signs of being a decent player.

As for naming a player that was playing at their peak level at 24 or before? Maradonna, Duff, Michael Owen, Shearer, Marco Van Basten, Harry Kewell, George Best, Johann Crujiff were all better players at this stage of their career than the latter years. I could go on but can't be bothered. That should be enough.

[drummerboy]

McCarthy is starting to show signs that he is going to be a decent player. He has captained his club at 23 years of age, which would suggest he has both ability and leadership. There is a question mark about the amount of yellow and red cards he picks up but that is something he is trying to eradicate from his game.

[tetsujin1979]

Coventry and Leicester linked with Leon Best in today's Guardian.

[Paddy Garcia]

Coventry and Leicester linked with Leon Best in today's Guardian.

... they clearly recognise he wants a move back to the midlands. Somesome mentioned that he commmitted to us very recently - how did he do that - in a statement or what?

[tetsujin1979]

... they clearly recognise he wants a move back to the midlands. Somesome mentioned that he commmitted to us very recently - how did he do that - in a statement or what?
think eirebhoy posted about that, it was reported on one line in this article in the Independent: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/striking-change-of-fortune-proves-bonus-to-staunton-680682.html

while Southampton's Leon Best - who has confirmed his declaration for Ireland - finished the season with a flourish, barring his misfortune in scoring an own goal in his side's play-off loss to Derby

also I missed this earlier in the week: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/barca-and-real-battle-for-heinze-691304.html

Best primed to quit Saints
LEON BEST is set to depart Southampton after rejecting their latest new contract offer.

The former Republic of Ireland youth international's deal expires in the summer with Leicester City understood to be favourites for his signature having scored 17 goals last season, 10 of which came on loan at Yeovil.

Meanwhile, JJ Melligan has opted against signing a new deal with Cheltenham Town.
Confirms Leicester are at least interested in him, do they have that much to spend, and would he be considered a started for them?
According to soccerbase - http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=1527 - their top scorer last season was Hume with 14, then it's a drop to Kisnorbo with 7, given that Best scored 5 times in 11 games in the Championship, it's a distinct possibility

[Paddy Garcia]

Thanks Tets, also for the update on Sheehan - hopefully he will step up this year.

From what little I saw of Best he looked very direct and powerful. I think he is well worth a look, I'd have him on a par or maybe even slightly ahead of Keogh.

[youngirish]

Thanks Tets, also for the update on Sheehan - hopefully he will step up this year.

From what little I saw of Best he looked very direct and powerful. I think he is well worth a look, I'd have him on a par or maybe even slightly ahead of Keogh.

I like Best to be honest. Like Sheridan he offers something different than the majority of our other strikers. He seems a bit of a coinfidence player though so he needs to be playing regularly or he'll fade into obscurity.

Keogh is a good player but his goal return for a forward has never been much to write home about.

[Stuttgart88]

I've only seen Sheridan once, in the recent U19 game at Dalyer. I was really impressed by his pace, not something I'd have expected from a guy with his physique. I think he could go places and Venegoor of Hesselink could be under pressure at some point next season, he's really disappointed me.

[Stuttgart88]

Keogh is a good player but his goal return for a forward has never been much to write home about.He's got other strings to his bow though. Very good player I think.

[tetsujin1979]

Keogh is a good player but his goal return for a forward has never been much to write home about.
He played the target man role at S****horpe, I'd really like to see the amount of goals Sharpe scored with Keogh getting the assist.


I've only seen Sheridan once, in the recent U19 game at Dalyer. I was really impressed by his pace, not something I'd have expected from a guy with his physique. I think he could go places and Venegoor of Hesselink could be under pressure at some point next season, he's really disappointed me.
The other main striker for the Celtic reserves, Finbogasan (sp?), has gone on trial to Bristol City, and he was considered to be ahead of Sheridan this time last year, since then Sheridan has gone on to play for the first team. Think that says a lot for how Strachan rates him.

[eirebhoy]

Willo Flood still looks about 12.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5386/wfloodnp7.jpg

[Paddy Garcia]

McAteer has just retired (well formally). He was a real breath of fresh air when he burst onto the scene, great attitude. It's a pity that he ever went to Liverpool where they turned him into a wing back, given his fantastic performances in midfield for Bolton.

[The Legend]

Willo Flood still looks about 12.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5386/wfloodnp7.jpg

And here's a prediction for his career...

2007 loaned to Dundee Utd
2008 bought by Dundee Utd for 200k
2009 Loaned out by Dundee to Stenhousemuir
20010 Sold to Stenhousemuir for 5k
20011 playing pub football in Mayo...:D

[Closed Account]

And here's a prediction for his career...

2007 loaned to Dundee Utd
2008 bought by Dundee Utd for 200k
2009 Loaned out by Dundee to Stenhousemuir
20010 Sold to Stenhousemuir for 5k
20011 playing pub football in Mayo...:D
Not a bad career, 18001 years playing for Dundee and 5k is a pretty good price for an 18025 year old.

[SaucyJack]

John Thompson for Oldham, could do worse, they used to be a half decent team


Oldham move for Thompson


June 15, 2007

Coca-Cola League One side Oldham Athletic have snapped up Irish international defender John Thompson from Nottingham Forest.

Thompson, who enjoyed a loan spell at Tranmere Rovers last season, has been released by the City Ground side following the expiry of his contract.

The 25-year-old’s search for a new club has lasted just a couple of weeks, with Oldham boss John Sheridan stepping in with a two-year contract offer.

And former Irish international Sheridan believes the Dubliner’s versatility will make him a key player at Boundary Park.

He told the club’s official site: “This is another excellent signing for us. I know how highly they rated John at Tranmere, and we’ve got the added bonus that he can play in a few positions.

"He’s the right age and has come from a big club in Nottingham Forest. I’m sure John can have a big impact and make us a better team.

"I sat down with the lad before I brought him in and explained that he’d be playing primarily at centre-half, but there’s going to be occasions when we need him to slot in elsewhere.

"He can also play at full-back and in midfield and that gives us a bit more flexibility within the squad if required.”

[Paddy Garcia]

Apparently Alan O'Brien has turned down three contract offers from Newcastle & is being tracked by Celtic, West Brom, Wolves and Leicester!

Slightly odd, but I hope he proves me & other sceptics wrong.

[tetsujin1979]

Apparently Alan O'Brien has turned down three contract offers from Newcastle & is being tracked by Celtic, West Brom, Wolves and Leicester!
that's listed on the transfer rumours page here: http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1053856,00.html (http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278%7E1053856,00.html)

The Sunday Mirror reports that Celtic, West Brom, Wolves and Leicester will battle for Alan O'Brien's signature if the winger doesn't sign a new deal offered at St. James' Park.

I read before that the Newcastle reserve team manager wanted to keep him on because he was the fastest player he ever worked with. To be honest, I'm surprised Newcastle offered him a new contract, never mind 3, he doesn't seem the stereotypical Allardyce-type player

[youngirish]

I'm amazed any of those teams would be interested in him bar Leicester.

[Paddy Garcia]

To be honest, I'm surprised Newcastle offered him a new contract, never mind 3, he doesn't seem the stereotypical Allardyce-type player

If I was him, I'd accept all three offers.

[tetsujin1979]

A friend of mine was at the Toronto FC game at the weekend, they won 4-0. In his words "Ronnie O'Brien played crap, he's been good since coming back from injury but he was rubbish yesterday"

[tetsujin1979]

Dunne confirms he's staying at Man City, despite the takeover (or the lack thereof) and links with Newcastle - http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pagegid={DBD12D53-8346-431D-A04F-5D0F8664DE80}&newsid=437754

[tetsujin1979]

Billy Mehmet signed a one year contract extension with St Mirren yesterday - http://www.saintmirren.net/content/members/news06-07.php?story=1&row=4073

[youngirish]

There are unsupported rumours floating around a number of the wolves forums that McCarthy has had a bid accepted for Stephen Elliot. More likely than not rubbish but would be a good move for him IMO. Anyone know where this has surfaced from?

[tetsujin1979]

Been messing with the Irish Abroad program, check it out: http://tetsujin1979.s42.eatj.com/QexoTest/playerSeasonSummary.xquery
Select a player from the drop down box to see his season's summary.

[Stuttgart88]

There are unsupported rumours floating around a number of the wolves forums that McCarthy has had a bid accepted for Stephen Elliot. More likely than not rubbish but would be a good move for him IMO. Anyone know where this has surfaced from?classic case of just putting 2 and 2 together. Sunderland are likely to sell Elliott, especially if they get Nugent (despite Elliott having done far more at the same level), it's consistent with Mick's strategy when signing players and they have a need for a guy with proven goalscoring pedigree at Chapionship level. His best season was under Mick.

Elliott's injury record is hindering his progress sadly, and I maintain my opinion that Elliott is the most instinctive goalscorer that's come up through the Irish ranks in at least a generation. Given a choice of Elliott with a run to goal, one-on-one whould you prefer Robbie or Elliott? He also has that great knack of losing his man and getting to the right spot at the right time).

Put him in a half decent Premiership club and keep him fit and he'd coast into double figures. Nowhere near as talented an all round player as Keane or Doyle though, but he's put in some very good shifts on Sunderland's RHS for Keane.

I think he'd do well at Wolves and I think Mick can revive his career. I've no problem with our reseve forwards being at good Championship clubs if they're playing well & scoring.

[tetsujin1979]

Interview with Daryl Murphy from the Independent: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/murphy-keeps-his-feet-on-the-ground-742895.html

[cheifo]

Keogh could become an important player for us in the next year or two.Maybe as an impact sub over the next year or two.His progress has been steady and he seems to have a good attitude.Always seems very focused.If he avoids injury he can only get better and better.

[Paddy Garcia]

Not sure if this has already been mentioned but Keith Tracey signed a contract with Blackburn until 2011. They were delighted to keep him.

[drummerboy]

Gary Dempsey has left Aberdeen and signed for Yeovil in the First Division.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/6756869.stm

[dr_peepee]

Owen Garvan was given some time off for "Personal Reasons"..... Oh NO!! It's Thomas Butler all over again!!!

[eirebhoy]

McGeady before tomorrow's first pre-season match against Basel (on Setanta 1):

"There are always areas which I can improve upon. I felt my form dipped over the last five or six games last time around so I want to get back to the way I played at the start of the season.

"One of the things I will look to improve upon is scoring goals, as well as creating more. But the main aim for me is to get my name on the scoresheet far more often.

"I think double figures for me is a necessity and I know I'm capable of it. It's up to how good my finishing is and how many chances I'll get, of course.

"Why didn't I score more last season? I think my finishing let me down. I would stick a chance past the post, put one over the bar or hit the woodwork, which I did a lot.

"I think I should really have been scoring more. I know I didn't get enough goals.

"A midfielder should really be wanting to chip in with double figures every season. You look at what Petrov and Thompson did when they were in their prime at Celtic Park. They did that every year.

"If you can get into double figures every season then it's going to be a big boost to the team.

"Just look at last season. Our scoring tally was really down on the season before and that was down to the midfielders as well as the strikers, which is something we can improve on.

"I was always a bit of a goalscorer until I got into the first team. Maybe that's to do with playing out on the wing - not that I'm an orthodox winger but I've been told to play there.

"I always played inside but that changed when I made the step up.

"Hopefully I can be a big personality now. Those guys before were the older players such as Thompson, Sutton, Larsson and Petrov.

"I want to be one them this season. I want to become one of the main men in the team.

"I haven't spoken to the manager about it yet.

"I played more central against AC Milan and that's eventually where I would like to play. I'm not 18 any more. I'm not the little skinny boy who has just got in the team.

"It was easy to push me out wide and not be in the middle of the hustle-bustle in midfield. I was small and the best thing to do was to play me outside - and I've been there ever since.

"I've worked hard in the gym because I'm clearly not the biggest lad. I feel as if I've got gradually bigger. When our former fitness coach Jim Henry was here, I did a lot of work for him.

"He was good because he knew that I didn't need to bulk myself up too much.

"I wouldn't want to lose a little bit of speed or that burst of space."

[Dr. Ogba]

I see Nicky Weaver has signed for Charlton on a free transfer....bad news for Darren Randolph then...

[dr_peepee]

Could have been worse... Pardew would have been crazy not to buy another keeper given Randolphs age and experience... And Weavers profile isn't such that it automatically relegates Randolph to sub keeper. If he's gonna succeed he's gonna have to keep out better keepers than Weaver.

[tetsujin1979]

Richard Dunne will captain Man City again under Eriksson - http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_city/s/1010/1010583_dunne_leads_svens_men.html

[Paddy Garcia]

Sean Thornton has been signed by Orient

[Dr. Ogba]

Sean Thornton has been signed by Orient


Where are Orient? League 1/League 2??? Think he would have been better off going back to Pats imho...

[cheifo]

Owen Garvan was given some time off for "Personal Reasons"..... Oh NO!! It's Thomas Butler all over again!!!

Hopefully it is not anything that is going to hinder his progress.He is my great hope for this season.Looked at Ipswich board a few days ago and they are excited about his progree.Apparantly he was playing great stuff in his last few games of the seasom.If anybody has got any explaination for him being ignored by Caffery & Staunton last season it would be gratefully recieved.

[tetsujin1979]

Where are Orient? League 1/League 2??? Think he would have been better off going back to Pats imho...
They're in League 1, finished 5th from bottom last season :rolleyes:

[drummerboy]

If Thornton couldn't resist the bright lights of Sunderland and Doncaster what is he going to be like in London

[Louth4sam]

Edit*

[drummerboy]

Hopefully it is not anything that is going to hinder his progress.He is my great hope for this season.Looked at Ipswich board a few days ago and they are excited about his progree.Apparantly he was playing great stuff in his last few games of the seasom.If anybody has got any explaination for him being ignored by Caffery & Staunton last season it would be gratefully recieved.


Garvan is back at Ipswich now and is reported to be in fine fettle for the new season.

[tetsujin1979]

Garvan is back at Ipswich now and is reported to be in fine fettle for the new season.
He's been included in their training squad at Loughborough University: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1069454,00.html
Sqaud also includes Alex Bruce, Alan Lee, Billy Clarke, George O'Callaghan, Jon Walters, Shane Supple and Michael Synnott

[Hitman]

Peter Murphy's signed a 2-year deal with Carlisle, having previously looked likely to leave on a Bosman.

[cavan_fan]

Peter Murphy's signed a 2-year deal with Carlisle, having previously looked likely to leave on a Bosman.

Still cant believe he has a cap, even worse than Lapira

[eirebhoy]

Red-hot Cillian awaits chance to show Strach he’s got fire in his belly (http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.1538923.0.redhot_cillian_awaits_chance _to_show_strach_hes_got_fire_in_his_belly.php)


THE debate over who will be Celtic's main strike pairing this year is already spicing up the Parkhead club's pre-season.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is universally perceived to be immovable as one of the front two, injury allowing.

But who lines up alongside the giant Dutchman is anyone's guess, with Scott McDonald and Chris Killen arriving in the last few weeks to challenge Maciej Zurawski, Kenny Miller and Derek Riordan for the role of main supporting act.

With goals as short in supply last season as dry days have been since the Scottish Cup was lifted by Neil Lennon at the end of May, the hope was that the game-intensive pre-season schedule would yield a few clues as to where the remedy would be found.

But with just two goals in two games against Basel and Young Boys of Berne - Miller and Jiri Jarosik opening their accounts - it is clear the flood gates are going to take a bit longer to open.

Of course, it is far too early to be repeating the folly of 12 months ago when no goals in the first four games of pre-season prompted crisis headlines.

But manager Gordon Strachan would like to see things begin to click up front sooner rather than later as the next double header - at Peterborough tomorrow and against QPR on Sunday - awaits before games Stateside against MLS All-Stars then Chicago Fire.

But could yet another option be given his chance to shine during upcoming games? Cillian Sheridan certainly hopes so.

This time last year, the teenager's ambitions lay no higher than to enjoy a game with his mates in the local park.

Now, after getting a taste of the big-time last season when he came on to set up the last-minute winner in the Scottish Cup tie against Inverness -- the reward for some sensational performances at youth and reserve level - all eyes are on this lanky scoring machine to see if he has continued his amazing progress.

The coach who oversaw his rapid rise to the first team, ex-youth team manager and now reserve team boss Willie McStay, would like nothing better than to discover the 18-year-old can give Strachan another serious option in the quest for goals.

McStay said: "It was a whirlwind season for Cillian. He only came into the club in August, trained with the youths and then went to Villarreal for a tournament."You could immediately see potential in him, and he is a player who has improved not game to game, but day to day.

"This will be a big season for Cillian because it has all happened so quickly for him.

"I'm sure now he will be trying to take stock of what has happened to him already, and it will be interesting to see how he comes back."

McStay is speaking holistically as the bean-pole striker not only needs to add to his physique, but must also toughen up mentally if he is to cope with the demands of delivering on a regular basis.

An injury put an untimely spoke in his wheel when he was flying following his breakthrough to the first team, and by the time he was fit again his talents were required more at youth and reserve level.

But Sheridan's promise is one reason Strachan was prepared to allow Craig Beattie to move to West Brom, netting the club £1.25million in the process.

And McStay hopes he can now step into the void left by the Scotland striker.

The coach said: "The most important thing is that we see a bit of development in his physical side because Cillian needs to get a bit stronger.

"He is quick and can run all day, but he needs a little more body strength, especially playing high up the pitch as a No.9.

"You need that in this league especially. So, he will be one to look for this season."

[tetsujin1979]

Short article about Jim O'Brien on celticfc.net:
http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_120707141525.aspx

[tetsujin1979]

Graham Stack looking to fight for his place on the Reading team: http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/WorldTVNews/0,,10306~1072390,00.html

[tetsujin1979]

Billy Dennehy has been training with the Sunderland first team, and has been given the squad number 35 for the upcoming season