Sean St. Ledger

[Charlie Darwin]

Hahahaha

[the doc]

Children, how many times do I have to tell you?
Don't believe what's written or said in the media!

[tetsujin1979]

Children, how many times do I have to tell you?
Don't believe what's written or said in the media!
if it's not true then St Ledger should be speaking to his lawyers about the defaming article

[DeLorean]

I'm starting to think that the doc and Sledge might be two different people.

[the doc]

if it's not true then St Ledger should be speaking to his lawyers about the defaming article

Tetsa, fans only get to hear around 10% of what really goes on in football.

Likewise players and clubs rarely give the full story, facts or situations regarding football and private matters.

I've been involved in lots of deals over the years, so I know how it works.

As I've always stated, I know my footie.

[DannyInvincible]

It's not the media reporting it. It's the club themselves. They've also tweeted that he's now part of their squad; he's also on the squad list on their website. So, seeing as you know it all, what exactly is going on then if he's not on trial? Why would he be "on the roster" if he's only over to have a look at how things work over there? Is he not going to play or what?

[the doc]

It's not the media reporting it. It's the club themselves. They've also tweeted that he's now part of their squad; he's also on the squad list on their website. So, seeing as you know it all, what exactly is going on then if he's not on trial? Why would he be "on the roster" if he's only over to have a look at how things work over there? Is he not going to play or what?

Obviously you're not the sharpest tool in the box, read my post again.

[Charlie Darwin]

Obviously your not the sharpest tool in the box, read my post again.
Muphry's law :)

[DannyInvincible]

Obviously your not the sharpest tool in the box, read my post again.

You were saying not to believe everything in the media above, but it was the club who published it. If you're saying they're flat-out lying, fair enough, but what is the situation then seeing as you're so keen to impress upon us that we're wrong and you know all? Is he willing to play or what? If he is and there's no formal contractual arrangement there, that sounds like a trial to me, but what would I know?

[Charlie Darwin]

@seanstledger12 (https://twitter.com/seanstledger12) 8m8 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/seanstledger12/status/560663467955585026)
Becks is looking well on Jimmy kimmel!!! His hairdresser is flames https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f525.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f525.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f525.png does such a good job!

[the doc]

You were saying not to believe everything in the media above, but it was the club who published it. If you're saying they're flat-out lying, fair enough, but what is the situation then seeing as you're so keen to impress upon us that we're wrong and you know all? Is he willing to play or what? If he is and there's no formal contractual arrangement there, that sounds like a trial to me, but what would I know?

The is a piece of paper with numbers on it, it's been there for a few weeks.
I'd say that doesn't sound like a trial to me.

But what would I know?

As I've always stated never believe what's written or said in the media.

I know my footie.

[Predator]

@seanstledger12 (https://twitter.com/seanstledger12) 8m8 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/seanstledger12/status/560663467955585026)
Becks is looking well on Jimmy kimmel!!! His hairdresser is flames https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f525.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f525.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f525.png does such a good job!Wouldn't catch Richard Dunne saying that.

[DannyInvincible]

The is a piece of paper with numbers on it, it's been there for a few weeks.
I'd say that doesn't sound like a trial to me.

But what would I know?

As I've always stated never believe what's written or said in the media.

I know my footie.

Fair enough. I assume you mean he is under some sort of short-term contract then (with the possibility of an extension if he feels it's suitable and the club want to keep him?), considering you said earlier that this was "more about the player going over to look at things on offer over there".

(You know your footie.)

[DannyInvincible]

Erm, doc? Something here I need you to explain: http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2015/02/07/8690452/st-ledger-fails-to-win-contract-at-dc-united?CMPID=TWIRE_150207_STLEDGER


UPDATE: Sean St. Ledger is no longer with #DCU at preseason. See the full #DCUpreseason roster now: http://bit.ly/1z55m1a

Sean's decision, was it?

[the doc]

Erm, doc? Something here I need you to explain: http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3942/ireland/2015/02/07/8690452/st-ledger-fails-to-win-contract-at-dc-united?CMPID=TWIRE_150207_STLEDGER



Sean's decision, was it?

How many times must I say it?

Never believe what's written or said in the media.

Trust me on this one, it's totally inaccurate.

[tetsujin1979]

Are you saying that DC United didn't cut him from their pre season squad, and their official Twitter feed is lying?

[Closed Account]

Are you saying that DC United didn't cut him from their pre season squad, and their official Twitter feed is lying?
It looks like he is still training with them yes.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9VPr7hIEAADOnO.jpg

[Irwin3]

That's Orlando City. So another trial?

[the doc]

Are you saying that DC United didn't cut him from their pre season squad, and their official Twitter feed is lying?

Yep!
In as much as you can't cut a player that turns down a very poor contract.

Id say it was the other way round.

Next you will be claiming Paul McGrath can't walk on water, Tetsa!

[Irwin3]

Yep, on trial with Orlando City and Kaka.


haha cheers mate! Just on trial see how it goes

https://twitter.com/seanstledger12/status/564448967233003520

[Closed Account]

That's Orlando City. So another trial?Appears to be on trial with them yes
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/on-the-pitch/os-orlando-city-news-sean-st-ledger-20150207-post.html

[DannyInvincible]

Yep!
In as much as you can't cut a player that turns down a very poor contract.

Id say it was the other way round.

So it definitely isn't the case that DC United were using the time period to evaluate Sean's potential worth to them and came to the unfortunate conclusion that he wasn't really worth breaking the bank for; that they'd rather cut him from the squad than offer him what he wanted? Why do you think they weren't prepared to offer him higher? What happened to the "piece of paper with numbers on it"? Was that the contract offer? If so, and it was such a poor offer, why didn't Sean reject it weeks ago when he was first offered it?

So what's this new arrangement with Orlando City? Sean himself has described it as a trial. In what way is it different from the arrangement at DC United?

In fact, doc, here's a better question; why did Sean describe his time at DC United as a trial a week and a half ago before their pre-season friendly against Orlando (https://twitter.com/seanstledger12/status/561208314940637184)?


Little pre season game against Orlando tonight.... it's just a trial so we'll see how it goes!

Here's the deal; everyone can see it. His stock has fallen, but he's reluctant to accept that and is obviously holding out for something higher. It seems there's a gulf in the contrasting perceptions of reality here between clubs and Sean. The longer this situation continues and the more offers he turns down because they don't meet his expectations, the further his stock will fall; clubs will see it as a greater risk in taking on someone who's been out of regular first-team action for so long. In fact, they'll have the luxury of being able to exploit his increasing desperation with ever-poorer offers. It's a very unfortunate situation and it's difficult to say he's deserving of it as we all know he's a committed lad with plenty of heart and ability, but there's no shame in the situation either, so no need to be so defensive about it all to the point of being in utter denial, doc. I think he'd be better in the long run to acknowledge the reality of his weakened bargaining power and accept a lesser permanent deal for now. He'll get some regular football under his belt at a decent level and his profile will only benefit from there so he can at least hope to receive some better offers a year or whatever down the line. Otherwise, he'll just waste the ever-shortening remainder of his career away and his expectations will cost him a lucrative twilight period and swan song.

[ifk101]

as we all know he's a committed lad with plenty of heart and ability

Let's not generalise. :-)

Sean St Ledger is your average, run of the mill, lower league journeyman. The lower leagues are full on heart and low on ability. Sean St Ledger is lacking in both.

Mick McCarthy can find better players in the Ipswich Town youth team. Says it all really.

[jbyrne]

Let's not generalise. :-)

Sean St Ledger is your average, run of the mill, lower league journeyman. The lower leagues are full on heart and low on ability. Sean St Ledger is lacking in both.

Mick McCarthy can find better players in the Ipswich Town youth team. Says it all really.

but at the same time a player who never let his country down with even one performance I can recall

[ifk101]

but at the same time a player who never let his country down with even one performance I can recall

His country by convenience. Lest we forget we're talking about a player that let it be known he'd play with the north if not picked.

Our centre-halves we're offered an unreal amount of protection under Trapattoni, they were rarely exposed before the opposition figured out the one-dimensional aspect of our play. St Ledger's failings at club level are because (a) he isn't afforded the same level of protection and (b) because he is an extremely average and limited player.

[the doc]

Wrap it up any way you want, but the facts are you can't be that bad a player if you've got 37 caps.

Do you seriously believe international teams took so long to work out our style of play?

We held our own in most games and at least gave the fans some good times.
The Euros were hard, 3 top teams in our group plus we were carrying lots of injuries, that lead to the team not being as effective as it had been throughout the two qualifying campaigns.
That added to a far too long pre tournament camp all took its toll.

Shows just how little you understand about the game.

[DannyInvincible]

But is he on trial at Orlando? Or is he on trial in Orlando?

[ifk101]

You made plenty of mistakes in those 37 caps, how you got that many I do not know.

It was your mistake that led to Bulgaria's goal in your first competitive game. You got pulled out of position and couldn't deal with a simple long ball.
The goal Andorra scored in Dublin was down to you. Poor clearance in the header but you showed a total disregard and disinterest in facing up to the ball.
The French goal in Dublin, down to you again. Rather than showing heart, manning up and facing the ball, you decided to do so with your arse.
Italy's equaliser in the 2-2 game, yeah down to you again and your inability to defend.

The list goes on Sean. I know my footie.

[jbyrne]

Italy's equaliser in the 2-2 game, yeah down to you again and your inability to defend.

the whole team got badly caught out and pulled apart for that goal. to single our st ledger is ridiculous as are many of your other statements above


I know my footie.

oh, that settles it then :rolleyes:

[ifk101]

the whole team got badly caught out and pulled apart for that goal. to single our st ledger is ridiculous as are many of your other statements above

To single out St Ledger as a faultless performer for his "country" is ridiculous.


oh, that settles it then :rolleyes:

You're breaking the internet.

[tetsujin1979]

You made plenty of mistakes in those 37 caps, how you got that many I do not know.

It was your mistake that led to Bulgaria's goal in your first competitive game. You got pulled out of position and couldn't deal with a simple long ball.
The goal Andorra scored in Dublin was down to you. Poor clearance in the header but you showed a total disregard and disinterest in facing up to the ball.
The French goal in Dublin, down to you again. Rather than showing heart, manning up and facing the ball, you decided to do so with your arse.
Italy's equaliser in the 2-2 game, yeah down to you again and your inability to defend.

The list goes on Sean. I know my footie.
That goal in Andorra was a million to one fluke, everyone in the stadium expected Dunne to clear the ball, but he headed it straight to the Andorran player who hit it first time into the back of the net. He'll never hit a ball like that again for the rest of his career.

[ifk101]

That goal in Andorra was a million to one fluke, everyone in the stadium expected Dunne to clear the ball, but he headed it straight to the Andorran player who hit it first time into the back of the net. He'll never hit a ball like that again for the rest of his career.

It was a poor header from Dunne. But look at what St Ledger does. Instead of turning to face the ball, he turns away from it. Sure it was a lucky strike but that's not the point.

[nigel-harps1954]

Many would say Glenn Whelan is a poor player and he's got 61 caps.

[tetsujin1979]

It was a poor header from Dunne. But look at what St Ledger does. Instead of turning to face the ball, he turns away from it. Sure it was a lucky strike but that's not the point.
so is it St Ledger's fault for not facing the ball, or is it Dunne's fault for not clearing the ball in the first place?

[Stuttgart88]

I remember the media reaction at the time. child molesting priests have been treated with more tolerance.

[Dodge]

Many would say Glenn Whelan is a poor player and he's got 61 caps.

They'd be idiots. There are no players with over 200 appearances that are poor. They might not be world class but they're playing (comfortably) at a very high level for a long time

No back to St Ledger not being able to find a club...

[DeLorean]

so is it St Ledger's fault for not facing the ball, or is it Dunne's fault for not clearing the ball in the first place?

He's saying both. That goal is here at 1:35. Sledge is facing the ball by the time Martinez hits it. It's pretty obvious IFK is being critical for the sake of it here I think. Nonsense with regards the French goal as well as he is facing the ball when Anelka shoots, he only turns to see where the ball is going after it hits him. For both goals it could be argued that he could have closed down the space better, but then he'd have been running the risk of the players taking the ball around him in a dangerous area. I still can't really make my mind up as to who was more at fault for that Bulgaria goal but Kilbane is at least 50% to blame, if he had stayed out wide St. Ledger would have dealt with it for sure.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPIY1DAokEI

[DeLorean]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz8gBkfRbU8

[DannyInvincible]

Dunne was running backwards rather than towards the ball and was stretching to head it with an Andorran challenging him with significant weight and velocity. His clearing header was poor, but I think it was forgivable considering the pressure he was under. He was possibly off-balance. St. Ledger's attempt to close down the goal-scorer was admittedly pitiful. He was slow to act and actually seemed to step out of the way before turning his back on the impending strike.

It's viewable again at 01:40 here:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPIY1DAokEI

[ifk101]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdMyDzX1rD4

The Bulgaria goal. Go to 1:08 and it's clear St Ledger has lost his bearings as he is a few yards ahead on the back line and out of position. He scrambles to get back into position and puts off Kilbane in the latter's attempted clearance. Where the ball bounces is in a central position of the field, a centre-half ball to clear.

[DeLorean]

Probably... neither of them covered themselves in glory though.

[the doc]

Actually Killer called for the ball, he held his hands up and apologised afterwards.
As for the 2nd Italy goal at Croker, we were all on the back foot after we foolishly tried to go for a 3rd goal resulting with us losing the ball in their half from which Italy countered.
Anelkas goal was a decent attempt, if you dive in and go to ground as he shapes to shoot, chances are he would drop the shoulder and go past you and into the box.
Andora goal, we were in party mode, so not as sharp as we could of been, it was a decent strike though.

[geysir]

This is quite frankly ridiculous, St Ledger was playing in his first competitive game for Ireland v Bulgaria and he might have made an error of judgement,
overall he's done well for us considering he's a championship defender. Who'd've guessed that 6 years later, people would be poring over that goal, laying blame on the rookie, over and above our most experienced player who actually called for the ball.

[DeLorean]

Why would we have been in party mode against Andorra? For what it's worth, here's Killers take on the goal in Sofia...

"By the beginning of June it was clear to me that Bulgaria would never be my favourite nation. In the match in Sofia we were 1-0 up when there was a disastrous misunderstanding between myself and Sean St Ledger in which we allowed the ball run between us, leading to a Bulgarian equaliser. It was a huge disappointment to concede in such a fashion. I felt terrible after the game and didn't want to talk too much about it. I just wanted to get home to the family. I was looking forward to a holiday with them and a bit of a summer break, but sometimes after a mistake like that it's helpful to have another game soon so that you can take your mind off it."

[ifk101]

If only Paul Butler was afforded the same level of understanding and sympathy. And that was only a friendly!

St Ledger's inflated valuation of himself is based on his international caps and performances for his "country". I don't think he has been a particular good player for us, his performance in a green jersey are far from faultless as many would make you believe and personally found it quite annoying at the time that the stable partnership O'Shea and Dunne had was broken up to accommodate him. But anyways all immaterial now.

It can't really be a surprise to anyone that he is finding it hard to get a new club. He hardly can point to a holding a healthy club career, he has a long injury record and struggled to get first team action when fit and in his prime. He's a poor player and it's just pure folly to hold up his international record as holding honour and worth. And to think the doc was touting him as the next Ireland captain. Thankfully we have been saved from that!



Why would we have been in party mode against Andorra?

Because it's Andorra. In the doc's mind you don't need to apply yourself against that level of opposition.

[DeLorean]

It can't really be a surprise to anyone that he is finding it hard to get a new club.

You seem to be the only one that's not surprised.


Because it's Andorra. In the doc's mind you don't need to apply yourself against that level of opposition.

I was thinking he might have been getting mixed up with the Estonia home game maybe.

[the doc]

I meant Estonia, Andorra was the game when Trap went mad at all the players for the performance.

It seems IKFA101, has an agenda, pointless arguing with someone like that.
My Da always said
"Never argue with a bigger fool than yourself"
We all have our opinions, I wonder if "IKFA101" was celebrating at Croker, Slovakia and Poznan when the Saint scored those vital goals?

[ifk101]

Vital goals?

You're not shy on expressing (strong) opinions on other centre-halves in and around the Irish set-up. So why cry foul when somebody correctly points out that St Ledger's performances in a green jersey were far from faultless, he has an inflated valuation of himself based on his Irish caps, he doesn't have a good club career behind him, he has a long injury record, when fit he wasn't picked by his club ..... These are all fair comments.

[Charlie Darwin]

I was all ready to come on here and laugh at the doc's nonsense, but ifk has taken away all the fun with this frankly ridiculous re-writing of Sledge history.

[ifk101]

Frankly ridiculous :-)

For the record St Ledger looks set to join Orlando. I wish him all the best in his retirement.