Wes Hoolahan (M Cambridge Utd b.1982)

[tricky_colour]

Wes signed a new contract today apparently.

Also I think Trap is supposed to be at the match and Wes and Pilks could not have hoped for a better display to impress.

[tricky_colour]

Must have been some header then?!

It's probably about 6 years since Wes has scored a headed goal, maybe even longer!!

[pineapple stu]

I was going more for the 'faster than the speed of light' range.
Of all posters not to get that reference!

[The Fly]

Of all posters not to get that reference!

Indeed, especially since I saw it again last weekend.

I'm watching Leinster being spanked by Clermont. I'm pinning the blame on that.

[DannyInvincible]

Hoolahan's assist and goal here:


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvymmi_nov-wi-matchhighlight-com-shlll_sport#from=embediframe

[Charlie Darwin]

He did well to win the ball back for the first goal. Al Habsi is lucky he got out of the way because that shot would have put a hole in him. Shocking defending to let the smallest man on the pitch get a free header in the box but very well-taken goal.

[mark12345]

He did well to win the ball back for the first goal. Al Habsi is lucky he got out of the way because that shot would have put a hole in him. Shocking defending to let the smallest man on the pitch get a free header in the box but very well-taken goal.

Bloody typical of the Trap ragime that he has found no place in his team for Hoolahan. Wes still doesn't fit into the system we're told. So with each passing game Hoolahan plays for Norwich, he manifests himself as the most creative Irish player on the horizon. Yet if we're to believe Trap, the Ireland team has creativity in abundance if he has no need for Hoolahan. Doesn't seem that way to me?

Bottom line, Trap should build his team around Hoolahan and start to play some constructive football. There are no excuses left for keeping him out of the team.

[Fixer82]

Was that Kimbo Slice in goal for Wigan?

[theworm2345]

Goal Hoolahan. Cross swung over from the right, ball headed back finds Pilkington (I think), finds Hoolahan in the middle about 9 yards out and he picks his spot.

[Charlie Darwin]

Anthony Pilkington has revealed the Norwich fans call Hoolahan "Wessi" after Messi, and that he's the best player he's played with to date: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2013/0201/1224329516007.html

[tricky_colour]

Wessi, the Irish Messi!!

It was a well worked goal between the two of them http://rutube.ru/video/embed/6126590

Wessi found himself loads of space and Pilkington did well to be aware of that, I though he was going to have a shot himself at first.

[Noelys Guitar]

Keeps on improving and getting physically stronger. Really impressed with his performance today against QPR (so far). Had a great game against Spurs last week as well.

[tricky_colour]

Was going to say that was a good point for Norwich, but with Reading and Villa winning at the moment it's looking more like 2 points dropped, just noticed Wigan are winning too, that putting a lot of pressure in teams who may have been feeling fairly comfortable.
Sunderland just equalised against Reading though.

[DannyInvincible]

'Ireland boss admits to overlooking goal hero Hoolahan in the past': http://thescore.thejournal.ie/ireland-boss-admits-to-overlooking-goal-hero-hoolahan-in-the-past-785737-Feb2013/?utm_source=facebook_self&utm_medium=thescore&utm_campaign=from_page

Wes remains just another option and is unlikely to start against Sweden next month. Although that shouldn't really come as a surprise, despite last night's performance.


Giovanni Trapattoni selected Conor Sammon alongside Shane Long in attack against Poland and it wasn’t until midway through the second half that Hoolahan made his introduction.

14 minutes later, he was tumbling away in celebration after effectively sealing the win for Ireland. Receiving a pass from fellow substitute and debutante Jeff Hendrick, he controlled on his chest before stroking past Wojciech Sczesny.

While the Ireland boss has explored the idea of a 4-5-1/4-4-1-1 formation in recent times and has acknowledged the player’s capabilities, he explained in his post-match press conference that Hoolahan simply doesn’t fit into his system he believes is best for the team.

Trapattoni said: ” In the past we had many questions about Hoolahan and I said ‘we know him very well’. Always I said that we have the new players like Long and the young ones like McCarthy.

“We need two strikers with our team because with one striker all of the team play for the one striker.

Hoolahan we know many times. With Marco (Tardelli) I repeated that it’s a pity – maybe we have overlooked him because when we see him in this club he plays well in this position but his club is no Manchester or Arsenal.

“But he is a good tactical option and in the future we will consider this.”

Not sure of the relevance of quoting "Manchester" or Arsenal. We don't have any players who play for "Manchester" or Arsenal. In fact, with Hoolahan playing so well for a Norwich side perceived to be generally weaker than teams at the top end of the Premier League, it surely underlines his individual ability.

And how Trap thinks we "need" two strikers is hard to fathom. What's wrong with "all of the team play[ing] for the one striker" exactly?

[tetsujin1979]

'Ireland boss admits to overlooking goal hero Hoolahan in the past': http://thescore.thejournal.ie/ireland-boss-admits-to-overlooking-goal-hero-hoolahan-in-the-past-785737-Feb2013/?utm_source=facebook_self&utm_medium=thescore&utm_campaign=from_page

Wes remains just another option and is unlikely to start against Sweden next month. Although that shouldn't really come as a surprise, despite last night's performance.



Not sure of the relevance of quoting "Manchester" or Arsenal. We don't have any players who play for "Manchester" or Arsenal. In fact, with Hoolahan playing so well for a Norwich side perceived to be generally weaker than teams at the top end of the Premier League, it surely underlines his individual ability.

And how Trap thinks we "need" two strikers is hard to fathom. What's wrong with "all of the team play[ing] for the one striker" exactly?
That's basically how were are set up with Keane up front, everything is geared towards getting him into a scoring position

[CraftyToePoke]

That Manchester or Arsenal comment is enough to send a fan nuts. Not only do we have no players at those sides, but here is a guy who put two Derby County players in last night. One of whom, in Sammon, anyone on here could have foretold the impact he would provide at that level. None.

[Bungle]

Trap has got to play Wes in Sweden. We need to keep possession and I would have him in an attacking midfield role with Long up front.

All going well my x1

Westwood
Coleman O'Shea Dunne or SSL Wilson
McGeady Whelan (Gibson in an ideal world) Macca McClean
Wes
Long

[DannyInvincible]

Wes won't be starting against Sweden. Trap more or less spelled that out.

[Kingdom]

'Ireland boss admits to overlooking goal hero Hoolahan in the past': http://thescore.thejournal.ie/ireland-boss-admits-to-overlooking-goal-hero-hoolahan-in-the-past-785737-Feb2013/?utm_source=facebook_self&utm_medium=thescore&utm_campaign=from_page

Wes remains just another option and is unlikely to start against Sweden next month. Although that shouldn't really come as a surprise, despite last night's performance.



Not sure of the relevance of quoting "Manchester" or Arsenal. We don't have any players who play for "Manchester" or Arsenal. In fact, with Hoolahan playing so well for a Norwich side perceived to be generally weaker than teams at the top end of the Premier League, it surely underlines his individual ability.

And how Trap thinks we "need" two strikers is hard to fathom. What's wrong with "all of the team play[ing] for the one striker" exactly?

I just assumed the two striker bit related to us hoofing the ball from back to front aimlessly, and that at least with two strikers there is less chance of it coming back immediately, whereas with one, you're goosed.

The Arsenal/Manchester comment is bizarre, considering the clubs that comprise our squad are becoming more like the hitchhikers guide to the football league

[tricky_colour]

'Ireland boss admits to overlooking goal hero Hoolahan in the past': http://thescore.thejournal.ie/ireland-boss-admits-to-overlooking-goal-hero-hoolahan-in-the-past-785737-Feb2013/?utm_source=facebook_self&utm_medium=thescore&utm_campaign=from_page

Wes remains just another option and is unlikely to start against Sweden next month. Although that shouldn't really come as a surprise, despite last night's performance.



Not sure of the relevance of quoting "Manchester" or Arsenal. We don't have any players who play for "Manchester" or Arsenal. In fact, with Hoolahan playing so well for a Norwich side perceived to be generally weaker than teams at the top end of the Premier League, it surely underlines his individual ability.

And how Trap thinks we "need" two strikers is hard to fathom. What's wrong with "all of the team play[ing] for the one striker" exactly?

That's a pretty comic comparison, Norwich don't have Man U players but I''d say they are a better side than us.
Sounds like Tardelli takes a much more positive view of Wes, could see that from the celebrations. Looks Like Tardeli is a big fan!!

[paul_oshea]

What he means is simple. If wes was that good he would be playing at Arsenal or Manchester Utd. And if he was playing at manchester Utd, he would be that good to change the team(players/formation/system/tactics) to include him.

[Charlie Darwin]

What he means is simple. If wes was that good he would be playing at Arsenal or Manchester Utd. And if he was playing at manchester Utd, he would be that good to change the team(players/formation/system/tactics) to include him.
Yeah but what's the point of saying it? John O'Shea is a good player but he's not Barcelona good. I'd still play him ahead of the other options.

[geysir]

It's not a matter of playing non-Barca quality players.
In other words, what Trap is saying, because we don't have the world's best ballplayer available to us, he won't have our team trying to play football.
Neither do we have the world's best strikers, Messi or Ronaldo, to play the lone striker role, therefore we need 2 average strikers.
That playing football is best left to the likes of Barca etc. and we will continue with using the lowest common denominator of our available skills.

[bishbash]

It's not a matter of playing non-Barca quality players.
In other words, what Trap is saying, because we don't have the world's best ballplayer available to us, he won't have our team trying to play football.
Neither do we have the world's best strikers, Messi or Ronaldo, to play the lone striker role, therefore we need 2 average strikers.
That playing football is best left to the likes of Barca etc. and we will continue with using the lowest common denominator of our available skills.

Really it is a lost situation till this Dinosaur goes. The man is clueless. Any side other than Poland Landsdowne would have been empty last night. He actually insults Irish fans with his opinion of the team.

[paul_oshea]

It's not a matter of playing non-Barca quality players.
In other words, what Trap is saying, because we don't have the world's best ballplayer available to us, he won't have our team trying to play football.
Neither do we have the world's best strikers, Messi or Ronaldo, to play the lone striker role, therefore we need 2 average strikers.
That playing football is best left to the likes of Barca etc. and we will continue with using the lowest common denominator of our available skills.

I don't think its that in the Wessi situation. What he is saying is, we aren't good enough to play that kind of football even with Wessi in there, because he isn't of that level to justify changing how we play, but if he was at "that level"(i.e. he would be playing at manchester utd and therefore good enough to change how we play, selection, tactics etc), then the team would be changed to centre around him and make best use of his ability. In other words, Wessi isn't that bit good enough over what he gets out of the players that he has in the way we play, in his opinion.

Its his way of justifying his team selection, system and tactics, to the media. It makes perfect sense why he would say it, to me at least, though not necessarily a good thing to say in public about Wes - but one he couldn't argue with.

[tricky_colour]

What he means is simple. If wes was that good he would be playing at Arsenal or Manchester Utd. And if he was playing at manchester Utd, he would be that good to change the team(players/formation/system/tactics) to include him.

So he built a team to include Conner Sammon instead?

[geysir]

I don't think its that in the Wessi situation. What he is saying is, we aren't good enough to play that kind of football even with Wessi in there, because he isn't of that level to justify changing how we play, but if he was at "that level"(i.e. he would be playing at manchester utd and therefore good enough to change how we play, selection, tactics etc), then the team would be changed to centre around him and make best use of his ability. In other words, Wessi isn't that bit good enough over what he gets out of the players that he has in the way we play, in his opinion.

Its his way of justifying his team selection, system and tactics, to the media. It makes perfect sense why he would say it, to me at least, though not necessarily a good thing to say in public about Wes - but one he couldn't argue with.
I wrote "in other words",
basically we are saying the same thing, using different words.
It's Traps standard spiel, whether it's to justify not playing Wes or justify not going with one striker to accommodate Wes.

[Fixer82]

I'd love to see a big team like United or even Spurs sign Wessi and see does Trap change his tune.
He should be in because he's a good player, not because of his club...like McAteer when he was in the Reserves for Blackburn

[Crosby87]

Indo article:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/wes-hoolahan-pole-vaults-into-contention-29053683.html (http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/wes-hoolahan-pole-vaults-into-contention-29053683.html)

[Charlie Darwin]

I see the Indo have boldly decided, in 2013, to upgrade to web 2.0.

I see they haven't tried to similarly upgrade their writing though:


Together, they combined

As if there's any other way to combine. Although I have been called "a pedantic" in the past :)

[geysir]

The past, the present and probably the future :)

[Crosby87]

You were called worse when you were on the Beagle.

[tricky_colour]

Just seen a shocking miss at Norwich, nothing to do with Wes but it was confusing because I first I though it was a clearance,
turns out it was a Norwich shot, just needed a tap in and he put it over the bar.

[tricky_colour]

anyhow Wes off Kamara on!

[Charlie Darwin]

Wes "did a Robbie" and nodded in a goalward-bound effort on the line to put Norwich 1-0 up at Sunderland. Was taken off a few minutes later when goalkeeper Bunn was red carded.

[tricky_colour]

Yes a hot cross Bunn was sent off.

However.. there was someone coming in behind Wes and Wes has his back to goal,
I don't think he can be 100% sure the ball could not be cleared if he left it.

Also there is the Bunn sending off for handball, it came off his chest may have hit his arm too, hard to say.


http://www.footytube.com/v/MTY1NDAw

[OwlsFan]

The secong most substituted player in the Premiership (20 times) and second only to Podolski. Not sure what to read in to this. Is it that he puts a super human effort when on the field or lacks stamina or just fades in the latter part of a game ?

[gustavo]

Could also be seen partially because as a "third" or linking midfielder he's the most likely to be sacrificed if Norwich are losing and want to bring on a 2nd striker when chasing the game.

[paul_oshea]

or protecting a lead.

I know a lot of the Norwich fans are unhappy at Hughtons use of Holohan.

[tricky_colour]

The secong most substituted player in the Premiership (20 times) and second only to Podolski. Not sure what to read in to this. Is it that he puts a super human effort when on the field or lacks stamina or just fades in the latter part of a game ?

Norwich are usually behind in games, but either way big players tend to be brought on towards the end
Even if they are ahead the same thing applies as the opposition are bring on their big men and
by passing the midfield.
They usually bring on 6'2 Kamara towards the end, the midfield us usually by passed towards the end.
Plus to be most subbed you also have to be most played.

[harry crumb]

Played well tonight.

[gastric]

LISTEN TO HIM TRAP!

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hoolahan-pleads-with-trap-29312422.html

[tricky_colour]

Assist v Palace, could have had a shot himself but played it back to a better positioned Gary Hooper.

[harry crumb]

Got a segment in MOTD.

"Wes has he been?"

If he does go in January I don't think he will be short of suitors.

[Crosby87]

MOL on unused sub Hoolie:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city-fc/republic_of_ireland_boss_martin_o_neill_will_not_d ictate_norwich_city_midfielder_wes_hoolahan_s_futu re_1_3136414

[tricky_colour]

I suppose it put a certain pressure on a manager when a national team coach turns up at a match.
Obviously the club manager will not play the player just to please him, nor would the national team coach
expect that, well not unless he had slipped him a few quid before the game anyway.

[Crosby87]

A bottle of jameson would have been sufficient.

[tricky_colour]

Or maybe a large box of Hoolahoops.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/Hula-hoops-%28snack%29.jpg

[DeLorean]

Has anybody bothered checking Norwich forums or know how the locals feel about Hoolahan's exclusion? I would have only seen them intermittently over the past few seasons but, green tilted glasses or otherwise, invariably he was an integral part of their attack. Are they playing a different system now? Who is it that is keeping him out? Is it justified?, etc, etc.

[Stuttgart88]

A couple of weeks ago Sky's Soccer Saturday pundits, including Le Tissier and Phil Thompson, were saying they're amazed Hoolahan hasn't featured lately. They say that he may be incorrectly perceived as a luxury player but that at the very least he should be playing the home games against fellow bottom half teams, although the consensus seemed to be he should be a regular starter.