Wes Hoolahan (M Cambridge Utd b.1982)

[Diggs246]

Randolph will start against Austria as there is friendly action just before the competitive game. But his place is by no means secure after that, if he is on the bench for the hammers next season. He may have Elliot and possiblly Westwood to deal with

[liamoo11]

Ward is one of the few who will play whenever fit, I think, alongside Brady, McCarthy and Coleman.

Jesus I don't fancy that back four Charles!

[samhaydenjr]

Opens his account in the EFL Cup in Norwich's 3-2 win over Swindon: http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40785974

[tetsujin1979]

Hoolahan has the highest key passes per game in the Championship so far this season: https://twitter.com/TheNinetyTwo_/status/909771944882524162

Most key passes on average (per game) in the Championship this season:
1. Wes Hoolahan - 3
2. Jamie Paterson - 2.8
2. Shaun Williams - 2.8

[Stuttgart88]

It's that fifth of a key pass that makes the difference.

[Fixer82]

Anyone see the match last night? By all accounts Hoolahan was class!

[DeLorean]

Anyone see the match last night? By all accounts Hoolahan was class!

Saw a small bit but he made an impact alright, had a rabona cross from the right that unfortuantely didn't lead to anything and nutmegged Kante apparently, although I didn't see that. He also got Pedro sent off, for luring him into an ill advised tackle when already on a yellow.

[pineapple stu]

He only played half an hour, didn't he?

[seanfhear]

He didn’t take any of the Norwich penalties .

[Fixer82]

https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.buzz.ie/amp/football/fans-shower-praise-hoolahan-rabona-kante-nutmeg-269278


On bench again today all the same

[DeLorean]

A good summary here by Miguel Delaney - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/wes-hoolahan-retires-republic-of-ireland-international-euro-2016-a8200471.html


This is a great line I think...


The real frustration should be that it took him so long to get to a level where Irish managers could be fairly blamed for not picking him.

[Diggs246]

Trap should be arrested for how he dealt with Wes

[DannyInvincible]

Sorry to see Wes retire, but it certainly wasn't unexpected. The goal against Sweden and his assist for Brady against Italy are stand-out memories, although that's not to ignore all the other magic.

The Miguel Delaney article posted by Del above provides an excellent summary. I note Delaney also suggests that it is "tempting - if somewhat unfair - to think that Hoolahan's retirement actually solves [rather than creates] a problem for Martin O’Neill given the number of times the Irish boss resisted the many public calls to start him". Let's just hope it isn't so that O'Neill regards Hoolahan's announcement as (O'Neill) having been relieved of a burden.

[DeLorean]

I think there was going to be less and less clamouring of Hoolahan's inclusion even if he had stayed on, maybe Dunphy aside, given his club situation and age. I do think that's unfair on O'Neill anyway (as Delaney says himself) - he saw a lot of value in what Hoolahan could and did offer, but obviously he also saw (a bit too much) value in a more conservative approach too. It might be worth reminding ourselves of O'Neill's comments when Hoolahan was semi-contemplating retirement around the time of the Euros - https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/martin-oneill-urges-hoolahan-to-forget-about-retirement-390324.html

[OwlsFan]

A good summary here by Miguel Delaney - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/wes-hoolahan-retires-republic-of-ireland-international-euro-2016-a8200471.html

I do take issue with this statement in the article though:

"The fact that the much more limited Glenn Whelan is a year and a half younger than Hoolahan and got 83 caps probably reflects a lot about Irish football, and there is an argument that the playmaker’s entire career represents a case study about a country’s approach to the game and its philosophy."

They played different positions and had different functions. It is not fair to compare the two. A cheap shot. I would also say that Whelan probably played at least 100 more games in the top flight in England than Wes did. Really gets up my nose that Whelan is used as a yardstick of what is bad about Irish football. Strangely enough Stoke has plunged in to the relegation mire in England since Whelan left and is conceding far more goals.

[DeLorean]

I'm not a Whelan fan by any means but hard to argue with that.

[DeLorean]

I would also say that Whelan probably played at least 100 more games in the top flight in England than Wes did.

I did a quick check on those numbers and Whelan has played 165 more matches in the PL:

Whelan 277
Hoolahan 112

[osarusan]

In terms of what Trap and O'Neill wanted from a midfielder most of the time, Hoolahan would have been the more limited one.

[Fixer82]

In terms of what Trap and O'Neill wanted from a midfielder most of the time, Hoolahan would have been the more limited one.

Players like Hoolahan and Andy Reid were the antithesis of a Trap player. Trap was cute enough in getting Reid out of the way early.
He reluctantly capped Wes a couple times and was visibly unimpressed when Wes scored against Poland in a friendly.

[brine3]

Our best playmaker since Liam Brady.

15 competitive starts.

[DeLorean]

I've only seen this from Brian Kerr now, encouraging Hoolahan to change his mind - https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/wes-should-change-his-mind-on-retirement-and-give-martin-oneill-a-phone-call-36588108.html

[DeLorean]

Hoolahan and Norwich are parting ways after next Saturday's home fixture against Leeds. Looks like they're going to send him off in style - https://www.canaries.co.uk/News/2018/april/wes-announcement/

[tetsujin1979]

Of course Wes scores on his final appearance for Norwich, of course he does.

[Eminence Grise]

No better way to sign off!

[pineapple stu]

Well, he could have got an assist too.

Which he did.

The goal was particularly lucky - an own goal really; deflected, looped over the keeper and in off both posts. The assist was a nice little through pass, albeit in a lot of space

Both goals here (https://www.balls.ie/football/wes-hoolahan-carrow-road-387877)

[Olé Olé]

I think it was his first league goal of the season too. And he got a guard of honour before the game, not to mention an embrace from Delia Smith.

[seanfhear]

I think it was his first league goal of the season too. And he got a guard of honour before the game, not to mention an embrace from Delia Smith.The embrace from Delia was worth 10 years in jail not to mind playing for Norwich .

[DeLorean]

And he got a guard of honour before the game, not to mention an embrace from Delia Smith.

"Let's be havin' you, Wessi"

[tetsujin1979]

Breaking down Hoolahan's appearances and goals for Norwich, using graphs: http://irish-abroad.appspot.com/Blog?id=2519438039153677655

[DeLorean]

Strange that Hoolahan hasn't been snapped up yet? - http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/chris-lakey-ncfc-column-1-5635893

[irishfan86]

Would be nice to see him extend his career if he wants to keep playing. But I imagine many clubs with smaller budgets would be reluctant to pay any sort of significant salary for a diminutive 36 year old who apparently lacks the fitness to regularly play 90 minutes. As close followers of his career we know that's not the whole story but on paper he may not be the most attractive proposition.

[Diggs246]

Would be nice to see him extend his career if he wants to keep playing. But I imagine many clubs with smaller budgets would be reluctant to pay any sort of significant salary for a diminutive 36 year old who apparently lacks the fitness to regularly play 90 minutes. As close followers of his career we know that's not the whole story but on paper he may not be the most attractive proposition.

I would venture Sunderland in Div 1 would pay him well and he would be a great signing for them

[irishfan86]

I would venture Sunderland in Div 1 would pay him well and he would be a great signing for them

I agree that would be a great fit.

[DeLorean]

Update! - http://www.skysports.com/football/news/25706/11480798/wes-hoolahan-in-talks-with-fleetwood-town

[Olé Olé]

Why would he bother? Thought he’d go abroad rather than drop below Championship.

[DeLorean]

Who wouldn't want to work with Joey Barton?! :eek:

[Olé Olé]

http://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/norwich-city/wes-hoolahan-west-brom-1-5681675

Looking like he's prolonging his Championship career and could be signing for West Brom. The above states they're having a close look. Other reports saying he's poised to sign.

[DeLorean]

Joins West Brom until January with option to extend - https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2018/september/hoolahan-joins-albion/

[OwlsFan]

Came off the bench last night when WBA were trailing 2-0 to Wednesday. Ended up 2-2. Not saying he was instrumental in the comeback but their play definitely improved following his arrival on the field. Usual curate's egg stuff. Buzzing round, neat passes, losing possession, bad pass but always looking to do something positive. Must be a great player to play with. If you make a run, you've a reasonable chance he'll put you through.

[Stuttgart88]

Brendan Rogers missed a trick. He's just what Celtic need right now.

[DCWA]

Brendan Rogers missed a trick. He's just what Celtic need right now.

Despite affection for Hoolahan can you imagine the reaction the Celtic board and to a lesser extent Rodgers would have had to face had they rounded off a shambolic transfer window by signing a 36 year old just released by a poor Championship side. :eek:

[OwlsFan]

Brendan Rogers missed a trick. He's just what Celtic need right now.

They were terrible last night. Couldn't string a few passes together. It reminded me of Georgia v Ireland a few years ago.

[Stuttgart88]

Yep, just like watching Ireland. Score early, play rubbish.

[tetsujin1979]

West Brom manager will discuss Hoolahan's contract with him soon: https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/01/07/darren-moore-set-for-talks-with-wes-hoolahan-this-week/

[Olé Olé]

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/wes-hoolahan-heading-down-under-after-agreeing-deal-with-australian-side-newcastle-jets-38379267.html

Cambridge ruing missing out on Wessi who looks set to move to Australia.

[Snoop Drog]

Roy O'Donovan had been with Newcastle Jets for the last couple of seasons. Shame he is still not there to provide some Irish support to Wes.

If he stays fit, he could do well in the A League despite his age.

[Olé Olé]

Wes Hoolahan donates €18,700 to Temple Street children's hospital following Norwich testimonial https://the42.ie/4772713

As if we didn't love Wes enough already.

[Snoop Drog]

Wes played his first game for Newcastle Jets last night: A FFA cup match vs a semi pro team.
They won 5-1. Wes got a goal and an assist.
It was live on TV in Australia. Wes was a class above the rest, and looked fit and sharp.

[Snoop Drog]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/jets-eye-lastminute-replacement-as-star-recruit-undergoes-surgery/news-story/b135f7465d491fcbab04689149d9c58a

Poor Wes...

[tetsujin1979]

returning to training soon in Australia: https://www.newcastlejets.com.au/news/a-league-hoolahan-edging-closer-return