Irish Abroad 2007/2008

[tetsujin1979]

Tomorrow is the MLS Draft day where MLS teams can draft college players. Two players of interest:


Cheers MetroStars, I was wondering if Rangers had taken Lapira back on trial now that his studies have finished.

[Metrostars]

Cheers MetroStars, I was wondering if Rangers had taken Lapira back on trial now that his studies have finished.

I havent heard anything more about Rangers since the trial. He is in the draft and normally a player of his standard would be taken in the first two rounds. But because teams know he has been actively trialing in Europe and has an EU passport, there is a reasonable chance he may still sign with a Euro team even if he is picked in the draft. If that happens, the MLS team basically wastes its pick on Lapira. But maybe some MLS team might take a chance on that and hope he will sign the contract which would definately be smaller in $$ than what he could make in Europe e.g. maybe $50K/year.

I personally think he will be picked but only in the later rounds(3rd round at the earliest). I doubt a team will use a 1st or 2nd rounder on him unless they have privately spoken to him before hand which they are not supposed to do.

The draft day is usually a lot of fun to see what players go where and can be followed on mlsnet.com
http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/superdraft/2008/

[eirebhoy]

I only saw this interview tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5oG-R-fedE

He's not only our most intelligent player on the field but probably off it aswell. Interesting how he rates McPhail.

[tetsujin1979]

JJ O'Toole signs contrac extension until 2011: http://www.watfordfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1216945,00.html

[eirebhoy]

His 2nd contract of the season.

[CraftyToePoke]

I only saw this interview tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5oG-R-fedE

He's not only our most intelligent player on the field but probably off it aswell. Interesting how he rates McPhail.


he was lookin a bit sheepish about the favourite food question though EB, I think you will have to admit ?

[eirebhoy]

hehe. :) "Me ma's stew"

His head looks tiny on that body.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Wednesday, 16 January 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-01-16
Chesterfield lost their first game where Adam Rooney scored. However, they have won every away game where he's scored
Stephen Ireland completes 90 minutes for Manchester City for the first time since 1st December
Damien Duff scores for the first time since September 2006

[tetsujin1979]

From football365's rumours section: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_3054590,00.html

QPR have agreed a £1.2million deal for Hull defender Damien Delaney.
Nothing about it on QPR or Hull City's sites though

[gufct]

Its on the BBC Site as well.

[tetsujin1979]

report on QPR's site now: http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1216856,00.html
still nothing on Hull City's site

Good move for Delaney, QPR obviously have money to spend now and are a team on the move.
Are Cork City entitled to any of that transfer fee?

[eirebhoy]

That's a lot of money they've splashed out on him.

[gufct]

Im an R's fan for over 30 years and ive never seen so many players signed in such a short period thats 8 now since the window opened.

[irishfan86]

Looks like he's a centre half who can also play left back....may be an option for us there.

[Metrostars]

Tomorrow is the MLS Draft day where MLS teams can draft college players. Two players of interest:

Joe Lapira: Well documented here for his infamous cap last year against Ecuador, won the Hermann Trophy for best college player in 2006, can third in voting in 2007. He is in the draft but may not be picked as he is rumored to be on his way to Europe.

Ciaran O'Brien: 20, Son of former Bohs & NASL player Fran O'Brien, a midfielder for UC Santa Barbara is leaving college early, apparently got a Generation Adidas contract(i.e. salary does not count towards MLS team cap) so he will probably be picked in the first round or two of the draft.

Will let you all know how it turns out if anyone is interested.

Found another Irishman in this year's MLS draft, Greg Kilkenny from Bray:
http://www.gonu.com/msoccer/kilkenny.shtml

However, he is way down the list of prospects and is older (24!) so I doubt an MLS team will pick him up.

[bohsRap]

report on QPR's site now: http://www.qpr.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10373~1216856,00.html
still nothing on Hull City's site

Good move for Delaney, QPR obviously have money to spend now and are a team on the move.
Are Cork City entitled to any of that transfer fee?

Is he any good? Seems to be a bit of cash alright even though I heard QPR have a good bit to spend. Couldn't see them getting promoted but you'd never know.

[tetsujin1979]

Is he any good? Seems to be a bit of cash alright even though I heard QPR have a good bit to spend. Couldn't see them getting promoted but you'd never know.
He's been at Hull for about 4 years, he was Taylor's first purchase after taking over at the club. Taylor was the one who brought him over from Cork to Leicester, so he obviously rated Delaney.
Was pretty much a mainstay in their promotions through the divisions. Started out as a left full, but plays centre half now, I believe. Similar to Darren O'Dea in that respect. Won a load of player of the season awards in their promotion to the Championship.

[kingdom hoop]

General word is that the fee was £600k, with extras thereafter.

I'm an interested spectator here (being a QPR follower for my sins!) and been reading the forums today, with the general consensus coming from Hull being that they've just got very very lucky to offload what they say is a poor player for the given price. But experience has taught me to ignore the views on forums. :p

It seems a bit strange of Hull fans to be so exultant in his passing when not so long ago he was their player of the year. I reckon it's jealousy at our new-found wealth or something! Whatever, the change of club and stern competition for places has to be good for him and should see him improve over the coming months, and who knows, with the general dearth of defenders Ireland have, push for an unlikely squad place. :)

Few quotes from the big man; "It's a massive challenge for me personally. The squad is very strong in every department and the initial task for me is to play my way into the Manager's thoughts....This is a new chapter for me and one I'm going to relish."

Best of luck Damo, right behind ya!

[tetsujin1979]

Some updates added to the site for lower league players
Simon Madden (Leeds): http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47995
Andrew Callaghan (Millwall): http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=46675
Ross Gaynor (Millwall): http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47712
Marc Tierney (Shrewsbury): http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=35713
Jimmy Ryan (Shrewsbury): http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=47021

Also updated the recent transfer activity, Damien Delaney is now listed at QPR, and Stephen O'Halloran is on loan at Southampton

[Tipp Townie]

He's 21 centre midfielder. Played for Ireland from U14 to U21 levels. Played for Cherry Orchard schoolboys, then joined Notts County and was a regular for them at 17, playing right back. Fell out of favour when a new manager was appointed and then released. Played for Virginia in America in the division below MLS for a season before returning to Ireland to play for UCD last season.

Thanks mate. Do you (or anyone else) have any opinion on him? He sounds like he could be a decent prospect for 3rd tier football at Brighton?

[tetsujin1979]

From football365's weekend Championship briefing: http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3057669,00.html

Saturday, January 19

Blackpool (16) v Ipswich (7)
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson has not made any new signings this week ahead of the visit of Ipswich, with only striker Steve McPhee coming in from Hull last week, who start alongside Ben Burgess.
Owen Garvan will continue alongside Tommy Miller after recovering from flu.
Top scorers: Wesley Hoolahan, Ben Burgess (Blackpool) 6

Coventry (17) v Burnley (11)
Coventry captain Michael Doyle is available after suspension while fellow midfielder Jay Tabb returns from illness.

Crystal Palace (6) v Bristol City (2)
Top scorers: Clinton Morrison (Crystal Palace) 12

Plymouth (9) v Southampton (13)
Plymouth welcome back highly-rated midfielder David Norris from suspension
On-loan Aston Villa defender Stephen O'Halloran is in the Southampton squad
Top scorers: David Norris (Plymouth) 5

QPR (20) v Barnsley (15)
Mikele Leigertwood has completed a four-match ban after a second red card of the season, but he may struggle to recognise any of his team-mates, let alone reclaim his place, after Damien Delaney took the number of new signings at the club to nine.

Scunthorpe (23) v Wolves (12)
Darron Gibson (back), Michael Kightly (ankle) and Jody Craddock (calf) are set to miss out.
Gary Breen has returned to training following injury but illness prevented him building up his match fitness for the reserves in midweek.

Watford (3) v Charlton (5)
Charlton's on-loan defender Sam Sodje (hand) is likely to miss out, while captain Andy Reid (knee) is still sidelined.

[tetsujin1979]

Stephen Ward signs a contract extension at Wolves: http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~1218608,00.html

[Irish_Praha]

Yet another Irish player at Ipswich


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/08/01/19/SOCCER_Ipswich.html&TEAMHD=soccer

Ipswich have signed Sheffield United midfielder Alan Quinn on an emergency loan deal.

However, the 28-year-old, capped eight times by the Republic of Ireland, is not available for Saturday's clash with Blackpool.

Manager Jim Magilton told the club's website: "We had to move fast when I heard Alan might be available and we are delighted to have him at the club.

"I've known Alan since he was a lad and he will come in and freshen things up for us and I'm delighted he is with us."

[Metrostars]

News on the MLS draft front:

Ciaran O'Brien was chosen by Colorado (5th overall pick)
Joe Lapira was chosen by Toronto, Ronnie O'Brien's team (35th overall pick)

[eirebhoy]

I watched the last 10 minutes of the Sheffield derby after the Hearts-Hibs match and the commentator said of Glenn Whelan - "He's been magnificant. Absolutely superb game".

Darren O'Dea interview:
http://celticfc.net/news/stories/news_180108154743.aspx

[Kingdom]

Robbie Keane dropped today? Defoe captain for Spurs, has the world gone mad?

[tetsujin1979]

Robbie Keane dropped today? Defoe captain for Spurs, has the world gone mad?
They're playing Arsenal midweek in the League Cup semi-final. According to the build up on Today FM, Keane is being rested for that.

[eirebhoy]

Just wondering if Benni McCarthy could be classed as a target man? I'm trying to see if my McShane against the target man theory adds up. Arguably the best player on the pitch against Berbatov, Koller, Davies and McCarthy. He's playing right back today though.

[tetsujin1979]

Just wondering if Benni McCarthy could be classed as a target man? I'm trying to see if my McShane against the target man theory adds up. Arguably the best player on the pitch against Berbatov, Koller, Davies and McCarthy. He's playing right back today though.
Gave the ball away for Tottenham's opener according to the report on Setanta. Had a header cleared off the line late on in the first half. Stokes was hauled off by Keane after a half hour as well.

[Kingdom]

They're playing Arsenal midweek in the League Cup semi-final. According to the build up on Today FM, Keane is being rested for that.

Fair nuff. Thanks.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Thanks mate. Do you (or anyone else) have any opinion on him? He sounds like he could be a decent prospect for 3rd tier football at Brighton?
I think he could turn out to be a good player at that level, with a very good chance of making the step up to Championship in a couple of years.

[soccerc]

Alan Quinn moves to Ipswich permanently for over stg£400k.

http://www.chatsoccer.eu/news/content/view/71/1/

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 19 January 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-01-19
Ian Harte was on the subs bench for Sunderland, he hasn't played for the Black Cats since the 7-1 demolition by Everton in November
Robbie Keane scored as an introduced substitute for the first time this season
Clinton Morrison has scored 11 goals in his last 14 games
Damien Delaney made his debut for QPR, but no sign of Stephen O'Halloran for Southampton
Jon Walters scored away from home for only the second time this season. By comparison the Ipswich player has 8 goals at Portman Road
Keith Keane scored his first goal of the season
Noel Hunt has scored 10 goals in his last 12 games
Andy Jackson has 5 goals in his last 7 games
Stephen Bradley made his debut for Falkirk
Sean Thornton started his third game in a row, he hasn't done that since early October
Coventry lost for the first time this season in a game Michael Doyle scored in

[tetsujin1979]

Saw the highlights of the Newcastle - Bolton game, Joey O'Brien played on the right of a 3 man midfield

[tetsujin1979]

Ipswich have made another bid for David Norris: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1218711,00.html
Apparently they're short Irish players in their side ;)

[tetsujin1979]

Saw this on Ipswich's site too, Michael Synnott has gone on trial at York: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1209819,00.html
Seems to have impressed in his first game: http://www.ycfc.net/news/january08/14.php

Ipswich Town trialist Michael Synnott was perhaps City's best player looking sharp and full of running. He also showed his versatility switching from left to right back at half time.

[tetsujin1979]

Gave the ball away for Tottenham's opener according to the report on Setanta.
Saw this on MOTD, Evans had 2 chances to clear the ball, and failed. O'Hara took the ball off him, McShane reclaimed possession and tried to clear. The ball rebounded from Lee (I think) to O'Hara, who crossed to Berbatov.
It was unlucky, on another day, the ball would have been cleared and the danger averted.

[CraftyToePoke]

norwich v leicester 0-0

no Irish for leicester in this one, Sheehan is still nowhere to be seen but is not being reported as injured, his replacement, also an academy product and an England u21 player has been attracting interest from clubs higher up the food chain with the club claiming they have turned down a big offer for him in the week, Anyway, it seems he got a bit of a roasting by Lee Croft today so it will be interesting to see if Sheehan reappears in the next one.

Doherty played for the home side, with Spillane on the bench.

[CraftyToePoke]

Ipswich have made another bid for David Norris: http://www.itfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1218711,00.html
Apparently they're short Irish players in their side ;)


Seems its between ipswich and leicester for this guy, with the leicester manager having managed him while at plymouth.

[kingdom hoop]

Damien Delaney made his debut for QPR


And how! Winning Man of the Match must give him a shout at winning 'Best Debut By An Irish Player' at the end of season awards show. :p

Nah, while he won MOM it sounded (radio commentary) and reads (forums) like he had a very solid game at left back without being particularly brilliant. Left back though! Right, one match, against Barnsley, so we won't get too excited just yet.

For anyone who doesn't know much about Delaney, he's 6'3 and plays either CB or LB. QPR's CBs are strong and LB is shyte so he'll be playing LB most of the time. His performance today was commonly described as composed, confident and competitive; decent enough pace, positive on the ball, strong tackling; generally solid in other words. I'll keep ye posted.

Meanwhile Martin Rowlands has been by far and away QPR's star performer (as Sligo Hornet no doubt knows to his cost :p) over the past few months, playing in CM mostly. Hopefully we'll see both at a higher level in a year or two...:D

[Stuttgart88]

Saw the highlights of the Newcastle - Bolton game, Joey O'Brien played on the right of a 3 man midfieldDid Andy O'Brien not win MoTM on SKY for that game? I saw about 25 mins of it live and he continued his good form from what I saw. He's probably playing the best football of his career at the moment. Long may it last.

[Kingdom]

Did Andy O'Brien not win MoTM on SKY for that game? I saw about 25 mins of it live and he continued his good form from what I saw. He's probably playing the best football of his career at the moment. Long may it last.

Agreed. I'd be very happy with the back 4 of Finnan, O'Brien, Dunne, Left back for the friendly games.

[tetsujin1979]

Did Andy O'Brien not win MoTM on SKY for that game? I saw about 25 mins of it live and he continued his good form from what I saw. He's probably playing the best football of his career at the moment. Long may it last.Dunno about that, in Sky's ratings - http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_2848332,00.html - Andy O'Brien got 6, and 6.5 from the fans. Gardner and Jasskilainen were the highest rated Bolton players by Sky, with 7 each. Given and Taylor both got 7 for Newcastle.

[Stuttgart88]

I was in the pub. The sound was up on the Munster game and down on the footy but I'm sure I saw AO'B being given the champagne by a teammate in the post match interview. Nolan I think it was.

[tetsujin1979]

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 20th January 2008: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/dateDetails.xquery?seasonID=137&date=2008-01-20
Richard Dunne (http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroad/playerDetails.xquery?playerID=10583)'s 4th booking of the season.

[tetsujin1979]

Leon Best has handed in a transfer request: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_3061984,00.html

[livehead1]

Wants to get back to Nottingham thats why

[livehead1]

Reports in the Daily Mirror saying Blackburn want Jason Koumas and will offer Steven Reid in exchange. Surely this is just terrible journalism. Reid is just getting fit again and Koumas can't even get into a struggling Wigan side?!

[Stuttgart88]

I read at the weekend that Celtic want Koumas on loan. Koumas and Reid would be a good pairing in my opinion, better than Dunn and Koumas.

eleven-a-side is saying that Leon Best is wanted by Ipswich. There could be a massive Irish contingent at that club as Alan Quinn has just joined them.

[tetsujin1979]

Ipswich reject rumours about Alan Lee moving to Burnley: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_3067328,00.html