James McCarthy M free agent b.1990

[SkStu]

GOAL- Wigan 2-1 Swansea - James McCarthy (53 mins)
You just can't keep them down. Wigan hit straight back as Gary Caldwell's perfectly calibrated pass into the path of James McCarthy is controlled first time and then drilled home with the Republic of Ireland midfielder's second touch.

[tricky_colour]

Lost 3-2. Wigan still in with a chance if they can best Villa, one of the teams on 38 is likely to lose both games
which would see Wigan safe on goal difference.

[geysir]

Quite poor from Wigan this evening, one of the sloppiest games i've seen them play. I suppose Caldwell is just coming back from injury and drafted in on an emergency but he gifted Swansea's 2nd. The disease crept towards all the back 4 for Swansea's winner.
Apart from 2 poor passes, James was a cut above anybody else on that pitch. His touch, positioning and passing was sublime, maybe his quality was exaggerated by the sloppiness of the Wigan players around him. Swansea were a team there for the taking, if ever there was one.

[Charlie Darwin]

Lost 3-2. Wigan still in with a chance if they can best Villa, one of the teams on 38 is likely to lose both games
which would see Wigan safe on goal difference.
I wouldn't bet against Wigan pulling off their annual win in North London.

[geysir]

I wouldn't bet on it happening but I'll be willing them on.

[DeLorean]

His goal reminded me of a young Roy Keane.

Horrendous stuff for the second and third Swansea goals, what a chance blown.

[tricky_colour]

I wouldn't bet against Wigan pulling off their annual win in North London.

Certainly, anything is possible for them in end of season games.
There are going to a hell of a lot of anxious eyes watching them in their next game (which is Arsenal) willing them to lose,
but even then it could still go down to the last match.

Norwich are next favourites to go down but Newcastle would be best from an Ireland point of view.

[DeLorean]

Yeah I was hoping for Newcastle for a number of reasons 1) The Irish factor 2) The sacking of Hughton 3) The insane contracts they gave Pardew 4) Pardew himself and his general smarminess


Lost 3-2. Wigan still in with a chance if they can best Villa, one of the teams on 38 is likely to lose both games
which would see Wigan safe on goal difference.

Sunderland's GD is miles better than Wigan's so they're really just counting on Norwich and Newcastle losing both matches, unless they can pick up something at The Emirates three days after the FA Cup final with Arsenal needing a result. Sunderland, Newcastle and Norwich all have at least one game left where they'll really fancy their chances of winning as well, Southampton (h), QPR (a) and West Brom (h) respectively. I can't help feeling that Wigan have blown their chance at this stage.

[Bungle]

Will be very interesting where James ends up playing next season, especially given this morning's news re Fergie. Fergie was definitely a fan and McCarthy would have been a very Fergie type of signing. Moyes is a fan also and you would have to say that he is likely to go for James, whether he stays at Everton or goes to United. Chelsea were linked heavily during the week, but who is buying him when we don't even know who their manager is for next season. Then again they did buy Schurrle for next season, so perhaps their new as of yet unknown manager wants James as well.

James would be terrific beside a fit Wilshere and is precisely what the Gunners need. Liverpool will need to think about a top replacement for Gerrard, as there is absolutely no way, he will play as many games next season as he has done this season. Who better than James for them? Finally, there is the Rafa factor. Rafa is supposed to be a massive fan of James, even going back to when he was on trial there at the age of 15 and Carra and Gerrard were literally badgering Rafa to sign him. James sensibly wanted to stay with Hamilton and work his way up the football ladder. If Rafa goes to a top continental club or replaces Mancini at City, then I reckon there's a good chance he'd sign James.

Anyhow, nice that for the first time in a while, we might have one of our players involved in major transfer news over the summer:)

[OwlsFan]

I really think James can become a top player in the coming years. We have alot of players that fill me with hope, but Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy are two names I can see playing for the very best teams in the coming years. I also like that both seem to have grown not just as players, but as men in the past year and seem more vocal on the pitch. James could be an Irish captain for the next campaign.

I don't necessarily disagree with this but we heard all this before about Kevin Doyle when he was relegated with Wolves. Let's wait and see who is really interested rather than just paper talk.

[geysir]

James would have to sharpen his elbows to become a Moyes' type player.

[Colbert Report]

I hope he doesn't go to a top top club just yet. I'd rather him play a full match every week in the Premiership for a smaller club rather than sit on the bench for the likes of Chelsea.

[Charlie Darwin]

He's been playing every week for a small club for 3 or 4 years. He has to move up at some point.

[DeLorean]

Anyhow, nice that for the first time in a while, we might have one of our players involved in major transfer news over the summer:)

The biggest since Liam Miller? :)

[tricky_colour]

Will be very interesting where James ends up playing next season, especially given this morning's news re Fergie. Fergie was definitely a fan and McCarthy would have been a very Fergie type of signing. Moyes is a fan also and you would have to say that he is likely to go for James, whether he stays at Everton or goes to United. Chelsea were linked heavily during the week, but who is buying him when we don't even know who their manager is for next season. Then again they did buy Schurrle for next season, so perhaps their new as of yet unknown manager wants James as well.

James would be terrific beside a fit Wilshere and is precisely what the Gunners need. Liverpool will need to think about a top replacement for Gerrard, as there is absolutely no way, he will play as many games next season as he has done this season. Who better than James for them? Finally, there is the Rafa factor. Rafa is supposed to be a massive fan of James, even going back to when he was on trial there at the age of 15 and Carra and Gerrard were literally badgering Rafa to sign him. James sensibly wanted to stay with Hamilton and work his way up the football ladder. If Rafa goes to a top continental club or replaces Mancini at City, then I reckon there's a good chance he'd sign James.

Anyhow, nice that for the first time in a while, we might have one of our players involved in major transfer news over the summer:)

Certainly is going to be interesting to Moyes at Man U assuming he going, and how Man U and Everton fair after the change.
I do wonder though how willing clubs towards the top of the table, especially Man U will be willing to take a player form a club towards the bottom, especially with a new manager.

[BonnieShels]

It's being reported on The Times website that Moyes is being announced tomorrow!

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/clubs/manchesterunited/article3759033.ece

Jimmy might yet be wearing red next season.

[Charlie Darwin]

Certainly is going to be interesting to Moyes at Man U assuming he going, and how Man U and Everton fair after the change.
I do wonder though how willing clubs towards the top of the table, especially Man U will be willing to take a player form a club towards the bottom, especially with a new manager.
It didn't seem to bother them when they signed Phil Jones.

[DeLorean]

That's because he's going to be the greatest player (http://www.fanatix.com/news/phil-jones-can-be-manchester-uniteds-greatest-ever-player-says-sir-alex-ferguson/116153/) in United's history

[tricky_colour]

It didn't seem to bother them when they signed Phil Jones.

But that was not a new manager, that was a proven Fergie who could afford to take risks.

But you never know, all depends of the price paid really we wil just have to wait and see
but their is a difference between paper talk and reality.

[Bungle]

Some players may play for poor teams that get relegated, but their ability shines through. It was a bit like Roy Keane at Forest the year they got relegated.

I would have to agree that it is going to be interesting to see what happens if Moyes goes to United. He clearly has a big soft spot for James, but he is likely to be operating at a much different budget to what he was at Everton. He may want the proven world class player rather than the player that may be world class in two years. I think it's fair to say that Moyes will be aware that he needs immediate success, because any United fan I've spoken to has been almost mocking of Moyes and these lads are not the bandwagon United kind of fellas. I'm actually not sure United would be a good move for James, as the pressure around that club is going to be incredible next season, no matter who they get.

I think Liverpool, Arsenal or Spurs would be the best moves for him. If Moyes stays with Everton, then I think it would be a great place for him.

[Charlie Darwin]

But that was not a new manager, that was a proven Fergie who could afford to take risks.

But you never know, all depends of the price paid really we wil just have to wait and see
but their is a difference between paper talk and reality.
I'd say anybody the new manager signs will have been thoroughly scouted by Quieroz etc over the past couple of years.

Incidentally, this piece (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2320648/Premier-League-long-passes-stats-No-Steven-Gerrard-10-Mousa-Dembele-leads.html)from the Daily Mail has James in the top 20 most accurate long-range passers in the league this season, ahead of your Carricks and your Gerrards no less. His percentage is probably a bit low because he attempted a lot more than most players.

[Junior]

I'd say anybody the new manager signs will have been thoroughly scouted by Quieroz etc over the past couple of years.

Incidentally, this piece (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2320648/Premier-League-long-passes-stats-No-Steven-Gerrard-10-Mousa-Dembele-leads.html)from the Daily Mail has James in the top 20 most accurate long-range passers in the league this season, ahead of your Carricks and your Gerrards no less. His percentage is probably a bit low because he attempted a lot more than most players.

You know he left OT an age ago? Went to manage Portugal and Im not sure where he went when he got the bullet form there.

[Charlie Darwin]

You know he left OT an age ago? Went to manage Portugal and Im not sure where he went when he got the bullet form there.
Yeah but he still scouts for them, or at least he was while he managed Portugal. It was his dubious recommendation that brought us the comedy show that was Bébé.

[tricky_colour]

I'd say anybody the new manager signs will have been thoroughly scouted by Quieroz etc over the past couple of years.

Incidentally, this piece (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2320648/Premier-League-long-passes-stats-No-Steven-Gerrard-10-Mousa-Dembele-leads.html)from the Daily Mail has James in the top 20 most accurate long-range passers in the league this season, ahead of your Carricks and your Gerrards no less. His percentage is probably a bit low because he attempted a lot more than most players.


In the stats I am looking at he has the 31st highest number of long balls per game, Gerrard and Carrick are 1st and 10th respectively.
His overall pass (of any length) percentage is actually slightly higher though. His overall rating is not so impressive
however, I imagine it is easier to complete a pass at Man U and Liverpool than at Wigan.

[tricky_colour]

Chance to show his skills on a world stage today.
Remains to be seen whether that will be a good thing or a bad thing.


Can't believe the ITV started their coverage 2 hours before the game

[Crosby87]

more speculation on Chelsea and Arsenal from the other day.
http://hereisthecity.com/2013/05/07/how-james-mccarthy-could-benefit-arsenal-or-chelsea/

[tricky_colour]

Decided to have a £1 on Wigan at 7-1, McCarthy is doing OK, Wigan seem so have more of the possession
so 7-1 seems a good price. But I am not convinced they can put the ball in the net, whereas Man City can.

[paul_oshea]

Was easily held off there by toure.

And was considerably slower than tevez there in a one on one down the wing.

Doing ok apart from that, relatively quiet.

[paul_oshea]

Has that McManaman any irish in him? :D

[DannyInvincible]

Have heard he's eligible, through a grandparent, but not aware of any official confirmation.

[Crosby87]

Do you guys think Alcaraz likes to watch The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nick Coppola?

[Grafter]

Do you guys think Alcaraz likes to watch The Rock starring Sean Connery and Nick Coppola?

Do you guys think Scharner is a Roxy Music fan?:rolleyes:

[tommy_c12000]

Just tuned in, how has he done so far?

[tricky_colour]

Fair to middling, no blunders yet.
Passing has been good, but his attempt to run past Toure was not as successful as he would have liked.

[Grafter]

Just tuned in, how has he done so far?
nice change of gears versus Toure just there:o

[tricky_colour]

Seems destined for a draw extra time and penalties.

[tommy_c12000]

Thought Toure was leaning on his back rather than shoulder to shoulder. A lot of refs would have given a free to James

[Grafter]

Feel sorry for that Man City Reserve keeper who played up to final and then that overrated Englishman Hart plays in final...

[tricky_colour]

Come on Wigan show some urgency and win me a few quid.

[tricky_colour]

I'm in the money :D

[tricky_colour]

less than 2 mins for wigan to throw my money away

[tricky_colour]

Who was the last Irish player to win the FA Cup?

[tricky_colour]

Actually only had 67p on it.

11/05/2013 Bet returns £5.36
11/05/2013 Bet stake -£0.67

[Crosby87]

Fox had this game on Nat'l TV. I wonder what the rating will be. My Prediction? 0.0.

[Closed Account]

Who was the last Irish player to win the FA Cup?
Given would of got a medal a couple of years ago, Steve Finnan last player to play in the final, 06

[peadar1987]

Given would of got a medal a couple of years ago, Steve Finnan last player to play in the final, 06

Last ones to win in normal time were Keane and O'Shea in 2004. In case anyone's interested.

[DeLorean]

Delighted for Mac, thought he was very good to be honest. So calm and controlled, always organising. What a great move it was for him now in hindsight, in terms of trophies as well as playing time. A great day for football.

http://img.rasset.ie/00075960-642.jpg

http://img.rasset.ie/00075962-642.jpg

http://img.rasset.ie/00075963-642.jpg

[OwlsFan]

Actually only had 67p on it.

11/05/2013 Bet returns £5.36
11/05/2013 Bet stake -£0.67

Very strange bet to place. 67p. Did you just empty your pocket and give it to the bookie?

ITV annoyed me saying it was an "extraordinary feat" and a "crazy result". It was one Premiership team beating another. Sure one was second and the other in the drop zone but it's hardly earth shattering that Man City, who on their day can be cr+p lost to Wigan, who on their day can play some good stuff. But then this is the media I suppose.

Found the Setanta Cup Final much more entertaining :) Never seen a final like that.

p.s. McCarthy wasn't bad but not the best Wigan player on the pitch.

[DeLorean]

Little Wigan winning the FA Cup is a fairytale though OwlsFan. 18 years ago they were non-league. Of course on a given day any Premier League team can beat another, but it usually wouldn't happen in what is an equally big game for both sides, a final. The fact that they did it playing great football made it all the more impressive.

So, 'extraordinary feat' - definitely yes, 'crazy result' - maybe not so much but I'm sure most people hearing the result would be pretty shocked, apart from mental gambler Tricky that is :)

McManaman was without doubt the best player on show, barely debatable really.

[tricky_colour]

Very strange bet to place. 67p. Did you just empty your pocket and give it to the bookie?

ITV annoyed me saying it was an "extraordinary feat" and a "crazy result". It was one Premiership team beating another. Sure one was second and the other in the drop zone but it's hardly earth shattering that Man City, who on their day can be cr+p lost to Wigan, who on their day can play some good stuff. But then this is the media I suppose.

Found the Setanta Cup Final much more entertaining :) Never seen a final like that.

p.s. McCarthy wasn't bad but not the best Wigan player on the pitch.


Well I was going to put £1 on, expecting to lose but I noticed I had about £86.67 in my account so I thought I would get rid of the £0.67 to end up with a nice round £86 when I lost, but I ended up with £91.36 :)

I thought it was a good match with a great ending, the small bet just makes it that bit more exciting (if it is winning lol).

I didn't put any money on until I had seen how both teams were playing for about 15 minutes and I thought that if you knew nothing about either teams league positions etc that you would have said it was a fairly open match with maybe Wigan slight favourites which made Wigan's 7-1 look rather tempting.
Did look to be heading for a draw until the sending off but the sending off showed Man City were struggling a bit in the midfield.

I was not too confident about Wigan's attack or defence but they looked pretty solid in the middle.