Stephen Ireland

[bellavistaman]

Yeah, completely unrelated to him being from Cobh I'm sure:rolleyes:

Yeah were all related in cobh sure.

[Stuttgart88]

I love the misunderstandings on this site sometimes.

[youngirish]

As roy keane says nobody knows the circumstaqnces, i dont but i wouldnt be apart of the bandwagon of hating the lad, too much talent to not want him to play.

How anyone can still defend Stephen Ireland's actions at this stage is honestly far beyond my comprehension. Not only has he refused to play for his country for over a year and a half now without giving any valid reason whatsoever but he seems content from the sidelines to disrupt the current regime at every opportunity by giving statements in interviews about his omission full of contradictions and in some cases downright lies.

The truth is this behaviour is sickening from any professional sportsman and as I've said before its only in Ireland that you would find people making excuses for him in what is in any sane individuals eyes inexcusible. If Ireland was from any other country he'd have long since been crucified by the media and the fans alike for his attitude and deservedly so.

Now hopefully the idiots in the Irish media will stop hassling Trapatonni and the players about the latest news on Stephen Ireland in every interview. I get the impression Ireland revels in the attention he receives on the subject. I hope never, ever to see him in a green shirt again unless he gets a move to Plymouth Argyle.

[Colbert Report]

you were making a joke?
......good one

Good comeback. Why do you feel the need to have a dig at someone?

[richieos]

Good comeback. Why do you feel the need to have a dig at someone?

you made the dig, you mentioned how you think stephen ireland is as relevant to this forum as david connolly, and all i did was explain why i think the situations are different, and you told me to 'get a sense of humour' which is quite strange because i consider you to be one of the best posters on this site.
anyway im not one for getting into arguments so im gonna draw a line under it.

[Colbert Report]

Fair enough, sorry for the misunderstanding.

[Stuttgart88]

he seems content from the sidelines to disrupt the current regime at every opportunity

Now hopefully the idiots in the Irish media will stop hassling Trapatonni and the players about the latest news on Stephen Ireland in every interview. Hear hear.

[irishfan86]

At this stage I don't really know what to think of him, but if you actually watch/listen to that interview, all he is doing is answering a question.

He doesn't go out of his way to talk about Ireland, and he doesn't say anything negative about the team apart from the fact that "it never felt right," or something to that effect.

Although he says he doesn't see a way back, he also says he doesn't want to say "never."

No clue what the issue is, but after watching it on the BBC site there, this interview is hardly the definitive "never play for Ireland again" comment it's being made out to be.

[elroy]

Im not really surprised with that interview, what i suspected all along. Disappointing, I fail to understand it but with an attitude towards the shirt like that I am happy that he is not in the team. Maybe in a few years he might change his mind but he would need to go a long way to prove he deserves the shirt now. It will be interesting to see if there is any change in his attitude if Ireland qualify for the WC.
For now, see ya later, and anyways even if he became available now i dont think it would be appropriate for him to be part of the squad at the moment.

[dr_peepee]

Look, the dude clearly feels he doesn't need International football at this stage... Everythings Rosey in the camp now for him at City. I'm telling ye that's going to change. Dip in form, Change in Manager, change in expecations. Any number of possible things. If anything has emerged out of the last couple of years it's that he has very little strength of charachter and I guarantee he'll be worse off in the long run for not playing for Ireland.

I'm not too bothered now. He's no different to any other good premiership player that's not availible to us in my eyes. I'm actually more mildly irritated at the like of Bellavista and the molly coddling of him. I understand he's trying to be objective and non judgemental. But it's counter productive and I'd say he's surrounded by that kind of persistent appeasement, thus hampering his ability to grow and deal with issues . Be it baldness, banter with team mates, booing fans, dead grannies and women trouble.

[DmanDmythDledge]

At this stage I don't really know what to think of him, but if you actually watch/listen to that interview, all he is doing is answering a question.

He doesn't go out of his way to talk about Ireland, and he doesn't say anything negative about the team apart from the fact that "it never felt right," or something to that effect.

Although he says he doesn't see a way back, he also says he doesn't want to say "never."

No clue what the issue is, but after watching it on the BBC site there, this interview is hardly the definitive "never play for Ireland again" comment it's being made out to be.
Yeah, I'd agree with that. He said it had nothing to do with the players or staff previously but I think there must have been something that turned him off. I don't buy this "doesn't give a sh!t about Ireland" stuff* as he would have never bothered to go to Cyrpus, San Marino, Slovakia etc. If it was for personal glory he would have been back like a light as he would have been perceived as a saviour by the media, return of the prodigal son etc. If he didn't care about Ireland would have drawn the line in the sand completely rather than saying there could be some chance of him playing for Ireland again.

* "I would love to play for Ireland, absolutely love it," said Ireland in the official Manchester City magazine.

"If I got a cap this season then it would make my year. There is a friendly in the spring and I would love to get in that squad under the new manager, whoever that might be.

"I don't know whether I am good enough, but there is only one way to really find out, and I suppose if I can hold down a place in City's side until then it will go in my favour."

...

"I recently had a chat with him, and he has told me how desperate he is to play for Ireland, and I'm willing to do what I can to help him achieve that aim."
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1220/irelands.html

[geysir]

http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/IMZ/IMZ151/gbr0020.jpg

[strangeirish]

* "I would love to play for Ireland, absolutely love it," said Ireland in the official Manchester City magazine.

"If I got a cap this season then it would make my year. There is a friendly in the spring and I would love to get in that squad under the new manager, whoever that might be.

"I don't know whether I am good enough, but there is only one way to really find out, and I suppose if I can hold down a place in City's side until then it will go in my favour."

...

"I recently had a chat with him, and he has told me how desperate he is to play for Ireland, and I'm willing to do what I can to help him achieve that aim."
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1220/irelands.html

That's from 2005. Sure his Grannies were only young ones back then and, alive and kicking. Oh wait...

[NeilMcD]

Yeah, I'd agree with that. He said it had nothing to do with the players or staff previously but I think there must have been something that turned him off. I don't buy this "doesn't give a sh!t about Ireland" stuff* as he would have never bothered to go to Cyrpus, San Marino, Slovakia etc. If it was for personal glory he would have been back like a light as he would have been perceived as a saviour by the media, return of the prodigal son etc. If he didn't care about Ireland would have drawn the line in the sand completely rather than saying there could be some chance of him playing for Ireland again.

* "I would love to play for Ireland, absolutely love it," said Ireland in the official Manchester City magazine.

"If I got a cap this season then it would make my year. There is a friendly in the spring and I would love to get in that squad under the new manager, whoever that might be.

"I don't know whether I am good enough, but there is only one way to really find out, and I suppose if I can hold down a place in City's side until then it will go in my favour."

...

"I recently had a chat with him, and he has told me how desperate he is to play for Ireland, and I'm willing to do what I can to help him achieve that aim."
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/1220/irelands.html


yeah I think its pretty clear that he is a self indulgent young fella who wants to be cherished and spoilt and when someone does spoil him he throws a huff or makes up some lies.

[DmanDmythDledge]

That's from 2005. Sure his Grannies were only young ones back then and, alive and kicking. Oh wait...
It was in response to the claims that he doesn't give a **** about Ireland, a point which is not true.

[strangeirish]

It was in response to the claims that he doesn't give a **** about Ireland, a point which is not true.
That may have been the case back then, but at this point in time, I believe he doesn't give a rats ass about playing for Ireland.

[DmanDmythDledge]

That may have been the case back then, but at this point in time, I believe he doesn't give a rats ass about playing for Ireland.
I believe that to be incorrect, for reasons I've already stated.

[tricky_colour]

Maybe his girlfriend won't let him :)

[geysir]

It was in response to the claims that he doesn't give a **** about Ireland, a point which is not true.

The only slither of straw that you can grasp onto from that interview is that he says "never say never".
ATM he doesn't give a rats ass, he can't see a return anywhere on the horizon.
"Never say never" is not in the least bit an indicater of any positive feelings towards the national team.
We are known by our actions. Every one of his actions have contradicted his fine sounding words in the past.
That interview has just brought him a bit closer to being more in harmony with his actions.
It's actually difficult to even be critical of him because he is so patently immature.

[tricky_colour]

Maybe his girlfriend won't let him :)

Actually I said that as a joke, but thinking about it a little more it may actually be the real reason as it kind of fits the frame as he has not really given a reason and it is the sort of reason you could not give isn't it?
You could not really come out with "My girlfriend won't let me" at a press conference could you?

[Serb]

He has provisionally agreed a £54,000 a week pay rise with City. He'll be earning £80,000 a week from next season probably.

He could probably buy 2 pink Land Rovers a week now.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/may/13/stephen-ireland-manchester-city-new-contract

[jbyrne]

The only slither of straw that you can grasp onto from that interview is that he says "never say never".


didnt roy say he wouldnt be back but then returned. i wouldnt rule out anything at this stage. however, he is making it harder and harder all the time and id say its a return before the august friendly or not at all for this campaign at least

[geysir]

Everyones "never say never" is different.
Keane had a royal bust up of all bust ups with the manager.
No similarity with SI´s situation at all.

Anyway my point was that his use of the words "never say never" is not in the remotest way, evidence now that he cares at all about playing for his country, at present or in the foreseeable future, as some claim it is.

In his own words, he has retired now and for the foreseeable future, but
apparently this thread on SI is hanging on the decaying strands of his 'never say never' words.

[OwlsFan]

"Any one got some super glue to keep this des kelly in position?

http://dynimg.rte.ie/0001f4c210dr.jpg

[as_i_say]

Voted city's player of the year today-no surprise there. Nice pouty pic of him here too.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0521/irelands.html

[Noelys Guitar]

Trap contacted SI last week to congragulate him on his good season. Wonder what the responce (if any) was. Trap is a clever man so I wonder what made him contact Ireland last week? SI must have given some indication (probably through Richard Dunne or Given)that he is willing to return. And return on Trap's terms.

[youngirish]

Trap contacted SI last week to congragulate him on his good season. Wonder what the responce (if any) was. Trap is a clever man so I wonder what made him contact Ireland last week? SI must have given some indication (probably through Richard Dunne or Given)that he is willing to return. And return on Trap's terms.

How are you privy to such information good sir?

[strangeirish]

Trap contacted SI last week to congragulate him on his good season. Wonder what the responce (if any) was. Trap is a clever man so I wonder what made him contact Ireland last week? SI must have given some indication (probably through Richard Dunne or Given)that he is willing to return. And return on Trap's terms.


How are you privy to such information good sir?
Not true at all. I haven't heard or seen hide nor hair from Trap in ages.:D

[Noelys Guitar]

How are you privy to such information good sir?

From todays Irish Examiner YoungIrish and it was mentioned on Radio5 last night.
Meanwhile, Trapattoni has effectively confirmed that he sent end of season greetings to Stephen Ireland recently. In a clear sign that the manager is determined to keep the door open to the absentee Manchester City player, the Italian reportedly contacted him to congratulate him on his fine season and being named his club’s player of the year.



Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/sport/trap-keeps-cool-in-heated-buildup-93524.html#ixzz0HdCNAIV2&C

[Noelys Guitar]

Not true at all. I haven't heard or seen hide nor hair from Trap in ages.:D

The "voices" told me he contacted you Strange Irish! According to Radio 5 S.Ireland has been back in contact with Trap and is "close" to coming back. I am not sure what "close" means in Stephen Ireland's case.
From todays Irish Times
Reports from back home that Trapattoni had been in touch over the last week or so with Stephen Ireland were all but confirmed by the Italian who, while pointedly naming Steven Reid rather than the Manchester City midfielder, said that he occasionally calls or sends text messages to absent players but that nothing much should be read into it. In Ireland’s case, it appears he congratulated the 22-year-old on a good season and his young player of the year award, while reminding him the door remains open if and when he decides to end his international exile.

[geysir]

Nice to have such a gentleman and diplomat as Trap in charge.

[Uncle_Joe]

THe Times also alludes to this
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0606/1224248174858.html



Reports from back home that Trapattoni had been in touch over the last week or so with Stephen Ireland were all but confirmed by the Italian who, while pointedly naming Steven Reid rather than the Manchester City midfielder, said that he occasionally calls or sends text messages to absent players but that nothing much should be read into it. In Ireland’s case, it appears he congratulated the 22-year-old on a good season and his young player of the year award, while reminding him the door remains open if and when he decides to end his international exile.


It sounds like the press dragging up the usual nonsense again. No doubt to be followed by more calls that the Management aren't doing enough, and should have personnaly visited young Ireland with some flowers and a card signed by the whole team wishing him well.

[geysir]

But the press fishing for a story, does not take away from Trap's measured and composed response as opposed for example to an exasperated condemning rant from Givens.

[Noelys Guitar]

But the press fishing for a story, does not take away from Trap's measured and composed response as opposed for example to an exasperated condemning rant from Givens.

Agree. Trap as well as having class is a pragmatist.

[elroy]

Clever from Trap but imo even if SI wanted to return i dont think he should be selected until after this campaign. I think his return might do more harm than good.

[dr_peepee]

According to Radio 5 S.Ireland has been back in contact with Trap and is "close" to coming back. I am not sure what "close" means in Stephen Ireland's case.

There's only three games left after tonight. If we get a result tonight and he returns to the fold what does that do for what little credibility he has left as a person.

Is it too late for him to come back without doing more harm than good??

[eirebhoy]

Trap contacted SI last week to congragulate him on his good season. Wonder what the responce (if any) was. Trap is a clever man so I wonder what made him contact Ireland last week? SI must have given some indication (probably through Richard Dunne or Given)that he is willing to return. And return on Trap's terms.
It was also reported at the time that he sent a text to him at Christmas to wish him the best of luck.

[DeLorean]

Is it too late for him to come back without doing more harm than good??

Hard to know. I'd prefer to have him there at ant stage to be honest. Wouldn't be too worried about the feelings of Whelan/Andrews/etc. if it gave us a better chance. Would be extremely doubtful that he'd return this campaign anyway as it would be a harder for himself, a fresh start for a new qualification campaign would be the easiest.

[tricky_colour]

Trap contacted SI last week to congragulate him on his good season. Wonder what the responce (if any) was. Trap is a clever man so I wonder what made him contact Ireland last week? SI must have given some indication (probably through Richard Dunne or Given)that he is willing to return. And return on Trap's terms.

He probably replaced the recieve when he heard his voice ;)

[tricky_colour]

Clever from Trap but imo even if SI wanted to return i dont think he should be selected until after this campaign. I think his return might do more harm than good.


Agreed no point in upsetting the team spirit.

[The Midget Gem]

If we could get Ireland back in for the start of next season it would be great. We need to try everything to get him to come back.

[bobloblaw]

If he wants to come back, fine. No one should be bending over backwards for the little **** though. Likewise i don't think he needs to be apologising to anyone. Just come back, play, move on.

[swinfordfc]

If he wants to come back, fine. No one should be bending over backwards for the little **** though. Likewise i don't think he needs to be apologising to anyone. Just come back, play, move on.

i would not let him in back until we finish with this world cup campaign

[bobloblaw]

i would not let him in back until we finish with this world cup campaign

I'd be alright with it if he came back in for the rest of the campaign. Though i'm probably only saying that as i've very little hope of us doing any half decent side over two legs should we make second.

[swinfordfc]

I'd be alright with it if he came back in for the rest of the campaign. Though i'm probably only saying that as i've very little hope of us doing any half decent side over two legs should we make second.

they is some poor enough sides in second place in some group but france, russia and bosnia h i would like to avoid ..... :D

[tetsujin1979]

Just out of blind idle almost 4 o'clock in the morning drunkeness, where would you have played young Ireland against Bulgaria tonight, and how would his contribution have affected the outcome of the game positively or negatively?

[Stuttgart88]

That's the big question. For me it'd have been at the expense of one of the wide men, giving him the responsibility to collect from Whelan & Andrews and distrubute to the front 2 or the remaining wide man. It'd put more pressure on the full backs and maybe give opposition full backs more freedom to attack, but it'd also keep the opposition defense honest as he can exploit & attack space well.

Although given how out of the game I felt Keane was last night maybe Folan upfront supported by SI from deeper?

[irishfan86]

I think Ireland's return would necessitate a complete revamp of our system.

Maybe something like (note my fully fit lineup!):

-------------Given------------
Finnan--Sledge--Dunne---O'Shea
Duff--------S.Reid--------Hunt
-------Keane----Ireland-------
------------Folan-------------

If Trap was adamant on keeping his system, then I think Ireland would perform best in Keane's current role.

[OwlsFan]

Trapp sends the bald midget a text wishing him a happy birthday and it's back to same old ifs and buts etc etc - the stuff of fantasy and wishful thinking. Nothing new here.

[shakermaker1982]

4am, drunk and Tets still finds time to log on to foot.ie! Dedication.

I imagine the Trap would have played Ireland on the right if available (Duff would switch to the left) but we'd have been very narrow on that side because I imagine he'd try and drift into the centre of the field when given the chance. If S Reid was available then I'd pair Ireland with him in the centre of midfield and let Reid sweep up.

I'd still have him back in a heart beat but I'm the forgiving kind.