Stephen Ireland

[Stuttgart88]

I think this quote from S. Hunt isn't so dumb:

"Stephen Ireland hasn’t said much. It’s more quotes coming from his Dad. It’s time to let it go. If Stephen Ireland has got something to say, let him say it. If not, don’t bloody write about it.”

[Noelys Guitar]

I don't find Stephen Hunt in any way stupid. A bit eccentric maybe and theres nothing wrong with that. He was asked a question about SI and gave an honest answer. We need players looking over their shoulders worrying about their places. If SI returns to the squad then I don't believe there will be any problems. Trap will keep picking the best 11 available.

[Stuttgart88]

If you'd seen Tubridy you'd have thought he was a bit thick, likeable but not the smartest.

[Den Perry]

If you'd seen Tubridy you'd have thought he was a bit thick, likeable but not the smartest.

saw him one time on "goals on sunday" and he was quite funny. However, after that most times I've heard him or read him I've lost respect for him.

am i correct in saying that he was dropped from the Reading side towards the end of the season?

[Drumcondra 69er]

If you'd seen Tubridy you'd have thought he was a bit thick, likeable but not the smartest.

I've always liked him but started questioning his sanity after this MOTD appearance.....

Spot the difference!

http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/39593/2001771288875081079_rs.jpg http://irishmusicmaster.co.uk/images/Richie%20Kavanagh-NoDrinkNoMore.jpg

[SkStu]

I've always liked him but started questioning his sanity after this MOTD appearance.....

Spot the difference!

http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/39593/2001771288875081079_rs.jpg

worse than superman cacks and pink alloys combined if you ask me. Christ, what a gom. :o

[Noelys Guitar]

I've always liked him but started questioning his sanity after this MOTD appearance.....

Spot the difference!

http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/39593/2001771288875081079_rs.jpg http://irishmusicmaster.co.uk/images/Richie%20Kavanagh-NoDrinkNoMore.jpg

Looks like a homeless Gilbert O'Sullivan.

[kingdomkerry]

Manchester should p1ss off now. He had his chance, maybe after the world cup if he grows up a bit. Cant believe people are still obsessed with him. 103 pages FFS!

[irishultra]

WTF is hunt wearing?

[SkStu]

he's trying to perfect the "70 year old farmer just out of mass in his sunday best" look. All he is missing is a spunk stain on his jacket.

What a loser.

[tricky_colour]

I think this quote from S. Hunt isn't so dumb:

"Stephen Ireland hasn’t said much. It’s more quotes coming from his Dad. It’s time to let it go. If Stephen Ireland has got something to say, let him say it. If not, don’t bloody write about it.”

It's spot on, we have had this pantomine of Ireland'ss dad going to the newspapers indicating a return is imminent, I didn't believe it then and I certainitly don't believe it now. It's seems 'imaginative thinking' runs in the familly.

[Polster]

I think Hunt is getting way too big for his boots. If progress was being made with Stphen Ireland, the likes of this idiot spouting off could have a very negative impact. No player is bigger than the team...and that includes Hunt. He needs to be punished. I'd love to see him dropped and Ireland brought back in

All these anti Hunty comments are very harsh IMO. The lad might not be the cleverist and should be advised not to answer so many questions honestly, but to say drop hunt out of the squad and bring back the prodigal brother, I'm not having that. There may or may not be a place in the squad for Ireland, but either way he has let his country down big time, on a number of occasions, and has a lot of repairing to do. And to say no player is bigger than the team...and then say drop hunt and bring in Ireland, who the hell has been the most disrespectful egotistical prat towards their country?

Very harsh to drag down any other players on the back of what Ireland has done.

[elroy]

I like Hunty, the level of commitment and attitude that he brings to playing for Ireland is in complete contrast to SI.

Hunt probably would be wiser to say no more about the matter at this stage, but this might have to do with the fact that if Ireland came back Hunt would be one of the most likely people to lose his place in the XI. The others being Whelan/Andrews.

I think the headlines have been a bit unfair though, if you read through the articles and see what he actually said isnt as damning as the headline suggested.

Funny how the star gets these "quotes" from his dad every few months.

[blobbyblob]

Some of the comments here leave me scratching my head. Stephen Hunt is no fool. He has earned every second he gets in an Ireland shirt and should be respected for that. He is an asset to our squad (As Ireland would be also). But first lets finish off Hunt.

1. His attitude on and off the pitch epitomises the Irish squads mentality at the moment. They have a job to do. If you want to be involved, come and play. If not, good luck to you. Kids need not apply.

2. The man is asked a question and gives an honest answer and in the full view of the public eye. No hidden insider source, back of The Star bull that goes on. Straight up, no daddy in sight. It may be unconventional due to the lack of diplomacy at times but he is saying what others are thinking. (Do you think that the squad dont talk about it?)

3. The childish sneaky snide attitude thats been festering in the senior squad under Kerr and Stan has been eradicated. Back biting have been eating away at the squad for close on a decade with no one honest enough to stand up and call it as it is (since Roy Keane anyway). We now have a team of men, playing like men and for each other.

4. If S.Ireland wants to return to this team, it will be under those terms and with no apologies. And I believe he had some growing up to do - not in the football sense. Hopeful that process is now complete.

5. Hunt has worked his backside off over the last 10 years. 99% of players of his ability will have fallen by the wayside and destined to ply their trade in the lower leagues. Most would and could never aspire to playing international football. Yet, He has made his own luck.

Stephen Ireland has more football in his little toe than Hunt will ever have. Im sure Hunt would acknowledge that too.

Which of them has the greenest blood in their veins? With 365 days to the next World Cup and 270 minutes of qualification football left, only time will tell.

[Polster]

Excellent appraisal of the situation Blobby. I can't believe the disrespectful comments be thrown at an honest Irish player, that will always give 100% and never hide or run away when the going gets tough. I haven't heard comments like some of those on here since I was in primary school.

[Drumcondra 69er]

Excellent appraisal of the situation Blobby. I can't believe the disrespectful comments be thrown at an honest Irish player, that will always give 100% and never hide or run away when the going gets tough. I haven't heard comments like some of those on here since I was in primary school.

I agree, some of the comments are OTT. However, much as I like Hunt any slagging of his dress sense is entirely justified!

[Reality Bites]

Some of the comments here leave me scratching my head. Stephen Hunt is no fool. He has earned every second he gets in an Ireland shirt and should be respected for that. He is an asset to our squad (As Ireland would be also). But first lets finish off Hunt.

1. His attitude on and off the pitch epitomises the Irish squads mentality at the moment. They have a job to do. If you want to be involved, come and play. If not, good luck to you. Kids need not apply.

2. The man is asked a question and gives an honest answer and in the full view of the public eye. No hidden insider source, back of The Star bull that goes on. Straight up, no daddy in sight. It may be unconventional due to the lack of diplomacy at times but he is saying what others are thinking. (Do you think that the squad dont talk about it?)

3. The childish sneaky snide attitude thats been festering in the senior squad under Kerr and Stan has been eradicated. Back biting have been eating away at the squad for close on a decade with no one honest enough to stand up and call it as it is (since Roy Keane anyway). We now have a team of men, playing like men and for each other.

4. If S.Ireland wants to return to this team, it will be under those terms and with no apologies. And I believe he had some growing up to do - not in the football sense. Hopeful that process is now complete.

5. Hunt has worked his backside off over the last 10 years. 99% of players of his ability will have fallen by the wayside and destined to ply their trade in the lower leagues. Most would and could never aspire to playing international football. Yet, He has made his own luck.

Stephen Ireland has more football in his little toe than Hunt will ever have. Im sure Hunt would acknowledge that too.

Which of them has the greenest blood in their veins? With 365 days to the next World Cup and 270 minutes of qualification football left, only time will tell.

Good Post I would have to agree for the first time in years there is a unity of purpose and togetherness to this collection of players that we haven't seen for years perhaps since the Charlton era.. fair pair to Trap I think he is solely responsible for this and I suppose its down to respect from the players towards management and great man management...a highly talented petulant 22 year old would be bread and butter to the experienced manager.. the mentality is right.

[Polster]

Ireland after being told by trap on his return that hunty starts and he is on the bench....

http://english.pravda.ru/img/idb/photo/001-1947.jpg

[Den Perry]

Some of the comments here leave me scratching my head. Stephen Hunt is no fool. He has earned every second he gets in an Ireland shirt and should be respected for that. He is an asset to our squad (As Ireland would be also). But first lets finish off Hunt.

1. His attitude on and off the pitch epitomises the Irish squads mentality at the moment. They have a job to do. If you want to be involved, come and play. If not, good luck to you. Kids need not apply.

2. The man is asked a question and gives an honest answer and in the full view of the public eye. No hidden insider source, back of The Star bull that goes on. Straight up, no daddy in sight. It may be unconventional due to the lack of diplomacy at times but he is saying what others are thinking. (Do you think that the squad dont talk about it?)

3. The childish sneaky snide attitude thats been festering in the senior squad under Kerr and Stan has been eradicated. Back biting have been eating away at the squad for close on a decade with no one honest enough to stand up and call it as it is (since Roy Keane anyway). We now have a team of men, playing like men and for each other.

4. If S.Ireland wants to return to this team, it will be under those terms and with no apologies. And I believe he had some growing up to do - not in the football sense. Hopeful that process is now complete.

5. Hunt has worked his backside off over the last 10 years. 99% of players of his ability will have fallen by the wayside and destined to ply their trade in the lower leagues. Most would and could never aspire to playing international football. Yet, He has made his own luck.

Stephen Ireland has more football in his little toe than Hunt will ever have. Im sure Hunt would acknowledge that too.

Which of them has the greenest blood in their veins? With 365 days to the next World Cup and 270 minutes of qualification football left, only time will tell.

I'm not denying Hunt is committed. All I'm saying is he should keep his mouth shut regarding the Stephen Ireland situation. I don't hear senior players like Keane, Duff or Dunne speaking out criticising SI. Last year he wrote an article in his column stating that SI needed to become " a man". Who does he think he is?

You asked if we think the squad talk about it? Of course they do, butI thought the golden rule was to keep everything in the dressing room? Granted Ireland is not part of that now, but its very likely he will be again soon.

And giving forthright answers to the media is somewhat naive...

For the record, given the information that we have ,I believe Stephen Ireland is wrong in not making himself available. However, he is a fantastic player, and while we should not be begging him to return, comments from the likes of Hunt do not help

[blobbyblob]

I'm not denying Hunt is committed. All I'm saying is he should keep his mouth shut regarding the Stephen Ireland situation. I don't hear senior players like Keane, Duff or Dunne speaking out criticising SI. Last year he wrote an article in his column stating that SI needed to become " a man". Who does he think he is?

1. He is a fully committed active playing member of the squad who played no small part in have put everything into getting us to a position of at least getting a play off spot and all but eliminating Bulgaria with 3 games to go

2. Hunt has earned his right to speak in the same way that Trappatoni has earned the fans respect with his performances. The question is, how are you qualified to tell him to shut his mouth?

3. Ive no problem with Hunt calling for Ireland to become a man and that is exactly the point I was making. Stephen Ireland had some serious growing up to do at the point where he put his grandmothers in their graves. God knows that both he and his girlfriend had some serious personal difficulties to deal with also. The point is that our team needs men. A world cup is no place for kids who need their ego's massaged. Hunt is dead right in asking the chap to grow a pair of balls and step up to the mark. Then we get on with the job.



You asked if we think the squad talk about it? Of course they do, but I thought the golden rule was to keep everything in the dressing room? Granted Ireland is not part of that now, but its very likely he will be again soon.

Golden Rule B****x. Players talk all the time. They talk to their mates. They talk to the press. They talk to their auld lads over the phone who talk to their mates. Come into the real world Den. Players are just people. They dont sign up to secret handshakes and dressing room confidentiality agreements. Quiet a few people here will know players or know people who know players and there is very little that goes on in the dressing room that wont be out quickly. I dont have to wait til the next days paper after an international to find out whats been said in the dressing room after the match.



And giving forthright answers to the media is somewhat naive...

Why? It might give the tabloids something to think about. At least what Hunt has to say will come from his own mouth and not "an FAI source" and we know its fact.

[Duggie]

2. Hunt has earned his right to speak in the same way that Trappatoni has earned the fans respect with his performances. The question is, how are you qualified to tell him to shut his mouth?


he should shut his mouth, for these reasons IMO.
1. hes always in the media talking about whats going on. i dont hear any of the other players blabbing on all the time.
2. its up to trap and ireland to sort it out. he dosent need him stirring things up in the media.

for what its worth i hate the way ireland walked out on us. but if he wants to come back then lets get him back in and get on with things. all any of us want is to see ire win games and get to the WC. im willing to get him back in as he will clearly make the team better.

[Polster]

he should shut his mouth, for these reasons IMO.
1. hes always in the media talking about whats going on. i dont hear any of the other players blabbing on all the time.
2. its up to trap and ireland to sort it out. he dosent need him stirring things up in the media.

for what its worth i hate the way ireland walked out on us. but if he wants to come back then lets get him back in and get on with things. all any of us want is to see ire win games and get to the WC. im willing to get him back in as he will clearly make the team better.

Did Roy Keane not 'blabb' on all the time, did you have the same opinion of him?

I'm sure I have seen Given and Dunne quoted with none to favourable comments about Ireland, Given when he was still at Newcastle.

I think the main difference in this case is that what Ireland did was very selfish and directly impacted the players he left behind. If players are very let down by that why shouldn't they voice their opinion.

How many times have we had comments from Ireland or his Daddy suggesting he might come back, its pure arrogance and the bottom line is the lad needs to really show he has matured as an person before he can be fully accepted back.

[Den Perry]

1. He is a fully committed active playing member of the squad who played no small part in have put everything into getting us to a position of at least getting a play off spot and all but eliminating Bulgaria with 3 games to go

2. Hunt has earned his right to speak in the same way that Trappatoni has earned the fans respect with his performances. The question is, how are you qualified to tell him to shut his mouth?

3. Ive no problem with Hunt calling for Ireland to become a man and that is exactly the point I was making. Stephen Ireland had some serious growing up to do at the point where he put his grandmothers in their graves. God knows that both he and his girlfriend had some serious personal difficulties to deal with also. The point is that our team needs men. A world cup is no place for kids who need their ego's massaged. Hunt is dead right in asking the chap to grow a pair of balls and step up to the mark. Then we get on with the job.


Golden Rule B****x. Players talk all the time. They talk to their mates. They talk to the press. They talk to their auld lads over the phone who talk to their mates. Come into the real world Den. Players are just people. They dont sign up to secret handshakes and dressing room confidentiality agreements. Quiet a few people here will know players or know people who know players and there is very little that goes on in the dressing room that wont be out quickly. I dont have to wait til the next days paper after an international to find out whats been said in the dressing room after the match.


Why? It might give the tabloids something to think about. At least what Hunt has to say will come from his own mouth and not "an FAI source" and we know its fact.


Fair enough, they are your opinions, I have mine...and one of those is that I believe Hunt is a moron.

[youngirish]

Fair enough, they are your opinions, I have mine...and one of those is that I believe Hunt is a moron.

You only have to take one look at that picture posted above to see irrefutable proof of that being the case.

I've always got the impression that even for a professional footballer he is at the lower end of the intelligence scale in his profession.

Personally I'm tired of the will he/wont he come back Stephen Ireland media circus. It's like a bad plotline from Dream Team.

[paul_oshea]

Polster unreal, I cant beleive that you didnt get more thanks for that. Brilliant polster.

[irishfan86]

Hunt's interview is actually quite balanced, but it seems that some of you have been reading/listening selectively. Some excerpts from that interview that stick out to me that totally contradict how some of you are trying to depict Hunt:


"He has been the best player for Ireland this year in the Premier League by a country mile. Exceptional -- there is no doubting that. If he comes back into the camp, he would be a good player to have and he might give us that extra step towards the World Cup which we may need.

"But then again, you tell someone who has been sitting in the wings waiting for a chance that he is not going to the World Cup because he has come back in late doors. You might have a few players upset about it -- especially at this stage of the campaign. That's fair enough, I think."


"It's how the team feels. It doesn't make a difference how I feel, I don't want to dodge a bullet, but it's how the team feels," says the Waterford man.

"The most important thing is if the team wants him back in; if the captain and the manager want him back in -- they are focal points in the team and they have the main say in terms of that.

"But the ones who have turned up over the campaign -- it would be very harsh on them to be left out and to not go to a World Cup because of that."


"I've never had a problem with him when he's been in the squad before," he stressed. "We have always talked and there has never been a problem.


"They (the management) are not stupid, they know exactly how the players feel and what they're like. The manager has always said he's been a player before and if he thinks it's better for the team then I'll go with that and so will all the players because we believe in the manager and we believe in the captain.

"They'll come to an agreement. It's not for me -- with 18 caps under my belt -- to say, b******s, you're not coming back in."

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hunt-in-ireland-health-warning-1767772.html

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story...

[Drumcondra 69er]

Hunt's interview is actually quite balanced, but it seems that some of you have been reading/listening selectively. Some excerpts from that interview that stick out to me that totally contradict how some of you are trying to depict Hunt:









http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hunt-in-ireland-health-warning-1767772.html

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story...

I think if you hear the interview a lot of it is in the tone to be honest. As I've said earlier in the thread I like Hunt (and think Stephen Ireland is a dick of the highest order) but I think he's a bit rent a quote on this issue.

[blobbyblob]

Hunt's interview is actually quite balanced, but it seems that some of you have been reading/listening selectively. Some excerpts from that interview that stick out to me that totally contradict how some of you are trying to depict Hunt:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hunt-in-ireland-health-warning-1767772.html

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story...

At last, someone with a bit of sense. Great well thought out balanced post backed up with fact. My faith is restored. Thank you.

[Polster]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hunt-in-ireland-health-warning-1767772.html

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story...


Cheers for that, being away I don't get to see/hear everything 1st hand, and so rely on forums like these for info.....change of tactics required there :)

[eaststand85]

Hunt's interview is actually quite balanced, but it seems that some of you have been reading/listening selectively. Some excerpts from that interview that stick out to me that totally contradict how some of you are trying to depict Hunt:









http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hunt-in-ireland-health-warning-1767772.html

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story...

I don't think it really matters what Hunt is saying, I just don't believe that him getting involved and commenting at all is a good idea in the first place. He should leave it up to the manager to resolve.

[geysir]

We have had more nonsense written in this thread about Hunt and his interview than could ever come out of Hunt's mouth in a hundred interviews.

There is nothing controversial in the interview, if fact he echoes the comments of many fans on the SI issue. Dare I say it, even a few of mine.
The big problem with player quotes/interview is how the article is edited to suit the agenda of the paper, usually starting with the headline.
That is the main reason why footballers who have something to say, however banal, won't and keep their mouth shut.
If Hunt said a normal enough - "I love being a part of the team but I hate sitting on the bench". headline would read "Hunt Discontent with Trap".

[passinginterest]

There was more than one interview folks.

The quote that Ireland's Dad could play was made during an interview with TV3 news. That's the problem most people have with Hunt, he continues to make comments to various different media about the issue when really the professional think to do would be say as little as possible about it.

[Den Perry]

Hunt's interview is actually quite balanced, but it seems that some of you have been reading/listening selectively. Some excerpts from that interview that stick out to me that totally contradict how some of you are trying to depict Hunt:









http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/hunt-in-ireland-health-warning-1767772.html

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story...

Nothing really wrong in the above interview. However, this was one of many, see post by Passing Interest re interview on TV3. But Hey...don't let the facts get in the way of defending Hunt....

[Den Perry]

There was more than one interview folks.

The quote that Ireland's Dad could play was made during an interview with TV3 news. That's the problem most people have with Hunt, he continues to make comments to various different media about the issue when really the professional think to do would be say as little as possible about it.

Exactly...more than one interview. Some very selective reading / listening by those defending Hunt

[Polster]

Exactly...more than one interview. Some very selective reading / listening by those defending Hunt

Why has this become a thread about the rights and wrongs of Stephen Hunt, and crucifying those who defend him?

If we took that attitude towards every Irish player to give an interview/comment, we'd have no time for any of them surely?

I think certain people are looking to deflect blame away from Stephen Ireland by throwing it at the easiest target they can find which fits their picture :)

Not only Stephen Ireland that needs to do a bit of growing up and open their eyes to the real world...

[Den Perry]

Why has this become a thread about the rights and wrongs of Stephen Hunt, and crucifying those who defend him?

If we took that attitude towards every Irish player to give an interview/comment, we'd have no time for any of them surely?

I think certain people are looking to deflect blame away from Stephen Ireland by throwing it at the easiest target they can find which fits their picture :)

Not only Stephen Ireland that needs to do a bit of growing up and open their eyes to the real world...

the title of the thread is "Stephen Ireland".The debate regarding his absence from the Irish squad is without doubt the main topic of conversation. Hunt chose to give his opinion on this in a very public way, thus discussing Hunt's interviews is very relevant and not off topic.

In addition, not every Irish player gave an interview / comment of such a nature. In fact I can think of very few who have given controversial interviews. That's my point though. How come nobody else is speaking out?probably because the vast majority realise that Ireland would be a great addition and do not want to jeopardise a possible return....or perhaps they are not publicity mad?


Deflect the blame from SI? why is Hunt such an "easy target"? is it because he makes himself one?

For the record, in no way am I saying that SI is blameless in all of this

[Duggie]

the title of the thread is "Stephen Ireland".The debate regarding his absence from the Irish squad is without doubt the main topic of conversation. Hunt chose to give his opinion on this in a very public way, thus discussing Hunt's interviews is very relevant and not off topic.

In addition, not every Irish player gave an interview / comment of such a nature. In fact I can think of very few who have given controversial interviews. That's my point though. How come nobody else is speaking out?probably because the vast majority realise that Ireland would be a great addition and do not want to jeopardise a possible return....or perhaps they are not publicity mad?


Deflect the blame from SI? why is Hunt such an "easy target"? is it because he makes himself one?

For the record, in no way am I saying that SI is blameless in all of this

spot on that post. spot on.

[SkStu]

Look, its as simple as this.

A good professional's only remark would be something along the lines of "Stephen Ireland is a smashing player but whether he comes back to the squad or not is a decision for himself and the manager to make".

Any further comments undermine his professionalism and will not provide any easy forgiveness from either side in the future. Taking digs at Ireland in any way, shape or form and bringing his Dad into it is pathetic. He is a plonker.

[Superhoops]

.....and bringing his Dad into it is pathetic.......

As he has not indicated otherwise, Stephen Ireland seems happy for his Dad to talk to the press. Can't see how Stephen Hunt can be blamed for mentioning SI's dad.

If SI is having any thoughts about making himself available or talking to Trap why doesn't he come out and say so himself, after all he had plenty to say only a few weeks ago about not coming back.

Worth remembering what he actually said recently:
"I don't think there is a future there to be honest. It is unlikely I will go back. I am happy at the moment with my club and my family. It's a shame the way I left. It wasn't the right way to leave but even before that, I thought something was stirring up. It was a ticking time-bomb and I just didn't enjoy my time there. Sometimes, it is hard to say I'll never go back because anything can change and it's got nothing to do with the staff, the management or the players. But right now I'm just happy with my club."

It would be interesting to hear directly from SI rather than from his Dad what has changed from his pretty comprehensive and forthright comments of a few weeks ago for him to contemplate coming back now, if that is what he is thinking.

[SkStu]

As he has not indicated otherwise, Stephen Ireland seems happy for his Dad to talk to the press. Can't see how Stephen Hunt can be blamed for mentioning SI's dad.

he shouldnt be mentioning anything about the situation! Thats the point of my post.

[geysir]

Any further comments undermine his professionalism and will not provide any easy forgiveness from either side in the future. Taking digs at Ireland in any way, shape or form and bringing his Dad into it is pathetic. He is a plonker.
Is plonker worse than pants?
What easy forgiveness are you on about?
No member of the Irish squad has anything to forgive about towards SI.

No squad member should have to walk around eggshells in case he dare offend the sensitivities of a player who has walked out and said he will not return. If SI is not big enough to handle Hunt's comments then there is no way he will ever come back.
I am more interested in the players who do turn up for squad duty.

[SkStu]

Is plonker worse than pants?
What easy forgiveness are you on about?
No member of the Irish squad has anything to forgive about towards SI.

No squad member should have to walk around eggshells in case he dare offend the sensitivities of a player who has walked out and said he will not return. If SI is not big enough to handle Hunt's comments then there is no way he will ever come back.
I am more interested in the players who do turn up for squad duty.

i think you have kind of missed most of my point - not sure if it was intentional or not. I care only about the guys who turn up for duty but at the same time we have a player out there who is a good player and would be an addition to our squad. Hunts remarks, whether right or wrong are at best stupid and at worst unprofessional and provocative.

Im not an SI sympathiser, i just think Hunts approach is way out of line and he should be reined in. They do no good - at all.

[ken foree]

the best part of the ridiculousness of this thread is that it actually mirrors the real-life situation.

[geysir]

Hunts remarks, whether right or wrong are at best stupid and at worst unprofessional and provocative.

Im not an SI sympathiser, i just think Hunts approach is way out of line and he should be reined in. They do no good - at all.

I have listened to this interview and I am astounded at the reaction to it here even from posters who usually make sense. There is absolutely nothing in that low key, soft spoken interview to come close to be unprofessional as a member of the Irish squad, not to mention provocative to any Irish fan.
If you mean provocative to SI, get a grip onto yourself.

As for others slagging Hunt's (lack of) dress sense, coming from Irish fans? :D

[irishfan86]

As for others slagging Hunt's (lack of) dress sense, coming from Irish fans? :D

With an Italian in charge of the national side now, Ireland as a nation must aspire to higher forms of fashion.

[SkStu]

I have listened to this interview and I am astounded at the reaction to it here even from posters who usually make sense. There is absolutely nothing in that low key, soft spoken interview to come close to be unprofessional as a member of the Irish squad, not to mention provocative to any Irish fan.
If you mean provocative to SI, get a grip onto yourself.

why are you getting so worked up about it? I think Hunts repeated (its more than one interview or occasion) comments on the already sensitive SI issue are unprofessional and unproductive. The unprofessionalism stems from the fact that he should make no comment on the situation whatsoever. That is up to the manager and maybe the captain of the team. You obviously have no problem with Hunt being the self-elected spokesperson for the players on the feelings within the camp. I do.

Everyone is sick to death of this issue, including me, but any comments from Hunt or any player only serve to stoke the fire. The only benefit i see you offering regarding his repeated comments on the matter is that it embarrasses SI and thats good enough for you. Maybe im misunderstanding what you are trying to say but please for my sake, outline how Hunts willingness to give quotes to the media helps matters.

[Superhoops]

..... I think Hunts repeated (its more than one interview or occasion) comments on the already sensitive SI issue are unprofessional and unproductive.....
Sensitive to who? Stephen Ireland? F**k him!


.....The unprofessionalism stems from the fact that he should make no comment on the situation whatsoever. That is up to the manager and maybe the captain of the team. You obviously have no problem with Hunt being the self-elected spokesperson for the players on the feelings within the camp. I do...
Why shouldn't he comment on it? He was asked a question and has answered it truthfully.


.......You obviously have no problem with Hunt being the self-elected spokesperson for the players on the feelings within the camp. I do...
Who said he was the self-elected spokesperson? Hunt specifically said 'It's how the team feels. It doesn't make a difference how I feel, I don't want to dodge a bullet, but it's how the team feels," . That doesn't sound like a team spokesman!


....Everyone is sick to death of this issue, including me, but any comments from Hunt or any player only serve to stoke the fire. The only benefit i see you offering regarding his repeated comments on the matter is that it embarrasses SI and thats good enough for you. Maybe im misunderstanding what you are trying to say but please for my sake, outline how Hunts willingness to give quotes to the media helps matters.
There is no fire to stoke. SI has said emphatically he doesn't want to play right now'. End of, until he says something different!

I doubt if Hunt's comments will embarrass SI. Hunt has not said anything that SI doesn't know already (unless SI is completely thick). He must know that if he did decide to make himself available, it is unlikely that everyone in the Ireland set-up would welcome him back with open arms. Even on the poll on this thread, only half would welcome him back unconditionally. Why should that be any different among the team?

I cannot see how Hunt's comments changes anything as far as SI is concerned.

[SkStu]

Sensitive to who? Stephen Ireland? F**k him!

sensitive in general - media, Trappatoni, irish public.



Why shouldn't he comment on it? He was asked a question and has answered it truthfully.

it's unprofessional for him to be spouting off on the subject the way he does regularly.



Who said he was the self-elected spokesperson? Hunt specifically said 'It's how the team feels. It doesn't make a difference how I feel, I don't want to dodge a bullet, but it's how the team feels," . That doesn't sound like a team spokesman!

It does to me.



There is no fire to stoke. SI has said emphatically he doesn't want to play right now'. End of, until he says something different!

stoking the fire = keeping this alive in the media apparently against the wishes of the manager.


I doubt if Hunt's comments will embarrass SI. Hunt has not said anything that SI doesn't know already (unless SI is completely thick). He must know that if he did decide to make himself available, it is unlikely that everyone in the Ireland set-up would welcome him back with open arms. Even on the poll on this thread, only half would welcome him back unconditionally. Why should that be any different among the team?

Id doubt they'd embarrass him either. He has far more to embarrass him that clearly doesnt. I was addressing that remark to geysir, it seems you dont understand what i was getting at.


I cannot see how Hunt's comments changes anything as far as SI is concerned.

Think about it some more and get back to me.

[Qwerty]

As for others slagging Hunt's (lack of) dress sense, coming from Irish fans? :D



Yes the costumes worn by Orish fans is a much more pressing problem than whether stephen Ireland returns or not! The over-sized leprechaun hats, the green wigs and inflatable shamrocks are a national embarrassment. The blight is now affecting rugby games as well, who are these cringe inducing freaks??
I was watching the Irish U20 rugby team in Japan and there was a bunch of these nobs in the stands...we need to stop this now before the virus spreads any further. :eek::eek:

If Stepehen Ireland wants to come back now that's fine, all he has to do is say he's a bit mad which I think might just be the simple truth of the matter...

[Deckydee]

I think we would all like him back if he got us qualified