Stephen Ireland

[SkStu]

*gulp*

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't see "plays equally well on the wing or in a withdrawn role behind the striker" on there.

[gastric]

I don't see "plays equally well on the wing or in a withdrawn role behind the striker" on there.

It's not, but as someone who has had the unfortunate pleasure of having worked for a boss who had the above attributes, Ireland's ability to cause chaos in the squad and decimate morale would mean we would be left with a shell of a team.

[gustavo]

You hold grudges to remind them what they've done. We needed him 4 years ago, he walked out and lied about it. He let every single person in the country down and gloated over it. And apparantly, it's up to Trap to call him, not the other way around. :confused: No way do I ever want to see him in an Ireland squad, let alone shirt again.

Fortunately, Trap won't entertain him. If there's no place for Andy Reid in this team, there's certainly no place for that traitor remotely near the team.

You certainly have a way with melodrama "let every single person in the country down" Come on!

As has been said I'd have no problem with him coming back if he apologied ( After the Euros of course )

[elroy]

No thanks and certainly not for the euros. Maybe after but not sure he would be worth the hassle. Plus hes not the type of player that we are missing or that Trap is keen on in his team either for that matter (e.g. Wes H).

[Sullivinho]

Here is a list of ways to identify a sociopath. This list is from "Profile of a Sociopath." Is is a pretty good list of sociopathic indicators.



Conventional appearance


http://blamenews.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/9.jpg

OK Stephen, you're cleared. Please send Mr. Panzram in on your way out. Thank you.

[tetsujin1979]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_know_if_someone_is_a_sociopathaccording to my ex I'm several sociopaths then

[mypost]

You certainly have a way with melodrama "let every single person in the country down" Come on!

As has been said I'd have no problem with him coming back if he apologied ( After the Euros of course )

He's not going to apologise, has no intention of doing so, and that wouldn't suffice either. You can't just airbrush the past 4 years out of history.

He wants Trappattoni to approach him, well I'm afraid that's not how it works or should work. We got this far without him, and we will do just fine without him.

[tricky_colour]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_know_if_someone_is_a_sociopath


Glibness/superficial charm
Manipulative and conning
Grandiose sense of self
Pathological lying
Lack of remorse, shame or guilt
Shallow emotions
Incapacity for love
Need for stimulation
Callousness/lack of empathy
Poor behavioral controls/impulsive nature
Early behavior problems/juvenile delinquency
Irresponsibility/unreliability
Promiscuous sexual behavior/infidelity
Lack of realistic life plan/parasitic lifestyle
Criminal or entrepreneurial versatility
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them
Authoritarian
Secretive
Paranoid
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired
Conventional appearance
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love)
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim
Incapable of real human attachment to another
Unable to feel remorse or guilt
Narcissism, grandiosity (self-importance not based on achievements)
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world



What's that?
The selection criteria when they appointed Trappatoni?

[gastric]

What's that?The selection criteria when they appointed Trappatoni?Could be, but Balotelli another Italian meets all the criteria!

[the bear]

What's that?
The selection criteria when they appointed Trappatoni?


Could be, but Balotelli another Italian meets all the criteria!


Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them

Paranoid


http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSucnxSKeIeV-PbZtDNYl7CxhT2Tbd7KzttVxiClZuaVl_7RO32 (http://www.google.ie/imgres?q=balotelli+why+always+me&hl=en&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=594&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsu&tbnid=2MT7ZWk55mit8M:&imgrefurl=http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/dirty-tackle/post/balotelli-strikes-first-in-manchester-derby-reveals-why-always-me-shirt%3Furn%3Dsow-wp5976&docid=Bz6zXEUTLjneSM&imgurl=http://mit.zenfs.com/210/2011/10/baloshirt.jpg&w=600&h=327&ei=Y-UhT87fHIiwhAfyys2VBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=544&vpy=112&dur=268&hovh=166&hovw=304&tx=151&ty=96&sig=118049083676387857480&page=1&tbnh=95&tbnw=175&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0)

[Metrostars]

From NY Times blog:


The Red Bulls, however, remain a bit thin in the midfield. Though Rafael Marquez will play a defensive and distribution role in front of the back line, Soler and Hans Backe continue to talk about a possible acquisition (perhaps the club’s third designated player) during the summer transfer period. The veteran German midfielder Michael Ballack, 35, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, is known to be interested in moving to an M.L.S. club. And although he could be headed to Montreal, according to published reports, a person with impeccable contacts in the soccer world said that Ballack wants to come to New York — and would only come to M.L.S. if he could play for the Red Bulls.

The person said, however, that the Red Bulls are not interested in Ballack and instead have set their sights on the acquisition of the controversial Irish attacking midfielder Stephen Ireland, 25, who currently plays for Aston Villa in England.

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/31/m-l-s-hot-stove-red-bulls-re-sign-lindpere-and-more/?src=tp

[Colbert Report]

MLS clubs can't pay the transfer fees the likes of Stephen Ireland would command.

[theworm2345]

MLS clubs can't pay the transfer fees the likes of Stephen Ireland would command.
Don't know about that, the team is called the Red Bulls and, if I recall from the Gold Cup, play in Red Bull Stadium. Thus, I assume they are owned by Red Bull, who I'm sure could pay any transfer fee they wanted. The real question would be if they would meet his surely high wage demands.

Whether or not he'd be up to it, I actually wouldn't doubt it. He's never seemed the kind of guy who strives to be the best he can be and to achieve his potential, rather seeming to be content to coast by on his natural talent (which I begrudgingly must admit he has) and collect his paycheck. This, plus the fact that he doesn't have the "burden" of trying to compete for a spot on the Irish team, means the drop of quality (how much of which I am not here to debate) would be of little consequence. If he's up for the move I'd say it could well happen. Needless to say, anyone as pompous/self-important, obnoxious, and arrogant would fit in immediately in New York.

[Charlie Darwin]

Well Red Bulls just sold a player to Bolton for 2 million pounds but I still doubt they could afford the money necessary to bring in Ireland.

[elroy]

Don't know about that, the team is called the Red Bulls and, if I recall from the Gold Cup, play in Red Bull Stadium. Thus, I assume they are owned by Red Bull, who I'm sure could pay any transfer fee they wanted. The real question would be if they would meet his surely high wage demands.

Whether or not he'd be up to it, I actually wouldn't doubt it. He's never seemed the kind of guy who strives to be the best he can be and to achieve his potential, rather seeming to be content to coast by on his natural talent (which I begrudgingly must admit he has) and collect his paycheck. This, plus the fact that he doesn't have the "burden" of trying to compete for a spot on the Irish team, means the drop of quality (how much of which I am not here to debate) would be of little consequence. If he's up for the move I'd say it could well happen. Needless to say, anyone as pompous/self-important, obnoxious, and arrogant would fit in immediately in New York.

But that is the very reason why he may actually go to NY ie he doesnt seem to be the lad working really hard to make it to the very top. A few years living in NY on serious wedge, he'd (and the missus) would probably love it.

[Metrostars]

Well Red Bulls just sold a player to Bolton for 2 million pounds but I still doubt they could afford the money necessary to bring in Ireland.

They also just built a $200million stadium with their own money. Plus they have the highest player salaries in MLS.

[Charlie Darwin]

Yeah but as far as I can tell they've never paid a transfer fee for a player. Henry and Marquez are somewhat sustainable because they were free, they're marquee names and Henry can be loaned back to England, but Ireland would command a few million pounds at least, especially as he finally seems to be hitting form for Villa.

[irishfan86]

Sounds like made up stuff to me. He'd have to be a designated player, but he's not well-known enough in the U.S. to really justify that from a marketing perspective.

There would be no issue with the Red Bulls being able to afford him if they wanted, but it just doesn't seem like a good trade off in terms of value for money.

My suspicion is that someone from the Red Bulls saw him play and recommended him without knowing his wage history (specifically at Man City), so it's possible there was an interest at some point but if it ever came to a negotiation I'd imagine it would end fairly quickly.

[tricky_colour]

MLS clubs can't pay the transfer fees the likes of Stephen Ireland would command.

Really? How much did it cost Galaxy to get Beckham?

[irishfan86]

Really? How much did it cost Galaxy to get Beckham?

Beckham signed a pre-contract with the Galaxy while he was at Madrid, so there was no transfer fee, just his salary involved.

[Nagger]

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2012/02/05/la-galaxy-watch-aston-villa-s-stephen-ireland-102039-23737213/

Seems he won't be going to NY....LA Galaxy is after him now :)

[strangeirish]

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2012/02/05/la-galaxy-watch-aston-villa-s-stephen-ireland-102039-23737213/

Seems he won't be going to NY....LA Galaxy is after him now :)From one galaxy to another. Ideal for a space cadet.

[Colbert Report]

From the above article: Galaxy cannot pay a fee and have their fingers crossed that Ireland could join them, possibly on loan

[Eminence Grise]

Sam Smyth reviewing tomorrow's papers on Tonight with Vincent Browne:

The Star has Direland's gf claiming it will only take one phone call to get him back into the team. In time for the Euros. Obviously he's standing by waiting for Trap to prostrate himself and grovel at his feet...

:note:I'm lying alone, my bald head on the phone
Thinking of Trap till it hurts.
Gio, you hurt too, but what else can we do,
Tardelli is torn apart...?
:note:

(Apologies to Air Supply)

[Crosby87]

Air Supply, the mushiest band ever.

[Sullivinho]

In the squad for the Euros?

More chance of finding John Terry building houses in a South African township this summer I'd say.

[French Toasht]

If Trap sees it fit to call Ireland up to the squad, then that's good enough for me. If Trap doesn't call him up again, that's good enough for me.

Trap has got us to our first Euros in 24 years, and as far as I can see, its only his opinion that matters to me in relation to Stephen Ireland.

[Sullivinho]

If Trap sees it fit to call Ireland up to the squad, then that's good enough for me. If Trap doesn't call him up again, that's good enough for me.

Trap has got us to our first Euros in 24 years, and as far as I can see, its only his opinion that matters to me in relation to Stephen Ireland.

It's the probability of the thing I have trouble with, before even getting to the pros and cons. I have a hard time believing this guy actually wants to be involved and I'd have more doubts about whether Trap would entertain it.

We've been here before, a few times. Invariably prior to the man himself laughing off the notion. Fair enough, his girlfriend seems to think he's all set to go but let's face it, we've all said a few ott things in the heat of a hookah session that we later took a step back from.

[dr_peepee]

I generally don't give too much credence to that kind of stuff in tabloids but I can't help feeling that she actually said that and believes it too..

Sporadic form and appearances in a mid table team warrants pleas to return to do us the honour of playing on one of the biggest stages for us, whilst offering a clean slate for past indiscretions, despite not helping the team qualify in the first place..... I can actually see them thinking that. Spanners!

Wonder what Manblue thinks of it?

[Eminence Grise]

Air Supply, the mushiest band ever.

I had no desire to waste a good tune on that muppet!

[gastric]

If true, has anyone else thought that Robbie's presence at Villa may have played a part in Ireland's possible decision? It would be interesting to know how this has come about. I still think of Tet's classical comment of a few years ago which still is true today - 'Ireland needs Ireland more than Ireland needs Ireland.'

[tetsujin1979]

similar to what was posted above, his missus claims he wants to return for Ireland, but it has to come from both sides: http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2012/02/07/aston-villa-stephen-ireland-eyes-ireland-return-for-euros-97319-30281438

[Crosby87]

Trap would never risk taking a chance with the squad chemistry unless they all told him it was fine. Or at least the likes of O'Shea, Duff, Keane, Dunne, etc..
Plus with our luck as soon as they landed on Polska his Gran really would die.
And who would be out if he was in?
Jim from Limerick needs to get his depth charts going again.

[geysir]

I had to smile when Jessica claimed that he is older and wiser now.
Typical of the woman to allude to that they are the mature and wise ones in the relationship, waiting patiently for their dullard male partner to wise up and change.

[DannyInvincible]

His "unfinished dream"? He "was at his happiest with Ireland"? She's quite the revisionist...

[DannyInvincible]

References to his selection being just a telephone call away are also a bit rich. On every occasion Ireland has been contacted by someone in the FAI, he has declared non-interest. It's been made clear to him that the ball is in his court. If he wants to play for the FAI, he picks up the phone and dials the FAI. It is then up to Trapattoni to decide whether he is worthy of a place.

[seanfhear]

I'd take him back when his hair (his own mind) is long enough to to make into Dreadlocks !

[Manblue]

His "unfinished dream"? He "was at his happiest with Ireland"? She's quite the revisionist...

Contradicts what hes said previously,

Bit of a coincidence shes promoting a musical and saying all this now.

Wouldnt pay much attention to it

[Park_Lane]

1855

Obvious who's the brains in their relationship......

[Kingdom]

1855

Obvious who's the brains in their relationship......

The dog?

[theworm2345]

Bit of a coincidence shes promoting a musical and saying all this now.
I, Stevo?

[DannyInvincible]

The dog?

She might be a bit thick, but I dunno if she deserves abuse like that. I reckon it's the canine.

[French Toasht]

I had no desire to waste a good tune on that muppet!

Why exactly is he a muppet?

I must say this thread and the blatant generalisations that are thrown around about a man no one here has ever met resembles the comments section on any Daily Mail article online. This is a football forum, yet we've had it all here, from homophobic slurs about the car he drives to him being a terrible role model for kids regarding a photo of him engaging in a perfectly legal exploit, smoking shisha to him suffering a mental illness to even an accusation that his girlfriend faked a miscarriage and people questioning his motives for being dishonest about his grandmother's death. How exactly is this of any interest to any football fan. What exactly gives anyone right to question the morality of another man's life or pry into his reasons for saying his grandmother died. Two Irish legends, Richard Dunne and Paul McGrath have had issues with alcohol, but no one would dare pass judgment on their moral standing (and quite rightly so), yet Stephen Ireland is lambasted on here for any perceived indiscretion.

What annoys me is the real reason for these ad hominem attacks on his character boils down to the fact that he stated before he didn't want to play for his country. Shock horror, a man that has no obligation to represent the FAI decides not to. How dare he?

We've even had the laughable suggestion that he would only be welcomed back on the proviso that he offers an apology to the fans? An apology? For what? The fact that he decided he would prefer spend time with his family rather than play for Ireland, of which he has no contractual obligation to do? Get down off your moral high horse if you think he owes anyone an apology.

If he decides he would like to play for Ireland again (and I have heard nothing of yet, that has convinced me that is the case, other than a few rags reporting hearsay) then that is an issue for two people, Stephen Ireland and Giovanni Trapattoni/ his successor.

Like I said before if Ireland is available and Trap selects him, that's good enough for me. If he doesn't select him, that's good enough for me also.

Last time I made a post on here about Stephen Ireland I was accused of being Stephen Ireland in disguise. I assure you I am not Stephen Ireland but just someone who has remained objective and not bought into tabloid sensationalism about a man I have never met.

[Razors left peg]

We've all done and said stupid things when we were young and were convinced we were 100% right about it at the time. Not saying I would welcome him back with open arms but if he has grown up a lot and realized now that he has made a massive mistake by refusing to play international football then there should be a way back for him. I think the Euros would be too soon but if he came into the squad for a couple of friendlies beforehand and he fitted in with the other players ok then there could be an outside chance.

We have 3 of our all time legends now playing along side him now at Villa, 3 men who would walk over hot coals to play for Ireland. If they have been in his ear about coming back and he has started to take their advice on board, well then that would be good enough for me.

I dont expect many to agree with me, and I totally understand why

[mark12345]

To all those who say he's a muppet. You're right.

To all those who say he doesn't deserve to be called up (for past sins). You're right too.

And to all of you who say if he made himself available and Trap picked him, then it would be great for the squad. You're also right.

Using logical deduction. Newcastle are quite a good team as their Premier League position demonstrates. But the way Keane and Ireland tore them apart at times
last Sunday was something which excited a lot of Irish fans. It's a partnership Trap can choose to ignore for the Euros, but it's also our most creative duo available.

[galwayhoop]

Why exactly is he a muppet?

I must say this thread and the blatant generalisations that are thrown around about a man no one here has ever met resembles the comments section on any Daily Mail article online. This is a football forum, yet we've had it all here, from homophobic slurs about the car he drives to him being a terrible role model for kids regarding a photo of him engaging in a perfectly legal exploit, smoking shisha to him suffering a mental illness to even an accusation that his girlfriend faked a miscarriage and people questioning his motives for being dishonest about his grandmother's death. How exactly is this of any interest to any football fan. What exactly gives anyone right to question the morality of another man's life or pry into his reasons for saying his grandmother died. Two Irish legends, Richard Dunne and Paul McGrath have had issues with alcohol, but no one would dare pass judgment on their moral standing (and quite rightly so), yet Stephen Ireland is lambasted on here for any perceived indiscretion.

What annoys me is the real reason for these ad hominem attacks on his character boils down to the fact that he stated before he didn't want to play for his country. Shock horror, a man that has no obligation to represent the FAI decides not to. How dare he?

We've even had the laughable suggestion that he would only be welcomed back on the proviso that he offers an apology to the fans? An apology? For what? The fact that he decided he would prefer spend time with his family rather than play for Ireland, of which he has no contractual obligation to do? Get down off your moral high horse if you think he owes anyone an apology.

If he decides he would like to play for Ireland again (and I have heard nothing of yet, that has convinced me that is the case, other than a few rags reporting hearsay) then that is an issue for two people, Stephen Ireland and Giovanni Trapattoni/ his successor.

Like I said before if Ireland is available and Trap selects him, that's good enough for me. If he doesn't select him, that's good enough for me also.

Last time I made a post on here about Stephen Ireland I was accused of being Stephen Ireland in disguise. I assure you I am not Stephen Ireland but just someone who has remained objective and not bought into tabloid sensationalism about a man I have never met.

I think he's a gobsh1te

[Eminence Grise]

Why exactly is he a muppet?

I must say this thread and the blatant generalisations that are thrown around about a man no one here has ever met resembles the comments section on any Daily Mail article online. This is a football forum, yet we've had it all here, from homophobic slurs about the car he drives to him being a terrible role model for kids regarding a photo of him engaging in a perfectly legal exploit, smoking shisha to him suffering a mental illness to even an accusation that his girlfriend faked a miscarriage and people questioning his motives for being dishonest about his grandmother's death. How exactly is this of any interest to any football fan. What exactly gives anyone right to question the morality of another man's life or pry into his reasons for saying his grandmother died. Two Irish legends, Richard Dunne and Paul McGrath have had issues with alcohol, but no one would dare pass judgment on their moral standing (and quite rightly so), yet Stephen Ireland is lambasted on here for any perceived indiscretion.

What annoys me is the real reason for these ad hominem attacks on his character boils down to the fact that he stated before he didn't want to play for his country. Shock horror, a man that has no obligation to represent the FAI decides not to. How dare he?

We've even had the laughable suggestion that he would only be welcomed back on the proviso that he offers an apology to the fans? An apology? For what? The fact that he decided he would prefer spend time with his family rather than play for Ireland, of which he has no contractual obligation to do? Get down off your moral high horse if you think he owes anyone an apology.

If he decides he would like to play for Ireland again (and I have heard nothing of yet, that has convinced me that is the case, other than a few rags reporting hearsay) then that is an issue for two people, Stephen Ireland and Giovanni Trapattoni/ his successor.

Like I said before if Ireland is available and Trap selects him, that's good enough for me. If he doesn't select him, that's good enough for me also.

Last time I made a post on here about Stephen Ireland I was accused of being Stephen Ireland in disguise. I assure you I am not Stephen Ireland but just someone who has remained objective and not bought into tabloid sensationalism about a man I have never met.

You've certainly brought a lot of, let's say, unintended depth to what was rather a throw-away remark, itself a response to, well, a throw-away remark. Alcoholism, mental illness, apologies, morality, media ethics...

Succintly, I've highlighted what could reasonably, taking muppet in all its vernacular glory, be interpreted as muppety behaviour.

But you're right: I should take it all back. He wants to return to the Ireland team, with no strings attached. Clearly, only a proper muppet has strings attached.:D

[magicman]

We have 3 of our all time legends now playing along side him now at Villa, 3 men who would walk over hot coals to play for Ireland. If they have been in his ear about coming back and he has started to take their advice on board, well then that would be good enough for me.

I think that is the big part to whether he ever plays again or not. Along from Duff those 3 are the most senior players in the squad. If they didn't want Ireland in the squad there is no way he would get picked. But if they start pushing Trap to sort it out then there is a chance it could happen.

His link up with Robbie is excellent, they read each other very well. It was the same when they played together for Ireladn.

His personality can be a sticking point because he does come across as a complete tool but if he has Keane, Given and DDuunne backing him then that hopefully wouldn't be a problem.

I think I'm in the don't care camp on this one though. If he is brought back in then great. When in form he is a class act. If he doesn't get called back up then so be it. Either way I will assume it is the right call. However, I don't see it happening for the Euro's unless there is an injury or two.

[Scooby Doo]

Why exactly is he a muppet?

I must say this thread and the blatant generalisations that are thrown around about a man no one here has ever met resembles the comments section on any Daily Mail article online. This is a football forum, yet we've had it all here, from homophobic slurs about the car he drives to him being a terrible role model for kids regarding a photo of him engaging in a perfectly legal exploit, smoking shisha to him suffering a mental illness to even an accusation that his girlfriend faked a miscarriage and people questioning his motives for being dishonest about his grandmother's death. How exactly is this of any interest to any football fan. What exactly gives anyone right to question the morality of another man's life or pry into his reasons for saying his grandmother died. Two Irish legends, Richard Dunne and Paul McGrath have had issues with alcohol, but no one would dare pass judgment on their moral standing (and quite rightly so), yet Stephen Ireland is lambasted on here for any perceived indiscretion.

What annoys me is the real reason for these ad hominem attacks on his character boils down to the fact that he stated before he didn't want to play for his country. Shock horror, a man that has no obligation to represent the FAI decides not to. How dare he?

We've even had the laughable suggestion that he would only be welcomed back on the proviso that he offers an apology to the fans? An apology? For what? The fact that he decided he would prefer spend time with his family rather than play for Ireland, of which he has no contractual obligation to do? Get down off your moral high horse if you think he owes anyone an apology.

If he decides he would like to play for Ireland again (and I have heard nothing of yet, that has convinced me that is the case, other than a few rags reporting hearsay) then that is an issue for two people, Stephen Ireland and Giovanni Trapattoni/ his successor.

Like I said before if Ireland is available and Trap selects him, that's good enough for me. If he doesn't select him, that's good enough for me also.

Last time I made a post on here about Stephen Ireland I was accused of being Stephen Ireland in disguise. I assure you I am not Stephen Ireland but just someone who has remained objective and not bought into tabloid sensationalism about a man I have never met.

I think you've missed the point slightly, FT.

A large portion of the animosity directed towards SI (well from my point of view, and a view which I believe is justified) is a result of his ongoing efforts to disrupt the team during important international windows; to keep coming out with little nuggets of wisdom as to why he is so much better off not playing for Ireland (which, again, conveniently make their way into the newspapers around the time of important games) and of course, his foolhardy attempts to 'put himself in the window' for Euro 2012, through his GF, especially when he played no part in the qualification campaign.

SI is a pure egotist, most likely a sociopath (seriously) and an all round strange lad. Moderately critical opinions (like those held by most of the Foot.ie posters) about him are well justified.

He's done himself no favours at all and it would be disgraceful if he were to be on the plane to Poland in June.

Rest assured, it won't happen anyway...