Stephen Ireland

[Murfinator]

The whole saga is getting tiresome at this where everyone is apparently talking to the media and nobody to each other. Ireland is the most technically gifted player we've had in a good 20 years and if he makes himself available under the correct terms then only a fool wouldn't want him back.

His ability is staggering and frankly he's too good for Villa, their players can't keep up with him on the pitch. Robbie has been a revelation for them in no small part because he's the only person in their squad who has the vision and movement to have some small semblance of understanding of Irelands intentions. Far too often this season I've seen Ireland do something brilliant only for Bent/Agbonlahor/Albrighton/ to be a second behind and just never really on the same wavelength.

[Scooby Doo]

Well Murfinator, nobody is doubting SI's talents, but isn't it wonderful that we find ourselves in a position where we don't deem it necessary (worthwhile) to go grovelling to a gifted, yet spiteful prima donna like SI. I'm all for putting out the best possible players on the pitch where appropriate - but in this instance, I think Stevie should stick to his tae kwon do classes this June. Wonder will he still be so eager for the trips to Astana and Torshavn later in the year??! :rolleyes:

[seanfhear]

Trap picks the Irish squad and the chances of Trap picking Stephen Ireland are slim to none. Thats even if Stephen made it known that he was available for selection. He is just not a Trap player on pretty much everything.

[kennedmc]

The whole saga is getting tiresome at this where everyone is apparently talking to the media and nobody to each other. Ireland is the most technically gifted player we've had in a good 20 years and if he makes himself available under the correct terms then only a fool wouldn't want him back.

His ability is staggering and frankly he's too good for Villa, their players can't keep up with him on the pitch. Robbie has been a revelation for them in no small part because he's the only person in their squad who has the vision and movement to have some small semblance of understanding of Irelands intentions. Far too often this season I've seen Ireland do something brilliant only for Bent/Agbonlahor/Albrighton/ to be a second behind and just never really on the same wavelength.

he still seems to have a poor attitude and work ethic though. Without that his technique will not allow him to flourish. Even the best players in the world like Messi, Xavi, Rooney etc work their bollock off.
There is absoluttely no way you could play him in a middle 2 and all our wide players work harder then him


At the moment Irleand is more Taarbat then Messi!!

[Manblue]

he still seems to have a poor attitude and work ethic though. Without that his technique will not allow him to flourish. Even the best players in the world like Messi, Xavi, Rooney etc work their bollock off.
There is absoluttely no way you could play him in a middle 2 and all our wide players work harder then him


At the moment Irleand is more Taarbat then Messi!!


Stopped reading after poor work ethic, since he was touted as hardest trainer at city and it was commented upon by Mcleish a few weeks ago.

[kennedmc]

Stopped reading after poor work ethic, since he was touted as hardest trainer at city and it was commented upon by Mcleish a few weeks ago.

I never mentioned his training and I only care how he performs in games.

He is coasting around during games at the moment when he has to do the dirty work off the ball

[tricky_colour]

More chance of Ian Paisley going to the Popes birthday party.

[Manblue]

I never mentioned his training and I only care how he performs in games.

He is coasting around during games at the moment when he has to do the dirty work off the ball



haha have you actually watched any games, excluding the newcastle game where he picked up a knock he was in the top five players on the pitch (both teams) for ground covered in the two games prior iirc,(dont know why Espn show that stat but anyway) wouldnt call it coasting along but anyway...

[Metrostars]

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.
You do know the coach of RB was assistant to Sven Erickson when he was at Man City?

[youngirish]

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.
Manblue is Stephen Ireland in (a very bad) disguise.

As for the man himself. Let's wait and see if he still wants to come back into the squad for the away trip to Kazhastan in September if we get a few dropouts.

[kennedmc]

haha have you actually watched any games, excluding the newcastle game where he picked up a knock he was in the top five players on the pitch (both teams) for ground covered in the two games prior iirc,(dont know why Espn show that stat but anyway) wouldnt call it coasting along but anyway...

most of those yards are probably him breaking forward at the wrong time!

The amount of time he gets caught out of position by committing himself to the ball at the wrong time (like a 10 year old running after the ball in a school ground) is embarrassing. As for his attempt to stop the cross going in against Newcastle..

There is no doubt Ireland has outstanding technique and very good vision with the ball at his feet, however, he also has some serious flaws in his game that he either does not want to admit to or maybe can't get rid of.

At the moment he is like half a player but as a midfielder you have to do more. Either that or play him further up the switch.

[Crosby87]

Has he even said himself he would come back or is it only the GF or wife or whatever she is? I seem to recall his own father giving wrong info a few years back.... Why get excited if it is only conjecture at this point.

[DannyInvincible]

No indication from Ireland himself. Just talk from his fiancée.

[Crosby87]

I think it is actually a wife now DI.

[DannyInvincible]

The most recent article in the Birmingham Post refers to her as his fiancée. Just basing it on that.

[TrapAPony]

Lee Carsley reckons Trapattoni should pick him for the Euros (along with McClean)

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/carsley-urges-trap-to-include-ireland-in-euro-plans-183243.html

[DannyInvincible]

I see that article from the Irish Examiner describes Jessica Lawlor as Ireland's wife. Confusion reigns.

[Manblue]

most of those yards are probably him breaking forward at the wrong time!

The amount of time he gets caught out of position by committing himself to the ball at the wrong time (like a 10 year old running after the ball in a school ground) is embarrassing. As for his attempt to stop the cross going in against Newcastle..

There is no doubt Ireland has outstanding technique and very good vision with the ball at his feet, however, he also has some serious flaws in his game that he either does not want to admit to or maybe can't get rid of.


At the moment he is like half a player but as a midfielder you have to do more. Either that or play him further up the switch.


Why dont you give us some examples regarding these wrong times, as in make a statement and back it up regarding this out of position stuff rather than your "throw away" comments?

Regarding the cross against Newcastle, he should of made a better attempt to block it but if you look guthrie passed (by hand) the throw on and remained unmarked as hutton didnt step out (error 1) keane or bent never moved across to pick up the spare men (error 2) this left basically a 3 on one of Santon, Guthrie and Gutierrez, he nicked the ball first but the cross still went into the box, granted he may of got a block on it, but considering it travelled 40 yards and was unopposed by the DEFENSE, I wouldnt lay all the blame with him,

Regarding the serious flaws..most players do and he was played further up the pitch until keane came in but obviously mcleish feels he is good enough to accomodate him on the right, probably not his position of choice.

PS hes either coasting around or making stupid runs...which is it??

[Manblue]

I think it is actually a wife now DI.

As FT mentioned earlier, some people just get bogged down in irrelevant details about him then and lifestye choices.....football forum!

[DannyInvincible]

As FT mentioned earlier, some people just get bogged down in irrelevant details about him then and lifestye choices.....football forum!

FT was critical of those passing moral judgment on the "irrelevant details" and his lifestyle choices. He was correct to do so.

[Manblue]

FT was critical of those passing moral judgment on the "irrelevant details" and his lifestyle choices. He was correct to do so.


I know I fully agree with him and a number of his other points, dont see for the need for the "irrelevant details" either though... FT is clearly another alias I have set up (before someone else says it) :o

[DannyInvincible]

I know I fully agree with him and a number of his other points, dont see for the need for the "irrelevant details" either though... FT is clearly another alias I have set up (before someone else says it) :o

Meh, it's not that big a deal. Just idle chat. Hypocrisy and sanctimonious moralising are different kettles of fish.

[SkStu]

I see that article from the Irish Examiner describes Jessica Lawlor as Ireland's wife. Confusion reigns.

confusion no more! Pictoral evidence.

http://thepoplartree.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/gypsy-wedding-monster-truck.jpg

[nigel-harps1954]

I see that article from the Irish Examiner describes Jessica Lawlor as Ireland's wife. Confusion reigns.


Sure it's not one of his Grandmothers?

[elroy]

If he has 'matured' so much, why cant he speak for himself instead of his wife/gf doing so all the time?! If he does want to come back there is only one person he needs to talk to initially and its not the press.

Only saw the headline but Giles article in the Herald this week was calling for Ireland to be included in the Euros squad. Very disappointed in Giles if that is the case.

[Crosby87]

McLeish has chat with Ireland about lack of effort, swearing incident:
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2012/02/11/aston-villa-alex-mcleish-gives-stephen-ireland-pep-talk-after-swearing-saga-97319-30308580/

[BonnieShels]

confusion no more! Pictoral evidence.

http://thepoplartree.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/gypsy-wedding-monster-truck.jpg

Why isn't anyone concerned by the gigantic eagle about to attack the wedding party?

[irishfan86]

Strange to see Beckenbauer make what I can only assume is a bizarre reference to Stephen Ireland on FourFourTwo:


Beckenbauer said the players often missed shaking hands at the end of a game "because they go off to celebrate with their fans or they want to celebrate with their grandmother."

http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restofeurope/95963/default.aspx

[EastTerracer]

The Evening Herald has Shay pretty much dismissing any prospect of a Stephen Ireland return (probably as most of us would expect).


"Stephen has never spoken to me about it and as far as I know, he hasn't spoken to Richard Dunne or Robbie Keane while he was with us," claimed Given. "I think he's made it quite clear he's not interested."
http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/mcclean-welcome-but-no-interest-from-exile-ireland-given-3029334.html

[Yard of Pace]

His missus on Brendan O'Connor's show was saying he'd "love to come back". She was pretty much stating as fact that he's available and wants to play for Ireland again. It's bizarre stuff really.

[Stuttgart88]

I really hope the media contains themselves over the Stephen Ireland saga in the run up to the Euros. He's stuck 2 fingers up to every one of us and the focus should be on those who got us there and those who have been available.

As Tets might say, maybe Ireland needs Ireland more than Ireland needs Ireland now.

[tetsujin1979]

The show is on RTE player here: http://www.rte.ie/player/#!v=1137687
She comes on around the 50 minute mark, promoting a new play she's in
Most of it is about the play, and she was in accident last year, the comments about his current situation at Villa and anything about him coming back are on the 1 hour 2 minutes mark and last less than 2 minutes

Apparently there's an interview with him in today's Irish Sun on Sunday (the News of the World replacement) but there's no way in hell I'd waste money on that paper.

[seanfhear]

Trap would be more likely to pick Stephens missus for the Euros and thats not vey likely imho.

[swinfordfc]

I dont want him back ...... dont care what he wrote in the sun ...... team doing great without him .... remember he turn his back on ireland!

[nigel-harps1954]

Would be an absolute disgrace to welcome him back now. If he was to be picked for the squad again I'd lose all respect for Trap, his backroom staff, and all at the FAI for allowing it to happen.

[Murfinator]

He definitely needs some time with a PR assistant if somehow his teammate is convinced he doesn't want to come back and his wife his convinced he does. I wish he'd just clarify his position without the ambiguity of second hand stories.

If he wants to make himself available for selection then fantastic, much too late for the Euro's but he's a worthy consideration for the world cup campaign.

[DannyInvincible]

Jessica Lawlor claims "he'd love to go back" but appears to believe "it's up to the FAI/the manager". Does this mean he's made himself re-available for selection?

[tricky_colour]

It's a double lock really but I don't see Trap accepting him back at this stage, I think he is just testing the water
and making himself available unofficially, then it would require the FAI to contact him unofficially, however I don't
see that happening, I think Trap is happy with the midfield he has got and more importantly it is not really his style
of management is it? He expects 100% commitment and lets face it Stephen has shown none.
He does not want to give the impression players can pick and choose their games. The only way I could see Stephen
getting a chance is if there are a series of injuries in the midfield.

[mypost]

He abandoned us when we needed him, now the shoe should be on the other foot. It's a straight-forward decision to make here. Tell him to go and (seven letters beginning and ending with) F. He has understood that for the past 5 years. Amid all the blabla, something seems to be forgotten about here. He left us, and lied in the most obscene terms to do so. Even if he made himself available, the system we use doesn't suit his game. One Andy Reid fiasco is more than enough for this squad.

It's another way to get at Trap. Face facts lads. We haven't lost 22 of our last 24 competitive games and he's staying put, like it or not.

[Murfinator]

Thinking about it I reckon it was a crumb given to Jessica to promote her interview/play/profile and that there isn't anything whatsoever to it. The angle on what she said is probably that "Stephen would love to come back but the time isn't right." or "Stephen would love to come back but there are problems with the manager/past/FAI/club situation". Trap will never call him up unless he personally contacts him so his hand will never be forced on any of these mutterings.

Its a lot of meaningless words that will probably come to nothing that were said for attention and nothing else. The girl is nothing without Stephen and has to cling to stories about him for relevancy.

[Park_Lane]

http://www.irishcentral.com/sport/Stephen-Ireland-wants-to-play-for-Ireland-again-he-says-140481223.html

he wants back in after the euros

[Yard of Pace]

“I am buzzing about the European Championships and I will be supporting the team all the way.”
He's a madman. It's not that long ago he was saying when he sees us on the telly he feels nothing! He did say that, didn't he? I'm 99% sure he did. Anyway, I guess this story will just run and run. It must be the longest saga in Irish football history at this stage.

[geysir]

I wouldn't mind the baldy runt returning to squad duty after the Euros.
But I'll believe his promise to commit when I see it happening.

[youngirish]

Is it just me or is he not that good anyway? I don't see what all the fuss is about. As the great George Best would say he can't tackle, can't head the ball, doesn't score enough goals (anymore), is too slow and drifts in and out of games but other than that he's okay.

[Scooby Doo]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0304/1224291281248.html Not even one year ago.

http://www.irishcentral.com/sport/Stephen-Ireland-says-he-will-never-play-again-for-Ireland-103039549.html - 2010

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0926/irelands.html - 2010

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Stephen-Ireland-exclusive-I-will-NEVER-play-for-arrogant-Trapattoni-even-if-Ireland-make-the-2010-World-Cup-article182069.html - 2009. Four days before the massive qualifier against Italy at Croke Park!

I think that is conclusive enough. I don't ever want to see this guy in green again. We really don't need him! A total 'mé féin-er' who now wants to join a ready-made successful team and would most likely just cause disharmony in the squad. Even considering recalling him before the Euros would be nothing short of madness.

[IsMiseSean]

Even if he begs to be considered for selection and apologies for everything that has happened...
Trap is NEVER going to call him up. Look at the grudges he has held in the past and still holds (Wilson)
I hope I've emphasized the 'never' enough :)

[DannyInvincible]

Even if he begs to be considered for selection and apologies for everything that has happened...
Trap is NEVER going to call him up. Look at the grudges he has held in the past and still holds (Wilson)
I hope I've emphasized the 'never' enough :)

I don't think Trap does hold a grudge against Wilson. I recall someone on here stating that Trap said it was a misunderstanding. Can't find a media reference though. In saying that, I agree with what you say otherwise. I doubt Trap would have much time for a player who's insulted him publicly.

[mark12345]

It would be great to see Stephen Ireland back. Hope he goes to the Euros. All is forgotten and fogiven. Everybody loves everybody and we'll win the Euros with him there!!

[Murfinator]

Is it just me or is he not that good anyway? I don't see what all the fuss is about. As the great George Best would say he can't tackle, can't head the ball, doesn't score enough goals (anymore), is too slow and drifts in and out of games but other than that he's okay.

His passing, movement and vision are amongst the best in the EPL. It is my belief that he's better than most say he is, his potential is staggering and he'd be very dangerous if he got to work under a talented technical coach. That may be unlikely to happen and combined with his attitude he may always just be someone whose career sparks occasionally but never really delivers, but there's certainly good reason why he can't just be discarded and forgotten about.

[drummerboy]

He can only play in a 5 man midfield because he is totally incapable of defending. Can't see Trap changing his game play to accommodate him.