Damien Delaney

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

When Richard Keogh was selected despite that performance against Portugal and generally looking shaky in his other performances - when he's not overdoing bringing the ball out of defence and playing simple passes, and Damien Delaney is absent despite not only being one of half a dozen players playing regularly in the PL but generally impressing whenever he has deputised for us - then questions have to be asked.

I know there were reports that Keogh was one of O'Neill's pet projects in the spring time. Perhaps that explains why O'Neill has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to selecting him ahead of Delaney and playing him ahead of players like Clark and Pearce.

It was very concerning seeing him warm up when one of the CB's went down for a few moments against Georgia. That's how close he is to the team.

People say that the spat with Roy Keane isn't a factor because Walters is still lingering around but Walters - for some inexplicable reason - is far more ingrained in the setup than Delaney.

[Stuttgart88]

It's puzzling that DD is absent despite being one of only a few EPL regulars yet it's inexplicable why Walters is a mainstay despite being one of the other EPL regulars - which he pretty much was until this season?

I think your points would be better made if you didn't introduce some of your other prejudices into the picture when not really relevant. Fwiw, I wouldn't start Walters in any game but I do think he's worth a squad place.

I think everyone here prefers DD to Keogh, but it is what it is.

I also think its a bit harsh to say Keogh overdoes the bringing the ball out of defence. It's one of his strengths and something to be admired in a CB, and it's not something any of our other ones do much of.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Fair enough. I would have Walters in the squad too but he has been keeping out better players for too long and performances and results have not merited it.

I don't think there is any nous to what Keogh is doing. He is not the starting point for launching attacks and he's not lasering intricate passes across the pitch like John Terry.

I would be more concerned about the fact that - as a defender - he looks shaky at corners, set pieces, in the air and whenever he is being ran at - and God knows this is going to happen a lot in this campaign.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd have Delaney in the squad but I'm not particularly bothered that he's not. I'd have him ahead of Pearce but on a par with Clark and Keogh.

[Stuttgart88]

My worry about Keogh is more from open play and when the ball is in front of him. He's fine in a typical blood and thunder Championship game with the ball in the air a lot. Unfortunately there aren't many of those games in international football!

Mind you I'd say the same about DD too probably.

[OwlsFan]

My worry about Keogh is more from open play and when the ball is in front of him. He's fine in a typical blood and thunder Championship game with the ball in the air a lot. Unfortunately there aren't many of those games in international football!

Mind you I'd say the same about DD too probably.

The Championship isn't all about kick and rush. The leading teams Forest, Norwich, Derby etc try and play on the deck as do many of the sides. Whether they are any good at it is another issue.

I supported Trap on his selections, no matter how apparently bizarre, so I will also support MO'N on this one as I assume he knows more about the players than we do. I doubt any lingering difficulty the assistant manager may have with a player would not affect the Manager's selection. I've always liked DD as a player but I am amused by TOWK's suggestion that because he plays regularly in the Premiership he should be in when, on the other hand, he doesn't give Whelan a moment's peace, despite being one of our few other EPL regulars.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

I would have had McCarthy, Gibson, Meyler and Hoolahan ahead of Whelan at one point or other when they were playing regularly in the PL. Hendrick has a future at a higher level so him too.

In fact I would have Whelan in or around the Ireland team if his Intl. form was similar to his club form but take things on their merits, he hasn't turned up for Ireland since the 2010 Qualifying campaign. Look at St Ledger. I wouldn't have him anywhere near the first 11 on club form but he always turned up for Ireland.

In any event, Delaney would be the deputy defender when O'Shea or Wilson get injured - so he wouldn't necessarily be a starter in TOWK's ideal world - although he would certainly be very close to my 11. His PL form is every bit as good as Whelan's. Palace had one of the best defences in the league last season.

[tetsujin1979]

I would have had McCarthy, Gibson, Meyler and Hoolahan ahead of Whelan at one point or other when they were playing regularly in the PL. Hendrick has a future at a higher level so him too.

In fact I would have Whelan in or around the Ireland team if his Intl. form was similar to his club form but take things on their merits, he hasn't turned up for Ireland since the 2010 Qualifying campaign. Look at St Ledger. I wouldn't have him anywhere near the first 11 on club form but he always turned up for Ireland.

In any event, Delaney would be the deputy defender when O'Shea or Wilson get injured - so he wouldn't necessarily be a starter in TOWK's ideal world - although he would certainly be very close to my 11. His PL form is every bit as good as Whelan's. Palace had one of the best defences in the league last season.
and they have one of the worst this season so far.

[Charlie Darwin]

I would have had McCarthy, Gibson, Meyler and Hoolahan ahead of Whelan at one point or other when they were playing regularly in the PL. Hendrick has a future at a higher level so him too.

In fact I would have Whelan in or around the Ireland team if his Intl. form was similar to his club form but take things on their merits, he hasn't turned up for Ireland since the 2010 Qualifying campaign. Look at St Ledger. I wouldn't have him anywhere near the first 11 on club form but he always turned up for Ireland.

In any event, Delaney would be the deputy defender when O'Shea or Wilson get injured - so he wouldn't necessarily be a starter in TOWK's ideal world - although he would certainly be very close to my 11. His PL form is every bit as good as Whelan's. Palace had one of the best defences in the league last season.
I think the point is if you're going to point to performing well in the Premier League as a plus point, you can't just selectively ignore it with regard to other players.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

and they have one of the worst this season so far.

After 7 games. They had a similar record at this stage last season so it's not a good barometer. And it's only 2 more goals conceded than Liverpool and Man Utd.

And if Delaney consistently played as bad for Ireland as Whelan has then I would disregard his club form. Both players are playing at a high level in the PL; in an ideal world both would be bench options for Ireland.

I think it would be a godsend for all concerned if Whelan was, even temporarily, taken out of the firing line for Ireland.

His performances against Russia, Sweden, Austria, Germany, Euros have been frankly embarrassing. I'm sick of the sight of Paul Green but even I can admit that he has a shown himself to have a bit more bite at this level after he adjusted somewhat to Intl. football.

[Charlie Darwin]

Idiotically got himself sent off against Chelsea moments after Chelsea had gone down to 10 men. Probably cost his team the game.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/neil-warnock-denies-damien-delaney-new-deal-1830221-Dec2014/

Warnock hoping reports of great leader Delaney signing new contract are true.

[DannyInvincible]

O'Neill (kind of) explains why Delaney isn't in the squad: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/oneill-harry-kane-had-a-keen-interest-in-playing-for-ireland-31062894.html


Damien and I have had a conversation. He thought that I was looking for something (else) in a centre-half. That was not the case. So Damien has not given up. But I think Damien is coming to stage where he really wants to concentrate on playing at club level.

I'm not sure what that means exactly. What did Delaney incorrectly think Martin might have been looking for in his centre-halves?

[Fixer82]

O'Neill (kind of) explains why Delaney isn't in the squad: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/oneill-harry-kane-had-a-keen-interest-in-playing-for-ireland-31062894.html



I'm not sure what that means exactly. What did Delaney incorrectly think Martin might have been looking for in his centre-halves?


Looking for him to sit on the bench

[SwanVsDalton]

O'Neill (kind of) explains why Delaney isn't in the squad: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/oneill-harry-kane-had-a-keen-interest-in-playing-for-ireland-31062894.html



I'm not sure what that means exactly. What did Delaney incorrectly think Martin might have been looking for in his centre-halves?

I was thinking youth, or looking at younger players coming through. MON said no, but you're not going to be in my top two or three centre halves and Damo would rather stay out if he's not in the conversation to play.

[tricky_colour]

O'Neill (kind of) explains why Delaney isn't in the squad: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/european-championships/oneill-harry-kane-had-a-keen-interest-in-playing-for-ireland-31062894.html



I'm not sure what that means exactly. What did Delaney incorrectly think Martin might have been looking for in his centre-halves?

As I read it Martin seems to be say Damien can f-off cos he will not get a call up every.

However Martin provides not reason for this really so it seems to be something personal, something between him and Roy Keane I expect?

What it mean is Damien can understand why he is being overlooked.

[tricky_colour]

I was thinking youth, or looking at younger players coming through. MON said no, but you're not going to be in my top two or three centre halves and Damo would rather stay out if he's not in the conversation to play.


That is not what he said at all, Damien want to play and it seems they will not let him play despite being better than all those being picked a head of him.

I guess the iceing on the cake is that the bestof the lot Richard Dunne has retired.

So it seem the advice from from the FAI is that if you ever do become international class you should retire.

[SwanVsDalton]

That is not what he said at all


MON said...you're not going to be in my top two or three centre halves and Damo would rather stay out if he's not in the conversation to play.


Damien want to play and it seems they will not let him play despite being better than all those being picked a head of him.

OK Tricky.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://talksport.com/football/alan-pardew-hopeful-over-new-deals-crystal-palace-trio-150508146113

Pardew wants to keep Delaney at Palace next season.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Delaney has finally signed a one-year contract extension.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/32755748

[Fixer82]

Delaney really should be in our squad.
is he refusing a call up or is he not being called up? It seems bizarre.
If he is refusing a call up is this another Stephen Ireland situation that has just gone under the radar?
Albeit without any grannies kicking the bucket

[Charlie Darwin]

My understanding is that O'Neill would have Delaney in the squad but he's not in his first-team plans, and Delaney is at an age where it'll do him no good to skip breaks to sit on the bench, so they decided between them it was best not to call him up.

[Fixer82]

Shame. I'd much rather see him come off the bench than McShane if O'Shea or Wilson get injured

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.espnfc.com/club/crystal-palace/384/blog/post/2503985/crystal-palace-will-suffer-if-scott-dann-leaves


Dann also makes those players around him improve their game. Damien Delaney has had the season of his life and he owes much of that to Dann. Damo is a very committed but limited defender but he's been one of Palace's most consistent performers thanks in part to the organisation of fellow centre-back Dann.

Pull the other one.

In the 2013/2014 season, Crystal Palace conceded 48 goals with Damien Delaney & Daniel Gabbidon as their CB pairing. In the 2014/2015 season, they conceded 51 goals with Damien Delaney & Scott Dann as their CB pairing.

I would argue that Delaney's performances were more consistent in the 2013/2014 season with Gabbidon as his partner and tailed off a little bit with Dann as his partner, so I have to disagree with that assessment.

Typical for them to hand Scott Dann the credit for Palace's defensive solidity when Damien Delaney is the common thread who has been at the club from their promotion season to their two PL seasons.

There is a reason he has been relegated with two Premier League teams. Himself & Roger Johnson; two CB's who have went to clubs for scandalous amounts of money. I would take Delaney's passion and tears after the Playoff final any day.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

Delaney doubles Palace lead at Norwich.

[tricky_colour]

2-1 Redmond for Norwich, two subs been made but brady and hoolahan are still on.

equaliser disallowed still 2-1 (high boot)

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

And good thing they kept Hoolahan on because it was him that assisted Redmond's goal.

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

http://www.the42.ie/norwich-1-2-crystal-palace-report-2260433-Aug2015/

Lovely right footed finish by the left footed Delaney.

[Crosby87]

Are issues with Roy the reason for DDs absence from Irish set up? One reporter investigates.

http://www.the42.ie/roy-keane-damien-delaney-long-running-feud-2279466-Aug2015/

[DeLorean]

I doubt it. That article is a very long winded version of what we already knew.

[Charlie Darwin]

I love how they quote Martin O'Neill reiterating the actual situation and then go on to invent their own angle anyway. Terrible journalism.

[DeLorean]

Poor enough alright... that's the Liverpool Echo and The42.ie in the bad books this morning. I'd expect better from both actually!

[BonnieShels]

You expect better from the 42? Oh noes!

[DeLorean]

Delaney released this statement through his Instagram account.


Good afternoon... I just want to clarify my position with regards to the Ireland national team and my omission from the current squad. I have no issue with Roy Keane and shook his hand this summer at a Cork City European match. I know that at the age of 34 the future of Irish football does not lie with me, the rigours of premier league football and the 24/7 dedication required takes its toll so I look on the international break as a chance to recover, that said I spoke to Martin O Neill and contrary to his recent comments I never asked for a regular starting position. I did however disagree with certain aspects which out of respect to Martin and the national team will remain private. Ireland need to plan for the long term even if it means sacrificing one maybe two major tournaments. We need to build an identity and team ethos from schoolboy football to full international that will last. I understand people weren't enamoured with Mr. Trapattoni but whether you agreed with his philosophy or not you have to respect the man and the results he achieved with his philosophy. There are many footballing philosophies and we need to choose one that suits Irish traits and strengths best, similar to what Wales are now achieving or what Mr. Trapattoni achieved in his time in charge. I'll always be an ardent supporter and wish I could of contributed more...#coybig (https://instagram.com/explore/tags/coybig/) #identity (https://instagram.com/explore/tags/identity/)

[Wolfman]

https://www.facebook.com/thenoveltyactmedia/photos/a.395044787366916.1073741828.393367810867947/426961757508552/?type=1

[back of the net]

Delaney released this statement through his Instagram account.



Can't argue with that

[Stuttgart88]

"...wish I could of contributed more"

I have lost all respect for him :)

Does anyone else think it reads like The Doc actually wrote that for him?

[Crosby87]

Does it count as sacrificing tournaments when you rarely make any? What's the difference?

[DannyInvincible]

Delaney released this statement through his Instagram account.

He says we need to plan long-term, which is fair enough, but is he subtly implying that Martin is the right man for that or the wrong man for that, or is he expressing any opinion on that point?

Was Trap's appointment indicative of planning long-term (and sacrificing a few tournaments)? Not at all; it was an all-eggs-in-one-basket appointment made in the hope of some short-term gain. It paid off initially, but left us lacklustre, lethargic and plummeting in the rankings by the time the game was up.

[Crosby87]

But....int'l play is so different than regular seasons with your club. In any sport. You don't rebuild off failure in the same way. Like as if we started playing all the young guys at the same time right now would it help make the next world cup? I fear one thing has nothing to do with the other. BC of injuries and whatever else it seems like it's rarely the same Irish squad from one group of games until the next ( certainly over a campaign on the whole)...it's almost meaning less to talk about guys getting used to eachother and a system....

Some teams that I like suck. Take Colorado football. Used to be a big time success. Last two coaches have tried and now it's a third guy in his 3rd year and they might be terrible. Or maybe they take that next step. But you know how? Someone good comes along and starts playing well and it gets contagious....it's not the system...or the age of players. You either win or you don't. You are what your record says you are etc..we've tried it with freshman. We've tried it with transfers. Rebuilding is just another excuse for sucking. Like Yoda says there is no try. Either do or do not do.

[tetsujin1979]

I could be reading too much into the statement from Delaney, but it does seem that players liked Trapattoni more than the fans and media did.

[Spudulika]

I could be reading too much into the statement from Delaney, but it does seem that players liked Trapattoni more than the fans and media did.

And I'm sure the players like O'Neill more than the fans or media. The media was lovey dovey with Stan at first, especially after the Sweden win, then they went to town on him. No matter who is in charge of our national team, our media (especially print and online) are so close to the motherland and Fleet street lack of morals, that they'll do for that person too. If Mourinho came in tomorrow to manage Ireland, the destruction would begin after 2-3 games.

[DeLorean]

I could be reading too much into the statement from Delaney, but it does seem that players liked Trapattoni more than the fans and media did.

I generally got that vibe anyway, amongst the players that were in favour anyway. Obviously the likes of Darron Gibson and Andy Reid might disagree.

I agree with Danny though, Delaney's comments with regards future development and his comments regarding Trap almost seem contradictory. Unless, maybe, he means that Trap did well with his philosophy despite it being the exact opposite to Delaney's.

[jbyrne]

I could be reading too much into the statement from Delaney, but it does seem that players liked Trapattoni more than the fans and media did.

trap was popular with the fans until what happened in Poland. success brings popularity with the Irish fans. lose a few games and they will turn on you just as quick. exactly the same happened with Mick after Switzerland 2002

[Spudulika]

trap was popular with the fans until what happened in Poland. success brings popularity with the Irish fans. lose a few games and they will turn on you just as quick. exactly the same happened with Mick after Switzerland 2002

Getting to the Euros put Trap on the track to sainthood, the media gob****ery (step forward Dunphy et al) about how we could win or qualify from the group, was a main reason the armchair fans and barstoolers turned on the coach. In the toughest group imaginable with a side on its last hurrah, we got beaten by 3 sides who all had realistic last-4 ambitions. It was pathetic to see the carry on from "guardians of the game" who were demanding......Martin O'Neill. And then proceeded to turn on him as soon as they needed an ego/circulation/viewership boost. Same happened in Russia with Capello. The man inherited an aging squad with nothing coming through and dross in the local league. He got them to the World Cup and was slathered for not winning the group!

[DeLorean]

trap was popular with the fans until what happened in Poland. success brings popularity with the Irish fans. lose a few games and they will turn on you just as quick. exactly the same happened with Mick after Switzerland 2002

I think a lot of fans had turned on him mid way through the successful qualification campaign because of the football that was being served up. I particularly remember there being a fairly poor reaction to the scoreless draw with Slovakia at home, in terms of social media and many people I know myself. I was very much still with him at that point though, despite some obvious frustrations.

I find with a lot of football fans in the country anyway, even some of my own friends, it almost suits them to have our international team playing rubbish football and not offering much hope. In a weird way, I think it justifies (in their own mind) why the likes of Liverpool and Man Utd are more important to them. I've often hear stuff like... "I find it hard to watch that sh!te" and "fair play to you for going to the games, I couldn't look at that rubbish", etc. In fairness, even if it is a poor game of football, so what? You'd swear it was a male orgy they had to sit through. It's all nonsense anyway, because if the interest levels are high enough the football on display wouldn't really matter, as there are so many different aspects that make it riveting in terms of tactics, player development, etc. The same guys had no problem sitting through some very negative Liverpool performances under the likes of Benitez at times because, when it came to Liverpool or the PL, the interest was there in the first place. I never once heard them say they found it tough to sit through that rubbish.

[paul_oshea]

Media.Bad.

Spudulika like my post.

[jbyrne]

I think a lot of fans had turned on him mid way through the successful qualification campaign because of the football that was being served up. I particularly remember there being a fairly poor reaction to the scoreless draw with Slovakia at home.

only because they thought it meant we wouldn't qualify. no one really gave a hoot about charltons tactics while we were successful

[Stuttgart88]

And I'm sure the players like O'Neill more than the fans or media. The media was lovey dovey with Stan at first, especially after the Sweden win, then they went to town on him. No matter who is in charge of our national team, our media (especially print and online) are so close to the motherland and Fleet street lack of morals, that they'll do for that person too. If Mourinho came in tomorrow to manage Ireland, the destruction would begin after 2-3 games.the media treatment of Kerr was a strange one. There was a big love-in before he got the job and shortly afterwards but it seemed like once he started being Ireland Manager and treated the role with dignity and diligence, not least a professional relationship with the media, the media couldn't cope with the loss of their accessible old mate and turned against him. Some say he became aloof but without knowing the facts I'd say Kerr was absolutely right to create a more arm's length distance from the press.

[BonnieShels]

the media treatment of Kerr was a strange one. There was a big love-in before he got the job and shortly afterwards but it seemed like once he started being Ireland Manager and treated the role with dignity and diligence, not least a professional relationship with the media, the media couldn't cope with the loss of their accessible old mate and turned against him. Some say he became aloof but without knowing the facts I'd say Kerr was absolutely right to create a more arm's length distance from the press.

His announcement press conference was something else. Thoroughly entertaining.