Is McCourt Gone?

[Closed Account]

This thread seems to think so.....
http://forum.football365.com/index.php?t=msg&th=77848&start=0&
Good to see him in the Premiership, less chance to see him in person though. Shame.

[historynut]

Was it before his contract expired as would love to see DC get something for him, trust International recognition is immient.

[pineapple stu]

Seems definite - was on RTÉ just now in their news round-up. A fee of £100k mentioned (twice the original bid).

[pete]

Seems definite - was on RTÉ just now in their news round-up. A fee of £100k mentioned (twice the original bid).

Was out earlier so no sound but got a shock when saw Derry City Cup final shown on Euro 2008 coverage. Could not understand why they showing alongside real football. :eek:

[Sheridan]

Wouldn't say the medical is a formality, but if he goes I reckon it's the end of his career as a serious footballer. They don't have much call for out-and-out wingers in England and with his inconsistency he'll fade from the picture very quickly. Probably be out on loan at some lower division club by Christmas and then see out his contract in the reserves, after which few will be interested in him. Not that he or his bank manager probably care.

[A face]

McCourt agrees Baggies move
June 15, 2008

Derry City winger Paddy McCourt has agreed a move to Barclays Premier League newcomers West Bromwich Albion. The 24-year-old Northern Ireland international had been expected to leave Derry this summer, with his contract at the Brandywell due to expire in November.

With Derry having accepted an improved offer from the Baggies, McCourt has agreed terms with the Hawthorns side and will now undergo a medical before completing his move. McCourt has endured an injury-interrupted season for Derry in 2008 but remains one of the biggest box-office draws in the eircom League of Ireland.


Read more at www.eleven-a-side.com (http://www.eleven-a-side.com/eircomleague/news.asp?n=32731)

[dcfc1928]

Sad to see him lost to the league for what seems a pitiful price. I think WBA had Derry over the barrel on that though. McCourt was going to them no matter if it was now or when his contract expired in November. Good luck to him. I think he's good enough to make an impact over there.

[Sinny]

Hey Guys,

I'm an Albion fan and will not get to optimistic about Paddy McCourt coming to the Baggies.

Many Albion fans think he might fail to struggle against Premiership defenders eg Terry, Vidic etc.

Do you guys think he might settle in well?

Have we got a bargain of a deal?

I certainly hope so :cool:

Thanks :)

[passinginterest]

If he can stay fit and the manager is willing to persist with some inconsistent form he could turn out to be excellent. Motivation seems to have been an issue for him in the past, but if he can't get motivated to play at the highest level he may as well give up.

[Candystripe]

Hey Guys,

I'm an Albion fan and will not get to optimistic about Paddy McCourt coming to the Baggies.

Many Albion fans think he might fail to struggle against Premiership defenders eg Terry, Vidic etc.

Do you guys think he might settle in well?

Have we got a bargain of a deal?

I certainly hope so :cool:

Thanks :)

I think you's got the buy of the decade. He is brilliant to watch and his leaving 3-4-5 defenders for dead brings everyone to their feet time after time.

Dont believe any stories about him being fond of the drink as he has settled down in the past 2 yrs.

He knows this is his big chance and I think he'll jump at it.

Good luck to him and hopefully he makes a great impression with you's like he did in his time in the league of Ireland.

[Candystripe]

Maybe WBA have competition?

http://www.londonderrysentinel.co.uk/sport/Canaries-join-McCourt-chase.4194219.jp

[amjl]

First Norwich, now Celtic....

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0619/mccourt.html

[Plastic Paddy]

Just signed for Celtic. Good cover for McGeady/Naka.

:ball: PP

[A face]

Gutted to see him leave. He is a great player to watch, jinky runs dragging two and three of the opposition with him. I hope Derry got decent money for him, €500,000 should have be the minimum imo

[Red&White Rover]

He will do excellent at Celtic and their fans love a jinky winger like McCourt.

Excellent move.

[the 12 th man]

From Celticfc.net

David Friel
CELTIC Football Club have tonight completed the signing of highly-rated Derry City winger Patrick McCourt.

The 24-year-old Northern Ireland internationalist agreed a three-year deal with the SPL champions after finalising his transfer on Thursday. He will join up with Gordon Strachan’s squad for the start of pre-season training next month.

Speaking exclusively to www.celticfc.net, McCourt admitted he was overwhelmed to be given the chance to play for the club he has always supported.

“I’m thrilled and it still hasn’t quite sunk in yet to be honest,” he smiled, just seconds after signing on the dotted line for his beloved Hoops. “This is a dream come true for me.

“There was interest from a few clubs but as soon as I found out that Celtic were in for me, my mind was made up. I have always been a Celtic supporter and there was only one choice to make. It's an honour to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours, but I’m just delighted to get everything sorted out. To sign for this club is a dream and when I get back home tonight, it might all finally sink in. It’s just been an incredible day.”

McCourt, who began his career in England with Rochdale as a teenager, also had a spell with Shamrock Rovers before moving to hometown club Derry City in 2005. He has been capped by Northern Ireland at under-21 and senior level.

Comfortable on the right and left flanks, McCourt is a former FAI Young Player of the Year and earned rave reviews for his performances last season. Celtic beat off strong interest from a host of top clubs to land his signature.

McCourt said: “I’m joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. Celtic have won the SPL title three times in a row and compete in the Champions League every season. What more could you ask for?

“My first target is to get a good pre-season under my belt and then take it from there. The quality in the Celtic squad is unbelievable but I’ll be trying to push my way into the manager’s plans as soon as possible. I can’t wait to get started."

[pineapple stu]

Is he consistent enough for Celtic?

[Krstic]

Is he consistent enough for Celtic?

Only time will tell.
With better coaching he could make a big impact.

[Only1Rovers]

This is a much better move for McCourt in my opinion (to Celtic). Should he have moved to WBA he would never have seen the light of a floodlit premiership pitch.

I don't what to sound unduly negative but I was amazed top clubs across the water were interested in McCourt. He spends way too much time on the bench or treatment room.

Sure he is a talent but and when on form can be quite exciting, however, I haven't seen him harness his talent in some time.

I suppose Celtic can afford to take the risk, considering the continued undermining of Eircom League clubs by top UK clubs when it comes to paying for players. He has probably been given a significant pay increase but far from top money in comparison to his new colleagues.

It will be interesting to see how he gets on. If he does make an impression we can say the league was robbed once again! At least we'll have the opportunity to give out!

Good luck Paddy.

[A face]

What was the final figure so? How much do Derry get and what add ons were in the deal?

[Candystripe]

Ten appearances will give us £250k plus two friendlies V the Celtic 1st team. Plus a Gala dinner.

The 1st game is in Oct and the 2nd is next july.

Not confirmed yet but the 2nd may take place at Celtic Pk for their pre-season.

If all goes to plan about £500k

[pete]

How long before he gets a thread in the Ireland section here? ;)

[Macy]

The 24-year-old Northern Ireland internationalist
Typical celtic, bringing politics into everything...

[DmanDmythDledge]

How long before he gets a thread in the Ireland section here? ;)
Got one last week.:D

[pete]

Got one last week.:D

I suppose some things really are predictable.