Christ almighty.
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Christ almighty.
That is a shock alright.
A 'lifestyle' choice I guess rather than football career choice? 5 or 6 years of loan spells, back and forth to Celtic with bit part involvement - Even the depressing Euro's experience. I sense a bit of disillusionment with the game but then again I'm a drama queen.......
This is actually a bit of a blow to the Ireland team............potentially anyway - I'll admit to having an old fashioned view of the American league ie total garbage, but I know its improved in recent years. But has it improved enough or is this Darren practically chucking it in terms of making it in Europe and at International level?
A limited enough player but he's had his fair share of misfortune and poor treatment. Never majorly let Celtic down when fellas no better and often worse (McManus, Caldwell, Loovens, K Wilson, Pressley etc etc) got more games than him. Farmed out on loan here and there and never seemed to settle. I don't think he ever had a real bad game for Ireland either.
Shame. I was out in the San Siro when he made his bow in the CL vs Milan - superb performance. Bar headering in the first vs the huns in the Scottish league cup final a few years ago it has been all downhill since then and for my money he hasn't done anything majorly wrong. Quite slow, yes. But brave and dependable enough. Hope this is just a temp thing for Darren.
I'd say his lack of speed is the major reason he never made it, which is a shame because I think he reads the game superbly well. He'll easily be one of the top centre halves out in the MLS and will hopefully use it as a stepping stone back to a decent European league.
I think he's a victim of the uncertainty over the SPL tv money right now, and perhaps Championship clubs are also keeping their options open until the same is resolves, so he's decided to take the security of a contract over another month or so in limbo.
That bears repeating.Quote:
Originally Posted by Junior
I doubt this chap was inundated with offers.
So the three Canadian MLS teams have signed centre-backs in recent weeks:
Toronto - Darren O'Dea
Vancouver - Andy O'Brien
Montreal - Alessandro Nesta
Even at 36 years old I think I know which one I'd prefer.
Never get MLS clubs signing players like O'Dea and particularly Andy O'Brien. O'Dea most definitely won't be one of the best defenders in the MLS, I think he'll struggle tbh. He's just not very good.
O'Brien is 36 now?!Quote:
Originally Posted by EastTerracer
Good luck to him, I'm sure Canada is a nice place to spend a year or two.
Better than some hole in the north of England.
Montreal is nice, Vancouver is awesome, Toronto is a hole.
From my own experience of immigrating there , Canada is a fantastic country with great people.Quote:
Originally Posted by brine3
But what does frighten me from going to alot of Toronto FC games is how bad they are. I mean really bad. Every team and league has to start somewhere of course and fair play to TFC for getting him but he is better than the level of their quality and Im shocked he hasnt stayed in england. Im even more shocked that Trap has given him his blessing on the move.
What do you mean? What do you mean?Quote:
Originally Posted by Sullivinho
lol :)Quote:
Originally Posted by the bear
he should sack his agent. far worse players playing in the championship than O'Dea. i am shocked that a better move couldnt have been sortedQuote:
Originally Posted by Sullivinho
Maybe it's the move he wanted.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbyrne
Another full 90 minutes for O'Dea tonight away at Kansas City. Toronto threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1.
Darren was even upfront at the end trying to find an equaliser. It's not the highest level but regular football is better than no football if he is needed next Friday.
Looks like O'Dea was the man sent out to the media yesterday. He seems to think the MLS is as good as the English Championship and sees himself spending a good few years there. He confirms that it was in part a lifestyle choice too.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...323654317.html
Darren just about to kick-off against Thierry Henry and co. here in New Jersey.
UPDATE: on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat. Caught out a couple of times by Henry and Toronto were punished (he's not the first player to have that happen him). He is Toronto's captain and clearly the leader on the pitch. Seems like Paul Mariner has a pretty good opinion of his contribution.
Not his best night but in general he looks pretty comfortable at this level.
Just a quick word on the management team at O'Dea's side Toronto FC for next season. It'll comprise of an accomplished Premier League centre-half as manager (Ryan Nelsen) and he'll be assisted by an Irishman, Fran O'Leary.
I'm not sure if Nelsen intends to take up a player-manager position with Toronto, which would make some sense, unless he feels playing wouldn't be to the benefit of the time (which is unlikely). The possibility of him being beside O'Dea in the heart of the defence, or managing him on the training ground and from the touchline should help O'Dea.
Don't think Nelsen can coach pace though.
Darren was SKY pundit at Aberdeen v Celtic today. Seems like a nice fella, articulate and well presented.