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It seems that there may be some Premier interest in Ireland. A move to Stoke might be good as he played his best football under Hughes. Also, Dunne and Given to Doncaster who may be getting rich Irish buyers! Magnier might be the man. Maybe he will try and employ Ferguson!
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...reland-1982068
no shock there, Hughes has a long history of working with the same players over and over
Ireland was briefly linked with QPR as well
Say what you like about the guy, he was unbelievable that one year for Manchester City, I think it was 2008/09. I hope he can rediscover the form he had then as he was definitely one of the top five or ten players in the EPL that season.
I presume Shay Given wasn't getting a lift of our Stephen so most likely it was Barry Bannan and Alan Hutton in that car, surely? At this stage, a move abroad is surely the best move for him. I doubt he'd have the hunger for the physicality of the Championship.
Being linked with Doncaster. Don't know how his ego will cope with that, however, it might teach him some humility. Woiuld agree with Ole, a move abroad would suit his style and is a more likely destination.
http://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/socc...tephen-2086714
Saw that mooted when the Given to Doncaster story came out. I can't see how Doncaster would be able to afford both of them unless they were given very generous terms by Villa, but to be honest it seems like Ireland just wants to play football.
I just read Dickov has been given 'a cash injection'!Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin
It won't do much good intravenously. It might even be fatal. They'd be much better served investing it in the transfer budget
Anyone hear any updates on him? I read he was training with reserves still until the start of the season and has been given squad number 40. I presume he hasn't made any Villa senior squads so far this season.
No he hasn't made any Villa squads. Interesting to see if he gets a look in tonight in the League cup but I doubt it.
Doesn't look like anyone is willing to take the massive gamble of signing him.
He signed a 4 year deal in 2010 according to wikipedia, which means he has a year left on his contract.
I expect he is happy to draw his salary until the contract lapses.
Stoke have made a bid for a season long loan, according to the blog on F365
Deal confirmed.Quote:
Originally Posted by dr_peepee
loan move completed: http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/arti...n-1031730.aspx
Stoke could field a midfield of Wilson, Ireland, Walters and Whelan
I imagine this will squeeze Whelan to the fringes. A midfield of Wilson, Nzonzi and Ireland could be absolute magic.
I hope he gets his career back on track.
In spite of everything, our Stephen still wants an Irish manager to make the call.... couldn't even say he was available again for international duty, no our Stephen wants a new manager to sit down and convince him to return:mad:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-29580667.html
Thanks but no thanks. I wouldn't have even wanted him back when he looked a player at City a few years ago. Even though he's been absolute gash for about 5 seasons now he still comes across like he believes he has the talent of Lionel Messi. At this stage of his career he should be begging for the Irish manager to ask him back. What ideas does he have anyway? Suggesting to O'Neill he should get a set of pink rims for his Land Rover? Let's bring some new players through, he will never be a solution to our midfield problems anyway. A luxury player if ever there was one he can't tackle to save his life. Outside of playing against the Faroe Islands or San Marino Ireland will always struggle to accommodate a player such as him who won't work when we don't have the ball.Quote:
Originally Posted by Grafter
O'Neill signed him at Villa, however, so you never know.
And O'Neill's first question might be, 'and how are the grandmothers these days Stephen?'