Colm Whelan is the only realistic prospect from within the League, depending both on his recovery and what offers he has.
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Colm Whelan is the only realistic prospect from within the League, depending both on his recovery and what offers he has.
What about Keena? Yes he is in contract but that has not stopped Sligo selling in the past for the right fee. You need a finisher and he has done very well this season in the league. Only 23 and 18 goals across all competitions. Is he worth splashing the cash vs the potential rewards from Europe?Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
He was on my mind when i wrote the original post but hes had 1 good season off the back of 32 appearences for Falkirk over 3 years and 6 goalsQuote:
Originally Posted by ger121
That being said Hoooobans and Gaffneys records in the UK were poor so maybe he is worth a shout.
Id actually forgotten about Colm Whelan, it would be unusual i think for him to get a move abroad off the back of a Cruciate injury without making a few appearances so maybe he could be the ansewer for Rovers next year
Tommy Lonergan is outscoring Whelan this year in the Premier and may be in line for a move too.
Saw about 3/4 of the game, thought Rovers were unlucky, and that goal from Molde def offside. That's about as good as it gets, as I still don't think they have taken the group stages seriously and apart from last night have they even had a proper go at it?
Will repeat my comparison, in 2020 EL group stages a DFC team cobbled together with unrest all over the camp, mad cap (quite literally) owners, struggling in the league, and still scored in every game (apart from Arsenal away), and also scored 2 and 3 on other games, should have got a result in Vienna too, as they 'had a go', I`m not sure Rovers did. Plus not buying this cant fight on both fronts, that DFC team went on to win the cup same season.
Plus these are the games that Jack B is meant to really show his class in, has he really?
In fairness to him he is only playing himself into form after a long lay offQuote:
Originally Posted by oriel
The playing on two fronts is undeniably an issue hence Rovers approach. Dundalk finished 22 points behind Rovers in 2020 so they werent exactly distracted by a title chalenge and thats not me having a go just reality
There is nothing gigantic about Rovers based on the embarrassment they?ve been in Europe, I find it impressive how a team of such much experience play like a pub team. I don?t remember Dundalk under Kenny or Rovers in O?Neill having to sacrifice Europe in order to win their league, there?s a giant (such as these teams) and then there is the current Rovers team who are happy to scrape the bare minimum of what they are capable of and no more.Quote:
Originally Posted by WeAreRovers
You lost 2-0 against an average side you werent great, that?s the minnowism creeping in again. This further shows the lack of strength in character to respond when the going gets tough and B asks a question why hasn?t the clinical striker issue been resolved? You?ve known that Greene couldn?t hit a barn door for years yet why is he starting in 2022? Sligo, Bohemians, Dundalk have been able to find a clinical striker so it clearly can be done so less excuses please. It isn?t difficult, it?s difficult for Rovers because they are interested in evolving their squad, the fact they are reliant on a 42 year old in goal and have no plans to replace him says it all.
They understand it and yet a year or so after the Flora Tallinn embarrassment Rovers are making the same mistakes and have the same selection issues. I see a lot words being spoken about what Rovers need to do but what?s actually being done?
It?s all an act to cover the fact that Bradley is a complete spoofer.Quote:
Originally Posted by oriel
The problem with finding a striker good enough to make a mark in Europe is that he's likely going to get noticed earlier than the group stages. Danny would have been very useful in these games. Hoban has it in him in fairness. Have to find the lad who went elsewhere and didn't make it but is still good enough or get someone tied down long term so you can fend off buyers. Burke could be it for us but he hasn't been fit enough and even fully fit he doesn't have the pace. More ability than a lot of what we have played but the bit of acceleration to really hurt teams is lacking. Jack just isn't the same unfortunately. Maybe he will get there next season but I have my doubts.
First goal was a killer really. Such a bad decision and then they compounded it by calling Greene off when he was on later. But hey, at least the neutrals got their good performance and the tone of the forum has completely changed! 😅 Meanwhile, we still got 0 points and have a more important game on Sunday.
I expected 4 points from the group. Gent at home is doable if we can beat drogs and pats beforehand but both are tricky.
If you remeber MON's rovers retaining the league title at the same time as they played in european group stages then either you come from a different timeline or you might want to get checked over. Perhaps all that time spent turned to stone during daylight is affecting your memory?Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
Make us a nice offer for Eoin Doyle and maybe we can do business. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
You're weirdly defensive of Rovers as a Derry fanQuote:
Originally Posted by A N Mouse
I get it tbh. If Rovers are minnows I don't think there's a word in the English language to describe how minute the rest of the league is. You can make a case for Rovers being overly cautious if you want but that's their lookout, if they're fine aiming for incremental progression that's their strategy. The notion that they should care, even a little about Jonny Whoever the Pats/Bohs/Derry/Treaty fan or, even more, Deco the Liverpool fan who wouldn't go to a League of Ireland game for any reason and will happily invent a new reason not to if necessary is almost parody. Especially with the Derry rocket coming up in the rear view mirror.Quote:
Originally Posted by RealJohn91
I find the almost apoplectic rage from a couple of posters here bizarre. I love the league but I'm not frantic one way or the other about how Rovers group campaign goes. Hopefully we'll see them and/or someone else in the groups again next year.
If you want to slag rovers performances batter on, there more than enough ammunition there. But don't imagine there would be many to disagree with you even among rovers fans.Quote:
Originally Posted by RealJohn91
If you're going to slag rovers for doing what's right for rovers again have at it. Anyone with half a brain would want their club to the same in similar circumstances.
If you want to do both aggressively while spouting bu11$hit in some kind of appeal to authority, having already trainwrecked a perfectly good thread at least once, then "Why don't you wait for my big brother? He's bigger than me, and much tastier".
2011 numb nuts.Quote:
Originally Posted by A N Mouse
Perfectly put.Quote:
Originally Posted by sadloserkid
But this is my point, a patched up Dundalk squad with senior players obviously in their last season, some unhappy still managed to 'have a go' in the group stage in 2020 and on two fronts also when they recovered and won the cup.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbgawa
Plus Rovers have far better options in 2022 than we had in 2020, I`m amazed Rovers fans seem to be happy to just plod along in the group stage, seems to be a new excuse most weeks why they are under performing in these games. Christ lads, score a goal, take at least one of the games left by scruff of neck and go for it.
Why can't they battle on both fronts with the squad they have?
Deflect deflect deflect. At least you aren?t denying their minnowism now, progress.Quote:
Originally Posted by sadloserkid
The difference is the other teams in the league would actually have a go in Europe.
There is no progression, stop lying to yourself. What they are doing now they were doing last season, the only reason they made any European competition this year is they had a much easier draw, if they played Flora again I?m confident they would be shown up again.
The complete lack of ambition I find astounding, I still can?t get my head around how any Rovers fan can look at Rovers in Europe this season not have some shame, woohoo we beat the champions of worse leagues than us, progress?
Because they have a **** manager.Quote:
Originally Posted by oriel
I'm not a Rovers fan.Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
What did having a go in Europe do for the other clubs this year? How are they doing in the group stage?
They are in the group stages. This is unusual for an Irish club. Every other club in the league has achieved less than them in Europe this year and would love to be in their position.
You're like a dog with a bone. It's fascinating.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sadloserkid
Couldn?t get there because they had a tougher route to qualification? Look who Rovers actually had to beat to get to the conference league, the fact they make it out to be some achievement just sums up their lack of ambition.
It?s not unusual, Dundalk did afew years ago remember?
What is unusual is for an Irish team as bad as this Rovers side be in Europe, they really are an embarrassment to the league. The losses I wouldn?t be worried by if they at least tried to be competitive but they really just aren?t bothered. It would be less bad if they were playing decent sides but the 3 sides they are playing really aren?t very good, of course Rovers make any side look good in Europe with how terrible they are but in actuality they really arent.
Every other team in Europe from Ireland had much tougher fixtures in Europe and yes they would love to be in Europe and would show far more respect than Rovers would have.
Because every single argument you make always is just a deflection, so much so that I need to repeat it and hope it reaches into you?re brain some how unless you just don?t have a functioning one?
CSAD Man, go smoke a joint or have a beer or whatever it is you like to do to chill but you seriously got to relax. It?s just a football forum full of ageing dudes, who still get their kicks from talking balls on a football platform, like it is still the noughties. It really is not worth getting that worked up over.
I can tell it?s aging dudes based on the lack of understanding of basic information.Quote:
Originally Posted by ger121
During our game a couple of weeks ago all the Shams players were encouraging him to move to the dark side. I do think he would be very good there. Release clause is only for English clubs.Quote:
Originally Posted by ger121
I'd rather go with the UEFA's description of Rovers this week as "the undisputed giants of the Irish game."
I agree, Yes they are the undisputed Giants of the Irish game but remember.
In Ireland Rovers are a big fish in a small pond and in Europe they are a very small fish in a big pond. It will be like this for Irish clubs for another 2-3 years at least. We just don't have the quality but it is getting better year on year. I always wish all Irish clubs well when they play in Europe and look forward to when we can really compete.
Admin note : I know the speed of moderation doesn't keep up with some of the nonsense but please don't stoop to level of some posters in retaliation. Use the report function please.
I think you have missed something. I didn't deflect from anything. I replied to a previous post. The first paragraph was from that post. My post said Rovers are a big fish in a small pond while in Europe they are a very small fish in a big pond. You just ranted it using different words and jargon.Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
Rovers have certainly not done well in Europe in fact it was abysmal but I do still believe in 2-3 years an Irish team will break through and do well in Europe and I'm not saying winning a trophy I'm clearly saying doing well scoring goals and winning matches in the group stages.
As for my small brain, we'll even I know you should be standing in the corner wearing a pointed hat.
I repeatedly say the issues are little to do with the league?Quote:
Originally Posted by Shinkicker
What do you pose as a defense - continue to use the league as a defense.
You?re one and only defense in Europe was immediately debunked by the fact Dundalk have 2 times been able to compete at an even higher level. When was the last time Rovers beat anyone of significance in a game that actually matter? Dundalk beat BATE,Maccabi, Sheriff etc?what result does Bradley have that?s even remotely comparable to this? Let me guess?beating Shkupi, Wowowowow stop the phone?.
And Dundalk were a small fish in an even bigger pond yet we?re never as utterly hopeless as this Rovers side is.
They?ve been beyond abysmal, embarrassment/disgrace would be a better word to use. True and that side won?t be a Stephen Bradley managed Rovers side, either they?ll finally get common sense and sack him or another team breaks through. And that was all achieved already by Dundalk if you remember, scored in 5 out of 6 games in the EL last year and managed RO compete against AZ ,Maccabi & Zenit in 2016. That?s the bench mark.
You don?t seem understand basic English from my posts that even a JC student would know which makes me question you?re brain size or knowledge in general.
Aw, you got me bang to rights using your tactics, I mean talking through me hoop authoritatively. But congratulations, you read the post, replied, with a fact no less and it was even pertinent.Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
Now hypothetical speaking would 2011 rovers or 2016 Dundalk have been as expansive and brilliant 🙄 in Europe if they had to play all their group games before the end of the league season? Or would pragmatism have become fashionable?
2011, was that the year of that Norwegian documentary about your kind? That was a good show, I think I put it in the recommended watch thread at the time. Maybe it was 2010...
No tactics just using Wikipedia, which maybe you being an old timer maybe haven?t heard of.Quote:
Originally Posted by A N Mouse
Yes they would have because they actually had a good manager.
What are you even talking about anymore, wise up for once on this forum.
How come you weren?t as quick to act when someone called me a R-tard on here?Quote:
Originally Posted by Real ale Madrid
Is that just an acceptable word to use in you?re world, or are you just selective on who you police on here?
I never said or implied it would be Rovers who make the breakthrough in Europe. You seem to have a loathing hatred for Rovers so now I hope they do. It'll sicken your ar*e. From your tone and you belief you are a higher authority to everyone I would assume you operate on this forum under two names??Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
Oh Rovers definitely won?t be, Nope I have a loathe hatred for teams that accept mediocrity and have no ambition. And I wouldn?t hope if I was you, you?re going to be disappointed and arse will be fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shinkicker
Nope wrong and not for the first time.
As I said if you have an issue, report and it will be dealt with. I don't read every single post.Quote:
Originally Posted by CSAD
The frustration from some posters over Shamrock Rover's conference league campaign so far is somewhat justified. There's a feeling that they are just going out for a run around, knowing they'l get beaten, and it's handy money anyway. That's not going to capture the imagination of the wider public. To that, SRFC fans would rightly say "So what. Winning the league gets us back there". But if they are as toothless and hapless in next years EL/ECL group stages, should they get there, being just happy to take the cheque and lose, it will hardly be a surprise if people aren't praising them from the rooftops for their anaemic displays. Now, it's possibly been forgotten and glossed over,even, that SRFC actually do have a point in the group so far, and it represents their first-earned point in a group stage competition. So that IS progress. But Dundalk EL 2016 were 10 times more fun to watch, and they really tried, whereas I feel SRFC have not tried, not really. Maybe that is apples and oranges by comparison but they shoud have had more ambition this year than "Ah well, sure we were going to lose anyway." as happened away to Molde. Also, it's distasteful that some posters are accusing each other of being egregious embeciles, and it would be nice to be fair and frank on here without personal jibes being involved.
This is 100% the point, even the Dundalk 2020 EL group stage team really tried, back to my point 'Had a Go', that night in Vienna Oct 2020, lost 4-3, I think we were the only club that night to score more than 2 and not get a result, and yes fully aware lost all 6 games, but again we had a go.Quote:
Originally Posted by CorribsideSteve
My u10 team this am lost 5-1 and I told them they were great for the last 5 as they had a go and got a goal back, they tried harder than Rovers have in the group stage !
I remember in 1994, Ray Treacy took a lot of stick after losing 7-0 to Gornik Zabrze in the European Cup - fans shouting stuff like "Are you going to win the league so we can get embarrassed in Europe again?" It feels like this season's results are quite comparable, but the viewpoint is the polar opposite.
I get that Europe has changed a lot since then and it's important to win the league so you can get an easy run to the groups, pick up another €3m and use that to consistently qualify - but against that I think Rovers fans are being excessively defensive of Bradley and his team selections. Granted Derry have improved a bit, but I don't think the title race should be quite so close at this stage. And given Rovers' crowds and recent Euro funds, they really should have built a squad capable of competing on two fronts at this stage.
I think that discussion can happen without Rovers fans calling people bitter and twisted and without CSAD questioning "you're [sic] brain size or knowledge in general".
I think the bitter and twisted comments are mostly reacting to some ridiculous OTT stuff. The league would have been over sooner if we hadn't been without our 3 most creative players Burke Byrne and mandroiu for most of the season.
That's what has led to Bradley playing weaker teams in Europe and I'm not being over defensive of him by saying he is doing the right thing I actually believe it is in the long term interest of the club. Before he named the team away to molde I qas calling for a team of 19s to play. Other fans might not care about the long term benefit to the club of making groups two years in a row (hopefully) and might prefer we weren't prioritising the league and that's fir enough. Different perspectives from different fans, there is no need for the hysterics on display though.
You're keeping it civil oriel, fair play. I'm not sure bringing up the 2020 Dundalk team is helpful though. You weren't competing for the league so it's not apples for apples. In fact you got smashed in the league at home 4-0 by a team with half your budget that year while you focused on your game with KI. The cup isn't the league in terms of level of effort. Especially not when you win your semi 11-0. You also lost all your games so it wasn't exactly a roaring success. Others keep mentioning the MON rovers team as if they actually came close to winning the group. They were comfortably beaten by Spurs reserves in reality.Quote:
Originally Posted by oriel
If we weren't competing for the league we'd go out hell for leather away from home. As it is we've priorities elsewhere and still managed to be competitive in our home group games, something which is being overlooked here as it doesn't fit the narrative. We drew with the top team in the group and played well against arguably the strongest team on paper this week. We played our game and created enough chances. The talk of needing a striker is fair and maybe Gaffney would have made the difference but we really need to get points against Drogs and he is better suited to that than other options. Our worst results aren't as bad as the 4-0 you took off us in Oriel in 2020. You'd swear we were going down 9-0 reading this thread. We're poor away from home all the same, no question and it needs to be fixed.
If we'd gotten the win against Djurgardens we might be looking at things differently but as it is, we've taken a fairly ruthless approach to focus on the league. Agree or not it doesn't bother me much. As I said earlier, I want the league not a moral victory or two in Europe.
To your earlier question on whether or not Jack has shown his class in the groups, the answer is no sadly. He's barely showed his class in the league and that is part of the issue. He hasn't been the same since the back and covid issues he got in 2020. Ironically the best example of him struggling was in the cup you won. He was anonymous that day and hasn't really gotten close to his best level since. He's had a few good assists and passages of play when he gets enough time on the ball but he either needs more time to get back there or.......well he's still a good loi player, just not a lad you'd coast to a league with or who might help you punch above your weight in Europe.
But surely this was completely diff, we played the u19's / B team / tea lady managed team and lost 4-0 indeed, but that was a one off game to ensure team was fresh for EL play off. We are talking about 3-4 consistent not having a go displays now by Rovers in group stage.
Ps the A team put the record straight with a 4-2 win v Rovers 3 months later in the cup final, easily the better team after 90 mins and most of ET.
And finally I want Rovers to do much better in the group stage, it reflects better on our league for better performances, not just results.