Unfortunately for Andy, Ireland's game does rely disproportionately on athletic ability.Originally Posted by tricky_colour
Somehow I doubt the lead-up to the Euros will be dominated by another media-led campaign to restore Reid to the side. It's hardly much of an achievement, but the football media have at least picked better flavours of the month in recent months.
The fact that he was in such good shape a few years back showed that it can be done, if the will is there. Now, I'm a big Andy Reid fan but if he couldn't be bothered his arse to get into the best possible shape, he really doesn't deserve anything other than what he is getting. Relying exclusively on his natural ability obviously gets him so far, but there's no doubt being fitter would help his game too, even with simple things like making a bit of space for himself over a couple of yards to send in a cross, have a shot or even make a simple pass. There is no way the guy should be playing for a team fighting for their lives in the Championship, given his ability. It is sinful really given the dietitians and personal trainers at his disposal.
Last edited by DeLorean; 14/03/2012 at 12:27 PM.
I would go along with this, also from the Ireland viewpoint, we could really do with an Andy Reid at the top of his game in his prime and playing for a decent club in the level above the one he is in at present, but he is choosing not to and it is a choice, he could address it. It always surprises me when there are calls on here for him to be in our squads when he delivers an occasional decent 90 for Forest as he clearly isn't as bothered about it in return.
As has been pointed out earlier in this thread, if it wasn't for Andy Reid then Forest would be down already. But that doesn't mean he should be near the Ireland squad unless we get the cruellest spate of injuries.
He's shamelessly overweight, it doesn't stop him being Forest's best creative outlet though. Reid's crossing is awesome and he threads through some nice passes to actually get our midfield moving and give the strikers something to look forward to. Pace isn't a massive problem as Forest have it on the other side with McCleary and in the Championship Reid's close control and intelligence is enough - at international level it would not be.
Reid's lack of fitness means he's a bit of a luxury to have around, but it would be no exaggeration to say he has created two-thirds of the goals Forest have scored in 2012. It should also be said that his attitude has been good, even when he's been a bit-part player, and is one of the few to give the impression of caring for the club's future.
His influence could become heavier (sorry) if Forest manager Steve Cotterill didn't insist upon defenders bypassing the midfield with such regularity, because the decent players Forest have (Reid, Garath McCleary, Adlene Guedioura) are clearly better suited to a passing game.
So to sum up - yes he's a useful player at Championship level and is showing leadership in a struggling side, but his international days are over.
Watched Andy play in Forest's 7-3 win against Leeds tonight. Reid himself got 4 assists and was sensational, his left peg controlled the game.
It still proves he can do it;sadly though no-one of influence cares any more, least of all Trap.
If only we were playing Leeds United and not Spain at the Euros...
Bang on. There are about 10 better midfielders in the Premier League than Reid.
EDIT: Just seen the highlights now. Crazy stuff.
Last edited by nigel-harps1954; 20/03/2012 at 10:43 PM.
Shame none of them are Irish.
Oh..rry?
Pound for pound he is as good as any midfielder in the premiership.
pound for pound he's as good as several premiership midfielders at once.
" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"
I don't think you guys understand how the pound for pound thing works.
Yeah, it's the other way around. It applies to athletes the smaller they get.
People see weight as a negative thing but it is useful for stability and balance, also a slightly overweight player
knows he has to be mentally sharp when they loose weight they can loose that and instead rely on mindless athletic
ability. Running around like the proverbial blue arsed fly.
To be fair a midfield of Coleman, A.Reid , Stephen (D)Ireland and McClean would probably do little worse than the four first-choice picks in Gdansk, come June...
Was O'Dea playing for Leeds?
Yep, a defensive midfield role supposedly.
Are you mad? You see nothing imbalanced about that midfield?
Whereas two plodders like Whelan and Andrews have about as much creativity as a wet fart...
What's yer point?
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