What ye think of this?

[noby]

I think if the rule is there, then I have no problem exploiting it.
while we don't want journey men, wanting international caps, declaring for Ireland, I see nothing wrong with seeking out players that are eligible, for the benefit of the team.

Other countries use the rules to their benefit, so why not us?

[John83]

I agree. For example, Morrisson is clearly a band-wagon jumper, but I still want him in the team becausehe's a good striker and he tries hard when he's in the team. To paraphrase that Lucozade bloke, when you win, nothing else matters.

[Slash/ED]

Originally posted by John83
I agree. For example, Morrisson is clearly a band-wagon jumper, but I still want him in the team becausehe's a good striker and he tries hard when he's in the team. To paraphrase that Lucozade bloke, when you win, nothing else matters.

Fact.

[Irish_Hoop]

QPR fan here.

Some points of clarification

1. Kevin Gallen "opted" for England because the club didn't want him to be classed as foreign for UEFA purposes (in the early to mid 90's we were quite good and were close to qualifying for Europe. Seems a long time ago now).

2. Gallen may be playing in Division 2 but that bald fact hides a lot. He is with QPR because he loves the club - remember that old fashioned virtue, loyalty? He only left because he was forced out by Gerry Francis and came back as soon as he was gone. He is a very good player - at least Division 1 level, and there were rumours of him being scouted by Spurs last year (which confirms his divsion 1 quality in my book!).

3. Gallen's career at the highest level was thwarted by his cruciate ligament injury in 1996. That kept him out of the game for over a year, and when he came back he had lost a crucial yard of pace. What he lost in pace he more than makes up for in guile, intelligence and he is an excellent link man between midfield and attack.


I think you a lot of you are taking this far too seriously. It is possible to be Irish and English. I am London born of Irish parents, living in Ireland and I follow both Ireland and England. When they played each other I supported Ireland but that would be the only time I cheer against England. It really ****es me off to hear Irish people booing the England players they were cheering only a week ago when playing for their clubs.

[NigeSausagepump]

Originally posted by Irish_Hoop
It really ****es me off to hear Irish people booing the England players they were cheering only a week ago when playing for their clubs.

While I personally don't have any axe to grind with the England football team and I do find it slightly sad to see Irish people booing the English team, I must say I also find it sad seeing English people doing the same to the likes of Argentina and Germany. The reasoning behind the Irish booing the English isn't a million miles away from why the English boo the teams of the countries I've mentioned.

[Beavis]

England have rivals with many nations;Germany,Argentina,France,Scotland,Wales,Ir eland.We have one nemesis and an irish person can hadly be faulted for having an anti-British sentiment.I'm not talking mindless 'Up the Ra' 'F*uck the Huns' and 'The Wolfetones are Ireland's greatest band' boll*x but there's nothing wrong with gaining joy in seeing England lose after,well,keeping a nation oppressed for 100s of years.(not trying to start a history argument but anyway no-one will deny this)
If this feeling in Ireland never manifests itself in much more than the odd booing of a player,then what is the harm really?

[Irish_Hoop]

I take both the points made above, and agree that England do boo Germany and Argentina. I don't like that either.

It's just being the son of Irish immigrants in England gives you a different perspective. England gave my parents the opportunities they couldn't get back home, and I'm grateful for that. I know my history as much as the next man, and know what happened in Ireland in the past.

I firmly believe, however, that the Irish physche needs to move to the next level - independent for over 80 years, peace (of sorts) in the Northe, the time has come for the nation to display maturity and move on.

And by the way, you forgot to mention that the English boo the French as well.

And Australia,

and.....

[NigeSausagepump]

Originally posted by Irish_Hoop
in Ireland in the past.

I firmly believe, however, that the Irish physche needs to move to the next level - independent for over 80 years, peace (of sorts) in the Northe, the time has come for the nation to display maturity and move on.

Agreed.

I also think that the psyche of some of the English fans needs to move on too. Much as whatever beef the Irish had with the English is in the past (opening major can of worms there!), so too is England's supposed gripe with the Germans, the Argentineans and the French. Having lived in England for 4 years I have a soft spot for their football team, but I most certainly don't have a soft spot for the attitude of some sections of the media and some of the fans towards certain foreign nations.

[Irish_Hoop]

Originally posted by NigeSausagepump
Agreed.

I also think that the psyche of some of the English fans needs to move on too. Much as whatever beef the Irish had with the English is in the past (opening major can of worms there!), so too is England's supposed gripe with the Germans, the Argentineans and the French. Having lived in England for 4 years I have a soft spot for their football team, but I most certainly don't have a soft spot for the attitude of some sections of the media and some of the fans towards certain foreign nations.

Spot on.

[noby]

Originally posted by Irish_Hoop
QPR fan here.

Some points of clarification

1. Kevin Gallen "opted" for England because the club didn't want him to be classed as foreign for UEFA purposes

Out of curiosity, what would happen if he (or any player for that matter) didn't opt for anyone. what would uefa class him as then?

[Irish_Hoop]

I don't think it matters anymore.

You are either an EU player or not. If not, you need a work permit.

[Plastic Paddy]

Originally posted by Irish_Hoop
I don't think it matters anymore.

You are either an EU player or not. If not, you need a work permit.

Hoop's right. Back in the day, the rules allowed clubs to have 3 foreign and 2 "assimilated" players. The latter covered players who had played for a club/lived in a country for more than 5 years. ISTR that Ryan Giggs was a high-profile case in the latter category when the rules were introduced, as ManUre were previously concerned that he would be treated as a foreign player (and thus be subject to the quota when being considered for selection). Anyhow, then came along one Jean-Marc Bosman and the whole thing fell down like a house of cards.

These days, the common rules tend to state that a non-EU player should have represented his country in 75% of all competitive fixtures in the previous two years before a work permit will be granted. But I digress.

PP