Stephen Ward

**paul_oshea** · 12/09/2011, 1:38 PM

We obviously read things completely differently then. And those who I talked to after the game saw it the same as I did.

**Charlie Darwin** · 12/09/2011, 2:22 PM

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he'll play in the next two qualifiers regardless of Killer's fitness.

**SwanVsDalton** · 12/09/2011, 2:52 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

We obviously read things completely differently then. And those who I talked to after the game saw it the same as I did.

Opinionated football fans in disagreement shocka. Quite a few people post-game roughly agreed with my view, so did some people on here. But I'm not about to do a headcount. It's totally irrelevant.

We disagree, fine - I'd be interested to know your thoughts more on Ward's willingness, desire for possession and some of the tremendous clearances he made but that's up to you.

I simply feel those shellacking him are focusing entirely on the mistakes he made without really considering the undoubtedly decent elements of his performance.

Either way Ward certainly doesn't deserve the Dunphy-esque 'nothing player' style descriptions he's been getting.

**SwanVsDalton** · 12/09/2011, 2:58 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he'll play in the next two qualifiers regardless of Killer's fitness.

Think so too, especially with Andorra being next. Probably with Ward's to lose now. Mad to think considering how long we've been debating Killer being replaced in the team, though I wouldn't bet against him coming back in for a crucial play-off or similar.

**Stuttgart88** · 12/09/2011, 3:04 PM

For what it's worth, I'd prefer KK back to face Armenia.

**tetsujin1979** · 12/09/2011, 3:24 PM

Ward is carrying a yellow card, for that reason alone I'd drop him for the Andorra game, it's not worth the risk of him picking up a needless booking for anything (mistimed tackle, mouthing off to the ref, coughing in the general direction of the assistant, etc) and missing the Armenia game

**paul_oshea** · 12/09/2011, 3:34 PM

Play him against Andorra then, quick fast.

**osarusan** · 12/09/2011, 3:39 PM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Play him against Andorra then, quick fast.

Spot on Paul. We'd hate to go into the Armenia game with two left full backs available. Makes much more sense to have only one.

**Charlie Darwin** · 12/09/2011, 3:45 PM

Ideally Kilbane would be injured and Ward suspended so we could go into the game with 10 men. Left back can't be a liability if you're not playing one!

**paul_oshea** · 12/09/2011, 3:45 PM

We all know we have plenty of cover. And if trap has to be forced into a decision then it has in the past worked out best for us, thats the directly i was talking about before.

**theworm2345** · 04/12/2011, 3:48 PM

Just saved a goal from Sessegnon, good hustle to get back.

**Dublin Red** · 04/12/2011, 4:13 PM

Originally Posted by theworm2345

Just saved a goal from Sessegnon, good hustle to get back.

Ya, good man.

Think it's more important to note he's actually Captaining Wolves today. Looks like a bit of a leader on the pitch!

**SkStu** · 04/12/2011, 5:16 PM

captain? really? What a rise for the lad. Brilliant to see.

**tricky_colour** · 04/12/2011, 7:24 PM

Only caught the end bit of the game, delighted they won, not too surprised Ward was made captain, I always
got the impression he was a 'proper footballer' someone who knew what he was doing, ie someone who looks
up before he hoofs it up the pitch - lol.

**Jaysus** · 04/12/2011, 8:48 PM

Did well today, much better than O'Shea.

**Noelys Guitar** · 04/12/2011, 11:40 PM

Best player on the pitch. We have found a decent left back. Never once today gave the ball away. Always seemed to be playing in second gear. Better cross into the box and we have a real winner on our hands.

**theworm2345** · 05/12/2011, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by Noelys Guitar

Best player on the pitch. We have found a decent left back. Never once today gave the ball away. Always seemed to be playing in second gear. Better cross into the box and we have a real winner on our hands.

Its no surprise, he had a damn good teacher

Zubar didn't have a great game at right back but he is just returning from a long injury layoff so hopefully he can find his form and secure the other side and Wolves can win a few games and not have to look over their shoulder so much when facing Arsenal (A), Bolton (well they don't count), Chelsea (H), and Spurs (A) in four straight matches at the turn of the year. They do go to Old Trafford next though.

**tricky_colour** · 05/12/2011, 2:14 AM

Have to admit I thought he was out of position just before he cleared that ball off the line!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously I was thinking he should have been marking the guy wider on the right
on here at 3.16 but I guess he had a better view than I did

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znbhuc46Dyw

But I think that goes along with my general opinion that he reads the game well, the guy out wide
could have been a danger but by getting between the sticks he has him covered too, so a good decision overall.

**drummerboy** · 05/12/2011, 8:32 AM

This lad has been steadily improving for the last few seasons. When you consider he started off as a striker, they was played as a winger. Then he was converted to left full, but is still asked to play up front and in central midfield on occasions. He made a shakey enough start for Ireland but seems to have settled to international football. Still has plenty to learn but its great to see him improving his game all the time.

**geysir** · 05/12/2011, 9:57 AM

Originally Posted by tricky_colour

But I think that goes along with my general opinion that he reads the game well, the guy out wide
could have been a danger but by getting between the sticks he has him covered too, so a good decision overall.

It was the correct decision, a goal saving decision and an excellent piece of defending.