Ciaran Clark D Free agent b.1989

**SwanVsDalton** · 27/03/2013, 4:29 PM

Originally Posted by swinfordfc

I disagree there - Clark has not been Villa best back this year, Lowton has by a mile! Vlaar is a better defender than Clark and if Dunne does come back playing soccer - Clark will be off that team and a new left back will be got this summer cause Baker is a central back and the 3 left backs Villa have at present are all useless

Lowton's been decent but you he's been no better than Clark. He's gets caught behind at least half a dozen times a game and gives the ball away like it's made of asbestos. That's actually not as critical as it seems - he's been very good at times but he's got a seriously long way to go.

Vlaar's been disappointing for a guy with his level of experience. For him even to be in the same breath as Baker or Clark is a bad sign.

Clark's made his mistakes but in games where Villa have fronted up defensively he's almost always been at the heart of it.

**swinfordfc** · 27/03/2013, 4:32 PM

Villa have fronted up defensively

In fairest for a Villa fan this year - they not done that to often - Only for Guzan and Benteke - we be down by now

**SwanVsDalton** · 27/03/2013, 4:44 PM

Originally Posted by swinfordfc

Villa have fronted up defensively

In fairest for a Villa fan this year - they not done that to often - Only for Guzan and Benteke - we be down by now

Oh aye I'd agree with that. But Clark's done well since the New Year when Villa have been solid at the back imo.

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/07/2013, 11:06 AM

3 more years for the doc's nemesis at Villa: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/socc...illa-1.1467610

**the doc** · 18/07/2013, 4:12 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

3 more years for the doc's nemesis at Villa: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/socc...illa-1.1467610

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.

Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.

I've got no time for players who play underage for England then jump ship to Ireland as their second choice.

The Green shirt and Ireland should be your first and only choice.

It's a honour to wear the green for yourself, the fans and the country.

Sadly some dont share those values and passion.

**Ol� Ol�** · 18/07/2013, 5:10 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.

Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.

I've got no time for players who play underage for England then jump ship to Ireland as their second choice.

The Green shirt and Ireland should be your first and only choice.

It's a honour to wear the green for yourself, the fans and the country.

Sadly some dont share those values and passion.

It wasn't his second choice though. It wasn't too long before him 'jumping ship' from England that he was their captain at under-20 level. Everyone seeking to an informed opinion on Clark should be aware of this.

However, that clearly isn't your intention. Why haven't Millwall signed you up yet? They're currently looking at Nicky Shorey and John Paintsil who are on trial.

**the doc** · 18/07/2013, 7:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ol� Ol�

It wasn't his second choice though. It wasn't too long before him 'jumping ship' from England that he was their captain at under-20 level. Everyone seeking to an informed opinion on Clark should be aware of this.l.

It was his second choice, fact!
If he thought he could of made the senior England side he wouldn't of come crawling to us.

He played for England underage teams, why didn't he choose to play for Ireland instead? Or at the very least make it know to the FAI of his interest.

In contrast SSL turned down an offer to play underage level with England saying he was only interested in playing for Ireland.

Id rather have players that are truly committed to the green jersey instead of second rate mercenaries.

COYBIG

**youngirish** · 18/07/2013, 8:02 PM

Originally Posted by Ol� Ol�

It wasn't his second choice though. It wasn't too long before him 'jumping ship' from England that he was their captain at under-20 level. Everyone seeking to an informed opinion on Clark should be aware of this.

However, that clearly isn't your intention. Why haven't Millwall signed you up yet? They're currently looking at Nicky Shorey and John Paintsil who are on trial.

I know the Doc goes overboard with his criticism of his main competition for the central defence spot in the Ireland back four but let's cut him some slack, he's done a good job for Ireland in my opinion and always shows a great attitude towards representing the boys in green. Some more of the current crop including many born and bred in Ireland could learn a lot from him in that regard.

On a side note I have no idea what happened to his form and career at club level. He looked like a certainty to be a future premiership player only a few years ago.

**Irwin3** · 18/07/2013, 9:03 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

It was his second choice, fact!
If he thought he could of made the senior England side he wouldn't of come crawling to us.

He played for England underage teams, why didn't he choose to play for Ireland instead? Or at the very least make it know to the FAI of his interest.

In contrast SSL turned down an offer to play underage level with England saying he was only interested in playing for Ireland.

Id rather have players that are truly committed to the green jersey instead of second rate mercenaries.

COYBIG

When was this? SSL hardly strikes as a Kilbane type or even a Clark type (both have Irish parent(s)). SSL only has 1 Irish-born grandparent, so presumably 3 English/British-born grandparents, 2 English/British-born parents as well as himself being English-born.

Even if true I'd say it was him being pragmatic as he would never have a hope in hell of playing for England. In a different era he would've been lucky to get near our squad, irrespective of how well he has/hasn't played when actually called upon.

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/07/2013, 9:59 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.

Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.

Another who'll be playing Premier League football next season.

**the doc** · 18/07/2013, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Another who'll be playing Premier League football next season.

Along with Bruce, so will McShane would you play these ahead of SSL?

Yes I know daddy's boy now plays for NI!

**Charlie Darwin** · 18/07/2013, 11:32 PM

Who mentioned playing ahead of Sean St Ledger?

**Paddy Garcia** · 19/07/2013, 5:59 AM

Originally Posted by the doc

I think he's more a nemesis to the team to be honest.

The biggest mystery is how he managed to get a new contract.

Quite simply, over rated, very poor player, on a similar level to Bruce.

I've got no time for players who play underage for England then jump ship to Ireland as their second choice.

The Green shirt and Ireland should be your first and only choice.

It's a honour to wear the green for yourself, the fans and the country.

Sadly some dont share those values and passion.

England tried to retain Clark - and were far from being ready to dispense with him.

**tetsujin1979** · 19/07/2013, 9:32 AM

Originally Posted by the doc

It was his second choice, fact!
If he thought he could of made the senior England side he wouldn't of come crawling to us.

He played for England underage teams, why didn't he choose to play for Ireland instead? Or at the very least make it know to the FAI of his interest.

In contrast SSL turned down an offer to play underage level with England saying he was only interested in playing for Ireland.

Id rather have players that are truly committed to the green jersey instead of second rate mercenaries.

COYBIG

slightly more than played for their underage sides, he captained them. He didn't know he still qualified to play for the Republic until a chance meeting between his parents and Richard Dunne at pre season

**the doc** · 19/07/2013, 12:17 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

slightly more than played for their underage sides, he captained them. He didn't know he still qualified to play for the Republic until a chance meeting between his parents and Richard Dunne at pre season

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

**SwanVsDalton** · 19/07/2013, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

POTY.

Doc has spoken. RIP thread. RIP Clark's career.

**tetsujin1979** · 19/07/2013, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

POTY.

Doc has spoken. RIP thread. RIP Clark's career.

alas, poor Clarky, we hardly knew him

**BonnieShels** · 19/07/2013, 1:57 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

I feel like the doc has just pardied himself in that post.

**tetsujin1979** · 19/07/2013, 3:45 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

Not strictly true, you of all people should know not to believe what's in the papers.

Pointless thread as he will be lucky to be back up for us and won't make the Villa team.

That's it! End of conversation.

I know my footie.

In Trap we trust

must be very lucky so, in the squad VS Wales