He's a Donegal born and bred 'moderator' over on OWC, who's also a member of foot.ie.
Predator's point says it all really.
Last edited by The Fly; 08/02/2012 at 7:57 PM.
NB, Just had a look at the James McLean thread and it seems he has copped a lot of crap for declaring for us. Would you agree that under your proposal of 18 years old being encouraged to decide their commitment either way, that a player like McLean would even cop more abuse if they decided later in their careers to change allegiance?
Not neccessarily - At least the player would have been honest with the IFA, and himself.
The like's of Paul George did the right thing - for that, from me, he gains respect.
McClean appears to lack dignity and integrity - apologising on Twitter to Republic fans for previously having played for "da North"![]()
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
When you've been hounded by fools for identifying with the FAI rather than the IFA, you can lose perspective - which happens easily when you are naive. Shane Duffy made his declaration 2 years ago, Gibson and Wilson even longer, and they still receive the harshest of criticism.
End Apartheid Now! One Team in Ireland!
The point I am making is your proposal will, IMO, magnify the issue and lead to greater fallout than already exists. This will put undue pressure on young players, and families, and could potentially lead to intimidation, both physically, emotionally and mentally. TBH, I still think your proposal is simplistic and can be manipulated by individuals.
PS. I will read the comments from Eunan O' Kane over the weekend and debate this with you then!
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
I'm sorry he represented Northern Ireland too.
Hence, why I seek to minimise the amount of players like McClean playing for Northern Ireland whose heart is set on representing the FAI.
No problem with identifying with the FAI - just do it before identifying with IFA representative teams at Under 19 and above.
That way, apologies will not be necessary to fans of the South by the likes of McClean.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
In your last two posts you have referred to the IFA as being the winners in all of this. I am more interested in the welfare of players, whatever country they choose to represent. Unless you have player welfare at the top of any plan, you cannot have any chance of ongoing success.
I haven't mentioned winners - or losers.
Helping a player to voice his international career aspirations at the start of his international career is good for both the FAI and IFA - each benefiting from players wholly committed to their respective causes at an early age ie. Under 19.
Plus, the players have a sense of well being, representing the place where their heart lies at an early opportunity.
I think you are trying to create red herrings.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
And I still FIFA will rightfully ignore it, based on the denial of freedom of choice, by the individual.
Especially as such individuals within all countries would still be within their rules.
And you already know their rules, before you ask one of your 'questions'.
Therein lies the problem NB. Football in the north is administered by the IFA, an association that for many young players they have zero affinity with and never will. But they are stuck with it.
I know a few IFA youth coaches who are Ireland fans & travel to games, but it's their job. They love the game and would be more than happy coaching under an FAI banner, but that's not an option at the moment.
Until an FAI alternative youth coaching system exists within the north then you are just going to have to get used to the next dozen McClean's, Gibson's & Duffy's coming through a system that hey have no allegiance to.
AB,
My suggestion does not involve FIFA.
But if you think highlighting a player's choices, constitutes a denial of freedom of choice, you're a tad confused.![]()
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
They are not "stuck with it" at all.
A young player born in Northern Ireland is not stuck with the IFA.
They can choose to represent the South - I want those with no affinity with the IFA to do this at the earliest opportunity.
No one forces them to represent the IFA - they can simply refuse a call up.
You're normally quite sharp, but this comment was pure nonsense.
The Englishmen came over in the year 2005
But little did they know that we'd planned a wee surprise
Sir David scored the winner, and Windsor Park went wild
And this is what we sang...
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