Adam Barton

[AlaskaFox]

Forget those who won’t play for us, says NI skipper Baird

[livehead1]

Are many of you soliciting?

[paul_oshea]

Do some of you guys work in the legal profession?

I think the question should read "Do some of you guys work?"

[Predator]

Quotes from Chris Baird: “It’s up to any player what he wants to do but if they aren’t committed then we can carry on without them,” said Baird.
“Nobody can change a player’s mind. If it’s not right for them, it’s not right. If he wants to move on then fair enough. It’s down to him at the end of the day."

[ArdeeBhoy]

Don't tell some of those on OWB....

[Not Brazil]

Quotes from Chris Baird: “It’s up to any player what he wants to do but if they aren’t committed then we can carry on without them,” said Baird.
“Nobody can change a player’s mind. If it’s not right for them, it’s not right. If he wants to move on then fair enough. It’s down to him at the end of the day."

I think Chris Baird has this spot on.

A player like him, who gives 100% for the green jersey, wouldn't have a lot of time for wasters in our squad.

[DannyInvincible]

According to a poster on OWC, Brian Kerr was on RTÉ radio yesterday evening discussing the eligibility issue and English-born players juggling between playing for England and playing for us. Apparently he was fairly critical of the FAI in relation to calling up players who are also eligible to play for NI, presumably a reference to Adam Barton. Anyone happen hear what he said?

I seem to remember Kerr writing something before in some column or other of his where he accused the FAI of "poaching" northern talent, but didn't Kerr call up northern-born players himself? And then, he holds a bit of a grudge with the FAI anyway, doesn't he?

[Not Brazil]

I seem to remember Kerr writing something before in some column or other of his where he accused the FAI of "poaching" northern talent, but didn't Kerr call up northern-born players himself? And then, he holds a bit of a grudge with the FAI anyway, doesn't he?

In an interview with the Irish Times (published 2nd March 2010), Kerr described the current recruitment policy of the FAI to be "unfair, seedy and predatory" and "wrong".

Bit of a poacher turned gamekeeper - he selected McStay and Crossley for ROI underage teams.

He qualified his apparent hypocricy, by commenting:

"But I do have a problem with the pursuit of lads who have played for Northern Ireland at underage level – in Duffy’s case even up to under-21. If either had declared for the Republic when they were younger then fine, but once a fella gets to 17, 18 we shouldn’t be dizzy trying to get them"

[tetsujin1979]

According to a poster on OWC, Brian Kerr was on RTÉ radio yesterday evening discussing the eligibility issue and English-born players juggling between playing for England and playing for us. Apparently he was fairly critical of the FAI in relation to calling up players who are also eligible to play for NI, presumably a reference to Adam Barton. Anyone happen hear what he said?

It was newstalk, you can listen to it here: http://media.newstalk.ie/listenback
Scroll down to Off The Ball -> Wednesday, March 23rd -> Part 1.
The discussion starts just after the 30 minute mark, and also includes Malachy Clerkin from Setanta

[ArdeeBhoy]

According to a poster on OWC, Brian Kerr was on RTÉ radio yesterday evening discussing the eligibility issue and English-born players juggling between playing for England and playing for us. Apparently he was fairly critical of the FAI in relation to calling up players who are also eligible to play for NI, presumably a reference to Adam Barton. Anyone happen hear what he said?

I seem to remember Kerr writing something before in some column or other of his where he accused the FAI of "poaching" northern talent, but didn't Kerr call up northern-born players himself? And then, he holds a bit of a grudge with the FAI anyway, doesn't he?

Wasn't Brian Kerr himself eligible for the North, as in having the minimum of a Beal-feirste born grandparent?

I did talk to him some years ago on the subject of this & his alleged support of Rangers, but unsurprisingly he was somewhat evasive on the subject.
Though he did claim his primary commitment was to the FAI. Who were his employers at the time.

[DannyInvincible]

Wasn't Brian Kerr himself eligible for the North, as in having the minimum of a Beal-feirste born grandparent?

I did talk to him some years ago on the subject of this & his alleged support of Rangers, but unsurprisingly he was somewhat evasive on the subject.
Though he did claim his primary commitment was to the FAI. Who were his employers at the time.

Not sure of Kerr's background at all but it's unlikely he ever would have made any international squad given that the highest level he ever played at was with the Shelbourne 'B' team before calling it a day and focusing on coaching.

Just reading about his early days on Wikipedia and found these bits in particular both amusing and rather curious:

At age 13, Kerr took his first coaching role when appointed to the Crumlin United under 11 side.

He was reserve team manager at Shelbourne F.C. in 1978 and after a stint playing for Bluebell United he was appointed assistant manager at Shels in 1983. The following season he moved to Home Farm where he was involved in a bizarre incident in November 1984.

Anyone know what the "bizarre incident" entailed?

[gastric]

I think Chris Baird has this spot on.

A player like him, who gives 100% for the green jersey, wouldn't have a lot of time for wasters in our squad.

No you're right, if they won't give 100% to the green jersey, they can play for you wasters!

[Predator]

As if Kerr's opinion matters. He's just sticking his oar in.

[ArdeeBhoy]

For once Danny, am going to pull rank. The word was 'eligible'.
As it wasn't just Ireland he was eligible for. Scotland too, possibly?

In fact I'm surprised certain posters haven't started getting animated about whatever 'whataboutery' that proves, if anything.

[Gather round]

No you're right, if they won't give 100% to the green jersey, they can play for you wasters!

Don't be like that G. Clearly both squads have and had a number of wasters over the years.

As if Kerr's opinion matters. He's just sticking his oar in

Aren't we all?

[shakermaker1982]

You Northern Ireland fans confident about the Serbie game tonight? I bet it's gonna be a little strange for both sets of players playing in front of 200 or so people. Could you guys sneak a win/get a draw?

[SwanVsDalton]

Gorman, Corry Evans and Cathcart in the NI team. Would have few worries with Cathcart, but the other two are very raw. Bit of a gamble.

[Not Brazil]

You Northern Ireland fans confident about the Serbie game tonight? I bet it's gonna be a little strange for both sets of players playing in front of 200 or so people. Could you guys sneak a win/get a draw?

Massive ask shakermaker 1982.

Not convinced that the surreal atmosphere will do us any favours.

Odd team selection - a real gamble.

Hoping for a draw, fearing a 3-0 defeat.

[Stuttgart88]

Cory Evans has scored more away winners against good teams than any ROI player in 20 years!

I think the Serbs are a tasty team though.

The surreal atmosphere will surely resemble the reserve team atmosphere your players are used to

[paul_oshea]

when the cats away the mouse will play.