Quotebrilliantly put terrywhat i would have wrote if i was articulate enough
I really hope Finnan stays put. Not alone because a move to Wolves would be close to a worst-case scenario in terms of English clubs to go to (a player of Finnan's quality deserves a team with greater finesse), but also because he hasn't had a proper shot at making a name for himself in La Liga: returning to some Wolves/Birmingham/Sunderland type side would be a very deflating and defeatist turn of events. Finnan's cool temperament, confidence with the ball at his feet and attacking sensibilities are all classic hallmarks of La Liga stars: his consistency, however, is a lesser-seen trait over there. He'll be in a good side there, improving himself still by coping with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo etc.Originally Posted by Wolfie
Plus, just as a personal point of principle, the more Irish players based outside Britain the better. Exposure to different tactical approaches and how to operate in alternative formations, as are learned on d'Continent, can only develop a player's game. I feel a lot of our players would actually come on in leaps and bounds if they broke out of the monochrome tactical environment of the EPL, but the hoary old ways there stunt the footballing education the younger ones are supposed to receive. Stay at Espanyol, Steve, and show them just how good you are. There are scandalously few Irishmen playing beyond our neighbouring island. Here's hoping Finnan proves to everyone that breaking the British mould can result in success, progress and should not hold any fear for anyone. I'd imagine given his constant equations to Italian counterparts and 'scouting' of players like Given for Italian clubs, Trapattoni must be in favour of a few more Irish players breaking out and trying their hand/foot at life on the Continent.
brilliantly put terry
Last edited by irishultra; 24/07/2009 at 5:37 PM.
Tezzer sure can put a pen to paper.
It looks that if Finnan does end up staying out his contract in Spain, it will be in spite of Espanyol's best efforts to get shod of him.
Espanyol don't want him. They are looking to cancel his contract at the moment!
It's Finnan that wants to leave and has wanted to leave ever since he got there.
Its both! Espanyol def don't want him!
Their loss! Be good to have him back in the Premiership. Def our best right back at the moment!
I thought Finnan said he wanted to get match fit and regain his place while Espanyol went public with their attempts to find him another home. Maybe it was his agent, well versed in double talk.
Finnan wouldn't be any loss to Espanyol, he has been injured for most of the season.
He would be a big risk and a wage drain for their next season. They might even get a few Euro for whats left on his contract
About to sign for Portsmouth on a free according to Radio 5.
If he goes to Portsmouth maybe he will stay healthy and play regularly.
People in here are always talking about having Irish players in Spain and Italy, I get the point but who cares if they never play and want to leave there? Thats not doing any good for him or the international outlook on Irish players.
Well, in fairness he didn't play due to injury, rather than poor form. I think a few of us were just hoping to watch one of our top players play in another league to see how he'd do, and now it doesn't look like we're going to get that chance with Finnan.
But I agree with the idea that it's better that our players play in the Premiership rather than sit on the bench somewhere on the continent.
last year of Finnan's contract cancelled by Espanyol: http://www.rcdespanyol.com/ingles/in...detalleNoticia
The 2nd year must have been an option?
Or else Finnan has found a club and needs to be a free agent in order for them to sign him up.
I really don't buy into the whole notion that Finnan should stay at Espanyol. As far as I'm concerned, there's very little difference between Portsmouth and Espanyol, other than playing with a couple of useful players, both teams are poor enough. The most important thing is that he play as often as he can, and is involved in a decent set-up. I think he'll find that at Portsmouth.
Isn't Marc Wilson a right back?? If Finnan signs for Portsmouth, would this stop the progress of an up and coming Irish full back?
Wilson is naturally a centre-back who has played mainly at right-full for Portsmouth.
He has also played for them as a right midfielder and as a central midfielder.
Due to Portsmouth's ridiculously small squad, and his versatility, I anticipate a lot of playing time for Wilson this season.
If Finnan doesn't arrive, I wouldn't be surprised if he was first choice right-full to start the season.
Finnan signs 1 year deal with Portsmouth
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...458213,00.html
Wilson played right midfield for Pompey at the weekend
Pompey also have England U21 right back Martin Cranie, and plan to strengthen further before the season starts.
Hopefully Wilson is in with a shout at right midfield this season.
It would nice to have 2 irish players down the same channel.
I think Portsmouth will go down. I am very disappointed in this move.
"No regrets, none at all. My only regret is that we went out on penalties. That's my only regret. But no, no regrets." -Mick McCarthy
nah shouldnt matter, he's basically finished as an international player now anyway so getting first team football which ill assume he'll get before the world cup is as good as anything and especially in the premier league as he could have ended up in lower english divisions which wouldnt have been great, dissapointing though thought he would have been a good la liga right back and might have prolonged his career.
he was at a better team before he went to espanyol so it wasnt a step up for him or anything probably just a little late in his career for the change though.
Easy there. Steve Finnan is not finished as an international player at all. Let's see how he does this year with Portsmouth before we write him off so easily. Fifteen months ago he was the starting right back for Liverpool.
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