Ireland - A Squad Divided.

**NeilMcD** · 19/10/2007, 10:01 AM

What did you hear Stuttgart.

**paul_oshea** · 19/10/2007, 10:02 AM

Some of the elder statesmen have been far too comfortable for far too long and sitting in the middle of the old boys clique doesn't help.

I think i alluded to reason for this before.

I've no doubt (as someone PM'd me) that if results were better the atmosphere would be better.

And vice versa?!

**ifk101** · 19/10/2007, 10:03 AM

Due to my location, I follow the fortunes of Sweden's national side. And they have a big division within their squad. It's well known that Freddie Ljungberg and Olaf Mellberg have it in for each other. Some of the players support Ljungberg, others support Mellberg. However this is not an issue for the team's success and Sweden continue to qualify for championship after championship.

Another example is Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham.They didn't talk to each other when playing together at Man Utd.

Point being you don't necessarily have to have a group of players that like each other to get them functioning as a team. A skilled manager can divert these problems.

**Stuttgart88** · 19/10/2007, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

What did you hear Stuttgart.

Robbie Keane called John O'Shea a sissy and O'Shea pulled Robbie's hair and put a snail in his boot.

**paul_oshea** · 19/10/2007, 10:10 AM

Robbie Keane called John O'Shea a sissy and O'Shea pulled Robbie's hair and put a snail in his boot.

Id say he called him more than that

**BradyIsMyHero** · 19/10/2007, 10:28 AM

Whether the article is fully true or not, it is as plain as day that something is dreadfully wrong in the camp.

It is also as plain as day that Delaney (the quisling) is now fully prepared to give Stan the boot ( "It wasn't me who apponted him...). Clearly , the accountants in Merrion Square know that there is no possibility of filling Croke Park under current circumstances (think of forthcoming friendlies v Brazil for a start) and that something has to change.

Stan is the sacrificial lamb, and easier to get rid of. Delaney, unfortunately, will stay

**Stuttgart88** · 19/10/2007, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by BradyIsMyHero

Clearly , the accountants in Merrion Square know that there is no possibility of filling Croke Park under current circumstances (think of forthcoming friendlies v Brazil for a start) and that something has to change.

You can actually see the Euro signs ringing in the FAI's eyes. First home game, new "world class" manager, new era...

**Drumcondra 69er** · 19/10/2007, 10:48 AM

Easy article to write with very little substance to it really. Results are **** therefore the atmosphere is going to be bad. Stop the press, man hugs people he knows and doesn't hug people he doesn't! Those that made points about Sweeden and Sheringham / Cole are spot on. We were lucky enough to have a squad of players that got on exceptionally well under Charlton (bar O'Leary but that didn't stop him getting lept on after his penalty did it) and under McCarthy (bar Judas of course). Maybe they don't get on so well now, so what, it's up to the manager to ensure that doesn't impact and they all pull together on the pitch. The problem is that Staunton is incapable of doing this so that makes the situation ten times worse.

As for Stephen Ireland, well I'm sorry Stephen but that's teh sort of banter you can expect amongst any group of lads in their twenties, do a Shane Warne and sell an ad for advanced hair studios if you like rather then denying it and getting into a huff over it. You reckon the aussies didn't take the **** out of Warne when he had his rug done?? Doubt he cried over it.

O'Donnell's an average journalist at best, that story is pure hearsay.

**geysir** · 19/10/2007, 11:03 AM

Well assessed Drumcondra. I was thinking of Keith Wood with his velcro and go.

**MojoPin** · 19/10/2007, 11:04 AM

[QUOTE=Stuttgart88;795083 why should a journalist not bring it to the public domain? [/QUOTE]

because we are not a communist state

**tetsujin1979** · 19/10/2007, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by MojoPin

because we are not a communist state

If we were in a communist state, it wouldn't be allowed into the public domain

**Billsthoughts** · 19/10/2007, 12:35 PM

Im confused...are we or are we not a communist state?

**Sligo Hornet** · 19/10/2007, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Billsthoughts

Im confused...are we or are we not a communist state?

Stop asking stupid questions and get on with your work comrade.

**shanman2** · 19/10/2007, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by MojoPin

because we are not a communist state

Dear God you must be joking Mojopin

**MojoPin** · 19/10/2007, 12:50 PM

made a mistake taught stuggarts post said why should a jorno bring it in too the public domain sorry....

**drummerboy** · 19/10/2007, 12:53 PM

Think this is mostly speculation. There is bound to be a certain divide between the older players and the new arrivials, especially in the case of 3 lads from Reading, who are bound to be a clique in themselves. I think it was insulting to say that the younger guys were more articulate than the likes of Given, Kilbane, Dunne ect.

**Wolfie** · 19/10/2007, 12:55 PM

If some of them did their talking on the pitch, noone would give a toss how articulate they were or otherwise.

**Drumcondra 69er** · 19/10/2007, 1:29 PM

Originally Posted by drummerboy

Think this is mostly speculation. There is bound to be a certain divide between the older players and the new arrivials, especially in the case of 3 lads from Reading, who are bound to be a clique in themselves. I think it was insulting to say that the younger guys were more articulate than the likes of Given, Kilbane, Dunne ect.

It is insult and is just an excuse for journalists that are obsessed with Roy Keane to have a cut at those players who actually played for their country in Japan and Korea. The new blood is post Saipan and therfore beyond criticism. Robbie Keane hasn't covered himslef in glory with is attitude and utterances this campaign but no one can have complaints about Kilbane (remember his interview following San Marion away? Didn't duck anything at all), Given , Dunne or Finnan for a start. It's lazy journalism again.

And is the writer was that worried about Stephen Ireland getting a bit of slagging then why give that story )that's really done the rounds on the web only) publicity in the national press. The lad will be mortified to see that if he's already self conscious about it.....

**Noelys Guitar** · 19/10/2007, 1:40 PM

Originally Posted by Drumcondra 69er

It is insult and is just an excuse for journalists that are obsessed with Roy Keane to have a cut at those players who actually played for their country in Japan and Korea. The new blood is post Saipan and therfore beyond criticism. Robbie Keane hasn't covered himslef in glory with is attitude and utterances this campaign but no one can have complaints about Kilbane (remember his interview following San Marion away? Didn't duck anything at all), Given , Dunne or Finnan for a start. It's lazy journalism again.

And is the writer was that worried about Stephen Ireland getting a bit of slagging then why give that story )that's really done the rounds on the web only) publicity in the national press. The lad will be mortified to see that if he's already self conscious about it.....

As Soon as I read that article I thought written in Bowes public house after at least 5 pints. Pure work of fiction.