Finnan retires from International Football

**Morbo** · 22/02/2008, 8:38 AM

Originally Posted by danonion

Lads there is nothing world class about Steve Finnan. Solid right back yes. World class, not even close. If you had to choose between Gianluca Zambrotta, Willy Sagnol, Maicon, or even Lahm switched to the right, or Steve Finnan, would anyone pick Steve Finnan? To be honest I've seen Cafu play a few times this season and I could even pick him over Finnan. I respect Finnan's consistancy, maintaining his place in that Liverpool side, but realistically he will not make any sort of difference in our next qualification campaign - there is only so much a right full can do.

I might get killed for this, but I'd also take a fit Gary Neville over him

Agree that he isn't in the same class as Zambrotta and co, I'd rate him slightly better than Gary Neville, he does offer a bit more than ratface going forward, I don't know about him not making any difference to our next qualification campaign, we aren't exactly blessed with an abundence of quality defenders at the moment

**Hibernian** · 22/02/2008, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by livehead1

You've never played soccer have you...If you had you would realise you don't need to 'look happy' to enjoy playing football.

What a stupid comment you have just made there!! How the hell do you know I have never played "soccer". I was referring to his commitment on the field of play for Ireland rather then actually how much he smiles for the camera, and when I have played (yes shock horror I have) you try your best no matter where you play. I cant say the same for Finnan. Come back with something a little less childish. Endof

**Hibernian** · 22/02/2008, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by ofjames

thats a load of ****e. he was one of our best players in the world cup. and produced a consistency of performance under mccarthy and kerr that very very few could match.

Maybe his apparent unhappiness was with the fact that 3 successive Irish managers chose to play the best fullback we've had since denis irwin out of his natural position. years at left full and right mid have left our stevie cheesed off. trap won't engage in such nonsense so any serious approach to finnan i reckon would have a good chance of success

So if Kilbane did the exact same thing today as Finnan your saying he would get the same treatment? (as he has played out of position too)

Give me a player with 100% effort anyday of the week.

**youngirish** · 22/02/2008, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by danonion

I might get killed for this, but I'd also take a fit Gary Neville over him

Ha ha Danonion good one. I was almost treating the rest of your argument seriously until I read this. You are such a joker you.

**jmurphyc** · 22/02/2008, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by Hibernian

I was referring to his commitment on the field of play for Ireland rather then actually how much he smiles for the camera, and when I have played (yes shock horror I have) you try your best no matter where you play. I cant say the same for Finnan.

How can you say Finnan doesn't try his hardest? Whilst there is no definitive proof that he has or hasn't, he never really looks lazy on the field. He always tries to run up the field when there's a chance to, he doesn't shy out of challenges, etc. Suddenly now that he's retired people seem to be saying anything to have a dig at him. I'm not particularly happy about his premature retirement, but I won't criticise him for any of his actions beforehand.

**Hibernian** · 22/02/2008, 1:46 PM

Originally Posted by jmurphyc

How can you say Finnan doesn't try his hardest? Whilst there is no definitive proof that he has or hasn't, he never really looks lazy on the field. He always tries to run up the field when there's a chance to, he doesn't shy out of challenges, etc. Suddenly now that he's retired people seem to be saying anything to have a dig at him. I'm not particularly happy about his premature retirement, but I won't criticise him for any of his actions beforehand.

Because by what I have seen he seems to not want to be there. I'm not having a go just cause he retired I just don't think he should get special treatment.

**Hibernian** · 22/02/2008, 3:46 PM

Originally Posted by Bondvillain

Sorry. I appreciate everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that's just wrong.

How could one wish that one of our better players "never came back" ?

How could one who appreciated strong performances in the green shirt assert that " it's not as if he ever really played well for Ireland anyway"?

And since when is smiling like a f�cking loon a prerequisite for selection?

Who gives a damn whether he looked happy or not? I dont recall Figo p!ssing himself laughing during any matches I saw him in. Nor Oliver Kahn , Packie Bonner , Kevin Moran , Henry, nor frankly, anyone else I took seriously in international matches for that matter.
It's not a 5th birthday party, it's international football. Play now, reflect later. Happy clappy not a requirement.

What was the point in all that bull? Take a deep breath.

I think the fact he wanted to retire says enough dont you think? I was not actually referring to him having to put on a smile everytime he played more to the point was that I never think he actually wanted to play for Ireland. Didn't he not say that he felt pressure playing for Ireland?

I just don't think he wanted to be part of team.

**ofjames** · 22/02/2008, 4:29 PM

Originally Posted by Hibernian

So if Kilbane did the exact same thing today as Finnan your saying he would get the same treatment? (as he has played out of position too)

Give me a player with 100% effort anyday of the week.

kilbane has played at least 60 of his 87 caps in his best position. Besides, we now have 3 players (hunt, duff and mcgeady) who are better players than kilbane in his best position. so you're example is irrelevant in my opinion

**Hibernian** · 22/02/2008, 4:33 PM

Originally Posted by ofjames

kilbane has played at least 60 of his 87 caps in his best position. Besides, we now have 3 players (hunt, duff and mcgeady) who are better players than kilbane in his best position. so you're example is irrelevant in my opinion

If you read my question I was not referring to him playing in his best position but his weaker positions so your answer is irrelevant really