Irish Abroad 2008/2009

[Closed Account]

Marc Wilson on the bench for Pompey last night

Disappointing if he didn't, Portsmouth could only name 6 subs due to injury.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

I really wanna check Foley out more after reading a lot of the comments. I have seen him a couple of times but it was B Games etc and he appeared to be in the mold of Finnan and Irwin, would I be right.

Foley is the new Finann, who in turn was the new Irwin. Does the simple things well, harries wingers by getting tight, regularly initiates attacks by looking for the ball from the keeper, passes to feet which rarely goes astray and overlaps brilliantly with a great ability to dribble round players. Those factors combined with his quick reflexes which have saved us at least four times through goal-line clearances this season make him our most likeliest candidate for Player of the Season. Best defender I've ever seen down the Molineux by a long shot (some could argue that's not saying much), however I have no fears that he will be a success in the Prem, providing we get there.

Also, if you are looking to get in touch with the FAI - I got a prompt reponse from Gavin Costello GCostello@fai.ie (he probably won't be overjoyed that his email is posted on here - but seems like a sound lad and at least it will get the job done).

[theworm2345]

Foley is the new Finann, who in turn was the new Irwin. Does the simple things well, harries wingers by getting tight, regularly initiates attacks by looking for the ball from the keeper, passes to feet which rarely goes astray and overlaps brilliantly with a great ability to dribble round players. Those factors combined with his quick reflexes which have saved us at least four times through goal-line clearances this season make him our most likeliest candidate for Player of the Season. Best defender I've ever seen down the Molineux by a long shot (some could argue that's not saying much), however I have no fears that he will be a success in the Prem, providing we get there.

Also, if you are looking to get in touch with the FAI - I got a prompt reponse from Gavin Costello GCostello@fai.ie (he probably won't be overjoyed that his email is posted on here - but seems like a sound lad and at least it will get the job done).

You really are rediculous, worse than I am with Connolly!

[Manc Irish Wolf]

You really are rediculous, worse than I am with Connolly!

The difference being that Connolly is sh*te.

[theworm2345]

The difference being that Connolly is sh*te.

If Connolly is ****e Foley is too right now because Connolly has performed extremely well on the same level that Foley has performed well but not as amazingly as you say he has (yes I'm a Wolves supporter). Foley is relatively young though and I certainly hope he gets a chance with Wolves in the EPL next year. If Connolly gets loaned to the CCC this year hopefully you'll see what he can do to Foley (maybe a 4-3 win for Wolves with a Connolly hat trick for the opposing team). As I recall Connolly scored twice against Luton when Foley was there back in 06/07

[irishfan86]

theworm...I appreciate some of the things you do (capping games, sending me those Irish soccer songs), but I think you'd get a lot more respect around here if you just dropped the whole Connolly thing.

At his peak, he was a decent player, and I was happy to have him in the squad.

Before his latest injury run, he was a good player for Sunderland at Championship level- he still has those poaching instincts, and he's clever enough to bag plenty of goals against those Championship defenders; however, he's hardly played in over a year now, and at his age you've got to think his best days, and almost certainly his Ireland days, are behind him.

I'd like to see him make a miraculous recovery and become one of the best strikers in the world, as it would benefit Ireland, but unfortunately it simply isn't going to happen.

After McAteer left the Ireland scene, and was playing at Tranmere, I still followed him.

I'd read the match reports to see how he was playing, and if he scored.

But I'd never claim that he should be playing for Ireland at that stage, and he wouldn't have either!

By "supporting" Connolly on here like you do, you've probably provoked more vitriol towards the guy than would have existed without your support.

As I say, I enjoy your contributions minus the Connolly bit, and I appreciate what you do on the media front, so please don't take this as a kick in the teeth.

[theworm2345]

Honestly, I could care less about how much respect I get from people I've never met and likely will never meet. I enjoy reading the opinions of (some) people on this site and find it to be a good source for news on the Irish team. The whole point of a forum is a place where people can express their opinions.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

The whole point of a forum is a place where people can express their opinions.

In that case heed your own advice. I was merely giving my opinion on a player who I have seen blossom over the course of the last 2 years and who in my "opinion" deserves international recognition. This judgement is based upon watching him play 20 times and reciting the opinions of other Wolves Season Ticket Holders - On what basis do you judge that he hasn't performed as well as I (and they) say he does? I admit that he needs to prove this at a higher level, hence the reason why I am asking him to be given the opportunity; especially as I am confident that he is up to the task.

As for Connolly, personally I think he hit the pinnacle of his career with his move to Feyenoord and has simply been a journeyman ever since. Having seen him play various times, including down the Molineux, whereas he tries he is simply too lightweight.

However that is just my opinion - one that I am entitled to, as are you.

[Colbert Report]

Honestly, I could care less about how much respect I get from people I've never met and likely will never meet. I enjoy reading the opinions of (some) people on this site and find it to be a good source for news on the Irish team. The whole point of a forum is a place where people can express their opinions.

I've never understood people who say this. Having lived in North America myself for quite a few years, it drives me nuts. Everyone over here says it. It doens't make a lick of sense.

"I couldn't care less" is the correct expression. It means you care so little you couldn't possibly care less. If you say "I could care less" that means you obviously care so much that it would be possible to care less. Think about it. Nobody in Ireland says "I could care less", for everyone would look at you as though you were daft.

[theworm2345]

In that case heed your own advice. I was merely giving my opinion on a player who I have seen blossom over the course of the last 2 years and who in my "opinion" deserves international recognition. This judgement is based upon watching him play 20 times and reciting the opinions of other Wolves Season Ticket Holders - On what basis do you judge that he hasn't performed as well as I (and they) say he does? I admit that he needs to prove this at a higher level, hence the reason why I am asking him to be given the opportunity; especially as I am confident that he is up to the task.

As for Connolly, personally I think he hit the pinnacle of his career with his move to Feyenoord and has simply been a journeyman ever since. Having seen him play various times, including down the Molineux, whereas he tries he is simply too lightweight.

However that is just my opinion - one that I am entitled to, as are you.

I never said your opinion was worthless or that it was wrong. Anyway I've seen him play live a handful of times (Ireland B or u21s once I think and Wolves when they're on Setanta) as well as highlights. Believe me, I'd love to see Foley go on to be a top right back but he's not there quite yet.

I've never understood people who say this. Having lived in North America myself for quite a few years, it drives me nuts. Everyone over here says it. It doens't make a lick of sense.

"I couldn't care less" is the correct expression. It means you care so little you couldn't possibly care less. If you say "I could care less" that means you obviously care so much that it would be possible to care less. Think about it. Nobody in Ireland says "I could care less", for everyone would look at you as though you were daft.

Er...sorry? Well the Colbert Report drives me nuts so I guess we can call it even

[tetsujin1979]

Craig Mahon has joined Acrrington Stanley on a month's loan from Wigan.

on the bench today VS Bury

[Colbert Report]

Stephen Elliott comes on as a sub for Preston and scores within minutes. Great touch, he hit it first time for the opener.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Went to the Wolves v Birmingham game yesterday with Stephen Ward playing brilliantly in defence marking James McFadden out of the game - pin-point passing, regular forging runs as well as creating our goal with a run and cross from the byeline. Fans have already set up a thread questioning who the Irish left back is and why Ward isn't being given a chance. With Kilbane having to be content with the odd twenty minutes, the case is growing for my next campaign - "Ward for Left Back" - might not be too long before the pair of them are on the wings of our defence.

http://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=33752

Fans view of the game yesterday:

ward...im so impressed with him, i was not a fan untill today, worked his nuts off and backed up the wingers with some great runs and foward passes. 9

Ward - 8 - Can not say enough about Ward at the moment. He is playing awesome at left back and supports the forward runs superbly

Ward - Top class today, worked hard got the crowd going, superb football in making the equaliser (9) MOM

Ward - 8 MOM

Ward S- 8 great game, looked good on the rare occasions he went forward

Ward - 9 MOM I thought this was a great fullback performance and made the equaliser with supurb play

Ward - 9. My MOTM. Good defensively, and really made a difference when he got forward. One good overlap in the 1st half and set up the equaliser really well. Any doubters about this guy must still have their heads up their arses. He's a VERY good left back

Ward: Wholeheartedly excellent; very good distribution and a fantastic run from deepin the second half.

Ward: Great stuff. Clearly he's been a left-back filling in at centre-forward all these years. 8

Ward - 9. One of the players of the season and another top notch performance. Added something to our attacking play, which was reinforced with his delightful set-up play for SEB's goal.

Foley had another solid game. Keogh also gave us a bit of life coming on on right wing in 2nd half and kept possession well, although does have a tendency to negatively play the ball back a bit too much, probably as a result of a lack of confidence at the moment.

http://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=33742

[DmanDmythDledge]

Keogh also gave us a bit of life coming on on right wing in 2nd half and kept possession well, although does have a tendency to negatively play the ball back a bit too much, probably as a result of a lack of confidence at the moment.

http://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/vb/showthread.php?t=33742

I'd imagine that's because he is a link man upfront, and most definitely not a winger. Most of his play would usually be with his back to goal and would rarely run at the opposition.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

I'd imagine that's because he is a link man upfront, and most definitely not a winger. Most of his play would usually be with his back to goal and would rarely run at the opposition.

His style of play is not really back to goal either in the traditional target man style as he's not strong enough. If anything he's more reliant on his pace and intelligent runs in to the channels and clever link up play usually while forward facing, however he is not making the same incisive through balls he was making when playing up front a couple of years ago when coming deep, which is why I think confidence is a factor. Problem is that he misses too many chances in front of goal and is currently 4th choice striker. His all-round game is improving from playing on the wings though and he could become an effective midfielder, hopefully in the middle, in the long term, especially as he keeps the ball well. Just needs to assert himself more.

Lee Carsley also played yesterday and was immense. Guarded their back 4 brilliantly and stifled our attacking midfielder (David Jones) so much that he was generaly regarded as our worst player on the pitch with Carsley probably their best. Definitely too good for the Championship and on that viewing could (and probably should) be doing a job for Ireland in the middle.

[Stuttgart88]

Great reporting from the Mancman. Thanks.

I never saw Ward for Bohs but saw him and Jay Tabb up front together for the U21s and I'd never have dreamt he'd ever be a left back. Mick tried Daryl Murphy at left back for a bit too at Sunderland I think. Fair play to Mick for spotting it and fair play to Ward for taking his chance. I saw highlights of Saturday's game and he did well for Wolves' equaliser, showing a neat turn of pace which I didn't know he had.

[drummerboy]

Anybody here of Brendan Moloney who played for Notts Forest on Saturday. According to the link below he is Irish.

http://www.soccerbase.com/players_de...playerid=46368

[tetsujin1979]

Anybody here of Brendan Moloney who played for Notts Forest on Saturday. According to the link below he is Irish.

http://www.soccerbase.com/players_de...playerid=46368

He's a defender, got called into the U-21s earlier in the year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Moloney
Was on loan at Chesterfield last season: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...8&seasonID=137

[Stuttgart88]

Scored a corker on TV for Chesterfield last year I believe.

[bwagner]

Update on that Kelly lad, The fai guy got back to me , They spoke with him and he (Kelly) thinks its his great grandparent (which is no good for us) so I think he is still looking into it