Irish Abroad 2008/2009

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 15/02/2009, 11:42 AM

Had the misfortune of going to the Wolves v Burnley game yesterday, with the only shining light being the performance of Chris McCann - Looks like he could become an important player for us in a few years if he keeps up that level of performance.

Seems to have a ballsy attitude and is full of energy totally over-running our more experienced (although relatively woeful) midfield duo of Quashie and Henry. A lot taller than I thought he was (looked to be over 6ft) and quite wiry but strong in the tackle. Passed it well and broke on the attack well having a couple of long shots. Lost his marker(Stearman) well and got the crucial/wounding header.

As for the Wolves - wheels could be falling off but there's still a bit to go. Foley and Ward were the better of the performers although were not so eager to attack like they were earlier in the season - possibly due to a collective lack of confidence in the team. Keogh remained on the bench and McCarthy proceeds in making strange decisions (playing 2 defensive midfielders) at crucial times just when it seemed like he was maturing as a manager. Personally, would love to see Gleeson thown in - another kid with a bit of attitude who performed well against Germany.

As for Owen Coyle - looks like he has assembled a very good team and tactically got it spot on by nullifying our wingers and outbattling us. Would be more than happy to see him get the Irish job in the not to distant future.

**Closed Account** · 15/02/2009, 1:19 PM

Lowry and Wallace on the bench for Villa and Everton respectively

**Paddy Garcia** · 15/02/2009, 6:18 PM

Originally Posted by Manc Irish Wolf

Had the misfortune of going to the Wolves v Burnley game yesterday, with the only shining light being the performance of Chris McCann - Looks like he could become an important player for us in a few years if he keeps up that level of performance.

A few years - I wonder if he is a better bet today than Whelan who looks well out of his depth.

**Stuttgart88** · 15/02/2009, 9:17 PM

Originally Posted by Manc Irish Wolf

Personally, would love to see Gleeson thown in

Is he back at Wolves? I thought he was at Stockport or somewhere liker that.

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 15/02/2009, 9:53 PM

Originally Posted by Paddy Garcia

A few years - I wonder if he is a better bet today than Whelan who looks well out of his depth.

Definitely think he could do a job at present, although in a few years I really think he'll be in a position to dominate games at the highest level. Personally, don't think that Whelan has been all that bad, however agree that it is only a matter of time with McCann, Gibson, Garvan, McCarthy and O'Toole gaining more experience by the day.

**eirebhoy** · 15/02/2009, 9:55 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Is he back at Wolves? I thought he was at Stockport or somewhere liker that.

Back from his loan.

"Stephen Gleeson was also involved for the whole match.

The 20-year-old Irishman is back at Molineux after spending the first half of the season on loan with Stockport County. "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...rs/7841630.stm

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 15/02/2009, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by Stuttgart88

Is he back at Wolves? I thought he was at Stockport or somewhere liker that.

He was recalled by Wolves and is currently training with the first team squad. He has just signed a one year deal with the club running up to next summer - so it really is make or break for him, however McCarthy recommended him to Staunton for his US Tour call up and made him captain of the reserves so obviously rates him. Hopefully it's just designed to give him a kick up the ar*e to make the step up and grab his chance when it comes.

He's small, but stocky, and his passing and ability to drift into space is great to see - playing a game possibly more suited to the Premiership. Only worry is that McCarthy has not brought through many of our youth team yet and may well panic and err on the side of caution with experienced players at the expense of cocky youthfulness which we could do with right now. The fact that he has said that we need to be playing more defensively after losing the last two matches despite playing two defensive central midfielders does not bode well. However hopefully he will be given a chance and take it.

**Stuttgart88** · 16/02/2009, 10:45 AM

Whatever role Gleeson plays I hope Mick can turn this slump around.

I have to say I thought Gleeson was on that slippery road to anonymity but I didn't realise he was still U21 eligible so he still has a chance. Look accomplished against Germany U21s,

**tetsujin1979** · 16/02/2009, 4:18 PM

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 14th February: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ate=2009-02-14
Stephen Ireland picked up his seventh booking of the season, six of these have been away from hom
Keith Fahey scored his first goal for Birmingham
After being substituted in the same game, Brendan Moloney still has not completed 90 minutes away from home for Nottingham Forest
Chris McCann scored his sixth of the season
Paul Heffernan scored his fifth goal in his last twelve games
Richard Keogh scored his first goal of the season
Cillian Sheridan started his first game for Motherwell
Michael Timlin picked up his sixth booking of the season
Alan Power played his first minutes of football in almost a month
Richie Foran picked up his first booking since moving to Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Michael Doyle scored his third goal in three games for Coventry
Caleb Folan made his first start since the 30th August 2008

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 15th February: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ate=2009-02-15
Willo Flood made his first start for Celtic, having moved to them during the transfer window
Darron Gibson scored his second of the season for Man United. Both of these have come away from home, and United have gone on to win both games
James Wallace was an unused substitute for Everton for the seventh time this season
In the same game, Shane Lowry was an unused substitute for Aston Villa for the fourth time this season

**the doc** · 18/02/2009, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Manc Irish Wolf

Had the misfortune of going to the Wolves v Burnley game yesterday, with the only shining light being the performance of Chris McCann - Looks like he could become an important player for us in a few years if he keeps up that level of performance.

Seems to have a ballsy attitude and is full of energy totally over-running our more experienced (although relatively woeful) midfield duo of Quashie and Henry. A lot taller than I thought he was (looked to be over 6ft) and quite wiry but strong in the tackle. Passed it well and broke on the attack well having a couple of long shots. Lost his marker(Stearman) well and got the crucial/wounding header.

As for the Wolves - wheels could be falling off but there's still a bit to go. Foley and Ward were the better of the performers although were not so eager to attack like they were earlier in the season - possibly due to a collective lack of confidence in the team. Keogh remained on the bench and McCarthy proceeds in making strange decisions (playing 2 defensive midfielders) at crucial times just when it seemed like he was maturing as a manager. Personally, would love to see Gleeson thown in - another kid with a bit of attitude who performed well against Germany.

As for Owen Coyle - looks like he has assembled a very good team and tactically got it spot on by nullifying our wingers and outbattling us. Would be more than happy to see him get the Irish job in the not to distant future.

Whats going on at Wolves? Mancs, you haven't been the same since Preston beat you at home.

Is it just bad luck or have the team just not played well?

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 18/02/2009, 8:55 PM

Originally Posted by the doc

Whats going on at Wolves? Mancs, you haven't been the same since Preston beat you at home.

Is it just bad luck or have the team just not played well?

One win in nine can't be bad luck. Combination of things - Keeper lacking confidence, unsettled backline, over defensive centre midfield, over reliance on wingers, unsettled strike partnership, and increasingly thick, ignorant, pessimistic fans expecting/inviting failure (myself obviously not included).

Hopefully we'll turn it around - however seriously think that this could be one of the most testing periods in McCarthy's career. He does everything right. Has a good eye for talent, assembles a strong team, has us playing simple football - however, there is always the potential stumbling block of him making irrational decisions and being stubborn to a fault when he is under pressure. If he could get over that, he might kick on and progress further as a manager, however only time will tell.

You boys are going well. How's Elliott doing for you?

**co. down green** · 18/02/2009, 10:35 PM

Two for Noel Hunt & 1 for Jay Tabb as Reading reserves beat Palace this evening

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/News...562192,00.html

**tetsujin1979** · 19/02/2009, 9:44 AM

Graham Barrett on trial at Hearts: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...942856,00.html

**co. down green** · 19/02/2009, 8:20 PM

Another one for the list

Callum O’Connor

**theworm2345** · 20/02/2009, 1:30 AM

Macclesfield don't sign Garry Breen

Originally Posted by Keith Alexander

The former Lincoln City boss had previously targeted a central defender as his top priority and ran the rule over former Hereford defender Garry Breen on trial, but Alexander revealed he was unable to extend his stay at Moss Rose.

"He has moved on now because although I wanted to bring another centre-back in, I wasn't able do to so, as I've already got four on the books," he added.

"It was disappointing I couldn't add him to the squad though because he was a very good player.

"We've got Richard Walker back from suspension and both Shaun Brisley and Matty Flynn have done well, as they are still young lads, so at this moment in time we are doing okay."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...944327,00.html

**zackmorris** · 20/02/2009, 2:48 PM

Michael Spillane set to be offered a new contract at norwich

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...ch/7901448.stm

**tetsujin1979** · 20/02/2009, 9:01 PM

Irish Abroad for Tuesday, 14th February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ate=2009-02-17
Leon Best scored his third of the season
Paul Heffernan found the back of the net for the second game in a row
Alan Lee scored his fourth of the season for Crystal Palace, his first away goal of the season
Richie Partridge picked up his second booking of the season

Irish Abroad for Wednesday, 15th February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ate=2009-02-18
Alex Bruce started his seventh consecutive game for Ipswich, the first time he's started seven games in a row this season
Shane Lowry was an unused sub for Aston Villa for the fifth time this season, and for the second time in Europe

Irish Abroad for Thursday, 16th February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ate=2009-02-19
Billy Mehmet scored his tenth of the season
Coincidentally, Stephen Ireland also notched his tenth strike of the season, his second in the UEFA Cup

**zackmorris** · 22/02/2009, 10:05 PM

Chris Fagan & James Simmonds seem to be getting on well at the Glenn Hoddle Academy:

http://manunitedyouth.wordpress.com/...-after-united/

http://www.tribalfootball.com/ex-che...-chance-226646

Also:

http://www.spurscommunity.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=43577

**dr_peepee** · 23/02/2009, 11:31 AM

I wonder how it works financially then..Are the players now contractually obliged to Glenn Hoddle somehow and subject to a transfer fee when they find a club?? Are they paying to stay at the accademy themselves?? Or does the academy act as an agent entitling them to percentages when they find a club down the line etc??

**tetsujin1979** · 23/02/2009, 12:39 PM

Irish Abroad for Saturday, 21st February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...ate=2009-02-21
Keith Andrews picked up his fourth booking of the season
Liam Lawrence started his first game since the 27th September 2008
Jonathan Walters scored his seventh of the season, Ipswich have only lost once when he's found the back of the net, every other game resulted in a win for the Tractor Boys
Cliff Byrne was sent off for Scunthorpe against Swindon
In the same game Michael Timlin scored his first of the season
John O'Flynn scored his eleventh goal for Barnet. Coming in only 24 starts, he's averaging a little under a goal every other game
After being an unused sub for the previous two games, Alan O'Brien came off the bench for Hibernian for his first appearance for them since the 11th January 2009
Richie Foran scored his first goal for Inverness Caledonian Thistle since moving there in the January transfer window

Irish Abroad for Sunday, 22ns February 2009: http://www.chatsoccer.net/irishabroa...Details.xquery
Dean Kiely was an unused sub for the 30th time this season
Manchester City's three senior Irish players (Shay Given, Richard Dunne, Stephen Ireland) all started together for the first time in the league