Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: cdbearsfan on August 18, 2010, 05:10:12 PM
-
FINALLY confirmed (unsurprisingly the Man City site is more up-to-date than ours).
Milner's gone, Ireland's arrived.
Deserves its own thread now its actually confirmed he's signed.
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Team-news/2010/August/City-complete-signing-of-James-Milner
-
(http://www.avfc.co.uk/javaImages/1/14/0,,10265~8983553,00.jpg)
Aston Villa Football Club can confirm that Stephen Ireland has joined on a four-year contract, having completed his transfer from Manchester City.
"This is a great signing for the football club," said Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald.
"Stephen is an outstanding young talent who will complement the talented players we already have here and we're looking forward very much to working with him."
The club can confirm that James Milner has also completed his transfer from Villa to Manchester City.
The England international won the Supporters' Player of the Year award last season and we wish him well in his ongoing career and acknowledge the excellent contribution he made during his time here.
The relevant paperwork is due to be finalised within the next couple of hours.
&feature=player_embedded
-
Before anyone gets too downhearted, just imagine how we'd feel if, a year ago, we'd been told Ireland and Young would be in the same team. We'd have assumed that meant at Man City. I'm excited at seeing such a talented player in the claret and blue.
-
Welcome Stephen. Could be one of the all-time great pieces of business.
-
He's been around a fair old while so I keep forgetting he's only 23. We're talking a player who could be a real class act in the coming years. Potentially a new Platt?? I think he's capable of scoring double figures year in, year out. As well as creating for others.
Ever since City began their slurging, Irelands been a player I've always wanted (not at the expense of Milner mind you, but can't have it all). Excellent player with plenty of time to get even better.
Can't wait to see him in action. But Stephen, for the love of god, ditch the pink mate!
-
Welcome Stevie.
Could be a great signing for us. Potentially a brilliant player.
Will we be seeing a picture of him pulling the shirt at seven?
-
I'd forgotten how much he finds that space! and his link-up play with Robinho and SRP is awesome - let's hope the rest of the team 'see' all of that.
-
Don't know... is anyone left in the UK to do the press conference with him? I assume they're all in Vienna now.
-
delighted to get him AND 19 million...
shame to see milner go, but if any player could soften the blow, along with the oodles of cash, it was ireland...
-
(http://www.avfc.co.uk/javaImages/de/15/0,,10265~8984030,00.jpg)
Stephen Ireland is ready to shine for Villa after vowing to impress his new team-mates and supporters.
The Irish midfielder, who could make his Villa debut against Newcastle this Sunday on his 24th birthday, underwent a medical last night [Tuesday] before completing a move from Manchester City today.
Although tomorrow night's Europa League trip to Rapid Vienna has come too soon for Ireland, he cannot wait to get down to work with the Villa squad.
"For me, my number one target is to work hard for my team-mates, show them what I can bring to the table, show them they can rely on me and that I am going to work hard for them week in, week out," he said.
"When I get my chance to get on the ball, hopefully I'll shine as well.
"I am really excited. I have only been here a day but I know what it is about already.
"It is a family club, I've seen a lot of happy faces here and a lot of friendly faces, so I am really excited for the future here.
"I am looking forward to building up a relationship with the fans and my new team-mates. It is exciting for me to have a new challenge, move here and get settled."
Ireland, who made more than 100 appearances in five years at City, is excited by the potential of Villa's squad.
His first priority is to establish himself in the team after finding opportunities limited at Eastlands last season.
But he hopes to experience successful times at Villa Park and has vowed to help his new club try build on three consecutive sixth-place finishes.
"I have plenty of personal ambitions," said the midfield ace. "I want to get back to playing the way I can - I haven't played 90 minutes in nearly eight or nine months, which isn't normal really for me.
"I've kind of forgotten the feeling what it is like to come off after a game feeling tired, winning or losing. I'm not used to sitting out for so long.
"So for me, I want to get back to playing at the top of my game and I want to work hard for my team-mates.
"I want to see if my team-mates and myself can push on and achieve something massive this season.
"Hopefully I can come here and build on that and help Aston Villa push on to better targets and reach higher goals. Hopefully I can be of benefit to the team.
"I think we have got a good bunch of young lads here who can go on and achieve something for themselves and for the club as well. We've got a very good squad."
Ireland reckons he can bring goals to the table as well as his creative talents.
He was prolific for Man City in the 2008-09 season, scoring 13 goals on his way to winning the club's Player of the Year award.
"My main attributes really are breaking from deep counter-attacking quite fast as the ball is building up, whether you are running with or without the ball," he added.
"I've kind of got a good eye for goal as well - I pop up at the right place at the right time."
Ireland was known as Superman at Manchester City - and even had the trunks to prove it.
After scoring against Sunderland for the Sky Blues, he sported a pair of the super hero's shorts to celebrating supporters.
Asked if it is a sight Villa fans can look forward to, Ireland said: "If the right occasion comes the fans can have something to smile about as well!"
-
Im extremely excited about having him play for us, he's got that bit of unpredictability we need and can link the midfield and forward line like nobody we've had for a good few years, as a bonus he looks completely bonkers
-
He does seem to have it all. His movement is exceptional and he's a fantastic finisher. Not only that I don't see him as a purely off the ball player. He's got the ability to dictate a game with the ball, and great vision combined with pinpoint passing.
James who?
-
Welcome indeed. What I'm looking forward to most is a bit of unpredictability. We've not had that for a good few years.
-
Welcome to Villa Stephen.
Enjoy your football here, give us some goals to remember and the Holte End will love you.
Good luck at Villa.
-
Welcome indeed. What I'm looking forward to most is a bit of unpredictability. We've not had that for a good few years.
Possibly since Merson.
-
Welcome Stephen and all the best at the Villa,
I can see Gabby having some fun with those through balls he makes!
-
We've not had a player capable of the unexpected like Ireland since the Merse. This is a stellar piece of business.
-
Welcome Stephen. I'm assuming he'll wear 8?
-
Welcome Stephen. I'm assuming he'll wear 8?
Mon had him penciled in at right-back, so we'll have to see.
-
I think Milner was already given eight so I'm not sure he can.
Great to see him finally arrive. I think this is a fantastic deal for us. He's naturally a more talented player than Milner, IMO. You can't teach someone that instinctive bit of magic - but we can teach him how to bust a gut :)
-
I'd guess he'd have 8 too, he can have it.
He might pull a stunt and have 77 though? He's got 7 all over his car apparently...
-
I'm really excited by Ireland's arrival and we've now got a bloody good team. Say what you like about MON's painful transfer dealings, he gathered a very exciting group of talented players. Ireland will provide us with the flare which we've lacked over the past few years, and if we continue with the style of play seen against West Ham, he'll have a great time playing for us too. When Delph is fit we'll have real options in midfield.
I like the fact that he seems to be a bit bonkers but he should ditch the pink.
-
I'd guess he'd have 8 too, he can have it.
He might pull a stunt and have 77 though? He's got 7 all over his car apparently...
Plus he's madder than Mad Jack McMad. You might be right.
-
I love his comments. Footballers essentially say the same things so I tend to glaze over when they do interviews. His has a bit of bite to it because he feels that he has lost a year of career having done so well previously. I think we will see a very motivated player for years to come. Welcome to the best club in the world Stephen.
-
oh what might have been
just think if MON had stayed we would have a
'welcome Aiden Mcgeady' thread
-
Really looking forward to seeing him play for us, he could be a great player. I just hope that we don't go overboard with our expectations, give him a bit of time to settle in and all that.
That said, I'm quite confident that he'll be a good signing for us, and he seems to bring exactly what a lot of us think we've lacked for some time; creativity, flair, a sense of the unexpected. In fact, the reports that MON didn't want him as part of the deal don't surprise me at all.....all right, bit of a cheap shot there!
-
Welcome Stephen, delighted that he's now a Villa player, with 16m to possibly spend.
Two years ago, he was without doubt one of the best midfielders in the league before Mankini took over.
Hope he gets off to a flyer against the toon.
-
There is no way Milner is worth 19m more than Ireland and Citeh clearly have far more money than sense. I've always rated Ireland. When he came on against us at VP last season he changed the game and was the main reason Citeh salvaged a draw. Looking at those videos there is even more to his game than I thought. Quite a few defence splitting passes there, good movement and vision, a decent finish on him, and a bit of the unexpected. If he can produce it consistently he will be just what our team needs.
-
Welcome to the best club in the world Stephen.
Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
-
Citeh fan firend of mine reckons he's cack, I think he's talking bollox and think Mr Ireland will do just fine.
-
Fantastic signing. Ireland has got that spark that we've been crying out for for years in the middle. Pity the team that has to mark him, Ashley Young and Downing.
He's going to be a Villa legend I tells yer!
-
Welcome SI
Ill be over the moon If he scores 13 goals for us this season.....
He is something AVFC need in the team.... fantastic signing...
-
Citeh fan firend of mine reckons he's cack
Messi, Iniesta, Pirlo and Buffon are scarcely good enough to play for Manchester City these days
-
Citeh fan firend of mine reckons he's cack, I think he's talking bollox and think Mr Ireland will do just fine.
I agree, I reckon your mate's cack too
-
(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
He needs to spray them Claret and Blue ;-)
-
I think if we get rid of Sidwell and bring in another deeplying midfielder (hopefully Flamini or at least someone like him), then we'd have all the ingredients to play 4-5-1 better than most in this league. It would have a terrific balance to it as well, Ireland, Petrov and I hope Flamini would have a lot of passing ability, goal threat and a decent work ethic - we could then bring on NRC for added bite, if necessary, and there's plenty of scope for rotation with the possibility of Young playing Ireland's role and Albrighton coming into the equation. The only thing I think we'd be lacking is gauranteed goals up front, but with a bit of luck someone like Delfouneso or Weiman can come in and help out here.
-
Right, firstly let me say I'm glad we've got him, he can do a great job for us and I'm looking forward to watching him play, reading his statement he seems bang up for it and Richard Dunne has sung his praises too.
I've only got 2 concerns, one play related, the other character related.
- I haven''t seen him play consistently for the last couple of years, I know he's his own man and not a Jimmy Milner clone but is he as end to end and committed as Jimmy was/is?
I kept reading this whole 'waiting for a pay off' business. What exactly is that? Is it a case of 'I really don't wont to leave city, you're putting me out of my way, I don't want to go to Villa so pay me and I will' or is it more of a City have to pay him off because he never handed in a transfer request?
-
Welcome Stephen
Watching that clip im impressed!! He can finish and also pick out a pass. I agree with Tom that I've always wanted him here but would have been nice to have Milner as well but you can't have everything can you?
-
Really like this signing. He has joined a midfield that has the potential to score and creating a lot of goals this season, Downing, Ash, Albrighton, Delph (when fit) and even Petrov scored on Saturday... welcome and good luck Stephen.
-
*rubs thighs in style of Vic Reeves*
I can't wait to see this bloke in a Villa shirt, I really can't. Reckon he'll only be on the bench against the cartoons on Sunday though. Bring him on for the last 20 minutes when we're three up and coasting.
-
Right, firstly let me say I'm glad we've got him, he can do a great job for us and I'm looking forward to watching him play, reading his statement he seems bang up for it and Richard Dunne has sung his praises too.
I've only got 2 concerns, one play related, the other character related.
- I haven''t seen him play consistently for the last couple of years, I know he's his own man and not a Jimmy Milner clone but is he as end to end and committed as Jimmy was/is?
I kept reading this whole 'waiting for a pay off' business. What exactly is that? Is it a case of 'I really don't wont to leave city, you're putting me out of my way, I don't want to go to Villa so pay me and I will' or is it more of a City have to pay him off because he never handed in a transfer request?
It's a pay off in the same way as Dunnes. He had a good way to go in his contract, never asked to leave and was fully entitled to it.
-
Thank God this whole transfer drama is over. I'm delighted that we're getting Ireland - fantastic player, I can't wait to see him in a Villa shirt. This must be one of the steals of the summer. Get £20 million for Milner and in return get a player equally as good for virtually nothing.
-
Welcome to Villa Stephen.
I am really excited that he's here and as others have said, his creativity and eye for a pass will create loads of opportunities for the likes of Gabby/Carew/Ash. We have definately got the best part of the deal. I'm sure the villa fans will get right behind him.
-
I'm chuffed to bits.
I was really happy last Tuesday because I felt we might be more adventurous and interesting and with this signing I think we can expect even more.
Milner is a great player, hard working with a great shot/pass, however, Ireland gives us something we've lacked for a long time, creativity.
It's an ace piece of business.
-
The one thing that stood out for me on that video (apart from the brilliant Foo Fighters) was his passing. Robbie Keane on the end of a few of those through balls would be welcome.
Welcome Steve!
-
Welcome to The Villa Stephen
-
Great that he's finally here.
Some oddball behavior in the past, but he was young. He's still only 23 now.
This:
"I am really excited. I have only been here a day but I know what it is about already.
"It is a family club, I've seen a lot of happy faces here and a lot of friendly faces, so I am really excited for the future here.
Sounds a bit Watford though. Dickie Dunne said similiar last year.
We're one of the biggest clubs in the country, you cants.
But still, welcome.
-
Welcome young man, let's hope this is the start of those new faces. Best of luck, forever.
-
Welcome stephen let's wish a long and successful career at the villa.
-
Ireland has the movement in the middle we've lacked since Merson
-
Delighted about this, welcome aboard Stephen. He's going to be a great signing for us.
-
Welcome, Stephen Ireland.
-
I've been praying for weeks for this deal to go through.
Possibly the best bit of business the club have ever done.
Thank you Man City.
-
From Blue Moon forum........
im gutted, this IMO is a big mistake and will come back to bite us, only this time last year ushited and arsenal were after him now we've got about the equivalent of £2m for him.
He WILL find his form back, i can guarantee that and it will be hard to watch him playing for Villa when he does. Just like the Dunne deal i genuinely feel this is a mistake, the player of the year curse has struck again!
-
Pleased we've got him as he's a very talented player and the kind of midfielder we lack but I do have some reservations. He was very settled in the north west and it's obvious he didn't really want to leave Man City. I hope his heart is in it because if it is we'll have pulled off one of the great transfer deals.
-
The one thing that stood out for me on that video (apart from the brilliant Foo Fighters) was his passing. Robbie Keane on the end of a few of those through balls would be welcome.
Welcome Steve!
I'm not particularly bothered about signing a striker, but Keane is a very intelligent player who would link with Ireland brilliantly I think.
-
and another one
But I still think Villa have got the best of this transfer (again). If Ireland has been valued at £9 million which is what the SSN speculated cash figure is pointing to, that's an undervaluation to Milner's overvaluation
-
I think he will kick on and show us what he can do.
It might take him some time but he will be an exceptional player for Villa.
-
and more....
Shame to see him move on. Villa got an amazing deal in my opinion!
-
Sad to see Milner go, delighted to see ireland here. Time will tell on this deal, but I am optimistic.
-
The thing that amuses me the most if that the resident Citeh reporter on SSN keeps emphasizing that we got £16m and they valued Ireland at £8m making this deal worth £24m. Well if Milner, who I like a lot, is worth £24m than Ireland must be worth at least £12-14m, (similar price to Downing is fair I think.) Therefore this deal is worth more like a £28-30m. Thank you Man Citeh!
-
I like this one ...
Heres a player who adores City and their fans and wears our shirt with pride, and hes treated like shit. We've shelled out 20 odd million, plus Stevie. Absolute joke of a decision and makes us look like fucking idiots. I just hope Stevie doesn't think he wasn't appreciated here at City 'cause he really was. Good luck pal, you got fucked over, and its becoming a fucking regularity.
Couldnt agree more ;-))
-
an honest proper man city fan i speak to at another forum said that before he was dropped for no reason last year, he worked harder than any midfielder he had ever seen...
some people have gone on about him not being great last year, but this is being dropped from a team that thought dunne, bellamy, etc, were surplus to requirements after great seasons before... he was unceremoniously dumped on from a great height last year, and the season before that, when he got regular football, he was one of the best attacking midfielders in the league...
there is no reason that with regular football he cant get back to his very best...
-
I think he'll need time to settle in and get fit again in order to produce his very best football, but I think this is a great deal for Villa. Ireland plus around £16m - good stuff. He's different to Milner so I won't be that bothered about demanding the same electric energy and hustle all over the pitch (how many midfielders really produce that anymore anyway?) but what he can produce in that final third once he gets used to playing with Young, Gabby, Downing etc is something that may have been beyond Milner anyway. I think Villa will be really strong with him in the team. Creative, intelligent, quick, tempermental and a little colourful character too - brilliant! Can't wait to see him in action.
-
Shame we cant have Given while they are throwing quality out of the club
-
an honest proper man city fan i speak to at another forum said that before he was dropped for no reason last year, he worked harder than any midfielder he had ever seen...
there is no reason that with regular football he cant get back to his very best...
I remember an interview with him in the Sunday Times that clearly demonstrated his commitment and hard working attitude. See this link. (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_city/article6814810.ece)
Good article that. Kickboxing and fell running (kind of) in the off season, dead grandmothers, pants, pink... got to love him.
-
I like this one ...
Heres a player who adores City and their fans and wears our shirt with pride, and hes treated like shit. We've shelled out 20 odd million, plus Stevie. Absolute joke of a decision and makes us look like fucking idiots. I just hope Stevie doesn't think he wasn't appreciated here at City 'cause he really was. Good luck pal, you got fucked over, and its becoming a fucking regularity.
Couldnt agree more ;-))
It just shows how money definitely changes you and how difficult it is to balance the sense of history, pride and community and the drive for success built on spending lots of money (thank god for Lerner!). In City's example, it's a case of be careful what you wish for. Yes, you can be the richest club in the world, but they are in danger of losing the soul of the club, or at least seeing it change beyond all recognition.
-
Welcome Stephen. I'm assuming he'll wear 8?
Mon had him penciled in at right-back, so we'll have to see.
LOL
-
He's a quality player and still young
shame Jm left as he was awesome
glad to hear SI's a worker
here's to a great season with an interesting midfield
-
Very good signing given the circumstances. I just can't quite figure out if I think he can regularly play alongside Petrov and behind Young, or if we need to drop a winger for him and pick someone like NRC / Delph. Time will tell I guess.
-
I'm going to bic my head for the everton game, reckon I'll be a cross between collina and Richard o'Brian! Great signing, interesting to see if we could play him where Milner played Saturday and stick with same team with gabby and Collins/cuellar coming in. Could be exiting.
-
Looks like quite a few over at Blue Moon are not quite so happy about this deal:
Dear Mr Steven Ireland - on behalf of true City fans every where I apologise whole heartily on the shambolic way our club has treated you. Best of luck to you and your family on settling in your new surroundings.
Possibly the worst bit of transfer business this club has ever done and its becoming plain to see that the old saying More Money Than Sense is clearly true
Theres no doubt in my mind that this is one piece of business that we will surely regret and will return to haunt us on many occasions - Ireland is a better player than Villa & Milner already and will prove it this season before going on to higher levels - Just a shame those levels wont be with us.
Gutted
We got fucked up the arse by Villa in this deal we may have billions in the banks but the owners have been taken for a ride in this deal big time. Ireland was worth more and we under valued him in this deal.
Yes, about time someone mentioned the lad! sweep did you know that he's left us and gone to villa now? Coupled with the fact that we have treated him like excrament(sic), and are getting a player in exchange who is worse?
Sounds like Milner might get a bit of stick if he doesn't get off to a good start.
-
splendid, ill miss milner but i think we have bagged ourselves a real coop here and have by an absolute mile got the best deal !!! milner will be played on the right wing and will not play the same as he did for us in the centre ! yes i am grateful for milners contribution the last 2 years but i hope the money grabbing shite rots. Milner will be ok for a bit, man city will do rubbish, manchini will get the sack, new manager wont like most of the players, milner and others may get pushed out and he will be shafted !!
Just watched the avtv interview with ireland and he sounds like a smashing lad and he just wants to play football again after been treated like shite by man city. having dunne here will help him settle in too.
Welcome Stephen and im looking forward to seeing what you can do for us !!
-
We really did get the better end of this deal. If we got £8 mill and Ireland it would have been a good deal but we totally mugged them. We have been lacking the creativity that Ireland brings for years.
I cant wait until he has a few games under his belt and gets his groove back.
Brilliant piece of buisness.
-
Welcome Stephen, shame we won't see an Ireland-Milner midfield for Villa though...
-
how soon until we can buy superman pants in the village
-
splendid, ill miss milner but i think we have bagged ourselves a real coop here and have by an absolute mile got the best deal !!!
Frankly we got Stevie for a poultry sum.
-
Yes, we practically plucked him from obscurity.
-
Yes, a real feather in the cap for Lerner.
-
I wished people would stop trying to do puns. You are just egging each other on.
-
I wished people would stop trying to do puns. You are just egging each other on.
Come on now. People are just doing their breast. Either that or they wing it. Don't get in such a flap over it.
-
John e you are a fool! Ireland was suggested as part of the deal from a very early stage, which means yes when MON was still at the club, so yes it was Martin's idea, so that critisium makes no sense ::)
Right now than I have got that out the way! ;)
If we had to let Milner go, this is as good a deal as any. I too have been an Ireland fan for awhile, and if he has his head on striaght could add some thing a little different to our side. SI is different from Milner, but at his age and under the right management [hint, hint ;)] could be just as good.
My main concern is that Ireland appently did not want this move in the first place, so there is always the chance his heart might not be in it. Hope I'm wrong, and that we will get a couple more good buys in before the window closes.
-
I wished people would stop trying to do puns. You are just egging each other on.
Come on now. People are just doing their breast. Either that or they wing it. Don't get in such a flap over it.
I knew it wouldn't be long it would be until you stuck your beak in.
-
On a serious note, that video reminded possibly why he was so good 2 years ago but out of it last year. He had a tremendous understanding with Robiniho. I can't imagine Gabby making some of the runs that were being made for Irelands visionary through balls.
-
I think that Ireland will turn out to be even more valuable than Milner. He is more creative with respect to distributing the ball. Also, he has got a lot to prove. Mancini may end up rueing this day.
-
Not that youre gonna read this,but welcome Stephen,I do think its gonna be a good match,you and the Villa,maybe the kind of player weve missed since Platt.
-
Mancini will be sacked this season anyway....
-
He was certainly over looked at City, and with luck will feel he has a point to prove.
-
Mancini will be sacked this season anyway....
He has to win something now. I still feel if we get the right guy in, we could still finish above them. This is a great deal for Villa. A better player when his head is right, and £18M in the bank.
-
Whilst Milner is a 7/10 player each game Ireland is going to be a 9/10 or a 5/10. We'll get used to it. Whilst I think Milner is an excellent player we are laughing all the way to the bank. No way is Milner worth £20m more than Ireland. Good business and we are not particularly any weaker for it.
-
Really pleased about this signing. If he can rediscover the form of a couple seasons ago, we may not miss Milner at all.
-
Chant for Stephen:
'Ireland is Superman. Milner is ... '
answers on a postcard.
-
Welcome aboard Stevie Ireland. Promise i wont mention your deceased Gran if things go wrong Haaaaaaaaaaaa
-
just read the milner interview on the man shitty site
he is such a knob... didnt take much persuasion to join blah blah .... i bet it didnt, 5 year deal worth 24 million quid..... i want to win the premier league.... well you aint gonna do that when mancini is in charge and when someone else comes in you will be out on your arse..... up yours man city and thanks for the great deal.... i know and everyone else i know knows who got the better deal..... apart from ssn of course who are licking man citys arse
-
THATS 92 GRAND A WEEK !!!!!!!
-
I am also really excited, but why dont we ever sign players on 5 year contracts. Im talking about top players not the likes of Sidwell etc
We always sign them on 4 years, meaning they take a season to settle in then have a blinder.
Then we have to sell because they only have two years left.
With Milner for example if we had signed him on a 5 year, then we could have just said NO to city and that would be the end of it, as we could afford to keep him another year without his value dropping.
-
Talking of Sidwell, this thread reminds me so much of the day Mon signed him, very similar comments, Barry's replacement, better player and so on.
Where do we stand on that one now ?
However, Ireland is a far better player than Sidwell, different class.......on his day. Off it he's a nasty little twerp of no use to anyone.
He's started off on the right foot with those words on signing, and handled well will become a legend at Villa, he has so much potentially and is what we've needed for ages, a player with real talent on the ball.
No Sidwell this boy, no Milner or Barry either, but he could be special.
Good luck to him.
-
ive read Irelands interview and watched Milners interview.
Very different, Ireland seems very happy to be joing Villa and talks about what a good club we are, family club etc
Whereas all Milner talks about is himself, his ambition, bettering himself and winning trophies. Also he was very respectful about Villa and us fans
I have a really good feeling about Ireland. CL here we come ha ha ha
-
Ireland is a quality player but I really hope that Randy proves as good as his word about him being ambitious and follows this signing up with another couple. I can't see it, but I really hope he proves me wrong. A couple of injuries to say, Gabby, Ireland and Ash and we'd be buggered. Despite the emergence of Albrighton, Clarke and the Fonz, I don't think the squad is yet deep enough.
-
Can't wait for his home debut .........there's a good chance he will have opened his
account with us in the scoring stakes at St James' Park
If you are looking for a house Stephen - you can have it for a month's wage and
I'll even leave the gold fish
-
I've got a good feeling about this chap. I'd hoped we'd be bringing him in alongside Milner but oh well.
Welcome to the greatest football club in the world Stephen.
This is where all this association football nonsense started you know?
-
A player like him is a gamble, but we haven't had a temperamental genius for years. We've got three or four exciting players now, and that's more than most clubs.
-
Bit annoying I can watch Milner's interview on Citeh's site but not Ireland's on Villa's.
I'm not paying for that.
-
Welcome stephen ...your gonna really enjoy it here mate .
Really glad we got him and regarding milner :'( we'll have him back in (january/nxt summer) for £10m
when mourinho takes over ..
-
Quite a lengthy interview...seems well up for it and many positives about the club mentioned from his perspective
-
Welcome aboard Stevie Ireland. Promise i wont mention your deceased Gran if things go wrong Haaaaaaaaaaaa
That will be the story that he used to cover the fact his girlfriend had a miss carriage and it was uncovered as a "lie"
-
(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
"Pimp my midfield!"
-
p
(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
"Pimp my midfield!"
And that would be the car he decorated for a breast cancer charity.
-
I didn't know that, and if I didn't like him enough already here's one more thing!
-
Did Tim Westwood pimp his ride?
-
Great signing.
-
And that would be the car he decorated for a breast cancer charity.
Really? In this interview he says it was his girlfriend's car which he only drove once.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1161824/STEPHEN-IRELAND-EXCLUSIVE-Dead-grandmothers-Daddy-Dick-pink-wheels--A-stories-look-ridiculous-Ive-change-that.html
-
p(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
"Pimp my midfield!"
And that would be the car he decorated for a breast cancer charity.
Good move!
-
The new Sasa Curcic???
-
The new Sasa Curcic???
not even close.
-
Bit annoying I can watch Milner's interview on Citeh's site but not Ireland's on Villa's.
I'm not paying for that.
Do. It's worth it.
-
Citeh fan firend of mine reckons he's cack, I think he's talking bollox and think Mr Ireland will do just fine.
Some Man City fans are becoming very revisionist.
Been with the club since he was 15.
MotM in his first premier league game.
Man City's player of the year.
Greater Manchester player of the year.
13 goals that season.
If he was cack, why did they hang onto him for so long.
Mancini comes in, Man City career over.
Does that suddenly mean he's become a shit player? Or is it a sure sign that he was told that he was unwanted by a bloke that has been presented with an open cheque book and carte blanch to do whatever he likes.
Welcome to Villa, Steve. I hope whatever humiliation and disappointment you went through with the club you clearly love can be channelled into a new love for Aston Villa.
-
Welcome Ireland, now let's get on with it!
-
Chant for Stephen:
'Ireland is Superman. Milner is ... '
answers on a postcard.
..no longer with us?
-
Welcome Stevie!
First Dunne, then Ireland.
Next Johnson?
-
Welcome Stevie!
First Dunne, then Ireland.
Next Johnson?
S.Given.
Welcome Stephen to the Villa.
UTV
The Doc
-
Welcome, please let your time here be remembered only for what you do on the pitch.
-
Welcome to Villa Stephen, now if you could just persuade a few more players to sign for us we would be happy!
Only joking obviously that would be classed as "tapping up" and we all know that is illegal!
-
Welcome Stevie!
First Dunne, then Ireland.
Next Johnson?
Hard on Brad x 2, but now's the time.
Santa Cruz anyone ?
S.Given.
Welcome Stephen to the Villa.
UTV
The Doc
-
Hard on Brad x 2, but now's the time.
Santa Cruz anyone?
We always get their best, remember? So it would be Tevez.
-
Welcome Stephen. I hope this means we're discarding MON's formation because he can't do Milner's job
-
Hard on Brad x 2, but now's the time.
Santa Cruz anyone?
We always get their best, remember? So it would be Tevez.
WAGES, WAGES, WAGES, WAGES...
-
I'm looking forward to seeing what he will add to the team. With his inclusion I expect we will score more but without Milner we will probably concede more.
I am sure KM has a plan.
-
Good player and good signing.
He has big boots to fill for Jimmy, but it's probably fairer if we judge him on his own merits as he's not a direct replacement.
-
(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
Sorry, haven't read all the posts on this thread so maybe repeating other peoples comments.
Story goes he turned up at the City training ground in the above motor and Richard Dunne pulled him aside and told him in no uncertain terms to get rid of it and it was not seen again!
Still cant believe how much we have mugged City with this deal. First Dunne now Ireland.
If we had a manager in place surely a deal could be done whereby Schwarzer goes to Arsenal, Brad to Fulham and Given to us.
I think Mancini has made major blunders with both Ireland and Given...hope they come back to bite him in the hindparts.
-
Chant for Stephen:
'Ireland is Superman. Milner is ... '
answers on a postcard.
Ireland is Superman. Milner off to shitty Man.
-
(http://www.accompliss.com/media/Blog/IrelandRangeRover.jpg)
Did he arrive in this?
What, the motor, or the syrup?
If we are to continue the trend of signing Man City's player of the year 12 months after they win the award, and for an absolute bargain, can I be the first to say, "Welcome Carlos, I'm sure you'll prove to be £2m well spent."
-
Chant for Stephen:
'Ireland is Superman. Milner is ... '
answers on a postcard.
Well considering the large sums of money that both he and Villa got from City ... would that make him "Robbin'?" Paired with Barry, they would have Fatman and Robbin'.
-
just read stephens 2nd interview on the website and he really seems like a nice chap who is going to give his all to the club. He keeps saying how good it is here, family club, how he likes how we play and thats the way he likes it. HOw good the training session was, how polite everyone is. I think ...no i know !! we have got one of the coupes of this summer and i might even go as far to say we have got one of the coupes of the last few years !!!! Some of you wont agree with me and everyone is entitled to their opinion but this stephen irelend is going to be SHIT HOT !!!!!
-
just read stephens 2nd interview on the website and he really seems like a nice chap who is going to give his all to the club. He keeps saying how good it is here, family club, how he likes how we play and thats the way he likes it. HOw good the training session was, how polite everyone is. I think ...no i know !! we have got one of the coupes of this summer and i might even go as far to say we have got one of the coupes of the last few years !!!! Some of you wont agree with me and everyone is entitled to their opinion but this stephen irelend is going to be SHIT HOT !!!!!
2 door sporty car? surely if anything he's a cabriolet
-
smart arse lol
-
Anyone see his interview on SSN this evening? Seems like a good guy and based on what he said about his relationship with Manchini (being very distant), strikes me as the sort of player who needs to be loved and will revel in being the hero. Let's hope he is.
-
Anyone know his squad number?
-
Anyone know his squad number?
8 I'd imagine?
-
strikes me as the sort of player who needs to be loved and will revel in being the hero
Let's hope he doesn't get target by some of our more, erm, alternatively supportive fans then. He's definitely not one for the fans to get on the back of.
-
Anyone know his squad number?
9...
-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8932946.stm
really positive stuff from Steven. I also like that he sticks it to James Milner and says that "He thinks the grass is greener on the other side but He'll get a shock soon because it definitely is not".
-
Anyone know his squad number?
9...
Really? Source?
-
I'm genuinely quite excited about this, now that it's happened. Didn't want JM to go but it was inevitable so this brings a change and I reckon a pretty good one.
-
Sounds like he's got his head screwed on, definitely not the impression the media usually give of him.
-
I already love him.
This guy is clearly already highly motivated to do well for us and that could be bad news for everybody else.
-
If he plays against Toon I can see him having an absolute blinder
-
If he plays against Toon I can see him having an absolute blinder
absolutely correct,
but even if he plays like shit, we'l all pretend he had a stormer though
-
yes, I am getting ready to do that even now
-
He hasn't really featured in many of Man Citeh's pre season games though, so I wouldn't expect too much too soon.
Could be Oct/Nov before he hits top form.
-
Anyone see his interview on SSN this evening? Seems like a good guy and based on what he said about his relationship with Manchini (being very distant), strikes me as the sort of player who needs to be loved and will revel in being the hero. Let's hope he is.
Haha, he's a legend already with that interview he did. Came out with some home truths about Man City and basicially straight up told the gulf of class between both Villa and Citeh with our staff and players being nicer, more polite and genuine unlike the suicidal regime at Citeh. He's made a great decision to sign with us and he seems very happy.
Plus, I'm part Irish, so I like him even more... deffo going to get the home shirt with Ireland on the back, will get mega props when I go back to Ireland to see family.
-
Players who have blinding debuts for the Villa rarely live up to their promise.
-
Nice comments from the lad, but I heard the same lines from him a couple of years ago. "Man City, only club for me, family club, etc, etc."
He fallen out with them and they've marked his card. Still, their loss is definitely our gain.
-
Nice comments from the lad, but I heard the same lines from him a couple of years ago. "Man City, only club for me, family club, etc, etc."
He fallen out with them and they've marked his card. Still, their loss is definitely our gain.
A few years ago Citeh may well have been a family club with a completely different ethos and he obviously fitted in with the old regime or he wouldn't have been there for so long. My favourite comment was that Milner would find that the grass isn't greener and he's in for a shock when he gets there. Still, for £20M most people would put up with some shit.
-
He hasn't really featured in many of Man Citeh's pre season games though, so I wouldn't expect too much too soon.
Could be Oct/Nov before he hits top form.
He played in some of the games in the States so that's not totally right. It might take a while for him to hit top form but I think his quality will show in the preceding time.
-
Nice comments from the lad, but I heard the same lines from him a couple of years ago. "Man City, only club for me, family club, etc, etc."
He fallen out with them and they've marked his card. Still, their loss is definitely our gain.
It probably was a family club then! he comparing us to how they are now, not in the past!
-
His interview in print that I saw came across as ghost-written.
Maybe I'm being cynical but I suspect Villa's PR team (who have dropped some industrial-sized bollocks lately) have worked overtime on this.
-
His interview in the flesh on the BBC site is pretty scathing of City and very welcoming of being at Villa. As is his interview with the Guardian today.
-
Loved the comment where he compares the attitudes of the young players at Man City compared to here. Compared to the usual banal guff players come out with, prime example the big-eared warrior of our hearts Milner talking about his move to Money Sheiky, it's refreshing to hear Ireland being so candid. O'Neill's pal Pat Murphy seemed to be a bit spiky with him. A bit cheeky to suggest with the pay-off and salary he's getting why wouldn't he mind joining Villa.
-
Anyone who has seen the TV series "Lie To Me" could have great fun with Stephen Ireland in that BBC interview (Oh, and thanks, Ozzjim for pointing that interview out to me).
If you have a look at what Prof.Paul Ekman has to say about facial expressions (he's the bloke who's work is the foundation of that TV show), you'll really see what Ireland is thinking.
At the start when he's talking about being frozen out of Mancini's squad and that he has no hard feelings....well, he's lying as he's showing a lot of anger (the raised eyebrows bit).
When it comes to talking about the Villa and that he'd spoken with a lot of people and that he's comfortable being at a 'family club'....sorry but I'm not buying a word of it. He starts rubbing his hands and playing with his fingers - a sign of self-comforting. I think he feels quite isolated. He's certainly been sold this idea [of a family club] and he's parroting it to the media but I'm not yet convinced that he believes it. He's feeling quite out of his comfort zone through this whole affair. When he says he's made a good choice coming here, we get a quick lick of the lips. Not necessarily a lie but not something entirely truthful. As in, it wasn't really his choice.
"I'm actually shocked as to how good it is [at Villa]" all the while stroking his chin. No, he doesn't yet believe this bit either. However, when it comes to talking about the youngsters at City, the hand gets removed and his manner changes completely. Seems to me that he really despises their attitude. Likely a totally different attitude to what got him through the youth/reserve set-up. But then the hand goes back to scratching the chin when there's talk of Villa again so I'm guessing that he's been assured of how wonderful we are but he's yet to be convinced.
Same thing again when he talks about playing against us and the respect he has for Villa as a team and how we play.....he really gives us the chinny treatment. But, and this is a good sign, the very moment he gets back to talking about giving his all and getting back to how he knows he can play, the hand gets removed and he seems very at ease with this. Good news for us. It would seem that, as with the Villa players since MON's departure, the shackles are about to come off.
Then back to how he was treated by Man City and the anger across his face is obvious....the pursing of the lips, the sniff of contempt, although I do think that he has slightly guilty feelings for taking the club he loves to the cleaners but also believes (as would just about any non-Man City fan) that he's fully deserving of it.
To me, he's mentally reading a pre-written script. Or maybe he's just very very nervous....but for a lad who's used to performing in front of 30,000 people every week, I doubt that.
I get the feeling that he was hamstrung in this move to Villa. We all know that he wanted to stay at Man City and fight for his place so this move (or any other move for that matter) was simply not on the cards for him. We can only hope that, in the coming months, the words that came out of his mouth during that interview become the true feelings he has for this club, the squad and it's fans.
*this post could well be 100% bullshit....but I'll put it at 50/50
-
He strikes me as someone who's finally getting things of his chest, and is genuinely looking forward to proving all his doubters wrong. That he has matured and knows much more about who he is as a person and what he now values. I thought his interview simply allowed him to verbalize the stark contrast in environment from what he now finds himself in to the one he left.
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
-
Remind me never to have a pint with Troy. I can picture it now
Troy - "Have you slept with my sister?"
Me - "No!" (scratches chin)
Troy - "I think you have"
Me - "I havent. Honest" (sniffs)
Troy - "Are you sure?"
Me - "I wouldnt do that to a fellow Villain brother"(scratches balls)
Troy - (PUNCH)
-
*this post could well be 100% bullshit....but I'll put it at 50/50
I think you were right first time. <wink>
I think you've over-analysed it, I reckon if you or I were being filmed while being interviewed we might appear uncomfortable. After all Lie to Me is a drama not a documentary.
-
Yes, but it's based on science fact.
Oh, Lee, come over here for a minute will ya? Just a quick chat.
[sniff, scratch, eye twitch]
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
Great interveiw from a player who is clearly happy to be here & is clearly hungry to to well for the clu (scratches nose & avoids eye contact)
-
Great interview with him in todays Daily Heil.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1304794/Aston-Villa-new-boy-Stephen-Ireland-admits-Manchester-City-frustration-warns-James-Milner.html
Looks like he might just fit in.
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
Great interveiw from a player who is clearly happy to be here & is clearly hungry to to well for the clu (scratches nose & avoids eye contact)
Miaouw!
-
Same interview in The Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/aug/20/manchester-city-stephen-ireland)
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
Great interveiw from a player who is clearly happy to be here & is clearly hungry to to well for the clu (scratches nose & avoids eye contact)
I agree.
Looking for a problem before there is one.
Let's give the player a chance.
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
Great interveiw from a player who is clearly happy to be here & is clearly hungry to to well for the clu (scratches nose & avoids eye contact)
Miaouw!
do you think he was scratching his chin when he posted it ?
-
maybe all the twitching was down to the fact that he was
1. being interviewed on camera
2. not really used to it
3. a bit nervous
-
maybe all the twitching was down to the fact that he was
1. being interviewed on camera
2. not really used to it
3. a bit nervous
4. never watched 'lie to me'
-
That "lie to me" has made my life a misery.
Me; Hi daring. Sorry I'm late, just had to finish off a couple contracts at work.
Her: lyin' bastard, you've been to the pub.
It's not that she's only just found out how to tell when I'm bullshitting, it's that she now has "evidence" and is confident enough to give me both barrels from the off.
-
Wait, what, this hasn't been posted yet? It should be. From the Guardian...
Edit: Lizz posted it, never mind. But still, the text is here now!
Stephen Ireland last night lifted the lid on life at Manchester City with an astonishing attack on his former club. Ireland, who joined Aston Villa this week as part of the deal that took James Milner in the opposite direction, tore into everyone, from the manager Roberto Mancini to the club's "money-obsessed" young players, as he revealed the full extent of his anger at the way he has been treated.
The Irishman was prevented from discussing the details of the financial pay-off he received from City because of a confidentiality agreement he has signed he is believed to have picked up a little more than half the £2m he was demanding but every other subject was considered fair game as he reeled off a list of complaints that painted a bleak picture of his final 12 months at City. Ireland's tirade included:
Warning James Milner he will get a shock if he thinks the grass is greener at City
Claiming Mancini has no relationship with any of the players
Insisting he is as good as if not better than any of the new signings
Accusing City's young players of wearing £10,000 watches and believing they are Premier League stars
Describing City as a club where loyalty is no longer recognised
Branding Mancini's criticism of his attitude unfair because he was the "best player in training"
It was a remarkable assault on City and will make for uncomfortable reading when the club's officials, players and supporters wade though Ireland's diatribe. The midfielder, who is expected to make his Villa debut at Newcastle on Sunday on his 24th birthday, spoke about City as if they were a club he could not wait to leave. "I think Aston Villa got a really good deal," he said. "I guess James Milner must think the grass is greener on the other side. He's going to get a shock soon because it's definitely not that way.
"I've really landed on my feet here. I think it's a family club and one that will get the best out of me. I am actually shocked at how good it is. I've settled in so well, so fast. Even the young lads are so polite. I'm actually quite shocked with that. At City they're not like that. They're coming in with £10,000 watches on their wrists and walking around as if they have played 200 Premier League games."
Ireland, who has a reputation for spending his own money quite lavishly, came through City's youth system and spent nine years at the club, but he felt as though the service he gave them counted for nothing in the end.
"I don't think loyalty is much in anyone's mind at Manchester City," he said. "I felt like I would be next [to leave]. A lot of players felt like that as well the homegrown guys."
The former City trainee said he had not spoken a word to Mancini before he left although he suggested there is little communication between the manager and his former team-mates full stop. "He doesn't really build relationships with players," said Ireland. "He brought Patrick Vieira in and when I spoke to him about his relationship [with Mancini], he said he doesn't really have one, and he's worked for him for years. I think that's the way he is."
Ireland won the player of the year award at City in 2009 but he was a peripheral figure last season, in particular after Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in December. When asked about Ireland's lack of action last season, the Italian implied the midfielder had an attitude problem, when he claimed he needed to "change his head". Ireland remains deeply upset with those comments.
"I think that was really unfair, all the players know I was the first player into training and the last to leave," he said. "I worked the hardest. With all the heart-rate monitors and tests, I was always No1, far ahead of everyone. You see the performance in training and I was practically always the best player in training. If [Mancini's] standing there watching that, I don't know how he doesn't see that."
Another wave of big names have arrived at Eastlands this summer but Ireland claimed he is as good as any of them. "I'm not really a highly-self-confident person," he said, with no hint of what was to come. "But I can honestly say Manchester City have tried to replace me for the last three or four seasons and it's never happened. I can easily say I've got, if not more ability, as much ability as any player they have signed this year."
Ireland described the way his time with City ended as "heartbreaking" but he is adamant he is heading in the right direction. "I can understand why James Milner has gone there but I can tell him that I'm very happy to leave there and come here," he said. "Some people have used the phrase that I've been forced out. I couldn't be more happy to be forced to come here, to a club like Aston Villa."
-
Sounds as if we have a very highly motivated player to me. I fancy this is going to prove an excellent signing whilst Milner will flounder at The Mercenaries, paying the price for what that twat of a manager sees as his versatility. I think he'll end up filling in for injuries and squad rotation and mostly playing out on the right wing where I don't think he'll be very effective
And I didn't think Man City had any young players any more?
-
Sorry Troy. My chinny reckon sensors are finely tuned and I detected nothing.
-
That "lie to me" has made my life a misery.
Me; Hi daring. Sorry I'm late, just had to finish off a couple contracts at work.
Her: lyin' bastard, you've been to the pub.
It's not that she's only just found out how to tell when I'm bullshitting, it's that she now has "evidence" and is confident enough to give me both barrels from the off.
I always find the beer breath and slurred speech a bit more of a giveaway than any eyebrow twitching or shifty glances!
-
Sorry Troy. My chinny reckon sensors are finely tuned and I detected nothing.
I agree. Not even a murmur from the Jimmy Hillometer.
-
he strikes me that he has an arrogance and self belief that we have missed for a long time... i sometimes think that we are too "nice" as a team...
-
I have been nothing but impressed so far by this young man, especially if the whole story is put into context. He's been at City all his playing life, came up through the ranks through the academy, became a key part of the team and had that fantastic season - he 'arrived'. Then for some reason he was systematically ostracised; let's face it he seems to have the right attitude to the game, trains hard, has skill. Despite his determination to fight for his place, he finds himself at another club, when until recently he never thought he would ever play for anyone else. He sees the club he loves transformed over a very short period of time. He's paid to play football, not to talk eloquently about his situation. Given all that I think he has done well to express himself so well and to be so complimentary about our club - and he's right about us too.
-
maybe all the twitching was down to the fact that he was
1. being interviewed on camera
2. not really used to it
3. a bit nervous
4. never watched 'lie to me'
5. Is 23 years of age....
6. In front of journalists who are trying to put words into his mouth, or asking him questions using words he doesn't fully understand so as to get their story
Still, nice try at a bit of DIY psychoanalysis based on a fictitious TV program by Troy. .
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
You really are a snidey little swamp-donkey aren't you?
Find me one post of mine saying that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan and I'll paypal you $1000.
It took me ten minutes to remember who the fuck he even was. And I'm damned sure his name has never crossed my keyboard until just now.
So, go ahead dickhead.....either:
(a) make yourself a thousand bucks or
(b) apologise, crawl back into your swamp and shut the fuck up.
-
That "lie to me" has made my life a misery.
Me; Hi daring. Sorry I'm late, just had to finish off a couple contracts at work.
Her: lyin' bastard, you've been to the pub.
It's not that she's only just found out how to tell when I'm bullshitting, it's that she now has "evidence" and is confident enough to give me both barrels from the off.
I always find the beer breath and slurred speech a bit more of a giveaway than any eyebrow twitching or shifty glances!
Usually the once-eaten kebab on my shirt that does it for me.
And if people think I was fully serious about my post, they need to check the fine print.
-
At which point in his loyalty free, relationship free, not so green grass career at city did he request to leave then? I don't remember him having any interest in leaving until he had no option, then demanded a pay-off.
Sounds like sour grapes to me. He didn't ask to come to Villa - he was forced, so anything positive to come from official channels in my mind is probably scripted.
Am I being cynical?
-
This was my first thought, Tim.
But, even if it was - and we'll likely never know - he could also simply be going through the various stages of grief. The last couple of stages will be a blessing for us.
If K-Mac has got the team in a similar state to what MoN reportedly had in his first few months, the lads will help him settle well and I think we're going to get Ireland's very best years.
-
Two or three years ago I crawled into my house, literally. I'd had something in the region of 20 pints and insisted I was not drunk.
The Mrs was very skeptical.
I dont know what gave it away. The eyebrows twitching, the scratching of my cheek and looking sideways or pehaps because I couldn't walk.
In the end it was the fact I'd had a shit in the bath that betrayed me.
-
Two or three years ago I crawled into my house, literally. I'd had something in the region of 20 pints and insisted I was not drunk.
The Mrs was very skeptical.
I dont know what gave it away. The eyebrows twitching, the scratching of my cheek and looking sideways or pehaps because I couldn't walk.
In the end it was the fact I'd had a shit in the bath that betrayed me.
You could have done it again a couple of days later, first thing in the morning.
"Oi missus! come and look at this and tell me I was drunk the other night."
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
You really are a snidey little swamp-donkey aren't you?
Find me one post of mine saying that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan and I'll paypal you $1000.
It took me ten minutes to remember who the fuck he even was. And I'm damned sure his name has never crossed my keyboard until just now.
So, go ahead dickhead.....either:
(a) make yourself a thousand bucks or
(b) apologise, crawl back into your swamp and shut the fuck up.
my amature psychoanalyst theory, says your not a happy bunny
-
I'm happy to slam-dunk this hooli-wannabe every time he opens his mouth.
As if the world's not full of enough trolls, I get this fairy clinging onto my arse-pubes.
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
You really are a snidey little swamp-donkey aren't you?
Find me one post of mine saying that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan and I'll paypal you $1000.
It took me ten minutes to remember who the fuck he even was. And I'm damned sure his name has never crossed my keyboard until just now.
So, go ahead dickhead.....either:
(a) make yourself a thousand bucks or
(b) apologise, crawl back into your swamp and shut the fuck up.
My armchair psychologist analysis tells me that you're a very angry person who gets irritated easily... oh wait, I just got my info from a fictional TV programme that I take too seriously.
-
Well done for coming up with a piss-take that everyone else came up with an hour ago.
I hope it didn't hurt your so-called mind too much.
-
The interview was class! Loved the bit when he was comparing our friendly staff to the City muppets. I wonder how bluemoon-mcfc reacted to this......probably 10 pages already on this interview. Mind, it WAS a scathing attack.
-
Well done for coming up with a piss-take that everyone else came up with an hour ago.
I hope it didn't hurt your so-called mind too much.
Well done on completely changing your post from talking about tele tubbies to now going trying to be insulting on teh interwebz.
-
Time was when players joined the club and said stuff like "I've come here to win things," or "massive club, going places," et.c.
Yes we knew it was largely bollocks. But I think I preferred that to "Nice club, family club," and so on.
But it perhaps accurately represents the shift in perception.
Bottom line is I won't really give a shit if he delivers performances on a par with Dickie Dunne who said similar last year. The stuff he said about Citeh has a touch of sour grapes about it as well. As such, I wouldn't read a whole lot into it.
-
Other family clubs include Man Utd, Arsenal and Barcelona. Family club and successful club are not mutually exclusive terms.
-
I have never heard a player joining any of those clubs citing that as a reason for signing.
It's the kind of thing a big name player says when his career hits the skids and he ends up at Watford, Ipswich or similar.
-
I personally like the fact that Ireland is showing some spunk. We need a little bit of that right now. I think that Albrighton, Young and Gabby are going to really be spurred on by Ireland's inherent creativity and mojo. He could turn out to be a spark plug.
-
In this case though, its a player wanting stability and strong foundations and promising that because of that, we'll see the best of him.
That's a good thing.
-
anyone know what shirt number ireland is getting? when he joined he was holding a shirt up but it had no number
-
I'm guessing it will be 8.
-
Wasn't it 9?
-
From todays Guardian.
Stephen Ireland last night lifted the lid on life at Manchester City with an astonishing attack on his former club. Ireland, who joined Aston Villa this week as part of the deal that took James Milner in the opposite direction, tore into everyone, from the manager Roberto Mancini to the club's "money-obsessed" young players, as he revealed the full extent of his anger at the way he has been treated.
The Irishman was prevented from discussing the details of the financial pay-off he received from City because of a confidentiality agreement he has signed he is believed to have picked up a little more than half the £2m he was demanding but every other subject was considered fair game as he reeled off a list of complaints that painted a bleak picture of his final 12 months at City. Ireland's tirade included:
Warning James Milner he will get a shock if he thinks the grass is greener at City
Claiming Mancini has no relationship with any of the players
Insisting he is as good as if not better than any of the new signings
Accusing City's young players of wearing £10,000 watches and believing they are Premier League stars
Describing City as a club where loyalty is no longer recognised
Branding Mancini's criticism of his attitude unfair because he was the "best player in training"
It was a remarkable assault on City and will make for uncomfortable reading when the club's officials, players and supporters wade though Ireland's diatribe. The midfielder, who is expected to make his Villa debut at Newcastle on Sunday on his 24th birthday, spoke about City as if they were a club he could not wait to leave. "I think Aston Villa got a really good deal," he said. "I guess James Milner must think the grass is greener on the other side. He's going to get a shock soon because it's definitely not that way.
"I've really landed on my feet here. I think it's a family club and one that will get the best out of me. I am actually shocked at how good it is. I've settled in so well, so fast. Even the young lads are so polite. I'm actually quite shocked with that. At City they're not like that. They're coming in with £10,000 watches on their wrists and walking around as if they have played 200 Premier League games."
Ireland, who has a reputation for spending his own money quite lavishly, came through City's youth system and spent nine years at the club, but he felt as though the service he gave them counted for nothing in the end.
"I don't think loyalty is much in anyone's mind at Manchester City," he said. "I felt like I would be next [to leave]. A lot of players felt like that as well the homegrown guys."
The former City trainee said he had not spoken a word to Mancini before he left although he suggested there is little communication between the manager and his former team-mates full stop. "He doesn't really build relationships with players," said Ireland. "He brought Patrick Vieira in and when I spoke to him about his relationship [with Mancini], he said he doesn't really have one, and he's worked for him for years. I think that's the way he is."
Ireland won the player of the year award at City in 2009 but he was a peripheral figure last season, in particular after Mancini replaced Mark Hughes in December. When asked about Ireland's lack of action last season, the Italian implied the midfielder had an attitude problem, when he claimed he needed to "change his head". Ireland remains deeply upset with those comments.
"I think that was really unfair, all the players know I was the first player into training and the last to leave," he said. "I worked the hardest. With all the heart-rate monitors and tests, I was always No1, far ahead of everyone. You see the performance in training and I was practically always the best player in training. If [Mancini's] standing there watching that, I don't know how he doesn't see that."
Another wave of big names have arrived at Eastlands this summer but Ireland claimed he is as good as any of them. "I'm not really a highly-self-confident person," he said, with no hint of what was to come. "But I can honestly say Manchester City have tried to replace me for the last three or four seasons and it's never happened. I can easily say I've got, if not more ability, as much ability as any player they have signed this year."
Ireland described the way his time with City ended as "heartbreaking" but he is adamant he is heading in the right direction. "I can understand why James Milner has gone there but I can tell him that I'm very happy to leave there and come here," he said. "Some people have used the phrase that I've been forced out. I couldn't be more happy to be forced to come here, to a club like Aston Villa."
-
Edvard likes this
-
This has been done to death in the main Stephen Ireland thread.
-
When do we play them? Could be quite tasty.
-
just what we thought not everything in the garden is rosy.
-
I'd prefer it if he did his talking on the pitch. He got a decent pay off from them and should concentrate on the future rather than the past.
-
I'd prefer it if he did his talking on the pitch. He got a decent pay off from them and should concentrate on the future rather than the past.
He was doing an interveiw & answering questions-As per usual,the press were not interested in "little old Villa" & were looking for a bit more meat on the bone by asking questions about Man City that were aimed at enticing a bit of sour grapes.
The lad is here & is hungry to do well for the club-Why can't you give him the benefit of the doubt untill it is proven otherwise.
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
You really are a snidey little swamp-donkey aren't you?
Find me one post of mine saying that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan and I'll paypal you $1000.
It took me ten minutes to remember who the fuck he even was. And I'm damned sure his name has never crossed my keyboard until just now.
So, go ahead dickhead.....either:
(a) make yourself a thousand bucks or
(b) apologise, crawl back into your swamp and shut the fuck up.
Stop taking the internet so seriously & chill out
& stop sending me pm's as well-I'm not interested in you drivel,I just enjoy your petty insults & childish name calling.
-
Blimey Troy, good work!
It's not good work-It's the work of a drama queen who is looking for something that isn't there.
Remember this is the same Troy who clings onto posts from Mysteryman for "facts" & the same Troy who ststed categoricly that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan.
You really are a snidey little swamp-donkey aren't you?
Find me one post of mine saying that Lee Mockable is a Villa fan and I'll paypal you $1000.
It took me ten minutes to remember who the fuck he even was. And I'm damned sure his name has never crossed my keyboard until just now.
So, go ahead dickhead.....either:
(a) make yourself a thousand bucks or
(b) apologise, crawl back into your swamp and shut the fuck up.
Stop taking the internet so seriously & chill out
& stop sending me pm's as well-I'm not interested in you drivel,I just enjoy your petty insults & childish name calling.
I think you should both chill out, to be honest.
-
Paulie, he was sent a PM to save clagging up the forum.
The silly little bint has accused me of saying something I've not said. I'll take it from his last post that he can't back it up, take that as an apology, move on and look forward to the next Malcolm-esque post.
-
I'd prefer it if he did his talking on the pitch. He got a decent pay off from them and should concentrate on the future rather than the past.
He was doing an interveiw & answering questions-As per usual,the press were not interested in "little old Villa" & were looking for a bit more meat on the bone by asking questions about Man City that were aimed at enticing a bit of sour grapes.
The lad is here & is hungry to do well for the club-Why can't you give him the benefit of the doubt untill it is proven otherwise.
Of course they were but does that mean he has to give them what they want? After that performance - which didn't show any hunger - I bet Milner and the City fans are pissing themselves.
-
Worst debut ever.
-
To be fair to him, he appeared to be playing deeper than Petrov. That is not his position at all, and also he had all those useless fuckers around him as well.
-
Worst debut ever.
Good! Players who have amazing debuts at the Villa don't usually amount to all that much.
-
I think we'll have to rest Alrbrighton, play Young on the wing and push Ireland forward to get the best out of him. Harsh on the lad, but it clearly won't work as they started today.
-
Worst debut ever.
In all fairness, his match fitness was never going to be 100%, it was always going to be around 70%. A lot of our players need to think long and hard about how they played today but I think Ireland among two others can be excused. Ireland has shown he can get stuck in a make some meaty tackles and produced a really nice passing display which cut through Newcastle's defence a couple of times. Once we get everything sorted out at the club and we've got some stability we'll start seeing the best of Ireland... he already showed glimpes today of how good he is.
-
Nige in for Albrighton against Everton.
-
Worst debut ever.
In all fairness, his match fitness was never going to be 100%, it was always going to be around 70%. A lot of our players need to think long and hard about how they played today but I think Ireland among two others can be excused. Ireland has shown he can get stuck in a make some meaty tackles and produced a really nice passing display which cut through Newcastle's defence a couple of times. Once we get everything sorted out at the club and we've got some stability we'll start seeing the best of Ireland... he already showed glimpes today of how good he is.
couldnt agree more my old man, i thought that some of the the things that ireland done today were the only positives from that horrible game
-
Worst debut ever.
First half hour he looked OK, a few decent touches but after that he disappeared. I was always concerned that he wouldn't be suited to that role but as he's only been with us for a couple of days and for most of that they were away in Austria I think he's about the only one who can be excused.
-
For all the good things he has said I didn't agree with this (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=816551&sec=england&cc=5739) before the match and definitely not afterwards.
-
Christ, he's only just began,
He played way too deep and it showed ( to me) that we have to play him between Petrov and the striker(s).
Poor, but not as poor as the penalty taker .... oh dearly me, what a shyte game he had.
-
Worst debut ever.
Good! Players who have amazing debuts at the Villa don't usually amount to all that much.
Remember Joey G at Boro!!!!
-
I hope I'm wrong but I can't shake the feeling we've saddled ourselves with a high maintenence Lee Hendrie and as an aside, Number 9? Least appropriate owner since his predecessor.
-
A few of people need to really lighten up, we could have signed Messi and he would have looked the same. Played in the wrong position and short of match fitness. He'll come good.
-
Lumps of shit debut in amongst a pile of runny shit around him
-
It's his first game. Give him time. If he continues to play like that then he deserves all the stick he will get.
-
Cant speak for others but i was not giving my verdict on him as a player that we have signed, just about his game today...no different to the others on show today re quality and effort and imagination. Milner used to run around everyone constantly WANTING the ball...we missed that dreadfully today, from everyone
-
Looking back on the Ireland signing and now coming up to the window and him being awful this season we need to move him on.
-
i was in a bar in portugal with my 2 boys fully kitted out in their villa kits! when john carew missed that pen i soon found out that the bar had about 60 geordies in there and just me, harv, niall and my wife kate wanting villa to win!
to be fair, i was bought all my beer all afternoon for taking the stick that they dished out that afternoon.
-
i was in a bar in portugal with my 2 boys fully kitted out in their villa kits! when john carew missed that pen i soon found out that the bar had about 60 geordies in there and just me, harv, niall and my wife kate wanting villa to win!
to be fair, i was bought all my beer all afternoon for taking the stick that they dished out that afternoon.
well hoped that eased the pain. That 6-0 drubbing was down toil inexperience i recall :o.. I was offered ticket for the chelsea match to sit with my mate in the shed. of course being crimbo i cudnt make it thanku baby Jesus! I was actually feeling confident after pool match too !
-
Troy was spot on then (page 11).
Really thought he'd be a class player for us, such a big disappointment.
And what really gets me is the majority of us were probably all saying the same things about N'zogbia when he signed!
Utterly wretched from our two "creative" signings from the last two years.
-
I still want to know who voted for him as player of the season last season...
-
I still want to know who voted for him as player of the season last season...
Ha, yeah! WTF? Who? And why?