Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: sfx412 on November 21, 2010, 04:35:34 PM
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No arguing the guys talent.
No idea who brokered the deal and surely the coaches aren't doing a good enough job, if the twat is as bad as he has been.
Surely he is a liability rather than even a limited asset at the moment in the side, and it serves no purpose playing him.
Has there ever been a player starting his career with Villa who has shown less commitment than this numpty.
Pires at 37 was a shining example of just how diabolical Ireland's attitude is.
At the moment the guy is a disgrace to our shirt
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He's just another Sidwell. Floats about doing bugger all, does nothing defensively, does nothing going forward and you wouldn't know he was playing half the time.
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No fan of Sidwell but at least he tries and does show some commitment.
Ireland is just taking the piss
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First twenty minutes I thought he looked up for it and showed some good touches. Then just went into his shell,and didn't show anything. The public shakedown from GH hasn't worked,and wouldnt be suprised if he's moved on in the summer.
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Some of his passes showed what he is capable of. Unfortunately, making one good pass then standing still with your hands on your hips for 10 minutes isn't good enough.
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I don't think he ever wanted to come here in the first place, and it's showing.
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well, the longer we keep him and the longer he underperforms, the less money we'll get for him. Could still get around 4mill in Jan??
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We've been sold a couple of pups by City. Dunne is a fat waste of space as well.
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I wasn't impressed with Dunn's laughing with an opposition player right at the whistle either. I'm hoping that Pires (who has the "killer instinct") helps to motivate Ireland who is definitely showing a lack of character IMHO. I think that we missed Albrighton's hustle and enthusiasm today.
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He showed his talent with some of his passes, but Houllier seems bang on about his attitude, it looks very very bad.
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I was also appalled at Dunne having a laugh a mere three seconds after the final whistle had blown. A final whistle which meant that "his" team had lost 2-0. How could he smile? Did any of us smile? He's not a good enough footballer to play for villa and now he's not a good enough person.
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We've been sold a couple of pups by City. Dunne is a fat waste of space as well.
Dunne's a quality payer and plays with his heart on his sleeve. Unfortunately he's suffering a dip in form. Ireland is a quality player but is playing within himself in a sulking unacceptable manner. It was interesting to hear Craig Bellamy talking about how good a player he is but how he looks like he's unsettled. Unacceptable.
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IMHO Dunne is no longer a top level player. He doesn't seem to "see the field" well on a consistent basis. He almost "killed" Friedel today with his lack of awareness.
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What has society become if £4 mill a year isn't enough incentive to break sweat?
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;)he is playing like Downing last season, apparently a full pre -season and he will be raring to go :) ;)
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Dunne has always been an in and out player, even at Man City where his performances were often erratic over a season. In fact his seasons were over all erratic, some good, some bad some awful. Mon got a good one from him, but now he's reverted to type.
Collins has a similar if not as poor a record too, although its generally considered he's more consistent at Villa.
When you consider the consistency of good performances Cahill and Ridgewell give their respective teams, Mon certainly knew how to wheel and deal.
Still unlike true fans he c an just turn hsi back and run away, we are left to suffer under the dross he left.
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He is definitely playing like Downing was this time last year. As if he isn't even on the pitch.
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i think ireland has been a disgrace, any person (i had to change that word!) that tells anyone that his grandparent has died as an excuse to not do something is quite inbalanced!
He obviously doesnt want to be here, we know it, houllier knows it and the sooner he fucks off the better we will all be! He looks like sasa curcic and plays like the twat also! TOO MUCH DOUGH in his pocket and no hunger!
dont forget how good dunne was last year though, he always was a streaky player and i think for a few games we have seen the worst of him. Last year he was great but he aint getting any younger!
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The only player I can remember who was less arsed than Ireland, ever, was Nigel Callaghan, and it took him a good six months to get this bad. You'd think professional pride would make him at least put some effort in.
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i was in the enclosure when that wanker (i am not going to change that word) refused to run for the ball and it didnt go out of play! The steward got sacked didnt he for remonstrating with him!
Bad bad day! trev got a trick also if i remember rightly!
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Dunne's dip in form started last season and shows no signs of abating.
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last comment was about callaghan! i think you are wrong about ireland though, he has shown absolutely no talent here this season and none for citeh last! We have bought him on playing well for 1/2 a good season playing well when robinho went to them!
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Ireland is not the full ha'penny. Not in a Stanley-Victor-manic-depression kind of way, but in a sort of dwarf-in-a-dustbin-biting-the-head-off-a-puffin-doing-the-old-bamboo-while-singing-yes-sir-I-can-boogie kind of way. The bloke's as mad as a quarry full of newts. There will be no getting through to him, no heart-to-hearts, no sit-downs, no wake-up-calls. He doesn't want to be here, he's a fucking loon and we need to get rid, before he turns into an Alsatian called Sharon and plugs his tail into the National Grid. See, now I'm going nuts too. Give him to Small Heath, just get rid.
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Ireland is not the full ha'penny. Not in a Stanley-Victor-manic-depression kind of way, but in a sort of dwarf-in-a-dustbin-biting-the-head-off-a-puffin-doing-the-old-bamboo-while-singing-yes-sir-I-can-boogie kind of way. The bloke's as mad as a quarry full of newts. There will be no getting through to him, no heart-to-hearts, no sit-downs, no wake-up-calls. He doesn't want to be here, he's a fucking loon and we need to get rid, before he turns into an Alsatian called Sharon and plugs his tail into the National Grid. See, now I'm going nuts too. Give him to Small Heath, just get rid.
love it!!!!
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http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=40736.0;topicseen
I started the above a month ago and people thought I was being harsh on poor old likkle stevie weavie
The bloke is a fucking disgrace
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Ireland is not the full ha'penny. Not in a Stanley-Victor-manic-depression kind of way, but in a sort of dwarf-in-a-dustbin-biting-the-head-off-a-puffin-doing-the-old-bamboo-while-singing-yes-sir-I-can-boogie kind of way. The bloke's as mad as a quarry full of newts. There will be no getting through to him, no heart-to-hearts, no sit-downs, no wake-up-calls. He doesn't want to be here, he's a fucking loon and we need to get rid, before he turns into an Alsatian called Sharon and plugs his tail into the National Grid. See, now I'm going nuts too. Give him to Small Heath, just get rid.
So what you're saying is that he does not need to be more committed, he just need to be be committed.
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http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=40736.0;topicseen
I started the above a month ago and people thought I was being harsh on poor old likkle stevie weavie
The bloke is a fucking disgrace
He needs?
1. a full pre-season
2. to be given time
3. a kick up the arse
4. to be sold on in January
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4 for me
But who is going to buy him given his attitude
Right from day one he hasn't wanted to play for us
What type of professional cries off from one of the biggest games of the season (Man Utd) the night before the game only to be out on the piss the day after?
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so we didnt get £22mil for Milner we got £14mil and a big expense and looks like a lot of trouble, getting rid, probably means we have to pay him off becuse no one is going to pay his wages or pay anything for him, these sort of players tend to end up inTurkey but i cant see that happening
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so we didnt get £22mil for Milner we got £14mil and a big expense and looks like a lot of trouble, getting rid, probably means we have to pay him off becuse no one is going to pay his wages or pay anything for him, these sort of players tend to end up inTurkey but i cant see that happening
We will have to nick-name him Stuffing then.
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He needs to sort his head out, he's a good player but it's clear that Houllier isn't going to stand for any bollocks from him. If Albrighton had been fit I don't think he would have started.
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Apparently MON didn't rate him either.
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Mr.Ireland
Shape up, get stuck in, or fuck off.
Thanks.
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Apparently MON didn't rate him either.
That runs at direct odds with what the General said on here.
Today was a window of opportunity for him, Albrighton's injury gave him a place in the side and it was up to him to do enough to keep it. I seriously doubt today was enough, bar a deepening on the injury crisis we're currently experiencing.
I don't think he went hiding to the extent some are making out. He'll never be a James Milner or even NRC type, buzzing about all over the shop and flying into tackles. He did show to receive a pass at various stages -unlike Sidwell- but didn't have anywhere near enough impact on our approach or pattern of play.
Whether there is stuff going on in the background I'm not sure. GH certainly seems to have doubts about him, that much is clear. I didn't think at the time that criticizing him in print was the way to get the best out of him and I've seen nothing since to deviate from that. But the player himself needs to take responsibility too. Downing was very hit and miss when he came into the side last year but he did contribute a few goals and assists even when he was finding his feet.
Good player, we all know that. But we also knew there were always question marks over his temperament. If he wants to be here and turn it around then fine. He could be a crucial player for us if/when Ash departs. If he doesn't want to be here then get rid, no point carrying players who aren't fully committed.
Personally I'd rather see him stay and will give him the benefit of the doubt but I've felt for a while he could be off, possibly as soon as Jan. Be that as a loan or other. GH's comments at the time sounded pretty damning.
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Ireland is not the full ha'penny. Not in a Stanley-Victor-manic-depression kind of way, but in a sort of dwarf-in-a-dustbin-biting-the-head-off-a-puffin-doing-the-old-bamboo-while-singing-yes-sir-I-can-boogie kind of way. The bloke's as mad as a quarry full of newts. There will be no getting through to him, no heart-to-hearts, no sit-downs, no wake-up-calls. He doesn't want to be here, he's a fucking loon and we need to get rid, before he turns into an Alsatian called Sharon and plugs his tail into the National Grid. See, now I'm going nuts too. Give him to Small Heath, just get rid.
So what you're saying is that he does not need to be more committed, he just need to be be committed.
There ain't a straight-jacket stiff and strappy enough to hold that twinkle-eyed, slavering screwball fast.
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Sadly, I think the damage was done with Houlliers comments in the press a couple of weeks ago. I agreed with what he was saying but can't see why he had to do it through the press.
Ireland strikes me as a stubborn individual who is not arsed about football whatsoever. Weren't there stories a few years ago about him posting about his dislike of the sport on myspace/facebook? I think he came with good intentions after being cast out of Eastlands - remember all the stuff about us being a "family club" - but don't see his future here anymore.
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Dunne has always been an in and out player, even at Man City where his performances were often erratic over a season. In fact his seasons were over all erratic, some good, some bad some awful. Mon got a good one from him, but now he's reverted to type.
Collins has a similar if not as poor a record too, although its generally considered he's more consistent at Villa.
When you consider the consistency of good performances Cahill and Ridgewell give their respective teams, Mon certainly knew how to wheel and deal.
Still unlike true fans he c an just turn hsi back and run away, we are left to suffer under the dross he left.
Didn't Dunne get player of the year at city 4 years in a row?
He's been poor this season so far though.
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Think he should work in Acorns for a week or longer to wake up him up and change his outlook.
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I wasn't impressed with Dunn's laughing with an opposition player right at the whistle either. I'm hoping that Pires (who has the "killer instinct") helps to motivate Ireland who is definitely showing a lack of character IMHO. I think that we missed Albrighton's hustle and enthusiasm today.
Totally agree,----Dunn laughing and seemingly sharing a joke with David Dunn really p****d me off, i doubt whether any of the travelling fans or indeed any Villa fans found anything to make them laugh after this afternoons abysmal performance,when i played 25yrs+ ago, a laugh was the last thing on my mind after a defeat----then again i played for enjoyment and love for the game----not Lord knows how many amount of£££££££££££££ p.w.----
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Steve Hodge is a hero in comparison to this guy (at the moment)
Shape up Mr Ireland or ship out
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Steve Hodge is a hero in comparison to this guy (at the moment)
Shape up Mr Ireland or ship out
I wouldn't go that far.
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The latter days Savo was the same.
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I read (i think it was the post match thread) someone call him an oxygen thief.
Sums him up perfectly so far in a Villa shirt. Football creates monsters like him, too much money and don't give a fuck attitude.
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I read (i think it was the post match thread) someone call him an oxygen thief.
Sums him up perfectly so far in a Villa shirt. Football creates monsters like him, too much money and don't give a fuck attitude.
That was VillaSubmariner.
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I am willing to swap my job with Stephen Ireland for a month :) as he would realise how hard it is outside the game.
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isn't this season enought of a write off Salsa??!!
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As Dave said, Callaghan was disinterested and made it known as was Hodge. However, they atleat took some time to come to this position (Callaghan had an excellent debut for us, Hodge was our best player for a long time).
Ireland hasn't looked or sounded interested at any time in his hopefully short Villa career.
Just turned on the news it hear that ''Ireland has made a formal request for a bailout''.
So it seems that's what the Blackburn game was all about.
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worst display ive seen from an aston villa player for a long long time
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You have to question the wisdom of signing this player bearing in mind his history. Had there been a manager in place who would have been confident enough to "manage" him then fair enough, but that manager wasn't in place. I know Milner wanted out, but were we that desperate to sell? He was the one player I didn't want as part of a deal, and if it doesn't work out, which at the moment appears the most likely scenario, we will have let our prime asset leave for less than his true value.
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Apparently MON didn't rate him either.
i've said previously, if the club forced the Milner deal through with Ireland coming in the other direction against O'Neill's wishes is the only acceptable reason for MON to leave.
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I am probably the only Villa fan who feels a bit sorry for him.
He's been shunted out of a club he loved to join a club he didn't want to join, only to end up playing for a Manager he wasn't aware he would be playing for who then says he's a lazy bastard.
Motivationally inept that comment from Houllier.
He's the type of player who'll join Fulham for £6 million and come back to haunt us.
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I have held a long standing suspicion that the Ireland thing had some part in MON leaving, I know this may not be anywhere near the truth but until we hear the whole story this sort of speculation will continue.
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I don't think the season is a write off especially cups. league meh
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At the moment, Ireland is about as welcoming as Kim Jong-Il.
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I think Houllier will spend more time wondering whether Ireland is a postive influence in the dressing room as thinking up possible schemes to trick him into playing well. As things stand, it's possible that GH signed Pires partially because it would enable him to offload Ireland in January.
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As Dave said, Callaghan was disinterested and made it known as was Hodge. However, they atleat took some time to come to this position (Callaghan had an excellent debut for us, Hodge was our best player for a long time).
Ireland hasn't looked or sounded interested at any time in his hopefully short Villa career.
Just turned on the news it hear that ''Ireland has made a formal request for a bailout''.
So it seems that's what the Blackburn game was all about.
Any more info on this bailout ?
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Yeah sorry what's this about a bailout?
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I have held a long standing suspicion that the Ireland thing had some part in MON leaving, I know this may not be anywhere near the truth but until we hear the whole story this sort of speculation will continue.
Nah, it was the whole Milner to Citeh thing.
No way would Lerner have forced a player onto his Manager.
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I think hes a player that needs to be involved in the play more, today like other games it looked to me like he was constantly looking and asking for the ball only to be ignored which must be frustrating for him like it was for me today, when he doesnt get the ball i think he starts to fade out of the game.
Yeah he needs to work harder but i thought first 20 mins he did ok, then slowly drifted out of the game. Im probably in a minority but selling him so soon would be a big mistake imo, hes clearly talented just needs time and to get his head straight, he looks low on confidence and houllier public slating probably didnt help.
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Lerner might not have...........
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I am probably the only Villa fan who feels a bit sorry for him.
He's been shunted out of a club he loved to join a club he didn't want to join, only to end up playing for a Manager he wasn't aware he would be playing for who then says he's a lazy bastard.
Motivationally inept that comment from Houllier.
He's the type of player who'll join Fulham for £6 million and come back to haunt us.
Agree with this, how quick we are to rubbish players, how many wanted Downing sold las year? he was Citys best player for many years so we know he can play, why not give him enough time to get used to the change and settle in at Villa Park before writing him off.
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Yeah sorry what's this about a bailout?
I think he means Ireland the country
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I'm struggling to feel sorry for him to be honest. He's in a good situation at a very good football club with a good management team, fellow players and one of the best owners around. He's getting paid very well, and it's not like Birmingham is on the other side of the planet as it relates geographically to Manchester. He can still go back home once in a while to see friends and family.
He has a job to do. He is a professional football player and in life things don't always go your way. Many of us "regular folk" change jobs, lose jobs or get relocated. It's quite common. He needs to find a way to fight through his personal difficulties because the dark cloud hanging over him isn't going anywhere. It's down to him to return to the form that made him one of the best young PL players just 2 years ago. People can help him get to the door, but only he can step through it. If he wants to.
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I'm concerned that he has never recovered from the death and then resurrection of his grandmothers. Such a shock would put most people off their game.
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Yeah sorry what's this about a bailout?
I think he means Ireland the country
Ah of course!
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I was at the game today and it was probably his best game for us and he was still completely ineffectual. Where are the lug burstinmg box to box runs we used to see at Citeh? All we got todasy was few fancy flicks some nice touches with bugger all end prodcut. If he'd actually bothered to get beyond Gabby, he may have pulled Nelson and Samba out of position who probably had the easiest game they've had all season.
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Too early to write him off.
GH / GM - get his mind right, motivate him, make him feel part of the club - get him playing like he can, liek we all want him to play.
I get the impression he's getting crap treatment by the club at the moment.
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He played virtually no football last season, he didnt want to come to Villa, he is a bit strange aparently;-(i) the problem now is that he is only playing because we have no one else and you cant expect the manager to trust him again any time soon.
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Too early to write him off.
GH / GM - get his mind right, motivate him, make him feel part of the club - get him playing like he can, liek we all want him to play.
I get the impression he's getting crap treatment by the club at the moment.
Based on what, though? Houllier's whinge about him the other week?
I'm sure he didn't enjoy reading it, but he's a professional footballer picking up 4 million pounds or so a year for doing what he does. I don't think we should be writing him off just yet, and it is early days, but it'd be nice to think a salary outlay of that level at least gets you a pair of bollocks.
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The article about how GH dealt with Paul Ince gives you a clue as to how he will deal with Ireland,
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No way was Downing that bad last season.
I'd say he deserves time but it's not quite like Downing's problem (fitness, settling down) it's metal and it doesn't seem rectifiable.
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No way was Downing that bad last season.
I'd say he deserves time but it's not quite like Downing's problem (fitness, settling down) it's metal and it doesn't seem rectifiable.
I blame AC/DC.
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I'd say he deserves time but it's not quite like Downing's problem (fitness, settling down) it's metal and it doesn't seem rectifiable.
He's certainly not worth his weight in gold at the moment, he needs to show a lot more steel or he'll zinc like a stone.
Or a lead balloon.
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I'd say he deserves time but it's not quite like Downing's problem (fitness, settling down) it's metal and it doesn't seem rectifiable.
He's certainly not worth his weight in gold at the moment, he needs to show a lot more steel or he'll zinc like a stone.
Or a lead balloon.
*applause*
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The whole dead gran story was because his partner suffered a miscarriage and he didn't handle the situation very well but it must have been tough on him to make him do that. It seemed like Ashley Young wouldn't pass to him in the game today even when he was in loads of space. I hope he can get his shit together but he needs to do it quickly because it seems like he has lost a lot of support.
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Damn me and my attempts to type quickly!
I remember a while back Troy Eccles constructed an elaborate theory on Ireland and how he is finished. I thought Troy was being a bit yampy but I'm coming round to his theory.
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Well I think we have been a committed player since becoming members of the EEC. Sure we were given a lot of grants to build roads and that, but that's to be expected after 800 years of oppression from the Brits who left us with infrastructure designed for horses and carts.
Oh, you mean the other 2010 hapless version of Ireland...
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Well I think we have been a committed player since becoming members of the EEC. Sure we were given a lot of grants to build roads and that, but that's to be expected after 800 years of oppression from the Brits who left us with infrastructure designed for horses and carts.
It's OK, with Bono on the case the country is close to indestructible.
It is still his life long mission to cancel Third World debt, is it not? (winky effort)
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GH praised his attitude since his moan about him 2 weeks ago before the game yesterday, and trusted him to start when going 4-4-2 with Gabby and Fonz was an option, so backed him to produce. He was though, about as bothered about playing as Fat Sam is about trying to entertain the fans where he manages. Poor display but even more frstrating is the fact he clearly is a good player, and when he tried to be involved looked like he could make something happen. He needs to get fully fit by the look of him, and he needs a flea in his ear before he does end up at a Fulham or worse.
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GH has apparantly said that Ireland will stay. When asked if Ireland would leave Villa in January, Houllier reportedly replied: “To Tottenham?”
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In H&V there are 5 'Slow Starters'
Maybe Ireland is another ?
Just a thought ....
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We really miss having a good skipper in the middle of the park to give some of our players a rocket. Namely Ash Young when he's fannying about, or Gabby when he's doing something thick as fuck, and most certainly Ireland, reclined in his fucking deck chair, sipping a pina colada. We need a Roy Keane.
I really don't rate Dunney as a skipper at the moment. Nigel is good, he leads by example and we've missed his energy and legs in midfield a lot. To be honest, with how Gerard wants to play, if we had Milner still, alongside Nigel, we'd be looking good imo.
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I guessed a thread with this kind of title would appear as soon as I saw Ireland in the starting line-up.
I thought he was quite bright in the first half, some great movement, passing. We didn't get him in dangerous attacking situations though, that was my disappointment. He looked very much like a player who was starting his first game for weeks, somewhat out of the loop. That'll happen when a guy doesn't play much.
Overall, he was average on Sunday. That puts him on a par with several of our players, and above one or two (you know who you are, Mr Warnock).
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It did look like A.Young didnt want to pass the ball to him yesterday. Young was trying to do the hard pass and giving the ball away instead of a simple ball to Ireland in space... There is a very good footballer in there somewhere , the next 2 mths are going to be a big period for Ireland If he has a Villa career , If not, that's another £5 million lost, as he will probably go to a Fulham or Sunderland for £3 million...
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The only player I can remember who was less arsed than Ireland, ever, was Nigel Callaghan, and it took him a good six months to get this bad. You'd think professional pride would make him at least put some effort in.
He always springs to mind in these discussions, he sets the standards that only a few have got close to. Ireland is going the right way towards sinking to Callaghan depths though. I have to say John Carew has had his moments, anyone who witnessed his 'efforts' against Newcastle would probably agree. Someone else mentioned Curcic. I think he was just insane, but he was streets ahead of Ireland talent wise, in fact streets ahead of most i've seen at the Villa. Thats why it was so gauling.
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When a player loses confidence they tend to revert to taking the easy way out and not go looking for the ball. It looks a lot like they can't be arsed.
I don't know if Ireland really can't be arsed or it is just a confidence thing but it's probably a little early to write him off and a game against one of Fat Sam's anti-football sides is definitely not the one to use as the final nail.
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He needs a cattle prod up his arse
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Maybe our manager should have a chat with a Leicester City Manager about him. Perhaps we should send him to Leicester on loan as Sven know how to handle him.
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Maybe our manager should have a chat with a Leicester City Manager about him. Perhaps we should send him to Leicester on loan as Sven know how to handle him.
Good idea. Trouble is we'd no doubt end up paying his wages while he did.
Perhaps a loan to Doncaster would be more suitable, or somewhere special like Bangor City. They are doing well and would suit him
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I've been quite angry when watching some of his performances as it certainly doesn't look like he is putting the effort in, Houllier's comments would seem to confirm that he isn't.
That said i think we have to give him time, I know that he didn't want to leave Man City, but that doesn't mean he doesn't want to be here. Having watched him quite intently over his last few appearences it's obvious that he hasn't quite fitted in to the team yet, he seems to end up out of position quite a lot, or in ineffective positions. Sometimes that can make it look as though you are not trying when really you are just lost. I've also seen him in some great positions when other players have passed the ball to someone else in a much worse position. That must be very frustrating for him too. He still looks a bit lightweight on the tackling front, but he is starting to get stuck in a bit more, and he put a couple of good meaty challenges in on Sunday, which was nice to see.
At the end of the day he's come into a new team that's had two managers and very little consistency because of all of our injuries. Most of our players have played together now for at least 2 or 3 seasons and so have developed an understanding together. That will take time to develop.
I'm sure if he hasn't impressed by the end of the season, especially in terms of attitude, he will be one of the first players out of the door. But really i think we have to give him time.
As for Dunne, wtf? He had a great season last year and hasn't been as bad as many people have said he's been this season. Plus he's had knee problems that he's been playing though. Some people really do have short memories.
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1. How much is Ireland on, is it true it is around 60k a week?
2. Is it true that we have not won a game that he has played in and he did not win a game with citeh in his last 10 appearances too?
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I'm still optimistic Ireland can come good. Ok, it has'nt worked for him as yet and yesterday he did'nt do himself any favours but the majority of us were chuffed to bits when he signed so that for me points towards the fact that we have a bloody good player there.
I think we need to forget about him being Milner's replacement (who incidentally has'nt pulled up any trees at Man City yet either) and let him settle into his own game. He's good enough to, it's just up to him if he wants it or not.
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I was severley angry with Ireland's performance yesterday. I don't think he's got the attitude to put his head down and graft. Possibly the perfect example of the modern player. He was out In Manchester with Young and Emile after the United game FFS.
As for less committed players.....Fashanu and Paul Mortimer anybody????
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Just read on the Sky News website that a Mr Osborne (Isaiah I'm presuming) said today:
"Ireland is a friend in need and it is in our national interest that we should be prepared to help at this difficult time."
Now that's what I call team spirit.
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I'd say he deserves time but it's not quite like Downing's problem (fitness, settling down) it's metal and it doesn't seem rectifiable.
He's certainly not worth his weight in gold at the moment, he needs to show a lot more steel or he'll zinc like a stone.
Or a lead balloon.
Haha!
Is "yampy" a real word by the way? I rather like it. I remember Troy's theory too, I just thought it was a bit poncey but now it's clear that he's the second coming of Freud. Who'd have thought it.
yampy (ˈjæmpɪ)
— n
dialect ( Midland English ) a foolish person
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
Though I've always used it as 'he's a bit yampy him...', which is obviously incorrect - but with sufficient usage that Victoria Coren will be knocking on the door.
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I remarked after the Blackpool game that it was as if we'd signed Sasa Curcic again. Dave Woodhall pointed out that at least Curcic had a good debut.
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Ireland has all the ability required to be a top player for us.
It's the manager's job to work out if Ireland needs the kick up the arse or the arm round the shoulder method of motivation.
As for players who didn't give a toss, there was nobody in living memory more guilty than Nigel Callaghan.
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Get rid of the ******. Dunne can fuck off too.
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He is a totally different player to Milner, he has better skills as shown in the first couple of minutes on Sunday but he doesn't have Milners aggression or motor. I think he's getting tired of running to a good position and being totally ignored. Reputation is everything and when Pires came on there would have been Villa players frightened not to pass to him when he called.
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It strikes me that I've never seen Ireland run more than six yards with the ball at his feet. All I recall from his City days were incisive, darting runs and barnstorming finishes. He just doesn't seem to enjoy being near the football right now.
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He is probably the most talented footballer we have and that is according to the guys who have played with him and like Collymore sadly that isnt enough, because to achieve greatness you have got to have your head screwed on the right way, by the way it would not be a suprise that Ireland is aware of this thread.
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Won't do him any harm to read it.
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Stevie, if you're reading, I didn't mean it about the puffin.
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Obviously doesn't want to be here. Is he still living in the north west or did he move to Brum?
Which is a shame as I was very exciting about him coming here and proving himself. As for Dunne, he is starting to show his old age now.
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Something isn't quite right with the lad, which is a shame as we know he's a quality player.
I hope he does turn it around, like how Downing has done.
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Let try to work out the problems
1. He is unhappy about leaving Man City. They don't want you. Nothing will change them.
2. He is not settled in Villa Park. Move to the Midlands and spend more times getting to know your team mates and work harder.
3. Players and Managers doesn't understand me. Work harder and learn your team mates abilities and build an understanding.
4. If you are affected with lack of fitness, spend more times in gym/bike/training ground
5. If you are affected with lack of match practise / sharpness. Ask to play for Villa reserves to get games
6. Don't feel loved. Well you have to earn the support and love as it come both way.
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He has received a lot of love from Villa fans the morning he came here. He can't use that excuse.
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Stephen Ireland has just posted a Tweet: Might have to give Trap a buzz to get a game.
Shouldn't he be in training now?
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Stephen Ireland has just posted a Tweet: Might have to give Trap a buzz to get a game.
Shouldn't he be in training now?
Played his last game? So much promise when he joined. He won't be missed.
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Stephen Ireland has just posted a Tweet: Might have to give Trap a buzz to get a game.
Shouldn't he be in training now?
I have a feeling that's a fake account.
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Stephen Ireland has just posted a Tweet: Might have to give Trap a buzz to get a game.
Shouldn't he be in training now?
I have a feeling that's a fake account.
Quite possibly, it isn't varified.
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I think Ireland needs a goal. I think he'll come to life then. :)
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If he could get the winner say, next Wednesday that would take a lot of problems away.
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That would be a decent way of winning people over.
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Clearly, Ireland's problems are in his head and not his feet. He's not the first to have problems like this and I well remember the shocking first season Ken McNaught had, one of our great centre halves, following his transfer from Everton. I believe that Ireland could also become a very influential player for us, given time. I don't think he's in the same bracket as that wimp Maloney.
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I think Ireland's 'problems' are being overstated. I don't think there's a lot wrong, other than he's not had a run of games in the side. He's not really playing poorly, he's just not made a major impact.
To be honest, I think the position's done him no favours at all. He's now seen as a second striker, playing behind a centre-forward, so that changes expectation of him. We're expecting him to win games, and if he falls short, he's had a 'stinker'. Can't help thinking that if we were using him a central midfielder, we'd be seeing him in a slightly different light.
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He had a run of games in the side early season at central midfield and was woeful.
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Early season? Which run of games would that be? I thought he missed the West Ham game as the deal hadn't gone through, played badly at Newcastle, (along with everyone else, forever to be known as the worst result in our history), injured in the warm-up at Everton and didn't play, therefore going almost a month before featuring in his next league game. Started that one v Bolton, did okay, on a v.late sub at Spurs, started and did very well at home to Chelsea, started again and admittedly was poor v Sunderland.
I'm not seeing a run of games as a central midfielder there, Pedro.
It's just my personal opinion, but I think he needs to play central midfield, not as some kind of free striker, and certainly not given the odd start and little cameo sub appearances here and there. Now he's expected to come on, or start the odd game in three, and win it for us with a stroke of genius. My fear is he won't be given a realistic chance to show his best and he'll be moved on swiftly.
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I don't know if anybody has mentioned Craig Bellamy's comments about Ireland on Sky but he rates him very highly. He said that at his first Citeh training session he thought that Ireland was the best player he'd ever seen but was a complex character. His problem is probably mental application and he seems a sort of tortured genius. In this case it will take as long for the management to learn how to handle him properly too, but from what I've seen so far he doesn't seem to have a clear role in the team and it may be as simple as helping him to understand what is expected of him.
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Best player he'd ever seen?
Better than Pele, Maradona, Messi? On what criteria is he measuring this Mario Karts?
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Best player he'd ever seen?
Better than Pele, Maradona, Messi? On what criteria is he measuring this Mario Karts?
I don't think Bellamy has ever played with Pele, Maradona or Messi.
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Best player he'd ever seen?
Better than Pele, Maradona, Messi? On what criteria is he measuring this Mario Karts?
I don't think Bellamy has ever played with Pele, Maradona or Messi.
Probably not but he's quoted as saying he's the best player he's ever seen which quite frankly is ridiculous. This blokes played with Mark Bowen for christ sake!
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Ireland are you listening ?? Score the winner against the "Scum" and i don`t care if you dont run, chase players back or even look interested in Villa ever again .....
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Best player he'd ever seen?
Better than Pele, Maradona, Messi? On what criteria is he measuring this Mario Karts?
He didn't mention whether he'd seen the players you mention actually play.
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I seem to remember at the time the Villa players said the same thing about Sasa Curcic, in training he was amazing but when it came to doing it on the pitch he couldn't be found, I hope this isn't the same case with Mr. Ireland!
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Did we expect too much too soon though? I'm as frustrated as the next man with his lack of influence over games, not too mention his lack of goals thus far when we've needed midfielders to fill the hole left by injuries to strikers.
Let's not write him off yet is all I'm saying, he is a bloody good player, we just need to hope Houllier thinks it's worth the effort to get that out of him.
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On sky at the weekend Bellamy said that Ireland's best position was in a midfield three. Maybe this is something we could try in the next few games with Alby out.
-------Bannan-----Clark------Ireland
Young------Gabby--------DJ
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If Ireland had showed a bit of effort and application, this thread wouldn't be needed.
Bad performances/run of form can be forgiven, not trying can't.
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I'd rather Sidwell play than Ireland, and Sidwell is fucking awful and injured.
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Best player he'd ever seen?
Better than Pele, Maradona, Messi? On what criteria is he measuring this Mario Karts?
I don't think Bellamy has ever played with Pele, Maradona or Messi.
Probably not but he's quoted as saying he's the best player he's ever seen which quite frankly is ridiculous. This blokes played with Mark Bowen for christ sake!
I don't think we're supposed to take him literally! I presume he meant he was that good he stood head and shoulders above everyone else at training - which is interesting. Proof that in the right set-up he is as good as he looked. I think people get a bit carried away with descriptions like 'complex character' though... basically he is paid to do a job. Plain and simple. Doesn't matter to me how good he can be, if he isn't that good for the hour and a half when he's needed to be then ship him out and let someone who wants to be there play. There's surely plenty of people who would be happy to take his place.
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Does anyone REALLY believe that Ireland is intentionally plyaing badly at the moment ?
Lets give him a chance, in fact a few chances before writing him off.
Let us as fans, get behind him ffs
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Apparently Ireland wants out of Villa in January with Fulham (of all places) his preferred destination.
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I had a quick word with stevie at half time against the blues. There doesn't appear to be any lights on, sadly,No spark at all.
Could end up as another Collymore.
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Apparently Ireland wants out of Villa in January with Fulham (of all places) his preferred destination.
Wants to join up with Mark Hughes again.
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Apparently Ireland wants out of Villa in January with Fulham (of all places) his preferred destination.
Wants to join up with Mark Hughes again.
A straight swap for Dempsey?
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Apparently Ireland wants out of Villa in January with Fulham (of all places) his preferred destination.
Wants to join up with Mark Hughes again.
A straight swap for Dempsey?
A straight swop for a corner flag would do me.
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I remember a while back Troy Eccles constructed an elaborate theory on Ireland and how he is finished. I thought Troy was being a bit yampy but I'm coming round to his theory.
Bollocks to you! Well, the first bit. :P
I remember Troy's theory too, I just thought it was a bit poncey but now it's clear that he's the second coming of Freud. Who'd have thought it.
You an' all!
It was a fantastic bloody piece that. Although I have to admit, I'm surprised it was accurate. I do tend to post some bollocks on here. Gets the ladies all het up, see.
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Apparently Ireland wants out of Villa in January with Fulham (of all places) his preferred destination.
Wants to join up with Mark Hughes again.
A straight swap for Dempsey?
A straight swop for a corner flag would do me.
How about a straight swap for a water bottle? At least it would be of some use to the team.
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I'll give you a plaster.
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I can't think of one player I'd want from Fulham, if Martin was still the boss I'd say Zamora but with Gerrard I think we will tend to sign French.
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Suspect if a swap deal was to be done, then GH might try and snag Danny Murphy. He'd be a solid signing. Reliable, and would fit well into Houlliers style. Good for 2 years. I also think Hughes could be swayed into it.
Murphy would however be best accompanied with 1-2 further, and younger, midfield signings.
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Well, today I thought he was an improvement on Carew. Yes, he doesn't seem to know how to "fit" into the side, and he lacks tactical awareness, but he did seem to try.
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Well, today I thought he was an improvement on Carew. Yes, he doesn't seem to know how to "fit" into the side, and he lacks tactical awareness, but he did seem to try.
Like I said when he first came, he wasn't the type of player we needed. We ahve enough attacking midfielders in the side. Especially with Albrighton and Downing on the wing and Ashley free to play in the middle it's hard to see where Ireland can fit in.
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Ireland looked OK today. Which, given his previous performances, is actually a vast improvement
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Ireland looked OK today. Which, given his previous performances, is actually a vast improvement
I agree. I thought he at least put some effort in today and showed somed good touches but he had no running colleagues to play to. Villa were largely statuesque today and looked knackered like O'Neill's teams have at the end of the last few seasons. Could this be the same fitness regime that caused the French team to strike at the World Cup? They were also arguing with each other today, another sign of unreat in the camp.
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Ireland was good when he came on.
His first five forward passes all went to a fellow Villa player which was a marked improvement on what we'd seen for the previous 50 minutes. He got the ball moving quicker in central midfield and livened us up.
Frustrating thing is he drifted out of the game at 2-3, just didn't see him on the ball enough at that time.
Still I'd be fuming if we just sell him without giving him a proper run of games unless he really dosen't want to be here.
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Well, today I thought he was an improvement on Carew. Yes, he doesn't seem to know how to "fit" into the side, and he lacks tactical awareness, but he did seem to try.
Like I said when he first came, he wasn't the type of player we needed. We ahve enough attacking midfielders in the side. Especially with Albrighton and Downing on the wing and Ashley free to play in the middle it's hard to see where Ireland can fit in.
Exactly, I think there is a very good player there but I don't think we can afford to play him in the same team as Downing, Ashley, Albrighton and Bannan. All too much of a "lightweight" type who are good footballers in their own right but need to have some "heavy mob" around them to do the hard graft.
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The problem will of course come when we sell Ireland in January and low and behold Young suddenly dosen't want to sign a new contract in the summer and we'll be short of good footballers then.
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He was dishing the autographs out before the game and at half time giving the impression of someone who wants to hang around, just need to find a position for him and the rest of our 5 a side players.
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There was a less committed player than Ireland today - Carew.
He was a fucking disgrace.
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Credit where its due, Ireland did well today when he came on, he even put a good challenge in.
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I thought Ireland did well, too.
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Yup, thought he looked good too.
If we can just get just get him to click then he'll be worth every penny we've spent on him.
Over to you Gerard.
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Ireland was MOTM compared to Carew. Get rid January while we can get some money for him ......
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I also thought Ireland was good yesterday. He seemed to have a bit of hunger that he been missing since he signed.
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Another bug in the space in the space of a fortnight ??!! This bloke clearly does not want to be here.At least GH hasn't got to make the choice of whether to start him or not.We really couldn't afford to be playing with 10 men anyway
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Why are folk bashing Ireland. Give him chance to settle for christs sake. It must do his confidence the world of good hearing the fans critcise him continually. I recall threads on here about Milner not being good enough when he returned for his second stint and look how he turned out.
There is a very good player in Ireland and given encouragement I believe he will come good for us.
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Why are folk bashing Ireland. Give him chance to settle for christs sake. It must do his confidence the world of good hearing the fans critcise him continually. I recall threads on here about Milner not being good enough when he returned for his second stint and look how he turned out.
There is a very good player in Ireland and given encouragement I believe he will come good for us.
I want Ireland to succeed as much as anybody unfortunately I suspect he doesn' t at Villa.It was obvious Milner was desperate to succeed even when things weren't going well a bit like how he is now at City 100% effort even though he isn't really having the desired impact at the moment
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Why are people bashing Ireland??
I cant believe you asked that question
Is it because the bloke is an idle fucker who doesn't want to play for us?
have you forgotton how he cried off the night before the Man Ure game only to go out on the piss in Manchester on the night.
Now he is unwell again.
Fuck him off ASAP Gerard if anyone would be stupid enough to buy him