Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: alan_clarke on November 11, 2012, 03:08:59 AM
-
Personally I still think he is flattering to deceive, today's game included...
-
I think the same. We need more than flashes of good play and more end product. He's too inconsistent. His attitude on the pitch is far better now but he's still not producing the goods nearly enough. He's supposed to be our creative midfielder but he's not up to it IMO. Following the likes of Merson, Young in the claret and blue, and he just doesn't come close. This is an area that needs rectifying in January. Ireland and N'Zogbia should be flogged and we buy a better, hopefully more consistent player in place. Someone who doesn't have to have his mindset in a very comfortable, particular place in order to perform.
-
I don't know about January, but in the long term, the way Lambert's started in the transfer market, all the top earners look replaceable, with the possible exception of Gabby if he keeps up his current form.
Who else is left? Given, Dunne, Bent, Ireland, CNZ, Warnock and Hutton - all bodes well for a proper clean slate when the new TV money starts rolling in.
Some of our kids are gonna be needing new contracts soon though.
-
I would say that is a bit harsh. He has periods in games of being good, then disappearing. The problem with that is that he was so good for City for 18 months and we have never had that consistency.
-
There had been an improvement in his performances but that doesn't say much as he was gash for the best part of two seasons .
He is still very inconsistent, gives the ball away too much, doesn't create enough and his shirking of tackles drives me mental.
Still massive room for improvement.
-
I think he is improving all the time and at 26 there is no reason we cannot have a player who gets better and better to turn in consistently good performances. The ability is all there, Lambert is hopefully the right manager to bring all of that out.
-
I don't particularly like him. I don't particularly rate him. I certainly don't seem him as one of the best players at the club as some do.
BUT, we do seem Better with him in the team than out.
-
He's our best midfield player at the
Moment,
if he doesn't play we miss him badly as shown in the games where he didn't play
-
Overall he's still inconsistent. But I literally cannot believe anyone could question his influence today. He was outstanding. I suggest you read any match report or minute by minute report. Or watch the highlights.
What next? Is Benteke strong enough for premier league football?
-
He's doing Ok, but he's being asked to do a different role at Villa to what he did at City
-
I do not need to read the minute by minute reports or watch him on television. I was there and my opinion he was lack-lustre and less than one hundred percent focussed on yesterdays game. At Swindon, a game which I also saw with my own eyes, he was the same. If you did not know what he achieved at Manchester City back in the day you would not continue to give him the chances to prove himself which he has had with us. In horse racing terminology, he does not appear to have trained on.
We need a better, more consistent more mentally strong player in the role Stephen Ireland is being asked to play. That is my opinion.
-
I actually thought he had one of his better games yesterday; and probably only went off because of the booking. Unlucky with some harsh refereeing in the first half with a couple of free kicks given for daring to tackle Scholes.
Certainly looked stronger than KEH when he came on.
-
No doubt In my mind that he is improving, seems to tire after an hour or so but deserves his place in the team on his recent form.
-
IMO Ireland has been very good this season, links up play between attack and midfield very well, works his socks off and presses on opposition. We've created lot more chances when he's been playing and it's no coincidence.
-
We need a better, more consistent more mentally strong player in the role Stephen Ireland is being asked to play. That is my opinion.
I agree however till we do get that man Ireland is the best we have with any footballing intelligence and subtlety. We need to turn him into a 90mins player.
-
I like Ireland and for all his faults he makes us a better team to watch. I also strongly think that there are bigger priorities in the transfer window although Westwood's performances have helped.
Oh hang on, I think I have solved it.
Swap Ireland for that Kenyan fella at Celtic (plus say 5m) and get Arshavin on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.
-
The question I would pose is why is he not fit enough to last a whole game? Injury? Lifestyle?
He has flashes of being a proper midfielder. He can run, tackle and has the most guile of our current midfield, but only for about 50 minutes per game.
-
Yesterday was one of his best games for us. He is replaceable, of course, but the nature of our position means that most of our players are replaceable if you look hard enough. We're hardly full of Messis.
-
The question I would pose is why is he not fit enough to last a whole game? Injury? Lifestyle?
He has flashes of being a proper midfielder. He can run, tackle and has the most guile of our current midfield, but only for about 50 minutes per game.
When he joined he claimed one of his biggest assets was his stamina late in the game. For us he does appear to pick up a few injuries which have maybe prevented him building up that level of fitness. Personally I do not doubt his work-rate and hope a run of matches means he can maintain those levels beyond the current 70 minute mark.
-
Yesterday was his best game in a villa shirt IMHO. He's done precious little for us in 3 years so I'm far from convinced at this stage.
-
Well at one time I couldnt see how Stephen Ireland could get in any team but when he started to put the effort in my opinion started to change. Yesterday in the first half he was superb as indeed was Vlaar and like it or not creative players do not charge round the pitch tackling everything in sight, thats for the Chris Herd type. But to be fair he closed Scholes down as much as possible and contributed as everyone did.
When he gets his through balls right with a front three of Benteke Bent and Weimann we should be guaranteed a hatful of goals on a consistent basis. Its an exciting prospect for the second half of the season.
-
But to be fair he closed Scholes down as much as possible and contributed as everyone did.
Scholes and Ireland were having a right ding-dong in the first half. I think a lot of Irelands work here stopped Man U controlling the game. Indeed there was that "foul" by Ireland that put Benteke clean through and also a good interception in the first half.
I think we might be a bit harsh on Ireland comparing him to players like Merson. Merson would score spectacular lobs but I cannot remember a single tackle or matches were he has particularly busted a gut, whereas we expect Ireland to do both.
-
Ireland needs to add goals to his game, but his , and Weimanns movement off the ball is key to how PL wants to play the game.
To be honest Percs, i think Gabby is one of the more vulnerable players in the team.Alongside Ireland he needs to create and score more goals, his position in the team has now changed, instead of being a CF , he is now a wide attacking inside forward, like Weimann plays on the right.He needs to adapt or he will be replaced.
Gabby needs to watch how Bale plays the role, and try to play like that.
I do like Ireland though.
-
People forget that at Citeh he had Robhino (Sp?) pulling the strings and he really brought the best out of Ireland. Unfortunately, we have few players with genuine quality so it's never going to be a fair comparison. I think he does some great stuff but agree he could chip in with a few more goals and get in the box more but I'm not sure what his role is these days.
-
He's still not great,but i thought he was pretty good yesterday,made a few runs to get past Benteke. At the minute we just haven't got the squad or cash to replace him with a similar player,unless he tries Bannan up there.
-
I think he tires as he closes down so much.He didn't give Scholes a minutes peace in the first half and he never touched him for the ''foul''.
I think he keeps us ticking just keeping the ball and intocepting passes and when he does go off or isn't in the team it's noticable
-
There should be a third option in the poll of "Getting there".
He has improved definitely however there is hopefully much better to come. I really didn't want him to stick around after the first few months but that has totally changed recently.
-
So much did Lambert get his tactics right first-half I think Ferguson took off a wide player and put Hernandez on to counteract Ireland in the middle. For the first 15 mins in the 2nd half Ireland was great but then you could either argue that he went off the boil or we then started to get overrun in the middle.
-
I think he tires as he closes down so much.He didn't give Scholes a minutes peace in the first half and he never touched him for the ''foul''.
I think he keeps us ticking just keeping the ball and intocepting passes and when he does go off or isn't in the team it's noticable
I thought he was unfairly penalised by the ref on a number of occasions, in fact, I normally don't join in with conspiracy stuff about MU getting preferable treatment and it may have been just me, but I thought generally that the ref noticeably leaned rather too much towards them.
He looked knackered when he went off. Either that or he was afraid of tackling anyone again for fear of being sent off.
-
Got no real complaints about the officials. Both goals were rightly allowed but are ones you can see ruled out from time to time
-
I think he is improving all the time . Was getting in great positions yesterday and Weimann should have put in him first half . He is starting to really settle and being the experience head we need him in the team . The way he celebrates the goals as improved too ;)
-
We're going to be in the awkward situation soon where we either need to offer him a new contract or sell him. Will it be this be his third season here of presumably a four year contract?
It's a tough call for Lambert as he clearly has talent but he's probably on big money compared to most of the more recent signings.
-
I thought he was excellent yesterday, you can tell that when he's bothered, the lad is class.
-
I thought he was excellent yesterday, you can tell that when he's bothered, the lad is class.
And there lies the problem Riss. Until he remains injury free and puts a run of good games together, then I think doubts will remain. His high wages also mean that questions will always be asked if he is value for the money he picks up.
I also can't really understand how a top flight professional footballer can only last 60 minutes in a game.
-
He was excellent yesterday and our midfield three until January should certainly be the three that started yesterday.
-
I think he tires as he closes down so much.He didn't give Scholes a minutes peace in the first half
Can't agree with that, Scholes time and time again was given so much time and space to spray the ball about.
-
He's the most talented player at the club, without doubt. If PL can work with him, he will be a great asset to us. His current position seems to suit him and us.
-
I would bet everything, if we give him a new contract he will play half arsed again.
Classic example of a player realising his gravy train is pulling into the station.
-
I personally struggle with Ireland as an individual, but yesterday I thought he finally started to make a significant contribution. He was really 'up' for it and did really well.
He now needs to check in with a few goals.
And I too thought that Scholes was given far too much space in the first half, even if it ultimately didn't count for anything.
-
I would bet everything, if we give him a new contract he will play half arsed
Absolutely, we should be working him out of the club tbh.
-
The way I look at it, we've got too many for the middle and something's got to give. Bannan, Delph, Holman, KEA, Westwood, hopefully Gardner and one day Petrov. I'd get rid of, high wages, too inconsistent.
-
Ireland is a classy player. I just wish he'd get on the scoresheet every now and then like he did on a regular basis for Manchester City.
-
I hate the bloke with a passion everything i despise in the modern footballer but i admit yesterday he wanted the ball and put through some decent balls. The way Mr Lambert can pick a bargain up i await January with optimism.
-
I think he is well worth his place on current form. We are better with him on the pitch. I believe that we probably wouldn't have lost at Southampton if he hadn't got injured and missed the second half.
-
Quit worrying. He is required to create some vital goals and then get moved on by PL in the summer, to be replaced by somebody (lower league or foreign - and cheap) as good but hard- working. What's in that for Ireland? Think Sidwell or Downing. Riches in the FAPL without any need to work.
-
There must be a younger more hungry player out there. Everyone saying he was chasing the ball in midfield was watching a different game to me. He has some quality, but his workrate, for me, is the worst of our side.
-
There must be a younger more hungry player out there. Everyone saying he was chasing the ball in midfield was watching a different game to me. He has some quality, but his workrate, for me, is the worst of our side.
wow, completely disagree but there you go. In my defence I think he operates "between the lines" (which is his strength) but it does make him hard to define as a player. Not quite an attacker but doesn't do enough defensively either.
-
There must be a younger more hungry player out there. Everyone saying he was chasing the ball in midfield was watching a different game to me. He has some quality, but his workrate, for me, is the worst of our side.
wow, completely disagree but there you go. In my defence I think he operates "between the lines" (which is his strength) but it does make him hard to define as a player. Not quite an attacker but doesn't do enough defensively either.
Every time the attack broke down Gabby and Weimann were back covering while he was dawdling on the edge of the area. He has some excellent qualitys but a team player he is not.
-
Watch what Gabby did in the lead up to their second goal though.
-
Watch what Gabby did in the lead up to their second goal though.
Is that the one where he just seemed to give up and turn his back on our goal?
-
Watch what Gabby did in the lead up to their second goal though.
Is that the one where he just seemed to give up and turn his back on our goal?
He just completely switched off and their full-back got played in behind him. It's happened quite a few times when he has played out wide, but in his defence it's not his natural position.
-
I personally struggle with Ireland as an individual, but yesterday I thought he finally started to make a significant contribution. He was really 'up' for it and did really well.
He now needs to check in with a few goals.
And I too thought that Scholes was given far too much space in the first half, even if it ultimately didn't count for anything.
The space that Scholes was given to work in was in their half of the field the majority of time. By harrying him, Ireland had driven him back and partially negated his influence. Yes Scholes was spraying the ball around but not in a dangerous area of the pitch.
Also think if he had not been on a yellow that PL would have kept him on longer. PL was probably frightened that as he was tiring, along with most of the others I might add, one mistimed tackle would mean we were down to 10 men and without him next week. Thought PL go that decision spot on.
Scholes also did not last 90 minutes - if he was playing for us would people be making the same comments?
-
The way I look at it, we've got too many for the middle and something's got to give. Bannan, Delph, Holman, KEA, Westwood, hopefully Gardner and one day Petrov. I'd get rid of, high wages, too inconsistent.
Delph, Holman and KEA up to now look fairly limited. Gardner has had two massive injuries that will have stunted his development by two seasons when he gets back, Petrov won't likely play at a high level again and Bannan is only now starting to show some consistency. None of them have Ireland's awareness, touch or composure so I'd be looking at the more average ones to shift out before looking to offload Stevie boy.
-
The way I look at it, we've got too many for the middle and something's got to give. Bannan, Delph, Holman, KEA, Westwood, hopefully Gardner and one day Petrov. I'd get rid of, high wages, too inconsistent.
Delph, Holman and KEA up to now look fairly limited. Gardner has had two massive injuries that will have stunted his development by two seasons when he gets back, Petrov won't likely play at a high level again and Bannan is only now starting to show some consistency. None of them have Ireland's awareness, touch or composure so I'd be looking at the more average ones to shift out before looking to offload Stevie boy.
Same here. Holman is an enthusiastic trier, but offers very little in the way of quality balls. KEA is very underwhelming, and I'm not actually sure what he offers at all. Delph is just shite, pure and simple. Our best midfield options are Ireland, Bannan and Westwood. I'd say Herd too but Lambert doesn't seem to like him.
-
He is a big money signing on very high wages who has not delviered other than in odd flashes/games.
He doesn't do nearly enough though it does appear his reputation, as a very good player, preceeds him as seem to do better when he is in the side than not.
-
The way I look at it, we've got too many for the middle and something's got to give. Bannan, Delph, Holman, KEA, Westwood, hopefully Gardner and one day Petrov. I'd get rid of, high wages, too inconsistent.
Delph, Holman and KEA up to now look fairly limited. Gardner has had two massive injuries that will have stunted his development by two seasons when he gets back, Petrov won't likely play at a high level again and Bannan is only now starting to show some consistency. None of them have Ireland's awareness, touch or composure so I'd be looking at the more average ones to shift out before looking to offload Stevie boy.
Same here. Holman is an enthusiastic trier, but offers very little in the way of quality balls. KEA is very underwhelming, and I'm not actually sure what he offers at all. Delph is just shite, pure and simple. Our best midfield options are Ireland, Bannan and Westwood. I'd say Herd too but Lambert doesn't seem to like him.
complete agree . I would want to see Delph and Holmam gone before Ireland. If we could clone holman and Ireland into one player , he would be awesome .
-
First and foremost what Ireland needs to do and what seems to be his role is to link up play between midfield , wingers and strikers, open up play for others and harrash/press opponents on higher up on the field and he is now only one of our players who offers that with his vision and footballing brain.
Playing showy and hollywood passes or scoring 'Goals of the Season' is nice to see sure but in my opionion it's much more important for him to offer composure, link up the play and get the basic things first right in the team.
It's not always about the great final pass, usually the pass or two before the final pass is more important when creating a scoring chances.
When we have team gelled and get maybe another player to share the link up duties then Ireland can get the role with more freedom.
-
If Ireland didn't have a flaw in his personality he wouldn't be playing for us as he is truly gifted. We have a squad full of hard workers but not much in the way of quality. Ireland makes a massive difference and in my opinion he was excellent on Saturday.
-
There must be a younger more hungry player out there. Everyone saying he was chasing the ball in midfield was watching a different game to me. He has some quality, but his workrate, for me, is the worst of our side.
wow, completely disagree but there you go. In my defence I think he operates "between the lines" (which is his strength) but it does make him hard to define as a player. Not quite an attacker but doesn't do enough defensively either.
Every time the attack broke down Gabby and Weimann were back covering while he was dawdling on the edge of the area. He has some excellent qualitys but a team player he is not.
It wasn't his responsibility to get back, whereas Gabby and Weimann were playing like wingers and so had to track back.
-
If Ireland didn't have a flaw in his personality he wouldn't be playing for us as he is truly gifted. We have a squad full of hard workers but not much in the way of quality. Ireland makes a massive difference and in my opinion he was excellent on Saturday.
Ireland seems to have matured a lot in the couple last years, and he haven't caused any incidents with the small exception of that pipe twitter picture.
Given that Lambert has played Ireland he doesn't seem like "problem player" unlike some others who were sold or let go...
-
If Ireland didn't have a flaw in his personality he wouldn't be playing for us as he is truly gifted. We have a squad full of hard workers but not much in the way of quality. Ireland makes a massive difference and in my opinion he was excellent on Saturday.
Ireland seems to have matured a lot in the couple last years, and he haven't caused any incidents with the small exception of that pipe twitter picture.
Given that Lambert has played Ireland he doesn't seem like "problem player" unlike some others who were sold or let go...
No, he is looking a more settled player these days. Personally I couldn't give a shit what sort of bloke he is off the pitch as long as he does the business on it.
-
he's a very creative player and the teams ticks along so much better with him in it. My only gripe is that he is still playing too deep and needs to get in the box much more. He's proved in the early part of his career that he can score goals and he's got some tremendous strikes to him credit. We have never seen that in his time with us.
-
I don't think he has shown anything like the full depth of talent he has, but I am far, far more confident we'll create chances when Ireland is in the team.
-
The way I look at it, we've got too many for the middle and something's got to give. Bannan, Delph, Holman, KEA, Westwood, hopefully Gardner and one day Petrov. I'd get rid of, high wages, too inconsistent.
I don't think we've got too many in the middle at all. I doubt Gardner will play this season, and I don't think Petrov will either, sadly, or indeed, perhaps never again.
I think decisions need to made on a couple of the others for the sake of bringing some better quality in. Bannan, Westwood and Ireland probably make up our strongest three; KEA is still worth consideration, he's good enough but maybe not in the best of form the past couple of weeks. Holman is versatile enough to play wide or further forward, so he's got a future too, for me.
I'm forming the opinion that Delph isn't up to it, and I think is Herd is an honest trier but best placed as a squad man, filling in defensively. I'd sell both if it meant bringing in one decent midfielder.
-
I don't think he has shown anything like the full depth of talent he has, but I am far, far more confident we'll create chances when Ireland is in the team.
agreed. Just his awareness of Gabby's position for the second goal meant he didn't need to stop the play. It flowed so much better. We've really missed that since Gaz Baz left. Barry could get the ball wide to Ash on the left so quickly that Ash was in acres of space. You give players with talent and speed space they'll do something with it as Gabby did.
-
he still seems to have a ten minute AWOL, where he just wanders around, misplacing passes or woefully behind play. I think smoking that bong has done him some long term damage in the noggin sometimes
-
I don't think he has shown anything like the full depth of talent he has, but I am far, far more confident we'll create chances when Ireland is in the team.
agreed. Just his awareness of Gabby's position for the second goal meant he didn't need to stop the play. It flowed so much better. We've really missed that since Gaz Baz left. Barry could get the ball wide to Ash on the left so quickly that Ash was in acres of space. You give players with talent and speed space they'll do something with it as Gabby did.
Spot on. As Villa fans there has always been a tendency to concentrate on a player's negatives rather than their positives.
-
Ireland needs to add goals to his game, but his , and Weimanns movement off the ball is key to how PL wants to play the game.
To be honest Percs, i think Gabby is one of the more vulnerable players in the team.Alongside Ireland he needs to create and score more goals, his position in the team has now changed, instead of being a CF , he is now a wide attacking inside forward, like Weimann plays on the right.He needs to adapt or he will be replaced.
Gabby needs to watch how Bale plays the role, and try to play like that.
I do like Ireland though.
Tbf to gabby - he scored last week and put in the cross for weimann's 2nd this week. Obviously more of the same is needed.
As for Ireland, i've been very critical in the past, however he does make himself available for a pass and helps keep possession and move the game into opposition territory. For me though, that's where the problems start. He hasn't created many (any?) clear cut chances and doesn't score himself.
Got to up his game in the final 3rd for me.
-
Gabby was fast asleep for Uniteds equaliser, he let Rafael get in behind him. I'm sure Lambert will highlight this to him. He needs to be more awake. A lot of the game passes him by.
-
Gabby was fast asleep for Uniteds equaliser, he let Rafael get in behind him. I'm sure Lambert will highlight this to him. He needs to be more awake. A lot of the game passes him by.
He set up the goal of course, but other than that Rafael had Gabby in his pocket for most of the game.
-
He is playing better and should improve but still not playing consistently enough for me.
-
Ireland's been better this season than he has in his whole time here so far, but i'm still waiting for the Man City Stephen Ireland to turn up.
-
Ireland is improving with a decent run in the team and he's beginning to look a bit more like the player he was before, he seems to be lacking a bit fitness wise though and often tires around the hour mark, if he can last the full 90 minutes and continue to improve he will be a valuable player to us, I'd also like to see him chip in with a few goals .
-
Ireland is our creative midfielder, he opens doors puts people through etc, he's not the water carrier, he's not the died with my boots on sort of player.
in modern day football everyone has to track back and close down which i think he does, but he is there to do the things no one else can see the bigger picture (sorry to become all manger speak) along with Bannan.
Hollman, Herd, KEA can do the running, Ireland has a different job,
i think he's been very good this season, and wasnt he player of the year last season, so he's going in the right direction, yes we all want to see more out of all the players, but appart from Guzan he has been our best player so far in my view, and we definitely miss him when he does not play
-
Gabby was fast asleep for Uniteds equaliser, he let Rafael get in behind him. I'm sure Lambert will highlight this to him. He needs to be more awake. A lot of the game passes him by.
He set up the goal of course, but other than that Rafael had Gabby in his pocket for most of the game.
Arrant piffle.
-
Yesterday was his best game in a villa shirt IMHO. He's done precious little for us in 3 years so I'm far from convinced at this stage.
I remember him having a really good game against Chelsea at home early on in Houllier's reign. He played in that role just behind the striker and was superb.
-
Yesterday was his best game in a villa shirt IMHO. He's done precious little for us in 3 years so I'm far from convinced at this stage.
I remember him having a really good game against Chelsea at home early on in Houllier's reign. He played in that role just behind the striker and was superb.
he got MOTM in the 0-0 draw, should have scored a couple of minutes in.
Houllier never played him again
-
He's playing better, but still not good enough (where are the goals?) - and I still think it will all end in tears.
-
It will end in tears when he doesnt get his £3.5m per annum contract renewed.
-
Be interesting what we do with him in the summer as iirc his contract will be up in the summer of 2014. Will we give him a new one or sell him while we can still get some ££ for him?
-
Be interesting what we do with him in the summer as iirc his contract will be up in the summer of 2014. Will we give him a new one or sell him while we can still get some ££ for him?
A lot will depend on how he performs the rest of the season , if he can rediscover his best form then he can be a top player here still but time is running out for him and if he wishes to get a new deal then it's a big 6 months needed from him.
-
Be interesting what we do with him in the summer as iirc his contract will be up in the summer of 2014. Will we give him a new one or sell him while we can still get some ££ for him?
he cost us 8 million quid or there abouts and is on big wages,
but the question is who else would be buy for that sort of money who would be better than Ireland,
obviously if he carries on and keeps improving his form so far this season i cant see us getting anyone much better, unless we go gambling on a younger up and comer and then your back in the 'lack of experience' argument.
Ireland for me is doing the bussiness, he's good, maybe not great but certainly making things tick at the heart of an attacking midfield, i cant see the point in letting one of our best players go (again)
i think he's turned his game round since he first game and is applying himself well,
the player i would be more frustrated with is N'Zogbia,
now there you have someone who cost more money, is on high wages and has done sweet FA since he arrived, i personaly think he's been dog shit, yet its always Ireland who 'has to prove himself' whereas N'Zogbia gets the 'there is a good player in there' treatment, well i'm not seing it,
he's the one to get rid of and not offer any further contract to, not Ireland
-
Be interesting what we do with him in the summer as iirc his contract will be up in the summer of 2014. Will we give him a new one or sell him while we can still get some ££ for him?
he cost us 8 million quid or there abouts and is on big wages,
but the question is who else would be buy for that sort of money who would be better than Ireland,
obviously if he carries on and keeps improving his form so far this season i cant see us getting anyone much better, unless we go gambling on a younger up and comer and then your back in the 'lack of experience' argument.
Ireland for me is doing the bussiness, he's good, maybe not great but certainly making things tick at the heart of an attacking midfield, i cant see the point in letting one of our best players go (again)
i think he's turned his game round since he first game and is applying himself well,
the player i would be more frustrated with is N'Zogbia,
now there you have someone who cost more money, is on high wages and has done sweet FA since he arrived, i personaly think he's been dog shit, yet its always Ireland who 'has to prove himself' whereas N'Zogbia gets the 'there is a good player in there' treatment, well i'm not seing it,
he's the one to get rid of and not offer any further contract to, not Ireland
I personally think both Ireland and N'Zogbia could be replaced with better and cheaper options. When a player like Michu only cost Swansea £2m and is probably on nowhere near the money Ireland is on then it is clear that the quality is out there.
-
Well we got Benteke for £7m, none of us had a scooby who he was, what is to say there isn't the equivalent out there that we also don't know about. For the money we have jizzed on Ireland's wages in the last 2 and a bit years we should expect him to be more than just starting to look like a player. For me he's had every chance in the last year and still doesn't look that interested, if we can find adequate cover I'd say get him gone.
-
He hounded Scholes for most of the match on Saturday. He ran his arse off and tried to be involved all over the pitch. He was involved in one of the goals.
He looked pretty interested to me.
-
He hounded Scholes for most of the match on Saturday. He ran his arse off and tried to be involved all over the pitch. He was involved in one of the goals.
He looked pretty interested to me.
Same here. Ireland has taken a lot of stick in his time at Villa, a lot of it justifiably so but credit where crdit is due. He's playing well and we are a better side with him in it.
-
His performance at Stamford bridge last season was the best / classiest of any villa player all season. We're definitely a better side with him in it at the moment, because the formation we're playing suits him and us
-
I think the difference between the Norwich and United games was our midfield line ups. Against Norwich Ireland and Bannan were both sat on the bench and we created hardly anything in the middle of the park. I don't think either KEA or Delph would have played that seemingly simple ball out to Agbonlahor which led to the second goal. Certainly not first time into his path which gave him that all important first yard.
-
Be interesting what we do with him in the summer as iirc his contract will be up in the summer of 2014. Will we give him a new one or sell him while we can still get some ££ for him?
he cost us 8 million quid or there abouts and is on big wages,
but the question is who else would be buy for that sort of money who would be better than Ireland,
obviously if he carries on and keeps improving his form so far this season i cant see us getting anyone much better, unless we go gambling on a younger up and comer and then your back in the 'lack of experience' argument.
Ireland for me is doing the bussiness, he's good, maybe not great but certainly making things tick at the heart of an attacking midfield, i cant see the point in letting one of our best players go (again)
i think he's turned his game round since he first game and is applying himself well,
the player i would be more frustrated with is N'Zogbia,
now there you have someone who cost more money, is on high wages and has done sweet FA since he arrived, i personaly think he's been dog shit, yet its always Ireland who 'has to prove himself' whereas N'Zogbia gets the 'there is a good player in there' treatment, well i'm not seing it,
he's the one to get rid of and not offer any further contract to, not Ireland
I personally think both Ireland and N'Zogbia could be replaced with better and cheaper options. When a player like Michu only cost Swansea £2m and is probably on nowhere near the money Ireland is on then it is clear that the quality is out there.
its alright picking out the few succsses players that have joined the prem, but there are hundreds who have shown early promise and faded, like our own N'Zog who people were pleading for at the time, Hoillet who's now at QPR is another one who people raved about, havent heard much since.
Michu might well be the new best thing but time will tell, and for every Michu there are 3 or 4 failures
in Ireland we have a player who is regulary getting MOTM performances, playing his best football for us since he came, having an impact on the performances and generally starting to do the job for which he was bought,
and people still think its best to show him the door and take a punt on another unknown in the hope he becomes better than Ireland, which i think the odds would be against
-
Ireland may not have covered himself in glory when he first came here, but under Lambert I feel he's really starting to shine. How people can say he doesn't look interested is absolutely beyond me. He's absolutely loving it.
And for those people who say he doesn't close down enough, he isn't the best of tacklers... Do you really think Lambert is sending him out there telling him to close the man down at every opportunity? (Apart from against Scholes)
If he keeps improving like he has done, he will be a very good player for us and will deserve a contract renewal, whether it's costing us £60-80k a week or not. Just let him get there first.
-
His performance at Stamford bridge last season was the best / classiest of any villa player all season. We're definitely a better side with him in it at the moment, because the formation we're playing suits him and us
Yes. I still expect more from him, but our performances (and results) have been better with him in the side; things went wrong at Southampton after he came off at HT and we missed him for those few games with injury. The way our midfield is set up now we can include a player like him; he does have a touch of class about him. I thought he was good on Saturday, his best performance for a while. A sharper ball from Weimann in the first half and he might have had a goal - that was a great run.
As for his wages - we've got to get over this. A lot of PL footballers are ridiculously well paid, he's no different and there are other big earners at Villa. At least he's playing regularly and contributing - it's when big earners are out of the squad and not involved that winds me up.
-
Lambert obviously likes Ireland, he always seems to start when available. I like him and have always held out some hope we'll get the form from him that he got under Hughes at City.
-
I think we're starting to get that form and Ireland is helping us turn the corner. He was even starting to talk about being a good role model fopr the kids yesterday. Maybe a strange thing to hear coming from Ireland but it's good to hear he wants to make that kind of investment in the Villa.
-
We dont need to get rid of Ireland and replace him with someone else, we need another player like him to give some rotation and if Ireland gets injured, we have someone similar to back him up.
-
He hounded Scholes for most of the match on Saturday.
Hmmmm was that the Scholes who was allowed to spray passes around unchallenged for most of the game
-
He hounded Scholes for most of the match on Saturday.
Hmmmm was that the Scholes who was allowed to spray passes around unchallenged for most of the game
News to me. Ireland was chasing him (and others) down almost every time the ball went to him including several interceptions which led to attacks we could and should have done better with.
-
agreed. Just his awareness of Gabby's position for the second goal meant he didn't need to stop the play. It flowed so much better. We've really missed that since Gaz Baz left. Barry could get the ball wide to Ash on the left so quickly that Ash was in acres of space. You give players with talent and speed space they'll do something with it as Gabby did.
[/quote]
Very much so. I would really like to see N'Zogbia get a run in the "Ireland role" though.
-
agreed. Just his awareness of Gabby's position for the second goal meant he didn't need to stop the play. It flowed so much better. We've really missed that since Gaz Baz left. Barry could get the ball wide to Ash on the left so quickly that Ash was in acres of space. You give players with talent and speed space they'll do something with it as Gabby did.
Very much so. I would really like to see N'Zogbia get a run in the "Ireland role" though.
[/quote]I wouldn't. He spends so much time looking at his feet he wouldn't see the pass
-
Hmmm, I think our best bet of seeing the best from CNZ isn't in the Ireland role (though I could Holman doing well there) but in the role Gabby has at the moment - left sided striker/attacking player.
-
I think Ireland played well but no way did he neutralise Scholes.
Scholes and Carrick had so much of the ball and Scholes particularly was pinging accurate 40 yard raking balls all game.
-
I think Ireland played well but no way did he neutralise Scholes.
Scholes and Carrick had so much of the ball and Scholes particularly was pinging accurate 40 yard raking balls all game.
Scholes and Carrick between them completed more passes than our entire team, according to a stat I saw the other day, so if Scholes was neutralised, he must have super powers when left unhindered.
-
I agree CN'Z would be well suited to Gabby's role but not Ireland's, again I agree Holman could play Ireland' role and I think Bannan could too. When all are fit we will have Holman/KEA/CN'Z/Bent/Given/Dunne pushing the first 11 very hard for a start plus Lichaj/Stevens/Baker/Delph/Albrighton etc.
-
CNZ doesn't have the physical strength of Gabby who is now excellent at holding the ball up.
-
I didn't say he "neutralised" Scholes did I? Very few players have ever managed that.
I said he hounded him, contrary to the notion Ireland wasn't trying or doesn't care.
-
I think Ireland played well but no way did he neutralise Scholes.
Scholes and Carrick had so much of the ball and Scholes particularly was pinging accurate 40 yard raking balls all game.
Scholes and Carrick between them completed more passes than our entire team, according to a stat I saw the other day, so if Scholes was neutralised, he must have super powers when left unhindered.
And doesn't tell the whole story at all. Most of their passes, particularly in the first half, were not really hurting us or finding their forwards. They were mostly sideways and backwards because of the pressure we were applying to the ball.
-
Who said Ireland wasn't trying or didn't care on Saturday ? He may have hounded him but he couldn't get the ball off him and Scholes played the ball forward a lot more than I was happy with.
-
I said that for the money he has cost us I would rather we had had better value for money out of him and that he rarely looks as if he has given a shit, and that we could probably get better value for the amount we pay him in wages.
-
I think Ireland played well but no way did he neutralise Scholes.
Scholes and Carrick had so much of the ball and Scholes particularly was pinging accurate 40 yard raking balls all game.
Scholes and Carrick between them completed more passes than our entire team, according to a stat I saw the other day, so if Scholes was neutralised, he must have super powers when left unhindered.
And doesn't tell the whole story at all. Most of their passes, particularly in the first half, were not really hurting us or finding their forwards. They were mostly sideways and backwards because of the pressure we were applying to the ball.
Passing the ball 5 yards to each other is what they did.
But remember, Makoun did that the other year at Old Trafford and half of our fans were wanking over him.
The fact is Man Utd let Makoun do that, as they knew he wasn't a threat.
-
Silhill, it's been suggested by a number of people that he isn't interested.
And he did get the ball off him. Scholes is too canny to let that happen too many times but there was a definite plan for Ireland to close Scholes down in their half as often as possible to stop him dictating play and he did that. Especially in the first half.
If he wasn't interesed he wouldn't have put so much effort in and also, I doubt Lambert would have played him.
-
The thing is that a lot of the time he gives the impression that he's not interested, even if he might be. The first half against Sunderland, for example, was a typically limp and ineffectual Ireland performance. That's not to say he doesn't have the ability - he has it in spades - but the feeling persists that he's flakey and unreliable. Mainly because he is.
-
Does anyone remember Ireland's first full home appearance for us? The thing that really stuck in my mind then was how often he'd move into space off the ball, be calling for it, and the player with the ball wouldn't pick him out.
I think there's still a bit of that going on with him, despite us improving our ball movement.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
-
Oh dont get me wrong, I'd love him to be more consistent, but that's not the same as uninterested.
At least under Lambert.
If we can get a better player, great. I'm all for it.
-
I think he fits into this 4231 system quite nicely. Hope he gets some steady form going now.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
And because when Ireland's left the field this year Villa have invariably gone to pot. See Southampton away.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
And because when Ireland's left the field this year Villa have invariably gone to pot. See Southampton away.
Kinda what I meant by only 2 players that can play in that position in Lambert's system.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
And because when Ireland's left the field this year Villa have invariably gone to pot. See Southampton away.
Sick of that myth. We were shite 1st half in that game too.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
And because when Ireland's left the field this year Villa have invariably gone to pot. See Southampton away.
Sick of that myth. We were shite 1st half in that game too.
I didn't see the match myself but that certainly is not the opinion shared by everyone, from what I saw of the post match thread.
-
Very few players have the eye for a pass and appreciation of the game that Ireland has. He's a force multiplier. So unless the players around him feed off and utilise that, he's not too effective. However, if they do, he's potentially a match winner.
-
Moving the ball quickly is something Ireland is capable of. We need that.
-
Does anyone remember Ireland's first full home appearance for us? The thing that really stuck in my mind then was how often he'd move into space off the ball, be calling for it, and the player with the ball wouldn't pick him out.
I think there's still a bit of that going on with him, despite us improving our ball movement.
Even though i've never been his biggest fan I remember saying that at the time.
-
IMO he's been playing much better for the last 6 months although he really needs to chip in with some goals like he did at City.
I'm clearly a fan but unless he becomes amazing or the team does, I'd probably let him go in the summer as he'll only have a year left at that point and can't see us offering him a new deal on 60k or whatever he earns a week.
I think like Bent he's another type we could've done with in the MON era to finish the team off, another case of right player wrong time but not sure he'd have fitted in under O'Neill either.
-
He may have worked under the MON fast counter attacking era. But it's a mute point anyway.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
And because when Ireland's left the field this year Villa have invariably gone to pot. See Southampton away.
Sick of that myth. We were shite 1st half in that game too.
I didn't see the match myself but that certainly is not the opinion shared by everyone, from what I saw of the post match thread.
We were pretty damn average. We didn't look like conceding 4 though!
-
We never ever got going at st Mary's, Bents goal distorted what was a clumsy first half.
-
I think Lambert is playing him largely because there are only 2 players who can fill that role, and one of them is N'Zogbia, and I think we are all in agreement that he is awful at the moment.
And because when Ireland's left the field this year Villa have invariably gone to pot. See Southampton away.
Sick of that myth. We were shite 1st half in that game too.
I didn't see the match myself but that certainly is not the opinion shared by everyone, from what I saw of the post match thread.
We were pretty damn average. We didn't look like conceding 4 though!
I was there, we weren't great but it was a very even game up until half time and if anything we edged it.
-
Was a fan but that "performance" today took the piss!
Little workrate and awful on the ball, he was decent earlier this season but last few weeks he has dipped which leads me to believe he's been told he won't be getting a contract extension and so is just coasting here until he gets moved out.
-
Time to go, Steven. Thanks for sweet fcuk all.
-
Time to go, Steven. Thanks for sweet fcuk all.
Yes. Him and about 11 other players as well.
-
To be honest we could start any number of these threads for players. I appreciate Ireland is paid more, but there's plenty who aren't up to it.
-
I'm confused if people were booing him off or Lambert for taking him off today. I think it was a bit of both. A player that splits opinions like no other
I thought he was terrible
-
Ireland earns 60-70k a week, Bannan and Herd don't.
Him going in January means more room on the wage front.
-
I think he would be a good player in a team where he doesnt need to do the nitty gritty side of midfield play. Somehwere where he can just get on the ball and pick passes to decent strikers/wingers etc. I think hes a clever player and probably to clever for our team which results in him looking average because there is no real quailty for him to link with.
-
Nigel Callaghan without the hair.
What an utter wanker.
-
I think he would be a good player in a team where he doesnt need to do the nitty gritty side of midfield play. Somehwere where he can just get on the ball and pick passes to decent strikers/wingers etc. I think hes a clever player and probably to clever for our team which results in him looking average because there is no real quailty for him to link with.
That is true but today he didn't even look to be putting in the effort which he was doing last season and for part of this.
Again agree he's another sort of player like Bent who was the missing link in the MON days, certainly a trio of Milner, Stan and Ireland looks good.
-
Nigel Callaghan without the hair.
What an utter wanker.
He's never as good as Callghan.
-
Nigel Callaghan without the hair.
What an utter wanker.
He's never as good as Callghan.
Bannan was fuckin awful as well. He gets away with murder with Villa fans. The amount of times he gives away possession is laughable. He's barely Championship material let alone Premier.
-
I think he would be a good player in a team where he doesnt need to do the nitty gritty side of midfield play. Somehwere where he can just get on the ball and pick passes to decent strikers/wingers etc. I think hes a clever player and probably to clever for our team which results in him looking average because there is no real quailty for him to link with.
so man city fucked him off for being a wanker and he is far too talented and gifted to be any benefit to our team i am running out of places for him to go and truly light up. barcelona better give messi a spell on the bench just so we can properly see the mercurial talent of stephen ireland and then he can enrich their team as their players may be on the same level mentally as him!
the man is a cancer, his influence should not be ignored!
-
An awful player. Sadly one of many awful midfielders.
-
I think he would be a good player in a team where he doesnt need to do the nitty gritty side of midfield play. Somehwere where he can just get on the ball and pick passes to decent strikers/wingers etc. I think hes a clever player and probably to clever for our team which results in him looking average because there is no real quailty for him to link with.
so man city fucked him off for being a wanker and he is far too talented and gifted to be any benefit to our team i am running out of places for him to go and truly light up. barcelona better give messi a spell on the bench just so we can properly see the mercurial talent of stephen ireland and then he can enrich their team as their players may be on the same level mentally as him!
the man is a cancer, his influence should not be ignored!
I didn't realise man city 'fucked him off for been a wanker'. I think if you put messi in this villa team he would struggle to produce great form when your playing with average players.
Im not saying im a massive fan of Ireland but my opinion is he doesnt fit the way we play. He came to us at the start of our slide. If he was with us during better times with better players you might have a different opinion but hey no point on dwelling on times gone by.
-
An awful player. Sadly one of many awful midfielders.
He isn't awful but we need to get rid if he can't even be bothered to put the effort in at least.
Bannan again tries hand but isn't good enough imo.
-
Ireland is one of those players who people keep hoping will shine because he's easy on the eye, but the reality is he offers the sum total of fuck all.
I don't think Holman is really good enough, but he's worth ten fucking Stephen Ireland's.
-
I think he would be a good player in a team where he doesnt need to do the nitty gritty side of midfield play. Somehwere where he can just get on the ball and pick passes to decent strikers/wingers etc. I think hes a clever player and probably to clever for our team which results in him looking average because there is no real quailty for him to link with.
so man city fucked him off for being a wanker and he is far too talented and gifted to be any benefit to our team i am running out of places for him to go and truly light up. barcelona better give messi a spell on the bench just so we can properly see the mercurial talent of stephen ireland and then he can enrich their team as their players may be on the same level mentally as him!
the man is a cancer, his influence should not be ignored!
I didn't realise man city 'fucked him off for been a wanker'. I think if you put messi in this villa team he would struggle to produce great form when your playing with average players.
Im not saying im a massive fan of Ireland but my opinion is he doesnt fit the way we play. He came to us at the start of our slide. If he was with us during better times with better players you might have a different opinion but hey no point on dwelling on times gone by.
why else did man city fuck him off, it is common knowledge his ego is bigger than david platts head, and i wont dwell on times gone by, he is a joke of a player. also i dont think messi would struggle. he truly is a great player and would shine in any team that you would wish to put him in as he has hunger and desire. there isnt a player in the world who succeeds that doesnt have desire, ireland fits in the category that says wanker with an ego!
-
I think he would be a good player in a team where he doesnt need to do the nitty gritty side of midfield play. Somehwere where he can just get on the ball and pick passes to decent strikers/wingers etc. I think hes a clever player and probably to clever for our team which results in him looking average because there is no real quailty for him to link with.
so man city fucked him off for being a wanker and he is far too talented and gifted to be any benefit to our team i am running out of places for him to go and truly light up. barcelona better give messi a spell on the bench just so we can properly see the mercurial talent of stephen ireland and then he can enrich their team as their players may be on the same level mentally as him!
the man is a cancer, his influence should not be ignored!
I didn't realise man city 'fucked him off for been a wanker'. I think if you put messi in this villa team he would struggle to produce great form when your playing with average players.
Im not saying im a massive fan of Ireland but my opinion is he doesnt fit the way we play. He came to us at the start of our slide. If he was with us during better times with better players you might have a different opinion but hey no point on dwelling on times gone by.
why else did man city fuck him off, it is common knowledge his ego is bigger than david platts head, and i wont dwell on times gone by, he is a joke of a player. also i dont think messi would struggle. he truly is a great player and would shine in any team that you would wish to put him in as he has hunger and desire. there isnt a player in the world who succeeds that doesnt have desire, ireland fits in the category that says wanker with an ego!
Ok he might not have the same hunger and desire as some of the other players but have you seem much hunger or desire of any players the last 3 games?
I dont think its what we need in our team at the moment, I would much rather had westwood in the midfield today but labelling him a wanker with an ego because he hasnt really done it for us? Its almost as if you know him on a personel levell? Come on
-
When he came off today were people booing him or booing Lambert for taking him off?
-
Booing him is what I thought. Rightly so.
-
That's what I thought
-
I've always liked Ireland and always hoped he would work out here, I'm not so sure he's up for this fight.
-
We have to close the book on Stephen Ireland and move on. He is never going to be the player we are all willing him to be and he's had more than enough chances. He needs to be moved out and I can see him going and playing in somewhere like the US or Australia, as I don't think there would be too many takers in this country.
-
He was awful yesterday and deserved all the boos he got when he was subbed
-
I was always a big fan of Ireland and was happy we signed him but he simply has not delivered.
Whenever he plays I always hope that the Stephen Ireland who looked a world beater for Man City (for at least one season) turns up but it never happens.
He's on to much money for us to keep carrying him and hoping he comes good, we should cut our loses, take any decent offer and move on.
-
Half a good season in his entire career. He's not even fit, in terms of his Villa career, to lace Lee Hendries boots.
Crap. Sell him. A complete waste of space. I've had enough of Ireland now. CNZ is on last chance saloon for me too. I'd happily ship both off in january, as well as Bent and raise funds for more consistent players. Kevin Nolan has half the natural ability of Ireland but he consistently delivers. He inspires his team mates, scores goals, makes goals. He's not brilliant, but he'd be potentially the sort of player to save us from relegation. Someone like him would be a worthwhile signing.
-
Half a good season in his entire career. He's not even fit, in terms of his Villa career, to lace Lee Hendries boots.
Crap. Sell him. A complete waste of space. I've had enough of Ireland now. CNZ is on last chance saloon for me too. I'd happily ship both off in january, as well as Bent and raise funds for more consistent players. Kevin Nolan has half the natural ability of Ireland but he consistently delivers. He inspires his team mates, scores goals, makes goals. He's not brilliant, but he'd be potentially the sort of player to save us from relegation. Someone like him would be a worthwhile signing.
I agree but can't see why Nolan would leave west ham to come here, I expect we will sign the lad from Crewe we have been strongly linked with.
-
Half a good season in his entire career. He's not even fit, in terms of his Villa career, to lace Lee Hendries boots.
Crap. Sell him. A complete waste of space. I've had enough of Ireland now. CNZ is on last chance saloon for me too. I'd happily ship both off in january, as well as Bent and raise funds for more consistent players. Kevin Nolan has half the natural ability of Ireland but he consistently delivers. He inspires his team mates, scores goals, makes goals. He's not brilliant, but he'd be potentially the sort of player to save us from relegation. Someone like him would be a worthwhile signing.
Spot on Tom.
-
Anybody who posted positively to Ireland's performances this year needs to have their sanity questioned. He does NOT give a shit. Fact.
He has NOT made a difference!
How many other people on here are earning £80 fucking grand a week?
Not for a year 's graft do i get that, yet I follow Villa every week, a home match constituting a 230 mile round trip.
Pls do not try and p*ss me off anymore than I am currently by putting on your rosé coloured Ireland loving spectacles.
F*ckin wake up all of you, blind faith may be lovely when we're doing we'll but its time for a cold hard reality check. We are in free fall and wankers like Ireland will continue to take his dough every week before exiting at the end of the season.
He will no doubt slag us off to which ever stupid bunch of tosses foolish enough to buy him and will do the same there. For Ireland read Bartonread trouble.
Final words: wake the f*ck up Ireland lovers, it's not going to happen.
-
Anybody who posted positively to Ireland's performances this year needs to have their sanity questioned. He does NOT give a shit. Fact.
He has NOT made a difference!
How many other people on here are earning £80 fucking grand a week?
Not for a year 's graft do i get that, yet I follow Villa every week, a home match constituting a 230 mile round trip.
Pls do not try and p*ss me off anymore than I am currently by putting on your rosé coloured Ireland loving spectacles.
F*ckin wake up all of you, blind faith may be lovely when we're doing we'll but its time for a cold hard reality check. We are in free fall and wankers like Ireland will continue to take his dough every week before exiting at the end of the season.
He will no doubt slag us off to which ever stupid bunch of tosses foolish enough to buy him and will do the same there. For Ireland read Bartonread trouble.
Final words: wake the f*ck up Ireland lovers, it's not going to happen.
Absolutely spot on.
I have consistently said that the bloke is a fucking wastrel and an absolute waste of money.
The player of the season!!!....my arse.
-
The wailing and hand wringing about this player is all too late.
The evidence was overwhelming but successive managers have ignored it to their, and the clubs peril.
-
Anybody who posted positively to Ireland's performances this year needs to have their sanity questioned. He does NOT give a shit. Fact.
He has NOT made a difference!
How many other people on here are earning £80 fucking grand a week?
Not for a year 's graft do i get that, yet I follow Villa every week, a home match constituting a 230 mile round trip.
Pls do not try and p*ss me off anymore than I am currently by putting on your rosé coloured Ireland loving spectacles.
F*ckin wake up all of you, blind faith may be lovely when we're doing we'll but its time for a cold hard reality check. We are in free fall and wankers like Ireland will continue to take his dough every week before exiting at the end of the season.
He will no doubt slag us off to which ever stupid bunch of tosses foolish enough to buy him and will do the same there. For Ireland read Bartonread trouble.
Final words: wake the f*ck up Ireland lovers, it's not going to happen.
Absolutely spot on.
I have consistently said that the bloke is a fucking wastrel and an absolute waste of money.
The player of the season!!!....my arse.
He should be ashamed the wages he's on to perform so badly but I doubt he cares- best wishes to your son Andy , hope he regains his confidence soon, awful thing that happened.
-
Cheers eastie...appreciate it.
-
Same here, Andy, and I hope you find his assailants the same day that you happen to be carrying a large crowbar.
-
Ireland was awful yesterday he didn't move into space quick enough and then didn't close anyone down with any real commitment. If he did manage to get near an opponent his challenges were a token gesture.
He is a player that can open up a defense which we need, but often he is far to extravagant with it. A midfield consisting of Ireland and Bannan is far too lightweight and if I had to choose just one it would be Bannan over Ireland, but that isint saying a lot.
-
He was awful yesterday and deserved all the boos he got when he was subbed
They were really loud as there were still people in the ground when he was subbed.
-
Bannan Ireland and Holman were a shocking choice for three midfielders yesterday, no wonder we were overrun- I was amazed at lamberts team selection and sadly he seems to get it wrong far more often than right.
-
The phrase Waste of Fucking Space would have been invented for Ireland, had it not already existed.
Yesterday he had a perfect opportunity as the senior pro to show some leadership and take some ownership prior to the 2nd goal. Not a chance.
Please never to be seen in a Villa shirt again.
-
He was awful yesterday and deserved all the boos he got when he was subbed
They were really loud as there were still people in the ground when he was subbed.
He probably thought the boos were for Holman and lichaj.
-
I thought Ireland did ok when he came on against Spurs and he looked ok in small glimpses yesterday but like a lot of others have said, he dose'nt impose himself on games. It's as if he tries to then gives up.
I still think he'd be better just behind the striker rather than a out and out midfielder.
-
when is his contract up as can't see anyone matching his wages. disastrous signing
-
when is his contract up as can't see anyone matching his wages. disastrous signing
Does he have one more year after this or is this his final year? Best to get rid for all parties I think, I wish uncle Harry would say he likes him.
-
think this is his third season with us but can't remember if his contract was 3 or 4 yrs. pls god not 5
edit: 4yr contract. prob best we can hope for is shipping him out on loan with another club contributing to his massive wages
-
The most over rated player we've signed since Steve Foster.
The laziest player we've signed since David Ginola.
The most disruptive, shit smells sweeter than the Villa player we've signed since Alpay.
Getting rid of him in January for any money at all could be the highlight of our season.
-
Bannan Ireland and Holman were a shocking choice for three midfielders yesterday, no wonder we were overrun- I was amazed at lamberts team selection and sadly he seems to get it wrong far more often than right.
That did surprise me as well and I'm one that is backing Lambert.
-
Don't think he had much choice tbh.Westwood and Holman both look shagged out to me, and both need a rest, but who do you bring in?
-
Yesterday he started very poorly I thought - simply letting balls slide past he coud have gone for - then he started to get a little space and laid the ball off better - but he just coasts along as if we are 4-0 up - no urgency.
The way he runs always reminds me of that weird upright gait Steven Seagal has - acting imperious but actually looks a twat
-
Run out of patience with him, has undoubtable talent but never really wanted to come here and unfortunately it shows in his performances for us. Really the quicker he goes the better for all concerned. The position we find ourselves in we really need players who give a shit!
-
When he was taken off - my elderly aunt asked me if they were booing because they didn't want him to go off?
No - they are booing because he's crap! And he's not made any effort today.
He made one good tackle then lost it in the next challenge - after that he was sulking as he didn't get a free kick. Not enough strength, not enough skill, not enough desire, not good enough for AVFC.
-
When he was taken off - my elderly aunt asked me if they were booing because they didn't want him to go off?
No - they are booing because he's crap! And he's not made any effort today.
He made one good tackle then lost it in the next challenge - after that he was sulking as he didn't get a free kick. Not enough strength, not enough skill, not enough desire, not good enough for AVFC.
Tell your elderly aunt to bring her boots with her against Ipswich. Then again, I'm sure she's got better things to do....
-
Whilst I agree that his work ethic seemed poor yesterday, compare him to Brett Holman who works hard and runs round like a headless chicken but can't pass a ball 5 yards, I'm not sure who is the more frustrating.
-
Ireland all day long. Holman isn't good enough but is a trier. Ireland could be good enough but is an enigma. The correct answer however is neither should be wearing the first team shirt, Holman perhaps the reserve team at best. Ireland can f*ck off to that island where the inmates wear orange boiler suits and are locked up for 364 days of the year. F* ck him.
-
Ireland all day long. Holman isn't good enough but is a trier. Ireland could be good enough but is an enigma. The correct answer however is neither should be wearing the first team shirt, Holman perhaps the reserve team at best. Ireland can f*ck off to that island where the inmates wear orange boiler suits and are locked up for 364 days of the year. F* ck him.
Not a fan then?
-
Ireland all day long. Holman isn't good enough but is a trier. Ireland could be good enough but is an enigma. The correct answer however is neither should be wearing the first team shirt, Holman perhaps the reserve team at best. Ireland can f*ck off to that island where the inmates wear orange boiler suits and are locked up for 364 days of the year. F* ck him.
Not a fan then?
Hehe..
-
Some bloke called Jason called the WM phone in after the game to say he thought Ireland was man of the match and he booed because he thought it was the wrong decision to bring him off!
I wanted him off after 5 minutes.
-
Some bloke called Jason called the WM phone in after the game to say he thought Ireland was man of the match and he booed because he thought it was the wrong decision to bring him off!
I wanted him off after 5 minutes.
Probably David Jason aka Del Trotter, he knew nothing about football either..
-
This seasons scapegoat player.
-
This seasons scapegoat player.
And he's 100% deserving of that status.
I think that was the first time I've booed a Villa player off the pitch since Callaghan against QPR.
-
This seasons scapegoat player.
I think you will find criticisms of Ireland have been aired on a pretty regular basis during his entire time at the club. It's not just us either - he still gets booed at Newcastle for the way he treated that club when he was on loan there a couple of seasons ago. Houllier had his card marked and he would have been gone that summer had the managerial change not happened.
-
This seasons scapegoat player.
Ireland was an utter disgrace yesterday.
-
This seasons scapegoat player.
Ireland was an utter disgrace yesterday.
I'm not sure about utter disgrace. He played a few lovely balls during the game yesterday but he just dose'nt try and take the game by the scruff of the neck. We all expected so much more and other than the odd decent game here and there, he's just been pretty average.
-
I said at the time, and I've said since, the biggest kick in the teeth when we sold Milner was that we were somehow bounced into taking one of Citeh's overvalued cast-offs. Citeh have thrown money in the direction of every club who have a player they want, yet the Villa are seemingly the only one who has had to do a player-exchange. On to the subject of another thread, but that alone speaks volumes for the people we have in charge.
-
Terrible player who I don't understand the defense of. If he hadn't had 1 season at Man City 5 years ago where he looked great no one would defend him for his Villa performances. He was far and away the most experienced player we had yesterday and he did fuck all other than play a couple of pretty passes in the 15 minute spell before half time.
Of the midfield 3 yesterday the only one who deserved to still be on the pitch after half an hour was Bannan. He also wasn't great but he at least tried to make himself available and have an effect on the game.
The sooner we're rid of Ireland the better, he's easily the biggest waste of money we've ever had at the club.
-
Too many times yday he lost the ball, and couldn't be arsed to try and get it back.A real shame, but a great example of what PL means by "hungry players"
-
Too many times yday he lost the ball, and couldn't be arsed to try and get it back.A real shame, but a great example of what PL means by "hungry players"
Spot on - sulked when he didn't get free kicks, sulked when someone didn't get on the end of his passes, sulked when the opposition ran past him. Won the ball, lost it immediately, stood up and watched the opposition running at our defence -.
A lot of us hoped he would be good so we gave him time - time run out now - get rid as he takes up a valuable place
-
Too many times yday he lost the ball, and couldn't be arsed to try and get it back.A real shame, but a great example of what PL means by "hungry players"
Spot on - sulked when he didn't get free kicks, sulked when someone didn't get on the end of his passes, sulked when the opposition ran past him. Won the ball, lost it immediately, stood up and watched the opposition running at our defence -.
A lot of us hoped he would be good so we gave him time - time run out now - get rid as he takes up a valuable place
Yep..spot on both of you
-
I would be delighted if we got rid of Ireland for a couple of million and bought a proper destroyer like Boateng we have been linked with, or Frimpong for example. Ireland can't tackle, throws his arms about and is a total waste of a shirt. Time to get rid, and buy 2 hard central midfield players that can at least get about the pitch and give us an opportunity to get the ball. He doesn't score, doesn't create, can't tackle, and hardly runs. What is the fecking point of him.
-
The Independent pretty accurately summed up his performance yesterday as "little other than casual plodding and profligacy". It's a shame because we all know he can be a good footballer but really now the only option is to find someone to take him and his exorbitant wages off our hands.
-
I want him out of our club. I hope he reads this.
-
Ireland earns 60-70k a week, Bannan and Herd don't.
Him going in January means more room on the wage front.
to sign more players who are not good enough
-
Nigel Callaghan without the hair.
What an utter wanker.
He's never as good as Callghan.
Bannan was fuckin awful as well. He gets away with murder with Villa fans. The amount of times he gives away possession is laughable. He's barely Championship material let alone Premier.
true and Holman is wank
-
I think a lot of fans who rate bannan have seen him developing in the reserves and he has received great plaudits but I'm still not convinced about him at premier level- Holman is a worker with little quality and Ireland has quality but can't be bothered- yesterday playing those 3 as our midfield was crazy and the outcome inevitable.
-
I think a lot of fans who rate bannan have seen him developing in the reserves and he has received great plaudits but I'm still not convinced about him at premier level- Holman is a worker with little quality and Ireland has quality but can't be bothered- yesterday playing those 3 as our midfield was crazy and the outcome inevitable.
They are all championship quality - lower half - be fine for next season
-
To be fair to Banna, what chance does he have with those two 'supporting' him in midfield?
-
I would like to see Westwood and KEA sitting to allow Bannan to player higher up against Swansea. He is one of two in that trio that I hope are sidelined for bwtter by Weat Ham, but needs must. KEA however poor her has been, at least has some exprience.
We will need Holmans headless chicken running to press them.
-
Ireland can piss off. The uninterested, bald headed, fucking wastrel.
-
It doesn't help his cause that away from football he appears to be such an odious little fucker.
-
Yesterday he started very poorly I thought - simply letting balls slide past he coud have gone for - then he started to get a little space and laid the ball off better - but he just coasts along as if we are 4-0 up - no urgency.
The way he runs always reminds me of that weird upright gait Steven Seagal has - acting imperious but actually looks a twat
Maybe Steven Seagal is the defensive midfielder we've all been waiting for to sit alongside Westwood, roundhouse kicking any bastard who dares to take a run at our flaky defence...
-
I'd take Ralph Macchio right now.
-
The Independent pretty accurately summed up his performance yesterday as "little other than casual plodding and profligacy". It's a shame because we all know he can be a good footballer but really now the only option is to find someone to take him and his exorbitant wages off our hands.
Perhaps Arry might take him on or even MON cant think of anyone else.The problem is he might sit tight on the wages he is on and play out his contract in the reserves. Or hopefully clear off to the States to sit by the pool and play a little football in his spare time.
-
No one's going to give us a round coin for that useless bastard. Couldn't be less interested if he tried, and the quicker PL realises this and relegates him to the stiffs the better.
-
How did we end up with him?
There was talk about O'Neill setting up the deal to take Milner to Man City and because he new Lerner would not give him the money to spend agreed to take him in part exchange. O'Neill then left and being managerless and with the window closing, the club agreed to carry on with the deal.
-
No one's going to give us a round coin for that useless bastard. Couldn't be less interested if he tried, and the quicker PL realises this and relegates him to the stiffs the better.
Yeah,at the start of the season after a couple of half decent performances i was clutching at straws that this would be a come back for him,but now we can't afford to carry any passengers,so i wouldn't have him anywhere near the first team. I'd rather we push Delph more forward,as he obviously can't tackle.
-
Ireland can piss off. The uninterested, bald headed, fucking wastrel.
wastrel is a great term, i just think he is a pixie looking mentally imbalanced egotistical wanker myself!
-
I doubt if he is going to come good at this stage.
He has had way too many chances and put in way too many pathetic performances.
-
He is one of those who will go somewhere else and be brilliant.
-
He is one of those who will go somewhere else and be brilliant.
You might be right but he's no good for us!
-
He is one of those who will go somewhere else and be brilliant.
Nah, he'll end up in China or Qatar, shortly followed by either Celebrity Big Brother or that jungle shit.
-
Don't think he will. He had one good year at city and that was a while ago now. I try to never rant at players but couldn't help it yesterday.
-
He needs his syrup and pink Range Rover back, i'm sure he'd improve then.
The fucking mentalist.
-
He is one of those who will go somewhere else and be brilliant.
I can see him doing well at somewhere like Wigan. Problem is he isn't interested in football, and we need him off the wage bill ASAP. I saw Weimann lecturing him yesterday which just about sums him up.
-
He is one of those who will go somewhere else and be brilliant.
Nah, he'll end up in China or Qatar, shortly followed by either Celebrity Big Brother or that jungle shit.
For me too. He isn't interested in football.
-
After seeing thus thread I was reading old Stephen Ireland thread from when he signed posted on that thread by mistake,. In short i feel the guy as a player doesn't do enough and as one of the more experience players is lacking in motivation i would like an exchange for another player if we can't get a Jan sale
-
There was a period last season, epitomised by the home game against the Arse, where he got stuck in and looked the part. You could tell it would not last, though: he clearly has unresolved bats in his belfry.
On Saturday, he showed a couple of flashes of what he is capable of when he puts what passes for his mind to it, but the rest of the time he was a waste of space, not to say skin and oxygen. The number of times he attempts to tackle with the wrong leg to give away a needless foul is beyond inept.
You can see he gets pissed off when the wide left player doesn't make a run when he is about to make his favourite pass, but that is no reason to go into his shell and throw a fucking strop.
-
In a team of kids the only example this waster shows is how you can milk a fortune out of the game by doing the square root of eff all - enjoy your wealth Stephen now please exit stage left and let some other club try and fail to realise the talent you have no inclination to display.
Ginola II, pointless footballers
-
He needs to go as we need him off the wage bill pronto. A few half-decent passes in the odd game here and there, but for 65k a week we deserve a lot better. He always looks disinterested and he rarely tracks back, which means we get ripped through the middle when he is playing and sulking. In addition, he is supposed to be an attacking midfielder, but how often does he actually get into the box or make a run past the strikers. If someone is mad enough to take him in January, get him sold. If we can fund a hard bastard, no nonsense midfielder in his place then lets do it. Watching Spurs I realise how solid they are with Dembele and Sandro, and they are exactly the type of midfielders that we miss - physical, strong in the tackle, athletic and decent on the ball. Over to you Lambert.
-
He is a good player. But, this isn't the right club for him, or the right situation. His heart isn't in it. I bet he's one of the players that doesn't actually like Football.
-
I still havent worked out who actually made the decision to sign Ireland. Was it MON?
-
I still havent worked out who actually made the decision to sign Ireland. Was it MON?
It was probably Kevin MacDonald. :)
-
I still havent worked out who actually made the decision to sign Ireland. Was it MON?
Yes and no, in that MON had left before the deal was finalised, but he was involved in the original discussions.
-
It goes down with Balaban, Curcic, Davies, Sidwell etc for hellish wastes of money. I want him to be the player he was, but he is just so fecking shit most of the time we cannot carry him. It was like having 10 men the other day.
-
He'll wind down his contract and end up at Wigan or somewhere like that if he keeps up with the way he is. Oxygen thief, pure and simple.
-
He was a complete and utter disgrace against Wigan.
Whatever talent he had 4 years ago, he certainly hasn't got it anymore. He used to be all about the lung-bursting runs past the strikers, scoring and creating goals, tracking back. He used to look like the most energetic and dynamic player on the pitch. For Man City. In 2008.
He's scored 1 (ONE!) league goal and created 4 in two and a half years at the club.
Useless, useless bastard.
-
The fact that he was voted as supporters player of the year in 2011/12 showed how much the fans wanted him to succeed.
In this time of austerity the ungrateful git just throws it all back in your face. Can't even be arsed putting a shift in. I blame him for the second goal, as he should have picked the lad up from the throw in, but he chose to push forward
I'd be happy never to see him wear our beautiful kit ever again
-
I still havent worked out who actually made the decision to sign Ireland. Was it MON?
Yes and no, in that MON had left before the deal was finalised, but he was involved in the original discussions.
I get the impression he never wanted to come to us and has resented it ever since.
-
If it was me, I would banish him.
-
Can't think of many villa players past or present I detest more than Ireland.
Up there with Alpay and Hodge .
-
I hope his balls turn square and fester at the edges.
-
I hope his balls drop off and roll down a drain.
-
I hope his balls drop off and roll down a drain.
He has amply demonstrated by his wretched performances that he doesn't have any.
-
I hope his balls drop off and roll down a drain.
He has amply demonstrated by his wretched performances that he doesn't have any.
He makes Stewart Downing look like Conan the Barbarian.
-
I hope his balls drop off and roll down a drain.
He has amply demonstrated by his wretched performances that he doesn't have any.
He makes Stewart Downing look like Conan the Barbarian.
Coffee spat!
-
The worse thing about him is every now and then you see a glimpse of a good player or he has a 10minute spell in a game when he looks a world beater, but no player can get by like that in the premiership. To me its always been in the head with him, similar to SVC and the only thing you can do is get rid or you're faced with continually trying to find a manager who he will respond to. He'll end up at somewhere like Leicester eventually once we let him go.
-
The difference being Greg that Stanley Victor has a brain in his head which was malfunctioning in his playing days. Where the grey matter should be in Ireland's head is smoke and the mirrors he uses to admire his wings.
-
The worse thing about him is every now and then you see a glimpse of a good player or he has a 10minute spell in a game when he looks a world beater,
Usually during the warm up or when running down the line. I know we should always get behind our players but for me he stands for EVERYTHING that is bad about the modern day footballer. F*ck him the wig wearing tnuc, I hope he kills himself playing a game of high speed chicken with Joey Barton.
-
If Stephen Ireland killed himself, it would still be someone else's fault.
-
Sigh. What a waste of talent.
Compare the ****** to every single competitor in the paralympics.
-
I wonder why he hasn't been frozen out? Lambert must see something in him otherwise he'd have gone the way of Hutton and Warnock. I know our midfield is a bit lacking but still, in for a penny and all that.
-
I wonder why he hasn't been frozen out? Lambert must see something in him otherwise he'd have gone the way of Hutton and Warnock. I know our midfield is a bit lacking but still, in for a penny and all that.
because his problems are all in his head. On the training pitch, with no pressure to perform and no one watching other than his colleagues he's probably the exact player we need (given all the quotes about how well he trains I reckon this is fairly accurate) but that he's consistently failed to convert that into match performances for his entire career other than 6 months when Hughes built the team around him suggests he's never going to be a success.
As mentioned at various points I don't see any point persisting with him. He offers less than the kids in terms of performance and doesn't even bring any leadership or use his 200+ matches worth of experience in any positive way.
If we can get a couple of million for him I'd say get rid and move on.
-
Superbly gifted, and I've stood up for him in the past. But it is starting to look less like inconsistency and not having any faith put him, and more like he just can't be arsed.
-
Don't think we'll see too much more of him tbh, may even go in January.
-
I wonder why he hasn't been frozen out? Lambert must see something in him otherwise he'd have gone the way of Hutton and Warnock. I know our midfield is a bit lacking but still, in for a penny and all that.
because his problems are all in his head. On the training pitch, with no pressure to perform and no one watching other than his colleagues he's probably the exact player we need (given all the quotes about how well he trains I reckon this is fairly accurate) but that he's consistently failed to convert that into match performances for his entire career other than 6 months when Hughes built the team around him suggests he's never going to be a success.
As mentioned at various points I don't see any point persisting with him. He offers less than the kids in terms of performance and doesn't even bring any leadership or use his 200+ matches worth of experience in any positive way.
If we can get a couple of million for him I'd say get rid and move on.
I think you've hit the nail on the head there paul e. He shows glimpses of his class but far too often his head is not quite right and he becomes a waste of space. If he was on 15k you'd probably accept it but he's one of our big earners, a player that the youngsters should be looking to as their example.
-
He was a complete and utter disgrace against Wigan.
Couldn't agree more Tom - summed it up for me in the first half when he got the ball and instead of passing or moving away with it, he stalled so that he could barge/elbow the Wigan player that he could have easily avoided, then lost the ball!
He ran the show against Chelsea last season at their place, but I've seen nothing like that form before or since.
I'd rather see Carruthers in or a fit N'Zogbia.
-
He was a complete and utter disgrace against Wigan.
Couldn't agree more Tom - summed it up for me in the first half when he got the ball and instead of passing or moving away with it, he stalled so that he could barge/elbow the Wigan player that he could have easily avoided, then lost the ball!
He ran the show against Chelsea last season at their place, but I've seen nothing like that form before or since.
I'd rather see Carruthers in or a fit N'Zogbia.
That would be N'Zogbia the work horse then...
-
When you think about it, it's all a bit depressing with regards to senior players still on the books, that you think could contribute and haven't or aren't. On paper, well know names that together should be more than good enough to sustain a very comfortable mid table position.
Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Makoun, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Gabby, Bent could you would imagine be the basis of a decent first XI
Gross costing the club in the region of four hundred grand a week and I imagine not much less because we are subsidising loans for a couple of them. Fuck me
-
When you think about it, it's all a bit depressing with regards to senior players still on the books, that you think could contribute and haven't or aren't. On paper, well know names that together should be more than good enough to sustain a very comfortable mid table position.
Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Makoun, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Gabby, Bent could you would imagine be the basis of a decent first XI
Gross costing the club in the region of four hundred grand a week and I imagine not much less because we are subsidising loans for a couple of them. Fuck me
Indeed, add Vlaar and Holman to those names and you have a very experienced side which should have enough quality to be top half, then you've still got Guzan, KEA and all the youngsters as options in the squad. I fthey were all fit and showing anything remotely close to their best form we'd be up near the tesco bags this year. That's why i don't like all the comments about the kids not being good enough, the kids aren't the problem, the seniors are the ones who are under performing.
-
Given, Hutton, Warnock, Dunne, Makoun, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Gabby, Bent could you would imagine be the basis of a decent first XI
In a parellel universe, we might be top six team with this lot but in reality they are sucking our beloved club dry with their wages.
-
Lost patience with him now. He's had long enough to prove his worth. Has an eye for a pass but just doesn't apply himself enough to deserve a central midfield role, doesn't make enough impact in a 'No. 10' or attacking midfield role. Actually delivers very little.
Watched him when he came on at Chelsea. One point when Ramires was tanking forward, Ireland was jogging along in his slipstream; Holman, who had started the match, came legging it across to try and close Ramires down. I thought then: 'nah, not anymore, Stephen. Enough's enough.'
-
Indeed, add Vlaar and Holman to those names and you have a very experienced side which should have enough quality to be top half, then you've still got Guzan, KEA and all the youngsters as options in the squad. I fthey were all fit and showing anything remotely close to their best form we'd be up near the tesco bags this year. That's why i don't like all the comments about the kids not being good enough, the kids aren't the problem, the seniors are the ones who are under performing.
Spot on. Lambert has obviously had an eye to youth but it seems apparent that he came in to add good youth players to a wedge of experienced players who simply haven't bought into the strategy.
Ireland exemplifies this for me: a complete waste of talent and a wanton aim simply to pick up his obscene weekly wages. I have said before that I've always regarded him with distaste and this season has confirmed my view that he's a nonce.
-
He really does look like he doesn't give a shit anymore.
He clearly doesn't want to be here.
The galling thing is that he'll be eventually be rewarded with a lucrative transfer elsewhere, possibly in this window.
A great shame as he's possibly the most skilful player at the club, certainly nobody could match him for slide rule passing.
-
I felt like I had Tourette's whenever I caught a glimpse of Stephen Ireland's bubble headed bonce trotting about as Wigan player's cruised past him. He did some great clapping before taking part in each kick off after we had let in each goal, he did a good pass and the square root of fuck all else. A lazier bastard I have never seen. On the whole I am behind the other players who are currently in the team as they are either doing their best and aren't quite good enough or are young talents who are developing. But Stephen Ireland can do one.
-
I felt like I had Tourette's whenever I caught a glimpse of Stephen Ireland's bubble headed bonce trotting about as Wigan player's cruised past him. He did some great clapping before taking part in each kick off after we had let in each goal, he did a good pass and the square root of fuck all else. A lazier bastard I have never seen. On the whole I am behind the other players who are currently in the team as they are either doing their best and aren't quite good enough or are young talents who are developing. But Stephen Ireland can do one.
The thing is when on form and motivated, his work rate is really good imo. Take the 0-0 against Sunderland, he tracked back and cleared Bendtner's shot off the goalline when he didn't have to and that saved us a point.
Compare that to his effort against Wigan and he's been someone to have in a relegation scrap.
-
Absolutely staggered that 34% believe he's "Doing the business".
Unless it's the same business my dogs do in the garden.
-
I felt like I had Tourette's whenever I caught a glimpse of Stephen Ireland's bubble headed bonce trotting about as Wigan player's cruised past him. He did some great clapping before taking part in each kick off after we had let in each goal, he did a good pass and the square root of fuck all else. A lazier bastard I have never seen. On the whole I am behind the other players who are currently in the team as they are either doing their best and aren't quite good enough or are young talents who are developing. But Stephen Ireland can do one.
The thing is when on form and motivated, his work rate is really good imo. Take the 0-0 against Sunderland, he tracked back and cleared Bendtner's shot off the goalline when he didn't have to and that saved us a point.
Compare that to his effort against Wigan and he's been someone to have in a relegation scrap.
quite rite when on form though that seems few and far between. Hence egs of the sunderland match efforts which wasn't even this season. i do remember that and it was good to see but its not current form. 2009 was Ireland peak at there's no chance of that being recreated at villa. The conditions were set up just right for him under Hughes in that city team. Here PL wont allow for such an attitude and team play and work ethic is a must. This guy is more inconsistent than torres and that saying something. The faint hope he will be the player he was when he has a good game is just delusion. Just as ba has come in to show torres how its done we need an adequate replacement.
-
I don't want him to play again. We really need to continue the revolution in double quick time. He's not a part of our future. Any experienced players we sign, and indeed need, must be reliable. Have a proven track record at a top level. Ireland does not.
He had half a good season at Man City where he looked a class act because he had Robinho to play with and Hughes to molly coddle him. There's few players who have quite so spectacularly gained a reputation as being talented from doing so little. I don't even count him as a one season wonder like say Santa Cruz.
N'Zogbia is on last chance saloon and should really go anyway. The desire clearly isn't there. Ireland never wanted to join. He sounded totally unenthused from day one. He's run his mouth off in the past whilst here and got his mug in the papers, and it's just not on.
The sooner we ship at the last of the dross brigade and replace them with hungrier, better players, the better we'll be.
-
Absolutely staggered that 34% believe he's "Doing the business".
Unless it's the same business my dogs do in the garden.
I salute you Ozboy for you have seen the hidden truth behind these numbers.
Either that - or 34% of 'Villa fans' are morons.
Mmm?
-
He gets a tincy wincy bit of a raw deal if you were to completely, and madly, disregard his wages, he is being asked to do a job not suited to his talents but we are not in a position to accomodate him and what he does best. I still reckon we'd do well with a couple of industrious midfielders and Ireland picking our Bents runs but sell him or get him off the payroll ASAP.
-
He gets a tincy wincy bit of a raw deal if you were to completely, and madly, disregard his wages, he is being asked to do a job not suited to his talents but we are not in a position to accomodate him and what he does best. I still reckon we'd do well with a couple of industrious midfielders and Ireland picking our Bents runs but sell him or get him off the payroll ASAP.
I'd agree with this if it wasn't for the fact that he has 1 goal and about 4 assists in 45 games. I could live with him being a lazy bugger having 2 others do all the running for him if his record wasn't that he's had an effect on 1 game in 9 for us. That's really poor for a supposedly creative player.
What makes it worse is that, if you take out the half a season where he scored a hatful at citeh, that's pretty much his record for his career.
His value is based on a run of about 20 games 4 years ago. Albrighton is one of ours who had an equally superb purple patch that lasted a similar amount of time and yet half the fans think he's shit and would sell him for peanuts without a second thought.
-
But with the talent of the players we've had over the last few years he passes the ball, moves forward and then the others lose it before he has the chance to get it back and make the goalscoring pass we all know he's capable of.
Like Bent, a fantastic player but the wrong one for us at this point.
-
I just don't see it, even when he gets into space around the end of the box he doesn't create chances, As I've said, as frustrating as I find Holman for giving the ball away he has far more end product playing in the advanced 1 of 3 role that Ireland should have made his own this year.
-
He's a busted flush and I'd get rid but I cant help but thinking we've got a fantastic player who can make darting runs and score goals and a player capable of finding those runs and both will soon be gone without ever having much of a run together.
Hey ho.
-
I still think he's a quality player. OK, I can see that in certain games he doesn't exactly always appear to be pulling his tripe out, but I do think he's our best midfielder, and our current system just isn't getting the best out of him. But then you could say the same for Bent and Gabby as well this season.
-
Gabby has played up front, in a 2, on his own, out wide etc over the last 3 seasons. He has not performed in any of the roles, so the system can't be blamed.
Likewise, Ireland has not performed in the advanced role of a 3 man central midfield unit in a 4-3-3- and a 5-3-2 this season. No creation, no goals, just arm waving and poor tackling. The system can be blamed for some things, but for those 2 not performing I don't think so. Weimann and Benteke have got on just fine, so why Bent and Gabby have not is a mystery. Effort from Ireland and Bent might be part of it. Gabby - just not consistent enough.
-
I agree but as others have said, can he be trusted to be the player you build a midfield around. Probably not.
-
He gets a tincy wincy bit of a raw deal ...... he is being asked to do a job not suited to his talents but we are not in a position to accomodate him and what he does best.
How unreasonable of us .... I simply can't believe there's anyone left who's seen him play in the past 3 years who thinks he can offer anything in any position.
Time to smell the coffee .... Putting it simply - he's shit.
-
I still think he's a quality player. OK, I can see that in certain games he doesn't exactly always appear to be pulling his tripe out, but I do think he's our best midfielder, and our current system just isn't getting the best out of him. But then you could say the same for Bent and Gabby as well this season.
I agree to an extent. Maybe the system doesn't get the best of him, but I think his big problem is attitudinal and he puzzles me. He was inept and lazy against Wigan, but when I saw him against Reading he came on and worked hard and I think it was his arrival that turned the game in our favour ahead of the Benteke goal. But you don't get that from him all the time. He baffles me.
Returning to the poll question, no, he's not doing the business yet, nor has he done so in a sustained fashion since coming here. What makes it most irritating is that he CAN do the business.
-
If Ireland is that good he should be able to flexibly fit into different systems. We can't be expected to play a system, and him in the one position there is that he's apparently capable of playing. Decent players are adaptable, within reason. We've not been asking him to play in goal. The few times we have seen him playing in a free role behind a front man, and he's done very little of note. I remember Merson playing on the left for us a few times, despite never ever using his left peg, but he still had an impact.
We don't have a single player good enough, let alone Ireland, who should be dictacting just which formation we should be using to fit around a particular individual. It's a team game. You fit in or you fuck off.
-
Well said SuperT, totally agree.
-
I still think he'd be more useful just off a front man rather than an out and out midfielder.
-
I still think he'd be more useful just off a front man rather than an out and out midfielder.
As that's effectively the role Weimann is currently playing the question who has made an impact in that role, Weimann or Ireland?
-
I still think he'd be more useful just off the pitch.
-
He is a ball watching waste of space.
Get rid, soon as.
-
Waste of space - get rid. Quickly.
-
If I was Stephen Ireland I would be questioning myself.
If I was Stephen Ireland's missus I would be telling him to pull his socks up and do the things that allowed them to lead the ridicuous lavish life style the have together.
If I was Stephen Ireland's missus's lap dog I'd shit on his head.
If I was his dead or maybe alive Grandmother I would be or would be preparing for my turning in the grave routine.
If I was Stephen Ireland's agent I would be telling him to forget everything else in his life and concentrate on the one thing he was once good at.
-
He's good sometimes. Just not 80k a week good
-
He's a very talented footballer.
Unfortunately, he doesn't show it often enough to justify his enormous wages.
-
It's a shame because I had very high hopes for him, but it seems he doesn't have the application.
-
I still think he'd be more useful just off the pitch.
Perhaps we can get him to play the Steve Sidwell role on the touchline, and help us attack with lightening quick throw-in assists.
-
The best thing about yesterday was that nzog showed more desire determination and will to be on the ball in the hour he was on than stephen I
reland has all season
Time to jog on. at least he had demonstrated tremendous ability to job
By the way anybody questioning his desire to play for our great club watch a clip of AW goal yesterday. The late winner the kind that is normally celebrated quite enthuiastically by anybody that cares for the club.
You'll get your answer probably best described as polite applause
-
I still think he'd be more useful just off a front man rather than an out and out midfielder.
As that's effectively the role Weimann is currently playing the question who has made an impact in that role, Weimann or Ireland?
Oh Weimann everytime, i was just saying that i think that would be his best position if anywhere.
-
I still think he'd be more useful just off a front man rather than an out and out midfielder.
As that's effectively the role Weimann is currently playing the question who has made an impact in that role, Weimann or Ireland?
Oh Weimann everytime, i was just saying that i think that would be his best position if anywhere.
Rather nzogbia than Ireland in that position but Weimann is excellent in the role.
Ireland has had enough chances now - time to unload him .
-
Simple get rid ........
-
I've been defending Ireland for a long time now but I simply can't anymore. He should be the player who gets the team going and dictates the games but he is simply not good enough for the money he gets.
That being said, I wonder who would actually buy him other than QPR and I don't want him being sold to them, I suspect we'll have him until his contract runs out.
-
Is he out of contract at the end of the season? He'll leave then. Unsure which club will want to sign him. One of West Ham, Sunderland, Stoke or Fulham would be my guess.
-
Another year after this I think.
-
Summer 2014 unfortunately ......
-
To be honest it had bad news written all over from the outset, with him being signed without us even knowing who the next manager would be, let alone whether that manager would want him. Add to that his notoriously flaky temperament, the fact that he's only really had one decent season in his career, and the money he has cost in fee and salary, and it amounts to a pretty poor signing. Yes he won Player of the Season last year but just think how bad things had to get before he could even do that.
-
I think you've nailed it when you say he's had one good season in his career. Essentially that's what he's achieved. We're all hoping he shows that form again but let's face it, it looks very much like a flash in the pan - four or five years ago.
-
On the other hand, he was signed just as everything to do with Villa was going spectacularly tits up. I can't think of many players who have impressed in the last three years to be honest.
-
On the other hand, he was signed just as everything to do with Villa was going spectacularly tits up. I can't think of many players who have impressed in the last three years to be honest.
but a big part of the reason for that is that the replacements (such as Ireland and nzogbia) haven't performed to anything like the standard of the players they've replaced.
-
On the other hand, he was signed just as everything to do with Villa was going spectacularly tits up. I can't think of many players who have impressed in the last three years to be honest.
but a big part of the reason for that is that the replacements (such as Ireland and nzogbia) haven't performed to anything like the standard of the players they've replaced.
Fair point.
-
I've been defending Ireland for a long time now but I simply can't anymore. He should be the player who gets the team going and dictates the games but he is simply not good enough for the money he gets.
That being said, I wonder who would actually buy him other than QPR and I don't want him being sold to them, I suspect we'll have him until his contract runs out.
I can see him going abroad and playing in somewhere like the USA or Australia. I think that you're right that we will be lumbered with him until his contract runs out though.
-
On the other hand, he was signed just as everything to do with Villa was going spectacularly tits up. I can't think of many players who have impressed in the last three years to be honest.
Players who in my opinion have impressed for periods within the last 3 years:
Guzman
Given
Lowton
Petrov
Westwood
Downing
Weimann
Bent
As this list contains a mix of experienced players doing what they're paid for and youngsters making a valuable contribution and promising more, then I can't accept that playing for villa as things wer going tits up is a valid excuse for Ireland's continued failure.
-
On the other hand, he was signed just as everything to do with Villa was going spectacularly tits up. I can't think of many players who have impressed in the last three years to be honest.
these players are supposed to be the inspiration and lead by example. he has jus turned up and been a bag of shite!
-
On the other hand, he was signed just as everything to do with Villa was going spectacularly tits up. I can't think of many players who have impressed in the last three years to be honest.
Players who in my opinion have impressed for periods within the last 3 years:
Guzman
Given
Lowton
Petrov
Westwood
Downing
Weimann
Bent
I'd add Albrighton to that list, although it does seem a long time ago now.
-
My theory is Ricky Gervais colluded with Manc City to swap Ireland with a miserable git who can't be arsed about anything in the hope it would fuck us up. Then they realised the original was worse and swapped him back,
Ireland yesterday
(http://www.redcarpetnewstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Karl-Pilkington-watford-asda-picture1.jpg)
Karl Pilkington this evening
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/10/31/1288553857874/Stephen-Ireland-006.jpg)
-
I was absolutely disgusted by Ireland's response to Weimann's goal on Saturday. The rest fo the team either join in to celebrate with Weimann or at least celebrate in some sort of way, Ireland just walks away from it!!!
-
DerHammer, I could shorten your post to "Absolutely disgusted by Ireland". Player of the season last year? My arse. "Great footballing brain, just nobody else on the same wavelength"= "Shit footballing brain. Its a team game"
-
He just does not give one solitary sh*t.
Which is odd as it could well be his last chance at a decent level.
-
DerHammer, I could shorten your post to "Absolutely disgusted by Ireland". Player of the season last year? My arse. "Great footballing brain, just nobody else on the same wavelength"= "Shit footballing brain. Its a team game"
Yeah I could've just said that I suppose :) I've tried to be patient with the guy as there is a fooking brilliant player in there if he just applied himself
-
DerHammer, I could shorten your post to "Absolutely disgusted by Ireland". Player of the season last year? My arse. "Great footballing brain, just nobody else on the same wavelength"= "Shit footballing brain. Its a team game"
Yeah I could've just said that I suppose :) I've tried to be patient with the guy as there is a fooking brilliant player in there if he just applied himself
There is, but personally I've gotten to the point know where I don't believe we'll ever see that player. Anyone who is willing to take over his salary can have him, IMO.
-
I bet Karl Pilkington would be a better footballer in all honesty :)
-
I bet Karl Pilkington would be a better footballer in all honesty :)
To be honest seeing Karl Pilkington eating a scorpion on a stick and seeing Ireland on the pitch for us it's pretty obvious that neither of them want to be there, so maybe a swap would work well.
-
Stephen Ireland.....where do you start with this guy? A very talented footballer who makes all the right noises in quote-form then proceeds to do the precise sum of bugger all when it matters on the pitch.
You can count the quality performances from him since he came here on the fingers of one hand, yet I'm sure he picks up his inflated wage packet with undeserved regularity.
There's a player in there somewhere, and it could be he needs a certain type of manager to coax it out, that manager though, I'm pretty sure, isn't Paul Lambert. I wouldn't be surprised if his agent has been told to find Ireland a new club ASAP and we're seeing the sulky repercussions from that of late.
-
The club have invested enough and he has repaid too little.
Get rid of the little scrote, is my opinion.
-
The club have invested enough and he has repaid too little.
Get rid of the little scrote, is my opinion.
Who would take him though? He's done so little of late that any PL side would be mad to take him, especially given his (supposed) wages.
I fear we're stuck with him
-
I was absolutely disgusted by Ireland's response to Weimann's goal on Saturday. The rest fo the team either join in to celebrate with Weimann or at least celebrate in some sort of way, Ireland just walks away from it!!!
Yep I noticed that as well. Perhaps he doesnt get on with Weimman who knows. What I do know is that he is on between 60000 to 65000
a week and will not be offered anything like that by any buying club if indeed there is one who would want him.
I reckon he will sit out his contract unless an American club fancies him.
-
I was absolutely disgusted by Ireland's response to Weimann's goal on Saturday. The rest fo the team either join in to celebrate with Weimann or at least celebrate in some sort of way, Ireland just walks away from it!!!
Yep I noticed that as well. Perhaps he doesnt get on with Weimman who knows. What I do know is that he is on between 60000 to 65000
a week and will not be offered anything like that by any buying club if indeed there is one who would want him.
I reckon he will sit out his contract unless an American club fancies him.
I thought he gave a small clap as he walked back? Granted, hardly a celebration.
-
My theory is Ricky Gervais colluded with Manc City to swap Ireland with a miserable git who can't be arsed about anything in the hope it would fuck us up. Then they realised the original was worse and swapped him back,
Ireland yesterday
(http://www.redcarpetnewstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Karl-Pilkington-watford-asda-picture1.jpg)
Karl Pilkington this evening
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/10/31/1288553857874/Stephen-Ireland-006.jpg)
Karl once scored a goal playing football when he was a kid because a bee was 'chasing him' and he happened to run near the goal, where the ball hit him and accidentally went in. I'd rather we have that tactic than whatever Ireland thinks he's doing.
-
I was absolutely disgusted by Ireland's response to Weimann's goal on Saturday. The rest fo the team either join in to celebrate with Weimann or at least celebrate in some sort of way, Ireland just walks away from it!!!
Yep I noticed that as well. Perhaps he doesnt get on with Weimman who knows. What I do know is that he is on between 60000 to 65000a week and will not be offered anything like that by any buying club if indeed there is one who would want him.
I reckon he will sit out his contract unless an American club fancies him.
I believe he is on more than that :(
-
The club have invested enough and he has repaid too little.
Get rid of the little scrote, is my opinion.
Who would take him though? He's done so little of late that any PL side would be mad to take him, especially given his (supposed) wages.
I fear we're stuck with him
I think he's got another year left on his contract and depending on the financial situation in the summer, I would seriously consider cutting our lossess and paying off his contract. For me, he is the epitome of what is wrong at the club at the moment and needs to be moved on.
-
i think we should play him in the hole and build the team around him!
-
i think we should play him in the hole and build the team around him!
I think we should stick him in a hole and then fill it in :)
-
Would it be fair to say that Ireland has had only one very good season in this league? I think he was one of our better players, at times, last year. But nothing special.
I'm amazed at the wealth he has from his career, good luck to him.
-
Would it be fair to say that Ireland has had only one very good season in this league? I think he was one of our better players, at times, last year. But nothing special.
I'm amazed at the wealth he has from his career, good luck to him.
We may need him on Tuesday to finally show what he can do. He owes us a big performance.
-
Would it be fair to say that Ireland has had only one very good season in this league? I think he was one of our better players, at times, last year. But nothing special.
I'm amazed at the wealth he has from his career, good luck to him.
We may need him on Tuesday to finally show what he can do. He owes us a big performance.
Yes he may have to play and if so he is long overdue a match winning display - i wont hold my breath on him to deliver .
-
Would it be fair to say that Ireland has had only one very good season in this league? I think he was one of our better players, at times, last year. But nothing special.
I'm amazed at the wealth he has from his career, good luck to him.
We may need him on Tuesday to finally show what he can do. He owes us a big performance.
If he can't do it against Bradford at VP he should buy himself out of his contract and go an play in the Papa New Guinea Premier League.
-
Despite injuries, I can't see him playing on Tuesday.
-
We may need him on Tuesday to finally show what he can do. He owes us a big performance.
How often has that been said, and has he delivered?
-
This guy has no love playing for his own country let alone thus club. I think Mon may have been right manager for him. Clear under Lambert he does nt work. The problem seems Ireland believes he should be in the team regardless Lambert picks on merit and what he sees in training. He may have the odd amazing game but not a consistent player. Similar awkwardness to Barton. And Pardrew took a chance didn't work... I think warnock to take him at Leeds and be the main man or a move abroad would actually work for him,. In regards to us i prefer nzogbia to come good as Charles natural ability would mean if he has a good game then things happen
-
This guy has no love playing for his own country let alone thus club. I think Mon may have been right manager for him. Clear under Lambert he does nt work. The problem seems Ireland believes he should be in the team regardless Lambert picks on merit and what he sees in training. He may have the odd amazing game but not a consistent player. Similar awkwardness to Barton. And Pardrew took a chance didn't work... I think warnock to take him at Leeds and be the main man or a move abroad would actually work for him,. In regards to us i prefer nzogbia to come good as Charles natural ability would mean if he has a good game then things happen
I see Redknapp didn't waste much time in getting Cisse out on loan to a team in Qatar. I think a deal like that involving Ireland would be the best for all concerned.
-
This guy has no love playing for his own country let alone thus club. I think Mon may have been right manager for him. Clear under Lambert he does nt work. The problem seems Ireland believes he should be in the team regardless Lambert picks on merit and what he sees in training. He may have the odd amazing game but not a consistent player. Similar awkwardness to Barton. And Pardrew took a chance didn't work... I think warnock to take him at Leeds and be the main man or a move abroad would actually work for him,. In regards to us i prefer nzogbia to come good as Charles natural ability would mean if he has a good game then things happen
I see Redknapp didn't waste much time in getting Cisse out on loan to a team in Qatar. I think a deal like that involving Ireland would be the best for all concerned.
Afraid so.
If we get 2 decent midfielders in, then loan him out.
The Congo Republic for all I care.
-
This guy has no love playing for his own country let alone thus club. I think Mon may have been right manager for him. Clear under Lambert he does nt work. The problem seems Ireland believes he should be in the team regardless Lambert picks on merit and what he sees in training. He may have the odd amazing game but not a consistent player. Similar awkwardness to Barton. And Pardrew took a chance didn't work... I think warnock to take him at Leeds and be the main man or a move abroad would actually work for him,. In regards to us i prefer nzogbia to come good as Charles natural ability would mean if he has a good game then things happen
He's been very good on a few occasions but never amazing (and I include his Citeh days in that comment)!
-
Bin him - he is a complete waster
-
I think I'd rather have him than Holman tonight
-
Would it be fair to say that Ireland has had only one very good season in this league? I think he was one of our better players, at times, last year. But nothing special.
I'm amazed at the wealth he has from his career, good luck to him.
Nope, it's fair to say he's had half of a very good season in the league. He was excellent until the new year in the 08/09 season and then did very little in the league for the rest of the year.
-
half time v Newcastle
put him in one of those zorb things. and let ten season ticket holders (selected by prize draw)
roll him around the pitch.
its not quite as spiffy as free flags, but I think the holte would love it.
the geordies might enjoy it too
-
He didn't have a good second half tonight, but then name one of ours that did.
He gets some deserved criticism, but for me Bannan is every bit as apathetic as Ireland. Delph at least tries I suppose but isn't good enough.
-
Biggest waste of space since curcic, hate him
-
The bald headed disinterested fucker can fuck off and not soil our shirt again the fucking money grabbing waste of space. His dad should have shot him onto the sheets.
-
Really loathe him.
One of the reasons I want us to sign at least 2 midfielders is so he fucks off. Useless, lazy bastard.
-
useless piece of shit that did fuck all tonight, he just doesnt care. i would be ashamed to have put in a performance like he has tonight, but all this has been said on the previous 23 pages and the 20 different threads about the useless turd!
-
Thought he was pretty good for the first hour and then like the rest of the team just ran out of ideas.
He's the missing piece in a good team who have a solid midfield, quality wingers and just need someone who doesn't tackle much or do any defensive work but plays in the lines between midfield and attack. Would probably flourish at Everton but can't see it working for him here.
-
He is ineffectual against an level of opposition, is lazy and looks so disinterested. The perfect advert for a young man getting made for life too early in his career.
When does his contract end? I cannot wait for him to go
-
I loathe Ireland. He is bone idle disinterested and we need rid. I can never understand in a world of austerity at Villa how he got a contract of 55g a week! Also Given 60g on a five year contract. At least Tonne leaves soon. Man City must love us.
-
I'd suggested last month that the Club should consider offering to pay off part of his contract and let him leave on a free in January - thus saving us paying out for the remainder of his contract and then him leave on a free anyway and giving him the opportunity to find somewhere else now and getting paid double money for a bit. TRhat should appeal to his lazy arsed attitude.
As a footballer he's a complete liability to the Club. Quite literally a waste of space.
08/09 was an eternity ago now and looking a decent player for 6 months shouldn't entitle you to the kind of contract he got at the Villa. Probably the most over paid and over rated player we've ever had. The single walking, talking epitomy of the mess we are in now is Stephen Ireland.
-
And another thing, who the fuck are the 64 people that think he's doing the business.
They must be mad.
-
Everything that's wrong with the modern day footballer, bin him.
-
Everything that's wrong with the modern day footballer, bin him.
I agree entirely. He utterly embodies both our club and the modern day footballer. He never ever looks more than about 60% mind on the job to me and his loathing and disrespect for us is so apparent from his body language...
-
He could not care less about Aston Villa Football Club, a waste of money and space....
-
I put him in my starting 11 yesterday before the game but i wish i had'nt. It's as if someone needed to go up and remind him he was playing in a cup Semi Final.
-
Sell, please sell
-
I put him in my starting 11 yesterday before the game but i wish i had'nt. It's as if someone needed to go up and remind him he was playing in a cup Semi Final.
I think he needed reminding he was on a football pitch.
A pitiful waste of space.
-
He likes to play nice little triangles but without hurting the opposition. Yesterday for instance he tried to do a fancy little chip on the keeper which wasn't really on instead of putting his laces through it which he doesn't seem capable of.
Neat and Tidy isn't what we need right now.
-
Sell, please sell
He's sell, and throw in Bannan as a sweetener.
-
Sell, please sell
He's sell, and throw in Bannan as a sweetener.
I can just about believe that someone will lack the common sense to sign one of them, but theres no way were getting rid of both
-
I put him in my starting 11 yesterday before the game but i wish i had'nt. It's as if someone needed to go up and remind him he was playing in a cup Semi Final.
I think he needed reminding he was on a football pitch.
A pitiful waste of space.
I'm not an apologist for Stephen Ireland, but he wasn't the only waste of space on that pitch yesterday. He just is the lightning rod for what we think is wrong at the club because of aspects of his personal life. The guy is a part of a squad that are weak. If he had a leader on the pitch that he respected we might get more out of him and the other players for that matter. We have carried Gabby for a good few years now as well, but he seems to fall under the radar of our ire.
-
Sell, please sell
He's sell, and throw in Bannan as a sweetener.
Yeah, Bannan would be a good make weight. But an even better paper weight.
-
I put him in my starting 11 yesterday before the game but i wish i had'nt. It's as if someone needed to go up and remind him he was playing in a cup Semi Final.
I think he needed reminding he was on a football pitch.
A pitiful waste of space.
I'm not an apologist for Stephen Ireland, but he wasn't the only waste of space on that pitch yesterday. He just is the lightning rod for what we think is wrong at the club. The guy is a part of a squad that are weak. If he had a leader on the pitch that he respected we might get more out of him and the other players for that matter. We have carried Gabby for a good few years now as well, but he seems to fall under the radar of our ire.
I think Gabby is getting some stick - just read the gabby thread.
Ireland has done nothing at the Villa, other than slag off the city, admit he didn't want to join us and give a succession of half arsed performances.
Truth be told, neither are anywhere near good enough but one of them could/should be.
-
I put him in my starting 11 yesterday before the game but i wish i had'nt. It's as if someone needed to go up and remind him he was playing in a cup Semi Final.
I think he needed reminding he was on a football pitch.
A pitiful waste of space.
I'm not an apologist for Stephen Ireland, but he wasn't the only waste of space on that pitch yesterday. He just is the lightning rod for what we think is wrong at the club. The guy is a part of a squad that are weak. If he had a leader on the pitch that he respected we might get more out of him and the other players for that matter. We have carried Gabby for a good few years now as well, but he seems to fall under the radar of our ire.
I think Gabby is getting some stick - just read the gabby thread.
Have read it.
-
I put him in my starting 11 yesterday before the game but i wish i had'nt. It's as if someone needed to go up and remind him he was playing in a cup Semi Final.
I think he needed reminding he was on a football pitch.
A pitiful waste of space.
I'm not an apologist for Stephen Ireland, but he wasn't the only waste of space on that pitch yesterday. He just is the lightning rod for what we think is wrong at the club. The guy is a part of a squad that are weak. If he had a leader on the pitch that he respected we might get more out of him and the other players for that matter. We have carried Gabby for a good few years now as well, but he seems to fall under the radar of our ire.
Absolutely agree, BUT, here is a guy who has done nothing in the game (generally) of note, except one half of a season at Man City where he was exceptional.
Last night, he should have been able to totally dictate the play, against 4th division opposition. He should have been relishing the chance to shine in a game like that, but instead he looked disinterested and frankly out of his depth.
And I agree, there are others just as bad.
-
He can just FUCK OFF!!!!
-
to be fair , Ireland , Gabby and Bannan are not good enough .
-
He is laughing at us all.
Taking a fortune out of our pockets every week....and simply laughing at us
-
He seems to be one of those players who actually don't like football. Secure in a long term contract, with his life sorted until the day he dies financially.
More fool us for letting him get away with it. I can't think of a single game changing moment since he's been at the club.
-
Just another example of a shit for brains overpaid numpty footballer for me..
Thanks for destroying any love of the game I had.
-
Just another example of a shit for brains overpaid numpty footballer for me..
Thanks for destroying any love of the game I had.
I feel exactly the same...perhaps a year (eternal optimist) in the Championship might renew our faith
-
I first cried at a Villa match when I heard the score rung through from the Hawthorns in '59 to say that the Baggies had equalised in the last minute......I refuse to follow that again for the current load of rubbish.
If we go down it will be the fault of all the prima donnas we've had in recent years....hang your collective heads in shame but hey will any of them give a shit......like F they will, so long as they can spend their days playing video games and spending their ill gotten gains on fast cars and other expensive toys.........and breathe....my blood pressure doesn't need this
-
Average player. Big Ego. Big Wages. Little contribution.
-
He is laughing at us all.
Taking a fortune out of our pockets every week....and simply laughing at us
Indeed he does - he can afford to and may do each and every day for the rest of his life.
-
Don't worry he will actually create a goal or score when he's in the championship next year.
Was his player of the season award a pisstake along the lines of Boateng getting goal of the season one year when he hadn't scored? Serious question.
-
The club win back some favour from me by telling this jizz-bucket never to darken our door again.
-
He has the talent but not the will. Oxygen thief. Just one in a long line that have sucked the life out of Villa.
-
He has the talent but not the will. Oxygen thief. Just one in a long line that have sucked the life out of Villa.
Too true.
He makes Nigel Callaghan look like Mo Farrah.
-
After 5 mins yday i thought he did'nt look fit, and he did nothing to change my mind in the final 85 mins.
Sums up Villa for me, on paper should be up in the top echelons of the Prem, but lacks something that makes him/us greatly under-achieving.
-
He seems to be one of those players who actually don't like football. Secure in a long term contract, with his life sorted until the day he dies financially.
More fool us for letting him get away with it. I can't think of a single game changing moment since he's been at the club.
Perfect summary. And he is fully fit, just the laziest pisstaker ever seen.
-
He just goes through the motions to pick up his cheque.
-
Ireland is a grossly overpaid, gutless, lazy, useless, couldnt care less piece of shite. £8,000 per day! Shoot the bastard to get him off the wagebill.
-
Thought he was pretty good for the first hour and then like the rest of the team just ran out of ideas.
He's the missing piece in a good team who have a solid midfield, quality wingers and just need someone who doesn't tackle much or do any defensive work but plays in the lines between midfield and attack. Would probably flourish at Everton but can't see it working for him here.
Was the missing link in an MON team along with Bent although not really MON's sort of midfield player but he does seem to tolerate Sessegnon up there.
What's clear are these sort can't really be relied on to fight a relegation battle, I really don't want Ireland starting many more games now between now and May.
-
Thought he was pretty good for the first hour and then like the rest of the team just ran out of ideas.
He's the missing piece in a good team who have a solid midfield, quality wingers and just need someone who doesn't tackle much or do any defensive work but plays in the lines between midfield and attack. Would probably flourish at Everton but can't see it working for him here.
Was the missing link in an MON team along with Bent although not really MON's sort of midfield player but he does seem to tolerate Sessegnon up there.
What's clear are these sort can't really be relied on to fight a relegation battle, I really don't want Ireland starting many more games now between now and May.
Having seen him last season, I would say Robbie Keane was the missing link in the MON team not Ireland.
-
Thought he was pretty good for the first hour and then like the rest of the team just ran out of ideas.
He's the missing piece in a good team who have a solid midfield, quality wingers and just need someone who doesn't tackle much or do any defensive work but plays in the lines between midfield and attack. Would probably flourish at Everton but can't see it working for him here.
Was the missing link in an MON team along with Bent although not really MON's sort of midfield player but he does seem to tolerate Sessegnon up there.
What's clear are these sort can't really be relied on to fight a relegation battle, I really don't want Ireland starting many more games now between now and May.
I don't want him to start any games for Villa ever again - not even the Tiddlywinks team (if we had one).
-
He's not the sort of player who will help you in a relegation battle, that's for sure.
-
Talking to a fellow fan last night, he and I noticed that during the match on Tuesday, many of players appeared to be rather reluctant to pass to him (Ireland, not my mate). When he was better placed, the others tended to pick a different option.
We may be looking too much into this but I can't imagine he is the most popular player in ours, or previous dressing rooms.
-
He's a waste of space and has been for about 95% of his time with us.
-
Wish he'd fuck off in his pink car.
-
He never wanted to be here from day 1. Mercenary. He'll happily see out his contract with us but Villa will be his last big payday, no other self respecting big club will take him. He'll be penniless by the time he's in his mid 30's.
-
He's a waste of space and has been for about 95% of his time with us.
This
-
From The Telegraph
Ireland, the current supporters’ player of the season, has been instructed to train with the youth squads by Lambert and is keen to have talks with his manager this week.
The former Manchester City midfielder has been excluded from the last two squads and fears he is being punished for Villa’s humiliating defeat over two legs by League Two Bradford City in the Capital One Cup semi-final.
Ireland has not appeared since the second leg last month and arrived at the training ground on Friday to be told he could not be accommodated with the first team squad of 22.
He had been left out of the squad that played Everton the previous weekend and watched the 3-3 draw from the stands at Goodison Park.
Lambert signed midfielders Yacouba Sylla and Simon Dawkins on the final day of the transfer window to push Ireland further out of contention and facing an uncertain future.
-
It would appear Lambert has lost patience with him too. His performances in the last few games he played were worse than awful IMO, lazy, poor and simply not what we need.
I genuinely hope we never have to suffer him in a Villa shirt again, and I though he would be great when he signed. He will be in the Championship or below inside 2 years. See Bentley. D.
-
In terms of natural ability one of, if not the best player we have. In terms of attitude and mentality, undoubtedly the worst.
-
Shame it's taken Lambert this long to realise what Houllier worked out in a couple of weeks. I just can't see Ireland playing in this country again and he would be better off in in the MLS or the A-League in Australia.
-
Good, may he never darken the sacred colours again.
-
Some mug will take a chance on him, probably an idiot with an overinflated opinion of themselves, like Allardyce or Pardew.
The sooner, the better.
-
He's a waste of space and has been for about 95% of his time with us.
More like 99%
-
Last week, he did an interview on one of those cringe worthy Sky football build up shows - not sure if you saw it.
I know these things get edited but he basically just spoke about how great his time was at Man Citeh and how he loved the fans there, and him putting money into a Charitable home in Manchester. It just came across as the Villa (that barely received a mention) were all abit of an inconveinience to his life.
Absolutley pathetic!
-
Get the wanker out on loan to a championship side , least his off the wage bill and then get rid in the summer.
The guy is a waste of talent.
-
Get the wanker out on loan to a championship side , least his off the wage bill and then get rid in the summer.
The guy is a waste of talent.
He wouldn't be off the wage bill though - which championship side is going to pay his wages, or even 25% of his wages?
No, we're stuck with the waste of space until his contract's up or we decide to cut our losses and pay him off.
I really hate this idea of making him and his like train with the youth team though. What kind of example is he to the youth players?
-
Get the wanker out on loan to a championship side , least his off the wage bill and then get rid in the summer.
The guy is a waste of talent.
He wouldn't be off the wage bill though - which championship side is going to pay his wages, or even 25% of his wages?
No, we're stuck with the waste of space until his contract's up or we decide to cut our losses and pay him off.
I really hate this idea of making him and his like train with the youth team though. What kind of example is he to the youth players?
I said at Christmas we should terminate his contract and I stand by that.
Galling as it would be to give this nerk more cash the truth is he's more trouble than he's worth. We made a shocking (one of many) boardroom decision to include him in the Milner deal - shocking as he (Ireland) stated at the time that he didn't want to come. That should have been enough for us to realise he wasn't going to be what we wanted.
-
Always hoped Ireland would come good, can't see it now. He just doesn't seem to have the desire. I don't think he actually likes football anymore.
-
Ireland is a fucking leech
He casn fuck off with the other ne'er do wells who have dissed / toook the piss out of the club over the last 25 years
One of a long list - Callaghan, Hodge, Collymore, Alpay to scratch the surface.
FUCK OFF!!!!!!
-
Pointless him being here whilst we're in a scrap.
He's disinterested and clearly not a team player.
-
When is his contract up? I thought we gave him a four year deal, so does he have until summer 2014?
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
-
When is his contract up? I thought we gave him a four year deal, so does he have until summer 2014?
That is my understanding - we should pay him off
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
-
Well as I see it Ireland doesnt get on with the manager or the way the manager wants the team to play.
Our only hope is that a team in the States takes him on. Never been made absolutely clear who exactly brought him to this club or if he was forced on us by Man City.
What is clear however is the fact that he is on a lot of money which he cannot hope to pick up elsewhere.
He may sit out the rest of his contract unless we pay him off.
Could be he will outstay Lambert if we go down.
I agree with Saunders Heroes. Lambert could be holding another grudge here which could work against the club The club is the only thing that matters.
-
Ireland has about 16 months left on his deal. I think he'll be off somewhere like Sunderland in the summer for next to nothing, get him off the wages.
-
As we were managerless, i'm assuming Carbon Neutral did all the negotiations with him.
£63,000pw by all accounts. Shocking.
I think he'll end up going abroad.
-
What I want to know is, who exactly was it that decided to sign him? Why the hell didn't we just tell City to stump up a few extra million?
-
I expect to see Ireland, Bent, Given and Dunne all cleared from the wage bill in the summer, which would free up around £12/13 million a year in wages.
A couple of that should be pumped into a new deal for Benteke.
But if you take the £12/13 million figure and then that gives us a lot of wiggle room to get a lot of players in, ones who might contribute to the squad next season. We could probably get 5 or 6 decent players in and still make a saving on wages.
-
Thinking back to the millwall pmt, didn't someone say that there was a tweet from somebody who'd overheard lambert referring to someone as a useless c*#t? He's right, he is. Match stats from two and a half years of the kind which we'd expect from a player of his undoubted talent to amass in ONE GAME. Wastrel of unprecedented magnitude.
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
you have totally contradicted yourself in your hatred for lambert there. ireland is a leech, wanker, waste of a good sperm and a disgraceful signing by the club, though you still feel lambert is wrong to make him train with the kids when he , in your opinion be of use to the club!
well i think this paracite needs to be as far away from the first team as quickly as possible as he is a bad egg and isnt with the rest as they embarque on a fight to stay up.
i managed to go pitchside during the prematch warm up and routines and ireland just fucked about whilst all the others were trying to get their focus. he was laughing, half doing the drills and generally fucking about making comments. karsa several times had to just say his name to get him to concentrate. reminds me of my sons under 8 team. he is a wanker, get rid or keep away, whatever. Just dont let him near the positivity as he will infect it with his poison!
-
I expect to see Ireland, Bent, Given and Dunne all cleared from the wage bill in the summer, which would free up around £12/13 million a year in wages.
A couple of that should be pumped into a new deal for Benteke.
But if you take the £12/13 million figure and then that gives us a lot of wiggle room to get a lot of players in, ones who might contribute to the squad next season. We could probably get 5 or 6 decent players in and still make a saving on wages.
Trouble is Lerner will pocket the savings and just go out and sign more lower league players on low wages. That's where the club is heading under Lerner.
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
you have totally contradicted yourself in your hatred for lambert there. ireland is a leech, wanker, waste of a good sperm and a disgraceful signing by the club, though you still feel lambert is wrong to make him train with the kids when he , in your opinion be of use to the club!
well i think this paracite needs to be as far away from the first team as quickly as possible as he is a bad egg and isnt with the rest as they embarque on a fight to stay up.
i managed to go pitchside during the prematch warm up and routines and ireland just fucked about whilst all the others were trying to get their focus. he was laughing, half doing the drills and generally fucking about making comments. karsa several times had to just say his name to get him to concentrate. reminds me of my sons under 8 team. he is a wanker, get rid or keep away, whatever. Just dont let him near the positivity as he will infect it with his poison!
First of all I don't hate anyone let alone Lambert. Secondly we need every senior player at the club on our side ready to put shift in. This is the worst predicament this club been in for decades so the last thing we need is for the manager to alienate players who we may need to call on at some stage of the relegation run in.
Lambert's man-management is absolutely appalling.
-
Useless Fuckweasel
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
you have totally contradicted yourself in your hatred for lambert there. ireland is a leech, wanker, waste of a good sperm and a disgraceful signing by the club, though you still feel lambert is wrong to make him train with the kids when he , in your opinion be of use to the club!
well i think this paracite needs to be as far away from the first team as quickly as possible as he is a bad egg and isnt with the rest as they embarque on a fight to stay up.
i managed to go pitchside during the prematch warm up and routines and ireland just fucked about whilst all the others were trying to get their focus. he was laughing, half doing the drills and generally fucking about making comments. karsa several times had to just say his name to get him to concentrate. reminds me of my sons under 8 team. he is a wanker, get rid or keep away, whatever. Just dont let him near the positivity as he will infect it with his poison!
First of all I don't hate anyone let alone Lambert. Secondly we need every senior player at the club on our side ready to put shift in. This is the worst predicament this club been in for decades so the last thing we need is for the manager to alienate players who we may need to call on at some stage of the relegation run in.
Lambert's man-management is absolutely appalling.
and cant you understand the reason to ostracise such a poisonous little ******! lamberts man management of the squad who give a fuck should be applauded as he is taking the odious little pixie fecker away from them with any of the selfesh negativity he brings to the squad!
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
you have totally contradicted yourself in your hatred for lambert there. ireland is a leech, wanker, waste of a good sperm and a disgraceful signing by the club, though you still feel lambert is wrong to make him train with the kids when he , in your opinion be of use to the club!
well i think this paracite needs to be as far away from the first team as quickly as possible as he is a bad egg and isnt with the rest as they embarque on a fight to stay up.
i managed to go pitchside during the prematch warm up and routines and ireland just fucked about whilst all the others were trying to get their focus. he was laughing, half doing the drills and generally fucking about making comments. karsa several times had to just say his name to get him to concentrate. reminds me of my sons under 8 team. he is a wanker, get rid or keep away, whatever. Just dont let him near the positivity as he will infect it with his poison!
First of all I don't hate anyone let alone Lambert. Secondly we need every senior player at the club on our side ready to put shift in. This is the worst predicament this club been in for decades so the last thing we need is for the manager to alienate players who we may need to call on at some stage of the relegation run in.
Lambert's man-management is absolutely appalling.
I think most of us will agree man management is not his forte. In my opinion his the way he has treated a professional goalscorer like Darren Bent is shocking.
-
I genuinely hope we never have to suffer him in a Villa shirt again, and I though he would be great when he signed. He will be in the Championship or below inside 2 years. See Bentley. D.
Yes, with Villa, A.
-
I have to agree with Rutski, I cannot understand your position, as it seems very contradictory.
You cannot state that Ireland is a waste of space (an accurate assumption in my view) and then decry the manager for his handling of him and that he should be ready to play, when you have previously and quite rightly said that he is a waste of space and should be nowhere near the first XI, such is his lack of contribution.
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
you have totally contradicted yourself in your hatred for lambert there. ireland is a leech, wanker, waste of a good sperm and a disgraceful signing by the club, though you still feel lambert is wrong to make him train with the kids when he , in your opinion be of use to the club!
well i think this paracite needs to be as far away from the first team as quickly as possible as he is a bad egg and isnt with the rest as they embarque on a fight to stay up.
i managed to go pitchside during the prematch warm up and routines and ireland just fucked about whilst all the others were trying to get their focus. he was laughing, half doing the drills and generally fucking about making comments. karsa several times had to just say his name to get him to concentrate. reminds me of my sons under 8 team. he is a wanker, get rid or keep away, whatever. Just dont let him near the positivity as he will infect it with his poison!
First of all I don't hate anyone let alone Lambert. Secondly we need every senior player at the club on our side ready to put shift in. This is the worst predicament this club been in for decades so the last thing we need is for the manager to alienate players who we may need to call on at some stage of the relegation run in.
Lambert's man-management is absolutely appalling.
I'm not a big fan of lambchop but in my view Ireland is unmanageable. He's got the same sort of problem as SVC had or Balotelli. The mistake we've made was a)buying him and b) trying to get anything out of him. I can't see any circumstances where him playing this season will add to our points total
-
there are a few on here whose agendas are making their view distorted bacause they dont like lambert. this is a thread about one of the most poisonous little fucktards to ever come near a villa shirt. lambert has seen over 2/3rds of this season what he can do positively at this club and has come to the conclusion, like many of us on here, that ireland should have been a wank by his father instead of a fuck on his drunken wife on a saturday night! get rid, keep him away the poisonous little wanker!
-
Just know he will be quality at another club.
I doubt it. He's your classic 'one season wonder'. I've never rated him, and I think he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. The most mind boggling part of the deal is that he was signed while we were manager-less. So who signed him, Lerner, Faulkner, the bloke who cuts the grass? Absolute madness, and it's just another in a long line of bonkers decisions this club has made under Lerner over the last few years.
Even after saying that though I still think its wrong of Lambert to be alienating senior players while we're in this dangerous predicament. We may need Ireland at some stage in this relegation run in, so why do this now? Another pathetic decision by Lambert.
you have totally contradicted yourself in your hatred for lambert there. ireland is a leech, wanker, waste of a good sperm and a disgraceful signing by the club
Pure poetry !!
I detest Ireland and think he embodies everything that can be wrong with the modern 'footballer'.
Just recall that photo of him with is shiesha (Sp) pipe, it make you want to vomit.
He has has so many chances and opportunities to 'come good', the last being the Bradford game.
Here was a bloke playing a game against vastly inferior players. He should have had a field day in centre midfield, and been able to totally dominate the game and the occasion.
Instead, he hid and contributed the sum of fuck all.
A total and utter waste of space and money.
I wouldn't care if we never saw him in a Villa shirt again.
-
His handling of Bent depends on whether you believe the rumours that he handed in a transfer request before the Spurs game at WHL.
-
I have to agree with Rutski, I cannot understand your position, as it seems very contradictory.
You cannot state that Ireland is a waste of space (an accurate assumption in my view) and then decry the manager for his handling of him and that he should be ready to play, when you have previously and quite rightly said that he is a waste of space and should be nowhere near the first XI, such is his lack of contribution.
And if Lambert was to play him, he'd be getting pelters from his critics for doing so when he inevitably does fuck all and costs us a game. I do think this is a case of "If he's made this decision, it must be wrong." No, it's not - he's got this one spot on and I'd be quite happy to never see him in a Villa shirt again. The annoying thing is the wanker would be quite happy to never put one on again and just fuck about collecting his £60k a week.
-
His performance in the 2nd leg against Bradford finally convinced me his time was up. He just did'nt look interested.
-
Seriously, though. Does anyone have any knowledge about who made the decision to sign him? That's something that simply can't be allowed to happen again. Utter disaster.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
-
Ireland has been a huge flop - very hard to move him on with his wages but not really of benefit making hom train with the kids - if we could loan him to a championship side it could suit all parties even if we had to pay most of his wage.
Someone like ireland can be a poisonous influence on younger players .
-
I really think it was another one of Faulkners masterstrokes, we had no manager at the time and he was the one talking to the media about the Milner deal.
Stands to reason then that it went tits up from Day One.
Ireland to be fair to him (can't believe i've just typed that) didn't hide the fact he was reluctant to join us and it feels like he's been spiting us ever since. Complete waste of space and one of our top earners to boot.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
I cant see that greg , i think faulkner did the deal - whatever it was silly to sign him on a huge deal without having a manager.
-
Seriously, though. Does anyone have any knowledge about who made the decision to sign him? That's something that simply can't be allowed to happen again. Utter disaster.
If I get a wasps' nest in my back garden, would you like to come round and poke that with a big stick, too?
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
I cant see that greg , i think faulkner did the deal - whatever it was silly to sign him on a huge deal without having a manager.
There have been conflicting 'ITKs' on this. Some have said MON lined up the deal and others that he wanted the straight cash as he was after Keane and McGeady.
I don't know either way, but for all his faults MON was always able to get players 'at it', so you would have hoped that if it got to the stage of negotiating with the player he'd have sensed his heart wasn't in it.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
nothing to do with disliking him. It's what the General said at the time and it makes more sense than the club buying players for a manager who they haven't appointed. My guess is they agreed in principle for Ireland to be part of the Milner deal, but it took a while for Ireland to agree his pay-off with Citeh. hence the delay
edit@ and didn't ireland say at one point how the manager who signed him had left before he arrived?
-
Whether o neill was involved or not in the deal once he left it should have become obvious that we should have only been prepared to accept cash for milner rather than an off form player on high wages and a high fee - no point signing any player without a manager.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
nothing to do with disliking him. It's what the General said at the time and it makes more sense than the club buying players for a manager who they haven't appointed. My guess is they agreed in principle for Ireland to be part of the Milner deal, but it took a while for Ireland to agree his pay-off with Citeh. hence the delay
Ok well even if your account is correct surely all signings should have been called off, especially those involving player swaps, the second MON flounced out the door. Tough shit if a deal had been agreed, the bloke who agreed it is gone.
-
Whether o neill was involved or not in the deal once he left it should have become obvious that we should have only been prepared to accept cash for milner rather than an off form player on high wages and a high fee - no point signing any player without a manager.
Exactly. Bollocks to honour.
-
I find it incredible that in the space of a couple of pages about Stephen Ireland, a number of posters have managed to use it to have a go at our current manager and one that left 2 and half years ago.
The only problem with Stephen Ireland is Stephen Ireland. At the time we signed him, there was a lot of justifiable hope, he could reproduce his form from before he was shunned by Mancini. He has been given umpteen opportunities and has taken none of them. Our squad is so lacking in quality and experience, Lambert had to try and get something out of him this year. If the Bradford 2nd leg was the last straw for him, he is completely right to send him train with the youths.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
nothing to do with disliking him. It's what the General said at the time and it makes more sense than the club buying players for a manager who they haven't appointed. My guess is they agreed in principle for Ireland to be part of the Milner deal, but it took a while for Ireland to agree his pay-off with Citeh. hence the delay
Ok well even if your account is correct surely all signings should have been called off, especially those involving player swaps, the second MON flounced out the door. Tough shit if a deal had been agreed, the bloke who agreed it is gone.
well hindsight is a wonderful thing. From memory with the noticable exception of Chris Smith everyone wanted him. Looking back he deffo had "form" at Citeh for being trouble but most on here were swayed by his performances. Also, how would us pulling out have affected the Milner deal as although the two deals were seperate officially it amounted to Citeh paying less in cash for Milner. Would Milner have come back or would we have been in a situation of a very unhappy player seeing his dream move scuppered?
-
Looks like I am going to be contrary again.
The case of Stephen Ireland demonstrates just about every lousy aspect of Villa over the last couple of years.
When he was at Man City he was a stroller and it was no surprise that City swapped him for Milner, who, although not quite so technically gifted, could provide the engine for any team, as he had at Villa.
Villa's decision to buy him stank of the transparent PR bollocks which has since been exposed for what it is.
To make Milner's departure seem like less of a betrayal and a retrenchment Villa management deliberately exaggerated how much Ireland was worth to make the trade seem more of a like-for-like swap than another bit of asset-stripping.
This lie, which the fans swallowed with relish, created expectations the player was never going to fulfil, and yet again, where Villa's management were actually guilty, the fans found themselves another scapegoat.
Ireland has never been great for Villa because he is not a great player but was good enough to earn more man-of-the-match awards than anyone else in the squad last season.
The papers have him down as the fans' player of the year.
But now we come to the real disgusting thing.
Now that Ireland has become maybe the fourth or fifth player to be ostracised and put under pressure to leave, the fans are willing to pretend that it is not the result of a disgusting, dishonourable and legally dubious policy of the shysters who run the club these days, but that it is because he is a lousy professional and a bad apple.
I would say that Ireland was never going to fit into Lambert's team of headless chickens and that he is being paid far too much to fit in with Villa's cheap-jack hiring policy these days.
He is a luxury player; a luxury player Aston Lidl cannot afford these days.
He is definitely better at football than Lerner and Faulkner are at football management.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
nothing to do with disliking him. It's what the General said at the time and it makes more sense than the club buying players for a manager who they haven't appointed. My guess is they agreed in principle for Ireland to be part of the Milner deal, but it took a while for Ireland to agree his pay-off with Citeh. hence the delay
Ok well even if your account is correct surely all signings should have been called off, especially those involving player swaps, the second MON flounced out the door. Tough shit if a deal had been agreed, the bloke who agreed it is gone.
well hindsight is a wonderful thing. From memory with the noticable exception of Chris Smith everyone wanted him. Looking back he deffo had "form" at Citeh for being trouble but most on here were swayed by his performances. Also, how would us pulling out have affected the Milner deal as although the two deals were seperate officially it amounted to Citeh paying less in cash for Milner. Would Milner have come back or would we have been in a situation of a very unhappy player seeing his dream move scuppered?
City would have paid the asking price if they wanted him that much - in fairness it doesnt need hindsight to tell us that signing an expensive player on a 4 yr deal without a manager is stupid.
-
Ireland has been a huge flop - very hard to move him on with his wages but not really of benefit making hom train with the kids - if we could loan him to a championship side it could suit all parties even if we had to pay most of his wage.
Someone like ireland can be a poisonous influence on younger players .
Why not just drop him off at Small Heath I'm sure we have sent other ill-willed morons over there. Robert Hopkins springs to mind.
-
Fantastic post 'Villadroid'. Sums up the real problem at the club - Lerner and his policy of Managed Decline.
-
Fantastic post 'Villadroid'. Sums up the real problem at the club - Lerner and his policy of Managed Decline.
Not sure fantastic is the word I'd use. I don't recall anyone at the club trying to make out it was like-for-like, I do recall lots of discussions from Villa fans who thought Stan and Ireland could be a more effective pairing than Stan and Milner.
As for the idea that he's been left out for anything other than shit performances, that's the biggest pile of conspiracy theory bullshit going. Warnock, Hutton and Ireland have been left out and made to train with the kids because they're shit, that's the be all and end all. It's not a to save money on their wages, it's that they're rubbish football players who have fleeced the club out of millions and provided feck all in return (other than warnock having 3/4s of a good season under MON). Bent has been left out because his form wasn't very good and BENTEKE IS A BETTER PLAYER, it's not wages, it's not any other bullshit, it's that, in our system, Bent and Benteke can't both play, and Benteke rightly deserves to start.
Too many people on here seem to want to turn Lerner into a dr. evil style comedy villain, sat in his headquarters laughing manically whilst the club goes down the drain.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
The voice of reason.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
CNZ? Gabby? Bent, Given and Hutton have been replaced by better players. So no, not an amazing coincidence. Do you think a healthy, superb professional like Petrov would have been frozen out this season?
-
I was pleased when Ireland came. We lost one decent player and got, what we thought was another decent one. We hoped that he'd sort out the attitude problems he'd gradually become known for at City, but obviously, not to be.
I think what we hoped more so, was that the rest of the 16, or more of it, odd million from Milners fee would have been used that summer for players. Obviously it was never the case, and getting a player in return was probably a somewhat cynical attempt to appease the fans. You might argue we did eventually spend that money on Bent, but then you could further argue that it was at that point a foregone conclusion that Young and Downing were probably going to leave in the summer. Certainly it was in the case of Young.
As for O Neill, was part of the reason he left not because he wanted all of the Milner money re-invested? I think the whole Milner deal to some extent was done over his head. He didn't want that to happen and he probably didn't want Ireland in return. If that was the case, then it probably makes the money he got from the club more feasible. Obviously the situation we're now in, with having to trim our wage bill so drastically was also bought to O Neills attention too, and he didn't like that one bit. I got the impression though that he wasn't keen on the Milner deal, both in terms of losing him, and the way the money would be re-invested. O Neill doesn't strike me as a manager who could find space for Ireland either. I don't see how he'd rate him, want him in the side, or want to put up with someone to challenge his authority. He'd already all but confined NRC to permanent bench warmer, only to fill in when absolutely necessary.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Exactly!
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Might well be something in that SH. Trouble is we will never find out. I would suggest the only people who would know for certain are Lerner Lambert and Faulkner. Actually thats pretty obvious isnt it?
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Exactly!
Yeah, spot on. Except for it not being true.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Exactly!
There's something in it certainly. You could argue that if they were a player worth the money and proved it week in week out they wouldn't be frozen out.
BUT...If they were earning there 50k a week keep, they'd almost certainly be sold at the first decent offer too.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
Why? Because he's shit, has taken the piss and we're better off without his attitude disrupting things.
And because of the above, he won't be useful.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
The voice of reason.
If Lambert has made Ireland train with the kids then it wouldn't be just on a whim, there would be a reason why he's done it. If you don't know the reason you can't say he was wrong, or right, to take those steps.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Exactly!
I dont really see this as whether playing or not they are still on the wage bill , its not as if freezing them out is taking them off the wage bill.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
Why? Because he's shit, has taken the piss and we're better off without his attitude disrupting things.
And because of the above, he won't be useful.
Yep. And as N'Zogbia has proved. If you play well and work hard and show a willingness to fight for the Villa cause, you'll get your chance.
Lambert has been more than fair to most of these. Okay, he didn't give Warnock or Hutton a shot, but off the back of last season, you can't blame him there. I recall Warnock was typically bobbins in pre-season too, which had a bearing on how things turned out.
What I will say though, is that freezing players out to force them out the club isn't the best way. I don't think Randy's behind that part persay. He desperately wants to sell these players yes, but I don't see him picking the teams by any stretch. A- Because he's not here and B- He doesn't have a fucking clue about football.
The best way to sell a player is to have them on the pitch doing well. With certain players on our books, that just aint gonna happen.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
It's not that funny when you look at the performances of the players in question and realise they've been awful and the general consensus from the fans was that they should be dropped/sold/used for Findus Lasagne.
Possible exception to that is Bent.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Just can't agree in the case of Ireland. He seems to have split the fans into two camps. I am in the camp that he is a very poor player. He has had brighter moments but from memory they are often against lower league teams in cups. I haven't forgotten Chelsea away last year but that was a rare day. When he first came I recall that he was close to scoring once or twice, perhaps that's what he needed to do to settle in but it never happened. I also recall him watching the opposition stroll past him from 5 yards away (remember Sasa Curcic? Same vein). He has tried to work harder but he just doesn't deliver for me.
It's all about opinions but I would have paid him off an age back. I know what you are saying about the high earners, point taken, but in his case don't think that's the reason.
Exactly!
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
It's not that funny when you look at the performances of the players in question and realise they've been awful and the general consensus from the fans was that they should be dropped/sold/used for Findus Lasagne.
Possible exception to that is Bent.
Given also should be an exception.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
Why? Because he's shit, has taken the piss and we're better off without his attitude disrupting things.
And because of the above, he won't be useful.
Most of them are shit or that's what they've shown for the bulk of the season. The opportunity to bring in less shit players has been and gone and what we are left with has to keep us up, why reduce that pool of players? Cant he fucking manage people without casting them off to the youth team?
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
Why? Because he's shit, has taken the piss and we're better off without his attitude disrupting things.
And because of the above, he won't be useful.
Most of them are shit or that's what they've shown for the bulk of the season. The opportunity to bring in less shit players has been and gone and what we are left with has to keep us up, why reduce that pool of players? Cant he fucking manage people without casting them off to the youth team?
His man management skills do seem questionable.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
The voice of reason.
If Lambert has made Ireland train with the kids then it wouldn't be just on a whim, there would be a reason why he's done it. If you don't know the reason you can't say he was wrong, or right, to take those steps.
No we dont know but he should at least be training with the reserves just in case of late injuries. Also Lambert had no complaints about Huttons attitude and dedication to training (he said so) but he still had to train with the youths.
-
It is my opinion that Ireland has had the chance to prove his worth to Villa. Anybody with half a brain cell would have seen the seen the situation as one where he could become the senior player at the club and sit in midfield to work and dictate the play. He would have been the senior professional that we lack in the middle of the park. However at Villa park he was overshadowed by a 36 year old journeyman currently plying his trade in the fourth division who made him look like a Birmingham AFA player. Personally I would offer him a percentage of his remaining obscene salary and feck off to wherever he wants.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
Why? Because he's shit, has taken the piss and we're better off without his attitude disrupting things.
And because of the above, he won't be useful.
Most of them are shit or that's what they've shown for the bulk of the season. The opportunity to bring in less shit players has been and gone and what we are left with has to keep us up, why reduce that pool of players? Cant he fucking manage people without casting them off to the youth team?
Shit is one thing, not trying/caring is another.
Yes he can manage players, as has been shown with Charlie, but it does take firstly a little inclination from the player to want it. Ireland doesn't want it, so the pool becomes stronger for taking the piranha out of it.
-
I really want Lambert to succeed but he doesn't half make things difficult for himself, the squad is paper thin, why on earth would he want to ostracise one of the few senior pro's we have? He's not going anywhere till the summer and we are still paying his wages, he may come in useful.
Why? Because he's shit, has taken the piss and we're better off without his attitude disrupting things.
And because of the above, he won't be useful.
Most of them are shit or that's what they've shown for the bulk of the season. The opportunity to bring in less shit players has been and gone and what we are left with has to keep us up, why reduce that pool of players? Cant he fucking manage people without casting them off to the youth team?
His man management skills do seem questionable.
Who has been cast off in the youth team who we could use? Ireland's a liability. Dunne's injured. Given is on the bench because Guzan is playing very well.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Riiggghhhtt.....so the club's plan was to lower the wage bill by not using these players and therefore making them virtually unsellable to anyone? They would have been much easier to get off the wage bill if they were playing regularly and attracting interest, rather than moping around with the youth players.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
nothing to do with disliking him. It's what the General said at the time and it makes more sense than the club buying players for a manager who they haven't appointed. My guess is they agreed in principle for Ireland to be part of the Milner deal, but it took a while for Ireland to agree his pay-off with Citeh. hence the delay
Ok well even if your account is correct surely all signings should have been called off, especially those involving player swaps, the second MON flounced out the door. Tough shit if a deal had been agreed, the bloke who agreed it is gone.
well hindsight is a wonderful thing. From memory with the noticable exception of Chris Smith everyone wanted him. Looking back he deffo had "form" at Citeh for being trouble but most on here were swayed by his performances. Also, how would us pulling out have affected the Milner deal as although the two deals were seperate officially it amounted to Citeh paying less in cash for Milner. Would Milner have come back or would we have been in a situation of a very unhappy player seeing his dream move scuppered?
I didn't want him, and made it clear at the time.
For me, he's lower than Hodge.
-
Apparently Pubehead agreed it before walking out and the club felt honour bound to stick with the deal.
Well Pubehead left 2 weeks before the Milner deal went through - i know you don't like him but lets not blame him for a signing that happened more than 2 weeks after he'd left. That's totally down to the people in charge of the club.
nothing to do with disliking him. It's what the General said at the time and it makes more sense than the club buying players for a manager who they haven't appointed. My guess is they agreed in principle for Ireland to be part of the Milner deal, but it took a while for Ireland to agree his pay-off with Citeh. hence the delay
Ok well even if your account is correct surely all signings should have been called off, especially those involving player swaps, the second MON flounced out the door. Tough shit if a deal had been agreed, the bloke who agreed it is gone.
well hindsight is a wonderful thing. From memory with the noticable exception of Chris Smith everyone wanted him. Looking back he deffo had "form" at Citeh for being trouble but most on here were swayed by his performances. Also, how would us pulling out have affected the Milner deal as although the two deals were seperate officially it amounted to Citeh paying less in cash for Milner. Would Milner have come back or would we have been in a situation of a very unhappy player seeing his dream move scuppered?
I didn't want him, and made it clear at the time.
For me, he's lower than Hodge.
apologies lee. i'm sure there were others who weren't keen, but the vast majority wanted him in at the time. I mentioned Chris because at the time he got a lot of stick for saying he didn't want him.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Don't bring logic into it, it's grossly unfair on some posters.
Riiggghhhtt.....so the club's plan was to lower the wage bill by not using these players and therefore making them virtually unsellable to anyone? They would have been much easier to get off the wage bill if they were playing regularly and attracting interest, rather than moping around with the youth players.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
That's spot on Robbo, and that attitude will serve us well in the coming years.
No more freeloading at the Villa. About fucking time.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
That's spot on Robbo, and that attitude will serve us well in the coming years.
No more freeloading at the Villa. About fucking time.
That's fair enough Lee, but it does seem to propagate the myth that there's no middle ground between overpaid mercenaries and League 2 kids.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
yep. Although we were struggling for any potential candidates. Probably should have shelved the award.
-
I'm not sure the slagging of his work rate is entirely accurate, he's done more tracking back with us than he ever did, or needed to do, at City.
Sure he's not been a success but if we wanted a Milner clone we should have gone out and bought one rather than Ireland. I still think he's one of our better options if we are ever a goal up and need to keep the ball.
-
Pointless him being here whilst we're in a scrap.
He's disinterested and clearly not a team player.
Absolutely. I like the way Lambert is just getting on with it and doing what he can to keep the squad united. I just wish Ireland would fuck off, we did absolutely appallingly out of the Milner/Ireland deals.
-
apologies lee. i'm sure there were others who weren't keen, but the vast majority wanted him in at the time. I mentioned Chris because at the time he got a lot of stick for saying he didn't want him.
No worries Greg, just wanted that on record.
He's everything I can't stand in a player.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
That's spot on Robbo, and that attitude will serve us well in the coming years.
No more freeloading at the Villa. About fucking time.
That's fair enough Lee, but it does seem to propagate the myth that there's no middle ground between overpaid mercenaries and League 2 kids.
There is plenty of middle ground, but unfortunately Stephen Ireland doesn't sit in it.
The N'Zogbia point is a good one. He knuckled down, worked hard and is now worthy of his place and contributing to the cause. All things Ireland can't and/or won't do.
-
Following Villa the last few seasons is like being party to a very messy Pikey divorce. Does nobody at the club like each other?
-
If Lambert has made Ireland train with the kids then it wouldn't be just on a whim, there would be a reason why he's done it. If you don't know the reason you can't say he was wrong, or right, to take those steps.
No we dont know but he should at least be training with the reserves just in case of late injuries. Also Lambert had no complaints about Huttons attitude and dedication to training (he said so) but he still had to train with the youths.
[/quote]
The reserves and the kids are the same thing surely. There is no 'reserve' league anymore just first team and U-21.
-
Following Villa the last few seasons is like being party to a very messy Pikey divorce. Does nobody at the club like each other?
Dunne like the guy who serves the chips in the Bodymoor canteen.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
That's spot on Robbo, and that attitude will serve us well in the coming years.
No more freeloading at the Villa. About fucking time.
That's fair enough Lee, but it does seem to propagate the myth that there's no middle ground between overpaid mercenaries and League 2 kids.
I don't think so, it's just those on our books have proven themselves over the last few seasons to be nothing but overpaid mercenaries.
Once they're fucked off, maybe we can bring some more players in deserving of those wages.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
Agree with that eastie, and I'd extend it to the previous season with that bellend Downing.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
I was one of them writing N'Zogbia off, but credit where credit is due he appears to be trying now.
-
Burn him or make him be a ballboy. At the bare minimum he can run the baths. I'd like him to do at least something that makes him earn his wages.
He's the biggest waste of space since Steve Hodge for me. Pound for minute the worse signing I've ever seen.
You might get the impression I don't like Ireland.
-
I think Ireland was voted fans' player of the season because he had some craft and guile about him in a team that was as dour as they come.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
Agree with that eastie, and I'd extend it to the previous season with that bellend Downing.
I didn't vote for him!! Robbie Keane got my vote (which says something)
-
Freezing out a player who hasn't been very good, can't warrant too much criticism.
But getting him to train with the kids? he either wants to send a message out to the squad.
Or he doesn't like Ireland's general attitude and wants him away from the dressing room.
Its a minor thing but seeing him all happy and smiley on the bench always got on my nerves.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
Agree with that eastie, and I'd extend it to the previous season with that bellend Downing.
as much as it sticks in my throat....Downing played very well that season and was worth his POTY award. still a twat though..
UTV
The Doc
-
I think Ireland was voted fans' player of the season because he had some craft and guile about him in a team that was as dour as they come.
I thought it was done more so as a commentary on how bad the rest of the squad played and as an indicator of just how pissed off the fans were.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
Agree with that eastie, and I'd extend it to the previous season with that bellend Downing.
as much as it sticks in my throat....Downing played very well that season and was worth his POTY award. still a twat though..
UTV
The Doc
Nobody voted for him as player of the year. This is the Terrace Trophy ran by the Lions Club and takes into account an online MOTM vote every week. When we win, we get about 600 votes, if we lose then we might only see 30 votes. It's largely kids voting and it is always going to favour players who have the odd standout game ahead of week in week out consistency. In other words, it's a crap system for deciding on POTY.
Ireland would never have won it (despite the embarrassing lack of contenders) if it was the traditional end of year fans' vote.
-
cheers Olof, as I was unaware that is how it is decided.
UTV
The Doc
-
Who else would you have voted for last season? Robbie Keane and his 3 games? I wouldn't really worry too much about the player of the season from last year because even if Ireland was average at best it still put him as a cut above most players in that side.
-
Who else would you have voted for last season? Robbie Keane and his 3 games? I wouldn't really worry too much about the player of the season from last year because even if Ireland was average at best it still put him as a cut above most players in that side.
Shay given got my vote.
-
Burn him or make him be a ballboy. At the bare minimum he can run the baths. I'd like him to do at least something that makes him earn his wages.
He's the biggest waste of space since Steve Hodge for me. Pound for minute the worse signing I've ever seen.
You might get the impression I don't like Ireland.
Couldn't agree more. He doesn't give a shit about us and needs turfing out.
-
He doesn't give a shit about us and needs turfing out.
There are several people at Villa who you could say that about. Starting from the very top and working down.
-
Who else would you have voted for last season? Robbie Keane and his 3 games? I wouldn't really worry too much about the player of the season from last year because even if Ireland was average at best it still put him as a cut above most players in that side.
It was a shockingly bad list of contenders, I would probably have just about gone with Petrov and not just out of sentiment.
Shay given got my vote.
-
cheers Olof, as I was unaware that is how it is decided.
UTV
The Doc
http://www.avfclionsclubs.co.uk/terrace-trophy-polling
I can't even find anything which shows us who is winning this year but it's probably Benteke.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
Good point - nzogbia has turned it around and is doing the job for us.
I wonder how many of people slagging off ireland as a wanker voted for him as player of the season last year- a decision i find still hard to believe as i thought he was average at best last season.
Agree with that eastie, and I'd extend it to the previous season with that bellend Downing.
as much as it sticks in my throat....Downing played very well that season and was worth his POTY award. still a twat though..
UTV
The Doc
Nobody voted for him as player of the year. This is the Terrace Trophy ran by the Lions Club and takes into account an online MOTM vote every week. When we win, we get about 600 votes, if we lose then we might only see 30 votes. It's largely kids voting and it is always going to favour players who have the odd standout game ahead of week in week out consistency. In other words, it's a crap system for deciding on POTY.
Ireland would never have won it (despite the embarrassing lack of contenders) if it was the traditional end of year fans' vote.
Bloody know all.
-
Despite occasionally flattering to deceive Ireland has entirely lived down to my expectations. He's clearly got ability, but he was the wrong signing at the time and he's struggled to exert any influence on the side ever since.
-
Petrov was our best player until his illness last season. He was beginning to add goals to his game for the first time since his Celtic days and how we fell apart during his absence in the last two months of the season showed how much we missed him. Replacing him with mangled combos of Holman, KEA, Bannan and Delph has been largely horrific to witness.
If Ireland could play as well as he did at Chelsea last season even half the time he would be worth persevering with. I'm really disappointed he hasn't done more for us as I thought we had got a great deal with him and the 15m or whatever it was for Milner. But then again I'm a sucker for midfielders with flair who flatter to deceive (i.e. lil'Lee). They're so often the type of players we've lacked down through the years. Yet when we do have them they tend to be nuts and bald (Curcic), inconsistent (Hendrie) or nuts, inconsistent and bald (Ireland).
-
cant perform if not playing regularly
-
If you don't perform you don't play regularly
-
1 goal 4 assists in 45 games. He's shite whatever way you want to spin it. He had 1 good season 5 years ago. So did Michael Ricketts.
-
cant perform if not playing regularly
And he won't perform if he is playing regularly, so what's the point?
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Riiggghhhtt.....so the club's plan was to lower the wage bill by not using these players and therefore making them virtually unsellable to anyone? They would have been much easier to get off the wage bill if they were playing regularly and attracting interest, rather than moping around with the youth players.
Of course you're riigghhhttt! No club in their right mind would touch the likes of Bent with the barge pole because he's been frozen out at the Villa for most of the season. He'll be in the Villa reserves for the rest of his career.
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
That's spot on Robbo, and that attitude will serve us well in the coming years.
No more freeloading at the Villa. About fucking time.
That's fair enough Lee, but it does seem to propagate the myth that there's no middle ground between overpaid mercenaries and League 2 kids.
I don't think so, it's just those on our books have proven themselves over the last few seasons to be nothing but overpaid mercenaries.
Once they're fucked off, maybe we can bring some more players in deserving of those wages.
Don't kid yourself that Lerner will spend those wages on decent PL players. It'll be more lower league players on a relative pittance. Christ where have you been for the last couple of years?
-
Ireland is a fucking leech
He casn fuck off with the other ne'er do wells who have dissed / toook the piss out of the club over the last 25 years
One of a long list - Callaghan, Hodge, Collymore, Alpay to scratch the surface.
FUCK OFF!!!!!!
Remove Collymore from the list and I'd agree 100% with this statement.
Stephen Ireland is a parasite, as far as I'm concerned.
-
and remove Alpay who was excellent for us in his first season!
-
To play for Lambert you have to work your bollocks off, he will excuse an off day but not someone who doesn't put in 100 percent. Ireland is a flair player, good in a side with top players around him but not in a battling side as we are at present. Nzogbia should be a lesson to some though, many on here were writing him off as a wanker, well he could be the wanker that keeps us up.
That's spot on Robbo, and that attitude will serve us well in the coming years.
No more freeloading at the Villa. About fucking time.
That's fair enough Lee, but it does seem to propagate the myth that there's no middle ground between overpaid mercenaries and League 2 kids.
I don't think so, it's just those on our books have proven themselves over the last few seasons to be nothing but overpaid mercenaries.
Once they're fucked off, maybe we can bring some more players in deserving of those wages.
Don't kid yourself that Lerner will spend those wages on decent PL players. It'll be more lower league players on a relative pittance. Christ where have you been for the last couple of years?
Don't you mean the last 2000 years?
-
Joking aside, I never knew Morrissey was a Villa fan.
-
Ireland is a fucking leech
He casn fuck off with the other ne'er do wells who have dissed / toook the piss out of the club over the last 25 years
One of a long list - Callaghan, Hodge, Collymore, Alpay to scratch the surface.
FUCK OFF!!!!!!
Remove Collymore from the list and I'd agree 100% with this statement.
Stephen Ireland is a parasite, as far as I'm concerned.
I'll leave Collymore in - he was the highest paid player and delivered jack shit in 3 years.
Ireland is worse than though, most definitely as SVC can in part, and only in part, was suffering from depression some of the time he was there.
As for Alpay - well Hodge did ok for a while too but they are both staying in from my perspective. Lack of professionalism atthe back end irks me somewhat
Pick your own by all means - I'll likely as not agree with most of them
Curcic there's another
Ireland is as bad as any of them.
-
It is the dilemma of how good or otherwise he would be if he was given a run of games in his best role. It would need a manager coming in who had faith in him to do that from the start of the season, not when it is do or die time. But our three managers since he has been here haven't done that. Of course the other side of it is he may not have had a long run but he has had a reasonable number of games and has on the whole done very little. I would imagine he could be bought for a relatively small amount (admittedly on big wages) but I'm not aware we have been batting offers away for the last three years. That probably tells you what managers in general think of him.
-
cant perform if not playing regularly
He's had enough chances and the fans have been very supportive of him all things considered. If he was a youngster fresh from the reserves I'd be willing to give him a bit more of a chance but this is a guy on the best part of 70k a week.
-
I dont get the Collymore love in, the guy signed for 7m , spunked his time at the club earning god knows what.
I understand he was ill but all that talent , in my eyes he treated all with contempt .
Ireland a clueless knob.
Alpay had an ego of house
Callaghan was just useless
Hodge .....
It seems we generally sign good players on big money and once every five years , they turn generally shit
Our shit rate over last 20 years is pretty horrific if you add Curcic, Ginola and Balaban to that list.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Riiggghhhtt.....so the club's plan was to lower the wage bill by not using these players and therefore making them virtually unsellable to anyone? They would have been much easier to get off the wage bill if they were playing regularly and attracting interest, rather than moping around with the youth players.
Of course you're riigghhhttt! No club in their right mind would touch the likes of Bent with the barge pole because he's been frozen out at the Villa for most of the season. He'll be in the Villa reserves for the rest of his career.
no-one who can afford his wages will - the clubs that would have him will expect us to pay him off wages wise or else he will stay. See also Beye, Heskey, Harewood, Sidwell, NRC, Cuellar and all the others who went on a free or for a pittance at the end of thier contracts
-
I dont get the Collymore love in, the guy signed for 7m , spunked his time at the club earning god knows what.
I understand he was ill but all that talent , in my eyes he treated all with contempt .
Ireland a clueless knob.
Alpay had an ego of house
Callaghan was just useless
Hodge .....
It seems we generally sign good players on big money and once every five years , they turn generally shit
Our shit rate over last 20 years is pretty horrific if you add Curcic, Ginola and Balaban to that list.
Collymore had, what is now, a well publicised serious case of depression to which Gregory's response was pretty much "you're young and rich, what have you got to be upset about" and not letting him have much to do with anything at the club. Fundamentally he wasn't mentally prepared to be a 'celebrity' and he didn't cope with it, then on top of that we did very little to help him through it. Yes he didn't have a goo time here but I don't think it was for want of trying. The difference between him and Ireland is that I've never for a second thought that Ireland thinks of us as his club, he doesn't even pretend to be happy here. Collymore I always thought wanted things to work out but it just didn't, and if you hear him talk about it now that's the impression you get as well.
-
If we could find somebody to take him on a free transfer at the end of the season, pay him £40k a week and then we pay him off with £1.5m. That would save us £2m next season if he is not going to get into the team. I think it would be for the best if we cut our losses sooner rather than later.
-
I dont get the Collymore love in, the guy signed for 7m , spunked his time at the club earning god knows what.
I understand he was ill but all that talent , in my eyes he treated all with contempt .
Ireland a clueless knob.
Alpay had an ego of house
Callaghan was just useless
Hodge .....
It seems we generally sign good players on big money and once every five years , they turn generally shit
Our shit rate over last 20 years is pretty horrific if you add Curcic, Ginola and Balaban to that list.
Hodge was a class A tw@t, but he was a good player for us until he decided he wanted to leave and conquer the footballing world.
-
Collymore can fuck right off. Although, he has some decent opinions, what gets on my tits is he was a fucking waster, he seems to forget that when he's on his high horse.
-
Collymore can fuck right off. Although, he has some decent opinions, what gets on my tits is he was a fucking waster, he seems to forget that when he's on his high horse.
Gregory's handling of him in hinsight was shit. However at the time the 'get a grip' was typical of managers at the time.
The end of the day he beat up his then girlfriend (in public). Sorry that is the act of a Grade A Bellend.
-
Collymore not prepared to be a celebrity ??? Really. Is that stan I wear a badge of honour of my past collymore who earns his living spouting his mouth of on radio , tv and in print.
He effectively robbed villa of 10 m , notvat lot in it with Ireland barring Ireland tastevin pink cars.
Collymore an a grade gob shite and makes savage look a class act
.
Depression or what ever sins he still a bully of a dogging knob.
Mind due never liked him at primary school
-
Not surprised by this.
I think Lambert would've ditched him after Wigan if there had been enough midfield cover but he didn't then step up against Bradford to compound things.
He totally lost me with his can't be arsed performance against Wigan really.
-
It's funny how all the players that have been given the cold shoulder over the last couple of years are the ones on the most money. Anyone who thinks its nothing more than an amazing coincidence is off their rocker.
Riiggghhhtt.....so the club's plan was to lower the wage bill by not using these players and therefore making them virtually unsellable to anyone? They would have been much easier to get off the wage bill if they were playing regularly and attracting interest, rather than moping around with the youth players.
Of course you're riigghhhttt! No club in their right mind would touch the likes of Bent with the barge pole because he's been frozen out at the Villa for most of the season. He'll be in the Villa reserves for the rest of his career.
He'll leave in the summer.
-
Yes. We have had some low points this season but for me Wigan was the lowest.
-
Ireland also play his inglourious part in the two debacles beforehand aswell. Alll I can remember from him in that period was various scratches of head at the numerous times we had to kick off after conceding a goal.
I think Lambert lost faith in him from that period so not surprised by his exclusion now.
-
Thought he looked quite sharp up to and including the Man U game at home -and then he was dropped. Which caused a fair degree of outrage around here at the time.
He's been little short of woeful recently but -unless he goes out to a Championship side on loan- he's with us until the end of the season at least. We shouldn't be writing off players who can stll have a crucial impact for us - as CNZ is demonstrating at the moment.
-
The comparison between Collymore and Ireland can only begin when Ireland becomes an ex player. I suspect that the fundamental difference will be that Collymore has made a genuine and sustained effort to acknowledge and correct his failings as a player and is fighting back from a genuine and serious illness. If Ireland holds his hand up in future years and admits his failings post Man City I shall extend to him the same respect I extend to Collymore.
As I see the big picture with regard to under performing players on big wages and long contracts the fault lies with the administration of the club which has allowed us to become identified by players and agents as a soft touch and an easy ride. My personal attitude to Stephen Ireland is that he is one of a number of parasites who have infested the club since MON went on his spending spree with the owner's money, for which I should add I hold the board of the club directly responsible for allowing him to do it.
Lowest of the low points for me was second half Millwall.
-
Collymore gave me 2-3 of my favourite memories at VP despite how poor he was for us for the money we paid. Ireland for significantly more money, just makes me want to close my eyes and wish him out of our club.
-
Collymore gave me 2-3 of my favourite memories at VP despite how poor he was for us for the money we paid. Ireland for significantly more money, just makes me want to close my eyes and wish him out of our club.
Was one of them his goal against Madrid? I've never known the Holte celebrate a goal like that one.
-
Collymore gave me 2-3 of my favourite memories at VP despite how poor he was for us for the money we paid. Ireland for significantly more money, just makes me want to close my eyes and wish him out of our club.
Was one of them his goal against Madrid? I've never known the Holte celebrate a goal like that one.
Madrid, Arsenal home when he totally changed the game and Liverpool home in JG's first game.
-
Funny how your memory plays tricks with the passing of time. The clearest recollection I have of Stan Collymore was the hat trick he scored against us before he came to us.
As for the subject of this thread, I also just want rid of Ireland he has been, either passively or actively I don't know or care which, a bad influence on the team since his obviously reluctant arrival.
-
Yes. We have had some low points this season but for me Wigan was the lowest.
The Life Force drained out of me that day. I thought I had died and gone to a mixture of purgatory and hell
-
Ireland (like Bannan) should score more goals than he does, bearing in mind he's supposed to be a creative/attacking midfielder.
One goal in 47 appearances is a bit pathetic.
-
Yes. We have had some low points this season but for me Wigan was the lowest.
The Life Force drained out of me that day. I thought I had died and gone to a mixture of purgatory and hell
I just sat throughout it in shock, thinking 'Fucking hell, how fall we've fallen.'
-
Collymore gave me 2-3 of my favourite memories at VP despite how poor he was for us for the money we paid. Ireland for significantly more money, just makes me want to close my eyes and wish him out of our club.
Was one of them his goal against Madrid? I've never known the Holte celebrate a goal like that one.
Madrid, Arsenal home when he totally changed theo game and Liverpool home in JG's first game.
He was very good against Bordeaux ay VP as well.
-
Collymore gave me 2-3 of my favourite memories at VP despite how poor he was for us for the money we paid. Ireland for significantly more money, just makes me want to close my eyes and wish him out of our club.
I'm assuming the one was the Athletico Madrid goal but what were the other two?
-
Collymore gave me 2-3 of my favourite memories at VP despite how poor he was for us for the money we paid. Ireland for significantly more money, just makes me want to close my eyes and wish him out of our club.
I'm assuming the one was the Athletico Madrid goal but what were the other two?
Liverpool at home in gregorys 1st game?
-
From the birmingham mail-
Behind the loud clothes, loud cars and loud decor hides a quietly-spoken, shy and polite young man.
Through the shisha pipe smoke lurks a likeable lad who talks a good game but has forgotten what it takes to play one.
Never mind the first name, he is not even the last name on Paul Lambert’s team-sheet now after being excluded from the first-team squad in recent weeks.
But he remains at the front of the queue for the club’s community duties, such is his rapport with children, through his previous experiences of being a single dad, and only yesterday he was meeting young fans at a centre for the deaf.
There is more to the off-field Ireland than his public perception would suggest and, believe it or not, he prides himself most on being a family man. He’s just never really seemed like part of Villa’s footballing family.
In terms of substance over style, it is on the football field, the place he is paid handsomely to entertain, where he is fighting a losing battle.
Stephen Ireland
Or not fighting much of a battle at all, if Lambert’s recent exclusion of the midfielder is anything to go by. It’s just as well Ireland gets on with kids, because reportedly his latest fate is getting the Alan Hutton and Stephen Warnock treatment and being banished to train with the academy hopefuls.
Where Lambert is concerned, that is the modern-day equivalent of being transfer-listed, but it is nothing new as Ireland has essentially been up for sale since his first six months at the club, although suitors willing to match his wage demands have been in short supply.
He is out of contract at the end of next season, but Ireland’s current isolation is the clearest sign yet that the club are prepared to cut their losses and try to move him out this summer instead. He is unlikely to put up too much resistance.
Ireland has never truly felt wanted at Villa Park, nor has he ever truly deserved to. Since arriving when Villa were managerless in July 2010 – it never was clear exactly who sanctioned his signing – his form has been patchy. Kevin MacDonald, Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish and now Lambert have failed to consistently coax the best out of him.
Ireland must take most of the responsibility, because only fleetingly has the playmaking brilliance which made him such a fans’ favourite at Manchester City been in evidence at Villa. He clearly forgot to pack those Superman pants.
I recall him outclassing Villa’s Champions League challengers in a 2-0 defeat at City in March 2009 and it is tempting to ponder what impact he might have made in Martin O’Neill’s team rather than today’s pale claret and blue imitation.
The Cork-born midfielder is a thoughtful interviewee, but behind the determined words lives an underlying sense that he is here under duress and would rather be at the club who casually cast him aside when they broke the big-time.
Highlights from the game between Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic at Villa Park
They wanted James Milner more and a glance at Milner’s top-flight stats in his final full season at Villa in 2009-10 – seven goals and 12 assists – compared to Ireland’s two goals and four assists in two-and-three-quarter seasons at Villa – is the reason why.
In hindsight it is not difficult to imagine why deal maker Milner (£24 million) was valued at three times the value of makeweight Ireland (£8 million) in the transfer, even though Villa fans initially had high hopes for ‘Stevie’.
Seeing his former Republic of Ireland mentor Kevin MacDonald quickly replaced by Houllier got things off on the wrong foot. Ireland and Houllier mixed together as well as Baileys and Champagne and, after his attitude and commitment was questioned publicly by the boss, the player was sent for a nondescript loan spell at Newcastle.
Ireland fared better under McLeish, whose open-armed policy welcomed all of the misfits back into the fold and there were hints of the acceptance Ireland craved from the Villa Park faithful.
However, even the brightest contribution of his claret and blue career, a goalscoring starring role in the New Year’s Eve win at Chelsea, was blighted by the pipe-smoking photographs which preceded it.
Somehow, in one of the greatest mysteries of modern times, Ireland was named fans’ player of the year last season, which was more an indictment of his team-mates’ failings than any Ireland successes.
The reality is that Ireland’s love affair with the Holte End is about as flimsy, meaningless and long-lasting as a pound shop Valentine’s Day card, while his relationship with his current boss is no better.
Lambert needs a creative force to add some genuine guile and graft to his struggling team and with Ireland all he gets is a trick and flick merchant whose impact has been minimal. With the exception of a productive performance in the Capital One Cup win at Swindon, it is hard to recall too many Ireland highlights this season.
Highlights from the game between Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic at Villa Park
So where does this leave Ireland? He spoke earlier in the season about earning a contract extension when his current deal expires but even then that notion was as fanciful as the pink trims on his WAG’s 4 x 4.
Rumours of a move to New York Red Bulls have persisted over the past year or so, which seem particularly odd given his arch nemesis Houllier is now the sporting director of the global franchise.
It is debatable whether a Premier League club will take a gamble on him based on memory or whether he will have to kickstart his career in the Championship or overseas, most probably taking a significant pay cut in the process.
Ireland is frustrated with the current state of play and annoyed with himself and the club for allowing the situation to deteriorate to the stage where his place in the first team squad is no longer assured.
But until he wins the battle of substance over style on the football field, his affable off-pitch persona will also be sidelined.
-
How does he get on with Bell(end)amy
Maybe we can ship him off to Cardiff when they get promoted. Tell the owners his favourite colour is Red
-
Ireland is more or less just a one season wonder. Man City couldn't wait to get rid. No one would touch apart from manager-less Villa. A massive mistake, but one of many we have made over the last few years.
-
That problem with Ireland we know there a good player in there but he does not want to show it.
His performance at home v Bradford was appalling
-
That problem with Ireland we know there a good player in there but he does not want to show it.
His performance at home v Bradford was appalling
Ireland is hopeless but he's been turned into a bit of a scapegoat for the Bradford game which is wrong because the blame should be aimed at no one other than Lambert and his appalling tactics.
Anyway, that's a bit off topic for here.
-
That problem with Ireland we know there a good player in there but he does not want to show it.
His performance at home v Bradford was appalling
Ireland is hopeless but he's been turned into a bit of a scapegoat for the Bradford game which is wrong because the blame should be aimed at no one other than Lambert and his appalling tactics.
Anyway, that's a bit off topic for here.
So, the whole episode was down to Lambert and in no way the fault of the players who played in both games? Are you sure Lerner didn't play a significant part? That he didn't tell the players to go easy so he could save on cup final suits?
-
That problem with Ireland we know there a good player in there but he does not want to show it.
His performance at home v Bradford was appalling
Ireland is hopeless but he's been turned into a bit of a scapegoat for the Bradford game which is wrong because the blame should be aimed at no one other than Lambert and his appalling tactics.
Anyway, that's a bit off topic for here.
So, the whole episode was down to Lambert and in no way the fault of the players who played in both games? Are you sure Lerner didn't play a significant part? That he didn't tell the players to go easy so he could save on cup final suits?
The tactics after Bradford equalised we're so baffling, so amateurish, so diabolical that you can only blame the manager for the outcome. It was one of the worst managerial decisions I've ever seen at Villa. Look if you want to blame the players for those tactics that's up to you. I'll blame the man who initiated them though - Paul Lambert.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
True, but to blame one player and make him the scapegoat for the Bradford debacle just isn't on. Lambert was to blame for the Cup exit, not Ireland.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
True, but to blame one player and make him the scapegoat for the Bradford debacle just isn't on. Lambert was to blame for the Cup exit, not Ireland.
I did'nt make anyone a scapegoat. Lambert made a total mess of the 2nd leg, his tactics were all over the place. That said, the fact that he has'nt played Ireland since then (i'm right in thinking) says a lot.
-
Lambert's tactics became desperate in the second leg. They wouldn't have need to be that way though had our players buried their numerous chances during both ties, especially the first leg when we should have been home and dry before they even scored. To point the finger at any one person is simply wrong. They are all to blame as to why we have a free weekend coming up. Ireland has had his chances, and as a "senior" member of the squad he could have done a lot more when given the opportunity. Like the others he didn't and he hasn't been for a while now. His Villa career is over, and most of that is down to him. N'Zogbia has shown that with application you can come back and be a real impact player again. Ireland clearly has other priorities.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
True, but to blame one player and make him the scapegoat for the Bradford debacle just isn't on. Lambert was to blame for the Cup exit, not Ireland.
Have you ever played football? It's not a game of chess, with the manager moving inert pieces around the pitch. He picks the side then it's up to them. Against Bradford they did everything right in the first half and then crumbled, mentally, after their goal. The selection might or might not have been the best available but a Premier League Team should have been able to remain composed against a League 2 side.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
True, but to blame one player and make him the scapegoat for the Bradford debacle just isn't on. Lambert was to blame for the Cup exit, not Ireland.
Have you ever played football? It's not a game of chess, with the manager moving inert pieces around the pitch. He picks the side then it's up to them. Against Bradford they did everything right in the first half and then crumbled, mentally, after their goal. The selection might or might not have been the best available but a Premier League Team should have been able to remain composed against a League 2 side.
There was around 30 mins to play after Bradford scored, yet from that moment onwards our forwards all played like there were 30 seconds to play and they ran around the penalty box like the Ant Hill Mob with balls launched forward from the centre circle with absolutely no width. That's not the fault of the players that's the fault of the manager. Just absolutely appalling from Lambert.
-
Scapegoat or not and to be honest I don't really care, Ireland has never been good enough for us. I've always thought Nzogbia was a more dangerous creative player and Im glad he is getting a chance rather than Ireland who seems to want to just pose.
-
Scapegoat or not and to be honest I don't really care, Ireland has never been good enough for us. I've always thought Nzogbia was a more dangerous creative player and Im glad he is getting a chance rather than Ireland who seems to want to just pose.
Agreed. Ireland is a waste of space. I've said it many times, he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. Still doesn't make him the one to blame for the Bradford debacle though.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
True, but to blame one player and make him the scapegoat for the Bradford debacle just isn't on. Lambert was to blame for the Cup exit, not Ireland.
Have you ever played football? It's not a game of chess, with the manager moving inert pieces around the pitch. He picks the side then it's up to them. Against Bradford they did everything right in the first half and then crumbled, mentally, after their goal. The selection might or might not have been the best available but a Premier League Team should have been able to remain composed against a League 2 side.
There was around 30 mins to play after Bradford scored, yet from that moment onwards our forwards all played like there were 30 seconds to play and they ran around the penalty box like the Ant Hill Mob with balls launched forward from the centre circle with absolutely no width. That's not the fault of the players that's the fault of the manager. Just absolutely appalling from Lambert.
If the players are bunching, it's their fault not the manager's. He might have made the wrong substitutions but they're professional footballers and they should have a little more wit then to continually get in each others way - you learn that when you're a kid.
-
Scapegoat or not and to be honest I don't really care, Ireland has never been good enough for us. I've always thought Nzogbia was a more dangerous creative player and Im glad he is getting a chance rather than Ireland who seems to want to just pose.
Agreed. Ireland is a waste of space. I've said it many times, he's pound for pound one of the worst signings this club has ever made. Still doesn't make him the one to blame for the Bradford debacle though.
That's a different argument though, this is a thread about Ireland and he was shit in that game as he has been the vast majority of times he's played for us. That is entirely his own fault. Others were similarly poor in the second half, the point is though they've shown promise in other games. Ireland has had plenty of opportunities and has repeatedly failed to deliver.
-
However poor the tactics were against Bradford (and they were a bit of a mess in the second half) you'd expect a player earning a shit load of money to look interested, especially in a Semi Final of a cup.
True, but to blame one player and make him the scapegoat for the Bradford debacle just isn't on. Lambert was to blame for the Cup exit, not Ireland.
Have you ever played football? It's not a game of chess, with the manager moving inert pieces around the pitch. He picks the side then it's up to them. Against Bradford they did everything right in the first half and then crumbled, mentally, after their goal. The selection might or might not have been the best available but a Premier League Team should have been able to remain composed against a League 2 side.
There was around 30 mins to play after Bradford scored, yet from that moment onwards our forwards all played like there were 30 seconds to play and they ran around the penalty box like the Ant Hill Mob with balls launched forward from the centre circle with absolutely no width. That's not the fault of the players that's the fault of the manager. Just absolutely appalling from Lambert.
If the players are bunching, it's their fault not the manager's. He might have made the wrong substitutions but they're professional footballers and they should have a little more wit then to continually get in each others way - you learn that when you're a kid.
You'd be right if it was for the last 30 seconds, but it wasn't. It went on for 30 minutes. Lambert was at fault. It was amateurish.
-
Managers get players fired. As much as you can blame Lambert- and you can, you also have to look at Benteke and Bent etc for missing a hatful of chances.
If we had have won the first leg 5 or 6, then nobody would have blinked.
-
Listen, those last 30 mins against Bradford were us throwing everything we had to try and score the two goals (or three to win in normal time) we needed to reach Wembley. It was desperate and a gamble. It was a one-off. Lambert hadn't set the team up before like that, hasn't done it since.
Ireland isn’t being phased out because of that game, he’s being phased out because he’s been poor over three seasons; Houllier couldn’t wait to get rid of him, McLeish used him selectively, never really trusted him, Lambert gave him a decent run during the first half of the season but he’s plainly been found wanting.
I think he was only playing against Bradford because, at the time, we had barely any fit or available central midfield players.
We’ve been waiting for him to come good for three seasons. It’s not going to happen.
-
I thought Bannan was to blame, he's the one who gets the most stick for everything
-
I thought Bannan was to blame, he's the one who gets the most stick for everything
It's Bannan's fault that Ireland is shit, everyone knows that!
-
I am not blaming our exit on Ireland but his lack of effort was immense. I saw play against us at the Eithad and he destroyed us, if he played at 30% of that that night , he would have looked superb.
He played like he did not give a shit, plus he is a senior player and could pull likes of Bannan and Delph through that match and boss midfield
-
Ireland was undeniable one of the worst players on the pitch against Wigan, didn't go to the Bradford game but from listening to it he barely made an impact apart from the offside goal.
N'zogbia is starting to look very effective in the free role.
-
Stoke chief Mark Hughes is keen to thrash out a permanent deal with Aston Villa for Stephen Ireland when the transfer window opens next month.
Ireland is on a season-long loan at the Potters and Hughes is keen to fend off rival interest, with the player available on a free next summer.
Villa are keen to get Ireland’s £60,000-a-week wages off their books after the Irish midfielder - who is ineligible to face his parent club when they visit the Britannia this weekend - was frozen out by boss Paul Lambert.
If the Potters can agree terms with Villa, it will give Hughes the option to bring in another player on loan from a Premier League club.
Hughes said: “Stephen is doing really well and we would like to make it more permanent. There could be that possibility in January.
“We could do it just for the flexibility to get us another loan. If there is nothing to use that loan on, though, there might be no point in doing it. We’ll have to wait and see.”
-
So disappointed that we're in the position of being delighted to get an enormously talented player like him off the wage bill. What a fecking waste
-
Can't think of many villa players I've least liked. Absolute waste of space.
-
Can't think of many villa players I've least liked. Absolute waste of space.
Right down there with Hodge for me.
-
Stoke chief Mark Hughes is keen to thrash out a permanent deal with Aston Villa for Stephen Ireland when the transfer window opens next month.
Ireland is on a season-long loan at the Potters and Hughes is keen to fend off rival interest, with the player available on a free next summer.
Villa are keen to get Ireland’s £60,000-a-week wages off their books after the Irish midfielder - who is ineligible to face his parent club when they visit the Britannia this weekend - was frozen out by boss Paul Lambert.
If the Potters can agree terms with Villa, it will give Hughes the option to bring in another player on loan from a Premier League club.
Hughes said: “Stephen is doing really well and we would like to make it more permanent. There could be that possibility in January.
“We could do it just for the flexibility to get us another loan. If there is nothing to use that loan on, though, there might be no point in doing it. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Also reported in the Telegraph this morning (I'm visiting my father, before anyone comments on my morning's reading material).
-
He's out of contract this summer isn't he? I don't know why Stoke don't just wait. It sounds like they want us to give him to them for free now which wouldn't be too bad, as long as we can get out of paying any sort of departure money to that oik himself.
-
Anybody else think maybe Ireland is putting some effort in at the moment since in 6 months he is out of contract and his wages go from 60k per week to zero ... Lets see if he still performs at Stoke this time next season if they wish to sign him
-
He's out of contract this summer isn't he? I don't know why Stoke don't just wait. It sounds like they want us to give him to them for free now which wouldn't be too bad, as long as we can get out of paying any sort of departure money to that oik himself.
Seems if they sign him in jan it frees up another possible loan deal for them , Hughes seems to be happy enough with him so I'm sure he would be given a lovely reception from the holte when stoke visit us :)
-
Anybody else think maybe Ireland is putting some effort in at the moment since in 6 months he is out of contract and his wages go from 60k per week to zero ... Lets see if he still performs at Stoke this time next season if they wish to sign him
He's had a handful of reasonable games. Until last week, he'd been on the bench for a number of matches. We'll see how long it lasts. He's playing no better than he did for a short spell here under McLeish (which is to say okay, nothing more).
But yeah, I'd fully expect his level to drop as soon as the ink has dried on a new contract.
-
£60,000.
I simply can not comprehend how that happened.
-
Worst attitude of a Villa player that I can remember. Stoke are welcome to him.
-
£60,000.
I simply can not comprehend how that happened.
We signed him when we didn't have a manager and the player asked for exorbitant wages as he didn't want to come in the first place - stupidly we signed him anyway.
Two lessons to be learned.
Never sign players when you don't have a permanent manager and never sign players are not 100% keen on joining.
Not the Clubs finest hour.
-
Agreed Ozvilla. Signing a player when you have no manager just seems plain batshit to me. Who even decided we wanted him?
-
£60,000.
I simply can not comprehend how that happened.
We signed him when we didn't have a manager and the player asked for exorbitant wages as he didn't want to come in the first place - stupidly we signed him anyway.
Two lessons to be learned.
Never sign players when you don't have a permanent manager and never sign players are not 100% keen on joining.
Not the Clubs finest hour.
It is easy with hindsight. There were very few complaints on here at the time, indeed many thought we had absolutely mugged City and were delighted to get Ireland.
-
£60,000.
I simply can not comprehend how that happened.
We signed him when we didn't have a manager and the player asked for exorbitant wages as he didn't want to come in the first place - stupidly we signed him anyway.
Two lessons to be learned.
Never sign players when you don't have a permanent manager and never sign players are not 100% keen on joining.
Not the Clubs finest hour.
It is easy with hindsight. There were very few complaints on here at the time, indeed many thought we had absolutely mugged City and were delighted to get Ireland.
Well as soon as he said we didn't want to leave Citeh I certainly said we should end our interest and I know I wasn't the only one.
I just hope we learn from it. Only then will his time here have been worth anything.
-
It's the 60k a week that sticks in the throat. If he was on 5k I'd still be disappointed in his attitude and the way he conducted himself as a Villa player, but it would have been nowhere near as bad. Absolute tosser.
When you think about your own job and what value you add to your company compared to the reward you get, twats like Ireland really twist your melons.
-
Well as soon as he said we didn't want to leave Citeh I certainly said we should end our interest and I know I wasn't the only one.
I just hope we learn from it. Only then will his time here have been worth anything.
I was never a fan of him, but that isn't the point. The vast majority on here were delighted to get him. You only have to look at his signing thread to see it. So when most would have signed him and thought it was a great move it's hard to then blame the club for signing him.
-
Well as soon as he said we didn't want to leave Citeh I certainly said we should end our interest and I know I wasn't the only one.
I just hope we learn from it. Only then will his time here have been worth anything.
I was never a fan of him, but that isn't the point. The vast majority on here were delighted to get him. You only have to look at his signing thread to see it. So when most would have signed him and thought it was a great move it's hard to then blame the club for signing him.
I think we expected to see the stephen Ireland who had been city's player of the year under Hughes and looked a superb player - we never really got anything like that from him in his time here.
The mistake was signing him when managerless .
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were agaisnt it and thought it was a mistake.
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were agaisnt it and thought it was a mistake.
I thought he was a good signing at the time myself - but as the club hadn't a manager it was a mistake to buy any player a future manager may not rate .
Hindsight isn't needed to see that you don't buy big money players without a manager .
I rated him but it should have been the new manager who decided on the deal .
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were against it and thought it was a mistake.
Where is that thread i was looking for it earlier.
-
Still missing the point. It is only a mistake because hindsight shows us he was a failure here. If it was such an obvious mistake at the time why wasn't his signing thread filled with comments saying that?
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were against it and thought it was a mistake.
Where is that thread i was looking for it earlier.
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=39825.0
-
Still missing the point. It is only a mistake because hindsight shows us he was a failure here. If it was such an obvious mistake at the time why wasn't his signing thread filled with comments saying that?
Because most of us rated him as a quality player - but the person who mattered was the manager and we hadn't got one at the time .
Do you think we should have bought a player at such cost without a manager ?
I'm certainly not saying he was a shit player , he was the type of player we needed but surely the manager should decide if he wants him or not ?
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were against it and thought it was a mistake.
Where is that thread i was looking for it earlier.
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=39825.0
Yep, we were all completely conned by the fucking waster.
-
I thought it was a wonderful deal.
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were against it and thought it was a mistake.
Where is that thread i was looking for it earlier.
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=39825.0
Thank you.
-
I have no problem with us completing a deal that was 95% done at the time the manager threw his toys out the pram and went off in a strop. For all we know KMac and other coaches could have said to the board we should complete the deal.
If Ireland had been the player you thought he would be would it still be a mistake? Virtually no one said it was a mistake until they realised he was going to be crap for us.
-
Missing the point yet again. It's a mistake because hindsight shows he was shit for us. Virtually no one thought it was a mistake at the time. Read the signing thread and then tell me how many were against it and thought it was a mistake.
Where is that thread i was looking for it earlier.
http://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=39825.0
Yep, we were all completely conned by the fucking waster.
Rich nailed it at the time, "the new Sasa Curcic" both players had the ability to be big players for us, we very rarely saw it though and it is relief all round when they are no longer Villa players.
-
I have no problem with us completing a deal that was 95% done at the time the manager threw his toys out the pram and went off in a strop. For all we know KMac and other coaches could have said to the board we should complete the deal.
If Ireland had been the player you thought he would be would it still be a mistake? Virtually no one said it was a mistake until they realised he was going to be crap for us.
If we had got half out of him that he showed at city then he would have been a revelation so he wouldn't have been a mistake .
It seems he and houllier were never suited to each other though and things went downhill from there - its a shame we never got the best from him as he's the kind of player we have lacked for years.
-
Anyway, back to my filum. Goodnight, evening, morning etc wherever you are.
-
Anyway, back to my filum. Goodnight, evening, morning etc wherever you are.
Yes back to bed - goodnight and enjoy your film pws.
-
I have no problem with us completing a deal that was 95% done at the time the manager threw his toys out the pram and went off in a strop. For all we know KMac and other coaches could have said to the board we should complete the deal.
If Ireland had been the player you thought he would be would it still be a mistake? Virtually no one said it was a mistake until they realised he was going to be crap for us.
Buying a player without a manager in place was asking for trouble. despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time. Still if we had sold him after his player of the year season probably would have got 4m or so for him.
Considering our money troubles it really hasn't helped having the likes of Dunne, Hutton, Warnock, Ireland, Bent running down their contracts to a point where we will get nothing for them. Seems like he is taking the same approach with Nzogbia. I think that is self defeating to be honest and the bomb squad antics last summer were immature really.
-
nothing to be smug about, but I did ask the General a few times who was buying Ireland.
-
nothing to be smug about, but I did ask the General a few times who was buying Ireland.
Were you referred to nicola Keye ?
-
The alarm bells should have rung when Houlier quickly sussed him out. Ireland had/has the technical prowess that GHou would surely have relished and yet he singled him out for not trying hard enough within weeks of taking charge.
As an aside, has Houllier said much about his time at the club in interviews since he had to leave the post? Given his oft-outspoken nature it would be interesting to hear about the squad-staff fight and the attitude he faced from the MON players in his brief reign.
-
I thought he was a good signing at the time. Felt Milner's industry would be covered by Petrov, NRC & Sidwell, and Ireland would bring the flair. Got it wrong.
However well he does for Stoke, I won't feel regret he's left us. He was close to anonymous for three years. He has already commented that he's playing for his future with his contract up in the summer. That's his motivation this season.
-
.despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time.
despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time.
[/quote]
It used to really nark me how everyone had to call him sir and there were pages of recriminations one time when someone refused to do so.
-
I hate respect in society. I was saying the other day, if there is one thing we need less of, its people showing respect.
-
However well he does for Stoke, I won't feel regret he's left us.
And Stoke are playing him very differently: he is supporting the striker there (as Charlie Adam did when he came on against us), with a free role. I never felt we really used him properly ....
... not that I like him - IMO, he represents all that's bad about P'ship football.
-
.despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time.
despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time.
It used to really nark me how everyone had to call him sir and there were pages of recriminations one time when someone refused to do so.
[/quote]
I never called him sir and can't recollect that at all - I thought he seemed ok to approach - who called him sir?
-
Most of us were interested in answers to questions that wern't in his remit to answer. Pointless.
-
Most of us were interested in answers to questions that wern't in his remit to answer. Pointless.
I agree with you , but I don't get the posters point about everyone having to call him sir ?
I do not think that happened at all.
I thought he seemed very down to earth and approachable although he couldn't really comment on a great deal as most questions were beyond his remit.
-
Personally i liked Ireland, thought he looked our best player whenever he played last season, and didn't see that he lacked application any more than the 'young, hungry' brigade. I think that he was made the scapegoat for the Bradford game, and was banished, like all the rest of the 'bomb squad' simply because of the fact that he was a high earner. I know this runs against the tide of popular opinion, but it is my firm belief and has been since he was dropped from the squad. I think we would be a better team with him in the side. There, i've said it! :-[
-
And also, as 'The Curious Case of Christian Benteke' has demonstrated this season, opinions will be split as to whether a player is out of form or disinterested.
-
Most of us were interested in answers to questions that wern't in his remit to answer. Pointless.
I agree with you , but I don't get the posters point about everyone having to call him sir ?
I do not think that happened at all.
I thought he seemed very down to earth and approachable although he couldn't really comment on a great deal as most questions were beyond his remit.
Likewise, I don't remember anyone being told or coerced into calling him Sir. I seem to remember someone calling him Krulak and being told it was disrespectful then responding with something about why should he have any need to respect a US army rank. The whole General's thread descended into a dog's dinner. On refection it was probably always going to happen as rather than seeing it as a unique way to get feedback or a message to someone who had a real and immediate influence, some took it as an opportunity to take the piss and air grievances which he could do nothing about.
As for Stephen Ireland. There you see (wrapped up in one package of a millionaire egocentric, a shisha pipe and three grandmothers) why modern football is shite.
-
.despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time.
despite what Krulak and his army of sycophants on here were saying at the time.
It used to really nark me how everyone had to call him sir and there were pages of recriminations one time when someone refused to do so.
I never called him sir and can't recollect that at all - I thought he seemed ok to approach - who called him sir?
[/quote]
Nobody, but now he's not here people will slag him in a way they didn't before, for some reason..
-
Most of us were interested in answers to questions that wern't in his remit to answer. Pointless.
I agree with you , but I don't get the posters point about everyone having to call him sir ?
I do not think that happened at all.
I thought he seemed very down to earth and approachable although he couldn't really comment on a great deal as most questions were beyond his remit.
Likewise, I don't remember anyone being told or coerced into calling him Sir. I seem to remember someone calling him Krulak and being told it was disrespectful then responding with something about why should he have any need to respect a US army rank. The whole General's thread descended into a dog's dinner. On refection it was probably always going to happen as rather than seeing it as a unique way to get feedback or a message to someone who had a real and immediate influence, some took it as an opportunity to take the piss and air grievances which he could do nothing about.
I think you're right there. It was right for the time but outlived its usefulness.
-
I met the guy at an SCG once and found him to be without a shadow of a doubt, the most inspirational person I have ever listened too.
Not suprising really considering he reached the highest level of command, but as a cynical Brummie, singularly impressed by very little, I was quite shocked. I was so imbued by confidence that after the SCG and the 3-1 defeat at Man City, I went back to uni, straight out on the lash and found the tidiest girl there and pulled her.
I am marrying her next June.
-
I met the guy at an SCG once and found him to be without a shadow of a doubt, the most inspirational person I have ever listened too.
Not suprising really considering he reached the highest level of command, but as a cynical Brummie, singularly impressed by very little, I was quite shocked. I was so imbued by confidence that after the SCG and the 3-1 defeat at Man City, I went back to uni, straight out on the lash and found the tidiest girl there and pulled her.
I am marrying her next June.
I'm sure he'll be impressed. He is, without a doubt, inspirational. After all, he had to get men to charge into machine gun fire and you need to have some hefty powers of motivation to do that.
-
I met the guy at an SCG once and found him to be without a shadow of a doubt, the most inspirational person I have ever listened too.
Not suprising really considering he reached the highest level of command, but as a cynical Brummie, singularly impressed by very little, I was quite shocked. I was so imbued by confidence that after the SCG and the 3-1 defeat at Man City, I went back to uni, straight out on the lash and found the tidiest girl there and pulled her.
I am marrying her next June.
Lovely story - good luck to you both .
-
If Stoke want to take him away full time then hallelujah! Having watched a couple of Stoke games he seems the same waster, gets involved for 10minutes, hides for 80!
They are playing him in the Tim Cahill 'goal hanger' role & he'll be idolised there as let's face it they haven't required a midfield for 5 yrs (I know we are heading that way!) & the last good midfield player they had was Alan Hudson.
-
Personally i liked Ireland, thought he looked our best player whenever he played last season, and didn't see that he lacked application any more than the 'young, hungry' brigade. I think that he was made the scapegoat for the Bradford game, and was banished, like all the rest of the 'bomb squad' simply because of the fact that he was a high earner. I know this runs against the tide of popular opinion, but it is my firm belief and has been since he was dropped from the squad. I think we would be a better team with him in the side. There, i've said it! :-[
Is that you Stephen?
;)
-
Free at last?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10561690/Aston-Villa-make-Stephen-Irelands-loan-move-to-Stoke-City-permanent.html
-
Free at last?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10561690/Aston-Villa-make-Stephen-Irelands-loan-move-to-Stoke-City-permanent.html
And good riddance - overrated waster imo.
-
Free at last?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10561690/Aston-Villa-make-Stephen-Irelands-loan-move-to-Stoke-City-permanent.html
And good riddance - overrated waster imo.
Agreed. He is the epitome of what has been wrong at the club over the last few years.
-
Yep, good riddance.
-
I hope this story is true, good riddance.
-
Thank goodness for that.
-
What a fucking waste of breath he has been for us.
-
(http://animalstylehurricane.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/michaelscott-smashit.gif)
-
Another one off the wage bill.
-
Another one off the wage bill.
Yep. That leaves Hutton, Given and possibly N'Zogbia. It'll be interesting to see how our current transfer policy changes once they've all been shipped out.
-
Another one off the wage bill.
Is it though? I can't believe Stoke are stumping-up the same ludicrous wage that we were paying him so it's possible we're still picking up some of the bill. How depressing
-
Another one off the wage bill.
Yep. That leaves Hutton, Given and possibly N'Zogbia. It'll be interesting to see how our current transfer policy changes once they've all been shipped out.
£130k - 150k per week that little lot...
-
Another one off the wage bill.
Is it though? I can't believe Stoke are stumping-up the same ludicrous wage that we were paying him so it's possible we're still picking up some of the bill. How depressing
Because they're gonna get him on a free, I'd imagine they'll offset that lack of signing on fee and transfer fee by matching our wages. I dunno. Perhaps when he gets offered a new deal by them in the summer, he'll be taking a pay cut?
I think if we're washing our hands of him we'll do it clean. Hughes is no stranger to paying over the odds either. It's good for us, because he's probably the one manager around who'd actually take Ireland off us.
-
Free at last?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10561690/Aston-Villa-make-Stephen-Irelands-loan-move-to-Stoke-City-permanent.html
And good riddance - overrated waster imo.
Agreed. He is the epitome of what has been wrong at the club over the last few years.
Which is what exactly? I would say that responses like this are the epitome of what is wrong with some of the clubs fans over the last few years.
The signing of Ireland never really worked out for us and it's probably a good example of why you shouldn't sign players when you don't have a manager but i really don't get a lot of the vitriol that has been thrown his way by some fans.
Yes he's undoubtedly a talented player and he's never really been able to realise the full potential of that talent, but i think it's rubbish to say he never put in the effort either on or off the pitch. On the pitch he's had to play for several disjointed managers in a variety of poor squads with dodgy tactics, and i think you could see his frustration with that sometimes, yet he always put in a shift. After some games i would see some fans saying he'd been lazy, yet I'd seen him often tracking back and making important tackles on the edge of our area after running the full length of the pitch. Even when he won player of the season people would denigrate it and say 'well yeh, just goes to show how poor the rest of the squad was'. Well if that's the case then surely the rest of the squad deserved more criticism than him, but of course he was always the easy fall guy.
Off the pitch he has always been one of the players that puts in a hell of a lot of time to charity too and has been a good ambassador for the club in that way, and despite the way he's been treated, has never spoken out about it.
But lets forget about all that, lets focus on the faux dead granny incident, the dodgy pink range rover and the rather dodgy pictures of his house, or him with a sheisha. Yes i think we can all agree he's a bit of a numpty in that regard, but i'm not sure he deserves a lot of the criticism he's had.
That said, I'm glad he's gone, it will free up a significant amount of wages for us and if anyone can get the best out of him, it will be Hughes, who despite him being so poor for Stoke this season according to some, has wanted to sign him permanently.
-
I fail to understand all the celebration over losing Ireland.
He has been one of our best players whenever he has had a run in the team, was player of the season under McLeash, and is head and shoulders above Westwood, Delph, KEA, Herd, Sylla etc.
I want to see a competitive team on the pitch, having Ireland, NZogbia, Bent and even Hutton on the pitch would improve us at the moment. Yes the wage bill is down, but I will celebrate that the day I see it translate into new better signings on the pitch, and I am far from convinced that will be the case.
-
Ireland isn't a terrible player, he's just not been god enough to justify the outlay for him. I do agree he would be an improvement on our current midfield now apart from Delph obviously. Hughes seems to have the measure of him and more importantly certainly knows how to play him.
-
Good riddance to the bellend.
-
The biggest point about being pleased Ireland is moving on is simply for us as a club to move on. Lambert never figured out how to play him. What was interesting to watch in the early days under Lambert, was that Ireland did put the effort in certainly. He looked lost though. He played in that 10 role mostly, but he looked isolated. No one picked him out. When he actually did get the ball, he'd have some nice touches and then play a pass into a good area, but no one would read the ball or he'd look up and as happens still, there's no movement beyond him. In some regards I just don't think we've been a side (up to this point) that's in any way well drilled in having a number 10 sort of a player. Midfielders have to be willing to break into the box for the 10 to pick out. Strikers need to drop short to make themselves available for the 10 to play off too, or make the right sort of runs in the box. You need better movement in and around a player like that, but it didn't happen for Ireland.
I don't put his failure entirely on his shoulders, certainly not. Houllier didn't give him a chance. McLeish played horribly rigid and flat systems (often 4-4-2) which doesn't suit Ireland. Lambert, despite getting good service from Hoolahan, forgot how to use a number 10. But Ireland still drifted out of games too easily and didn't always show enough application. Inititially his workrate did improve, but again, as always with him, when it wasn't working out, there came a time when the chasing back was less frequent, and I'm not sure his fitness was ever good enough to be a 90 minute player for us certainly.
This however does lead me onto a further Lambert concern: If we get this mythical number 10, will he know how to use him? I'm not sure. He's tried and failed with both Ireland and N'Zogbia in that position. Zogbia had a few okay games and produced some key matchwinning moments, but in terms of system we always seemed to be playing a misbalanced 4-2-4 with him in the side, and we still weren't winning enough with him, hence the switch to a more solid 4-3-3 with a workhorse like Sylla in his place.
-
Lambert wants players who are keen to develop and learn and not flashy buggers who think they're it.
I know which category Ireland falls into.
He's undoubtedly talented and skilful but it's no surprise that a few managers haven't really wanted him in their team.
-
Turned out to be an expensive mistake
although I agree with those who think he took more than the lions share of the blame against Bradford which seemed to be fatal for him
I still think he's better than anyone we have now in midfield apart from Delph but Lambert couldn't get the best from him or Ireland himself didn't want to cooperate, who knows
The sad thing is we are looking for a no 10 in exactly the sort of posision that Ireland used to be good in,
but if its not working out for whatever reason you have to get rid, and this one cost us plenty
-
He rarely looked totally shit for us.
And the lack of effort tag gets applied too easily, I agree.
Most games that he made it as far as the starting XI there was plenty of endeavor. But -for a player who was supposed to provide that extra dimension and creativity in the final third- he came up short. Both in terms of goals and assists.
That's all I judge him on. The rest is bobbins.
-
Another one off the wage bill.
Yep. That leaves Hutton, Given and possibly N'Zogbia. It'll be interesting to see how our current transfer policy changes once they've all been shipped out.
Bent aswell who's on 50-60k I'd imagine.
Really disappointed with this one not working out. Was buzzing when we signed him as thought he'd link up well with the pace we had provided through Gabby and Young and apart from a brief flicker in the McLeish season it just didn't happen.
In fairness he's been decent for Stoke whenever I've seen them, chipping in with goals and running onto Crouch's flick ons, we'll see whether that was to just get a permanent move.
N'zogbia will be in the same file when he leaves, talented player but for the expense just didn't justify the outlay at all.
-
Good riddance. I still shudder at how we were bounced by Citeh into taking him off our hands in PX for Milner. I hope Faulkner never makes a similar mistake again.
-
Absolute waste of space. Glad we'll never see him in a Villa shirt again.
-
Good riddance. I still shudder at how we were bounced by Citeh into taking him off our hands in PX for Milner. I hope Faulkner never makes a similar mistake again.
It was a hell of a deal at a time. A more talented player, technically, and £16m...just a pity he didn't have Milner's engine.
-
Good riddance. I still shudder at how we were bounced by Citeh into taking him off our hands in PX for Milner. I hope Faulkner never makes a similar mistake again.
It was a hell of a deal at a time. A more talented player, technically, and £16m...just a pity he didn't have Milner's engine.
Or his professionalism, team ethic, commitment, ability to play on with injuries etc etc.
-
One player I really wanted to work out just never happened.
-
Hopefully we can use those wages for good use now.
-
Glad he's gone. Never wanted him and he never wanted to be here. GMac summed his displays up perfectly - "an empty crisp packet floating about the field"
-
In terms of natural ability the best player we have/had. In terms of application, the worst.
Unlike other bomb squad recruits, can't say he wasn't given a chance by Lambert.
-
Was talking to some man city fans pre match last season who just couldn't understand why we didn't play him all the time. One pint later they admitted that on some days he just didn't turn up for them and you might just as well take him off after 20 minutes. I think that was the Stephen Ireland we grew to know and and not love.
-
I have to say I rarely thought he was as bad as some suggested, not that he did as little work
But as a player who can only really play behind a centre fwd, his goal and assist tally was awful
-
One or two posters obviously believe Ireland has gone to Stoke. He hasn't unless I am wrong. Perhaps someone will confirm this fact?
-
Regardless of his ability I think we should not have signed a player when we had no manager. To me that was crazy.
-
Good riddance. I still shudder at how we were bounced by Citeh into taking him off our hands in PX for Milner. I hope Faulkner never makes a similar mistake again.
It was a hell of a deal at a time. A more talented player, technically, and £16m...just a pity he didn't have Milner's engine.
would agree with that, 24m for james milner was daylight robbery.
-
Free at last?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10561690/Aston-Villa-make-Stephen-Irelands-loan-move-to-Stoke-City-permanent.html
And good riddance - overrated waster imo.
Agreed. He is the epitome of what has been wrong at the club over the last few years.
Which is what exactly? I would say that responses like this are the epitome of what is wrong with some of the clubs fans over the last few years.
The signing of Ireland never really worked out for us and it's probably a good example of why you shouldn't sign players when you don't have a manager but i really don't get a lot of the vitriol that has been thrown his way by some fans.
Yes he's undoubtedly a talented player and he's never really been able to realise the full potential of that talent, but i think it's rubbish to say he never put in the effort either on or off the pitch. On the pitch he's had to play for several disjointed managers in a variety of poor squads with dodgy tactics, and i think you could see his frustration with that sometimes, yet he always put in a shift. After some games i would see some fans saying he'd been lazy, yet I'd seen him often tracking back and making important tackles on the edge of our area after running the full length of the pitch. Even when he won player of the season people would denigrate it and say 'well yeh, just goes to show how poor the rest of the squad was'. Well if that's the case then surely the rest of the squad deserved more criticism than him, but of course he was always the easy fall guy.
Off the pitch he has always been one of the players that puts in a hell of a lot of time to charity too and has been a good ambassador for the club in that way, and despite the way he's been treated, has never spoken out about it.
But lets forget about all that, lets focus on the faux dead granny incident, the dodgy pink range rover and the rather dodgy pictures of his house, or him with a sheisha. Yes i think we can all agree he's a bit of a numpty in that regard, but i'm not sure he deserves a lot of the criticism he's had.
That said, I'm glad he's gone, it will free up a significant amount of wages for us and if anyone can get the best out of him, it will be Hughes, who despite him being so poor for Stoke this season according to some, has wanted to sign him permanently.
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
-
Regardless of his ability I think we should not have signed a player when we had no manager. To me that was crazy.
This has been done to death. I have no idea really who wanted him as he didn't strike me as an MON player at all, certainly not one to fit into his rigid 4-4-2 system.
My reading at the time was the plan was to give kevin McDonald the job for the season. Ireland signed on the Wednesday before the horrendous Newcastle game and said in articles he was looking forward to working with Mac as they've got on well at ROI as Mac was an assistant when Staunton was boss there. Then the 6-0 happened which changed everything. The board really couldn't give the job full time to a rookie who'd just lead us a to a heavy defeat to a newly promoted team.
-
I think Faulkner & co have probably learned a lot over this signing which has been to our benefit but we just don't know it.
-
should have sold him the year after he won player of the year. Might have got back a few million then.
for a luxury player, he doesnt score enough or generate enough assists. tidy but gutless would be my summation. with not enough pace or presence to play anywhere but a free role.
-
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
Wow how many unqualified presumptions can one person put in one post! Can you provide any evidence of his 'couldn't give a toss attitude', that his relative lack of success in what has been a recently unsuccessful team was down to 'his lack of application' rather than just playing in some rather poor sides. Can you prove he's really gone on the pitch and said 'I could impose myself on this game, but i'm unwilling to'!? How exactly has he 'taken the piss out of the club pretty much since he came'? And before he came? He didn't want to leave Man City, but that didn't mean that when he knew he had to, he didn't want to come to us.
So a picture of him smoking a sheisha, and his taste of car and house furnishings show on a personal level he's a twat, good psychology there, where does his massive amount of work towards charity fit in there?
To me it would appear that you haven't taken the facts and come to the conclusion he's a twat from them, you've presumed he's a twat and so this has coloured your interpretation of the facts, none of which are borne out with any evidence.
People wonder why footballers supposedly don't show loyalty to clubs and fans, well posts like yours are probably a good example of why.
-
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
Wow how many unqualified presumptions can one person put in one post! Can you provide any evidence of his 'couldn't give a toss attitude', that his relative lack of success in what has been a recently unsuccessful team was down to 'his lack of application' rather than just playing in some rather poor sides. Can you prove he's really gone on the pitch and said 'I could impose myself on this game, but i'm unwilling to'!? How exactly has he 'taken the piss out of the club pretty much since he came'? And before he came? He didn't want to leave Man City, but that didn't mean that when he knew he had to, he didn't want to come to us.
So a picture of him smoking a sheisha, and his taste of car and house furnishings show on a personal level he's a twat, good psychology there, where does his massive amount of work towards charity fit in there?
To me it would appear that you haven't taken the facts and come to the conclusion he's a twat from them, you've presumed he's a twat and so this has coloured your interpretation of the facts, none of which are borne out with any evidence.
People wonder why footballers supposedly don't show loyalty to clubs and fans, well posts like yours are probably a good example of why.
My unqualified opinion about him as a person is of little consequence. The fact that he has done nothing since he arrived to prove wrong any of my unqualified opinions of him as a footballer forms my low opinion of him. You may consider that he has been unlucky/unfortunate or whatever you think the reason is. I don't agree. However your opinion is obviously more qualified than mine so maybe I should just defer to you.
I don't feel responsible for any footballer's lack of loyalty as that isn't down to me and I'm sure if you asked him or any of them, he/they wouldn't care either way what I thought but no doubt you're the kind of fan that players appreciate rather more than I am.
-
should have sold him the year after he won player of the year. Might have got back a few million then.
for a luxury player, he doesnt score enough or generate enough assists. tidy but gutless would be my summation. with not enough pace or presence to play anywhere but a free role.
good old hindsight but in reality he won player of the year in a very poor side, in a very poor year. I think most other clubs would have seen through that.
-
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
Wow how many unqualified presumptions can one person put in one post! Can you provide any evidence of his 'couldn't give a toss attitude', that his relative lack of success in what has been a recently unsuccessful team was down to 'his lack of application' rather than just playing in some rather poor sides. Can you prove he's really gone on the pitch and said 'I could impose myself on this game, but i'm unwilling to'!? How exactly has he 'taken the piss out of the club pretty much since he came'? And before he came? He didn't want to leave Man City, but that didn't mean that when he knew he had to, he didn't want to come to us.
So a picture of him smoking a sheisha, and his taste of car and house furnishings show on a personal level he's a twat, good psychology there, where does his massive amount of work towards charity fit in there?
To me it would appear that you haven't taken the facts and come to the conclusion he's a twat from them, you've presumed he's a twat and so this has coloured your interpretation of the facts, none of which are borne out with any evidence.
People wonder why footballers supposedly don't show loyalty to clubs and fans, well posts like yours are probably a good example of why.
My unqualified opinion about him as a person is of little consequence. The fact that he has done nothing since he arrived to prove wrong any of my unqualified opinions of him as a footballer forms my low opinion of him. You may consider that he has been unlucky/unfortunate or whatever you think the reason is. I don't agree. However your opinion is obviously more qualified than mine so maybe I should just defer to you.
I don't feel responsible for any footballer's lack of loyalty as that isn't down to me and I'm sure if you asked him or any of them, he/they wouldn't care either way what I thought but no doubt you're the kind of fan that players appreciate rather more than I am.
In essence whatever any of us think on here is of little consequence. I'm not even a massive fan of Ireland but i do however prefer to judge a player based upon the presentable facts and try to understand the wider context of those facts rather than to presume things that have no grounding. Essentially you've just accused him of a load of things that you don't have one iota of evidence for and said guilty until proven innocent in your eyes. Fair enough, that's maybe the way you like to roll, i'll just stick to judging him on what we know, as yeh, no doubt, players, and people in general, like to be judged on the facts rather than stuff that people have just made up.
-
For any talk suggesting Hughes is getting the best out of Ireland, Stevie still can't get in the side week in, week out. He's spent more time with his arse on the bench than on the pitch. He has a modicum of talent certainly, but when all is said and done he's not blessed with mercurial brilliance by any means. He's got an okay touch, reasonable pass, but that's about it. The fact he seems utterly lost in all but one position too should suggest that he's actually a pretty average player. I'm actually surprised Hughes wants to make the deal permanent. I'd also imagine before long, Ireland will be impressing in the Championship as a bit of a flat track bully, able to look classy among the ordinary without much effort.
-
The difference between Ireland now and at City is application. He still has a good touch and he can still pick a pass but he isn't fit enough to compete higher up the pitch. At City he would drive with the ball and hit the box in the same way Lampard always has. He never had blistering pace but he had a burst that allowed him to get away from players and an engine that meant he could go box to box. For us, he was played in a deeper role because he was unfit and it allowed him to just sit and pick a pass. I think if he had applied himself he could have been a very good Premier League player, not top draw, but still very good. Instead I see his career dwindling out into a move to the MLS for one last pink Range Rover.
-
For any talk suggesting Hughes is getting the best out of Ireland, Stevie still can't get in the side week in, week out. He's spent more time with his arse on the bench than on the pitch. He has a modicum of talent certainly, but when all is said and done he's not blessed with mercurial brilliance by any means. He's got an okay touch, reasonable pass, but that's about it. The fact he seems utterly lost in all but one position too should suggest that he's actually a pretty average player. I'm actually surprised Hughes wants to make the deal permanent. I'd also imagine before long, Ireland will be impressing in the Championship as a bit of a flat track bully, able to look classy among the ordinary without much effort.
As usual with Ireland when he gets a run of starts he picks up little injuries which disrupts him- that was a problem when he actually played for us.
That and Stoke are a workmanlike side so can't afford too many luxury players in there, Charlie Adam has been playing well lately and really you can't play him and Ireland in the same midfield even if there's 5 in there.
That said both are better than that Aranutovic bloke who strolls round for most of the Stoke games thinking he's Bergkamp or something. He isn't, he's toss.
-
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
Wow how many unqualified presumptions can one person put in one post! Can you provide any evidence of his 'couldn't give a toss attitude', that his relative lack of success in what has been a recently unsuccessful team was down to 'his lack of application' rather than just playing in some rather poor sides. Can you prove he's really gone on the pitch and said 'I could impose myself on this game, but i'm unwilling to'!? How exactly has he 'taken the piss out of the club pretty much since he came'? And before he came? He didn't want to leave Man City, but that didn't mean that when he knew he had to, he didn't want to come to us.
So a picture of him smoking a sheisha, and his taste of car and house furnishings show on a personal level he's a twat, good psychology there, where does his massive amount of work towards charity fit in there?
To me it would appear that you haven't taken the facts and come to the conclusion he's a twat from them, you've presumed he's a twat and so this has coloured your interpretation of the facts, none of which are borne out with any evidence.
People wonder why footballers supposedly don't show loyalty to clubs and fans, well posts like yours are probably a good example of why.
My unqualified opinion about him as a person is of little consequence. The fact that he has done nothing since he arrived to prove wrong any of my unqualified opinions of him as a footballer forms my low opinion of him. You may consider that he has been unlucky/unfortunate or whatever you think the reason is. I don't agree. However your opinion is obviously more qualified than mine so maybe I should just defer to you.
I don't feel responsible for any footballer's lack of loyalty as that isn't down to me and I'm sure if you asked him or any of them, he/they wouldn't care either way what I thought but no doubt you're the kind of fan that players appreciate rather more than I am.
In essence whatever any of us think on here is of little consequence. I'm not even a massive fan of Ireland but i do however prefer to judge a player based upon the presentable facts and try to understand the wider context of those facts rather than to presume things that have no grounding. Essentially you've just accused him of a load of things that you don't have one iota of evidence for and said guilty until proven innocent in your eyes. Fair enough, that's maybe the way you like to roll, i'll just stick to judging him on what we know, as yeh, no doubt, players, and people in general, like to be judged on the facts rather than stuff that people have just made up.
Last one before we bore each other to death.
I am judging my opinion of him as a player on what I saw when I have seen him play and Ive seen nothing to change my negative opinion of him. I can't see inside his head but he looks to me like he's a coaster who doesn't give a toss. I may be right, I may be wrong but that's my opinion and I can take it or leave it whether you disagree with me.
As for facts. there are very few facts on which to base a positive or negative opinion of him. It's all about opinion and perception. Mine's different to yours but I'm sure we can agree to disagree. It doesn't make my opinion any more or less valid than yours and it doesn't make either of us a better fan than the other.
-
I've never seen a central midfielder hide as much during a game as Stephen Ireland. He was great a trying to look busy. Cheerio Stephen you've wasted your undoubted talent and probably the best years of your career!
-
lets stop talking about SI until Hughes buys him .
He might come on this thread for a read .
-
Roger the alien
-
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
Wow how many unqualified presumptions can one person put in one post! Can you provide any evidence of his 'couldn't give a toss attitude', that his relative lack of success in what has been a recently unsuccessful team was down to 'his lack of application' rather than just playing in some rather poor sides. Can you prove he's really gone on the pitch and said 'I could impose myself on this game, but i'm unwilling to'!? How exactly has he 'taken the piss out of the club pretty much since he came'? And before he came? He didn't want to leave Man City, but that didn't mean that when he knew he had to, he didn't want to come to us.
So a picture of him smoking a sheisha, and his taste of car and house furnishings show on a personal level he's a twat, good psychology there, where does his massive amount of work towards charity fit in there?
To me it would appear that you haven't taken the facts and come to the conclusion he's a twat from them, you've presumed he's a twat and so this has coloured your interpretation of the facts, none of which are borne out with any evidence.
People wonder why footballers supposedly don't show loyalty to clubs and fans, well posts like yours are probably a good example of why.
My unqualified opinion about him as a person is of little consequence. The fact that he has done nothing since he arrived to prove wrong any of my unqualified opinions of him as a footballer forms my low opinion of him. You may consider that he has been unlucky/unfortunate or whatever you think the reason is. I don't agree. However your opinion is obviously more qualified than mine so maybe I should just defer to you.
I don't feel responsible for any footballer's lack of loyalty as that isn't down to me and I'm sure if you asked him or any of them, he/they wouldn't care either way what I thought but no doubt you're the kind of fan that players appreciate rather more than I am.
In essence whatever any of us think on here is of little consequence. I'm not even a massive fan of Ireland but i do however prefer to judge a player based upon the presentable facts and try to understand the wider context of those facts rather than to presume things that have no grounding. Essentially you've just accused him of a load of things that you don't have one iota of evidence for and said guilty until proven innocent in your eyes. Fair enough, that's maybe the way you like to roll, i'll just stick to judging him on what we know, as yeh, no doubt, players, and people in general, like to be judged on the facts rather than stuff that people have just made up.
I don't think he has made it up, if you take each example singularly there is a case for each and every one of them.
Taking the piss since he came, when I go to work I put in 8 hours of graft, I could wander round the site clutching a piece of paper and wile away the time chatting to various people, take an extended lunch and piss off early but that would be taking the piss. It would appear that Stephen Ireland has failed to put in the necessary graft to achieve at Aston Villa and therefore falls into the second category. I doubt if you would get more than a handful of people who would say any different.
His lack of application, the one defining moment that sums up Stphen Ireland was his gutless performance against Bradford where a 36year old journey ran the show and Ireland appeared not to give a toss. He had the chance to be a leader on the park to a bunch of kids and could have led them and provided the focal point we desperately need.
His maternal issues, I think all that needs to be said about this is that he not only used the made up death of a grandmother once, he then repeated it.
His choice of car or furnishings just confirm everything people think about the majority of modern footballers.
Lastly his charity work, I would not belittle anyone who carries out charity work, however as a footballer he has an inordinate amount of spare time and dare I say it cash. I would think as a percentage of income the ordinary working man contributes as much to charitable causes as the stars on £80,000 a week.
-
Last one before we bore each other to death.
I am judging my opinion of him as a player on what I saw when I have seen him play and Ive seen nothing to change my negative opinion of him. I can't see inside his head but he looks to me like he's a coaster who doesn't give a toss. I may be right, I may be wrong but that's my opinion and I can take it or leave it whether you disagree with me.
As for facts. there are very few facts on which to base a positive or negative opinion of him. It's all about opinion and perception. Mine's different to yours but I'm sure we can agree to disagree. It doesn't make my opinion any more or less valid than yours and it doesn't make either of us a better fan than the other.
Yep i agree wholeheartedly.
-
I don't think he has made it up, if you take each example singularly there is a case for each and every one of them.
Taking the piss since he came, when I go to work I put in 8 hours of graft, I could wander round the site clutching a piece of paper and wile away the time chatting to various people, take an extended lunch and piss off early but that would be taking the piss. It would appear that Stephen Ireland has failed to put in the necessary graft to achieve at Aston Villa and therefore falls into the second category. I doubt if you would get more than a handful of people who would say any different.
His lack of application, the one defining moment that sums up Stephen Ireland was his gutless performance against Bradford where a 36year old journey ran the show and Ireland appeared not to give a toss. He had the chance to be a leader on the park to a bunch of kids and could have led them and provided the focal point we desperately need.
His maternal issues, I think all that needs to be said about this is that he not only used the made up death of a grandmother once, he then repeated it.
His choice of car or furnishings just confirm everything people think about the majority of modern footballers.
Lastly his charity work, I would not belittle anyone who carries out charity work, however as a footballer he has an inordinate amount of spare time and dare I say it cash. I would think as a percentage of income the ordinary working man contributes as much to charitable causes as the stars on £80,000 a week.
Well as said earlier, i think most people would agree that he's not been a success and we have all of the observable facts of that from the many games we've seen over the last few years. The contentious point of course is what the cause of that lack of success was. Some people would seem to contend it's a lack of application, taking the piss, laziness etc., however my point was and is that there's no real evidence for that.
There are a lot of reasons why a player might not be a success at a club, and there are a lot of good players that aren't a success for various reasons other than their lack of commitment. People go on about his undoubted talent, but again, really that was only seen for one season at Man City whilst Hughes was there. There are a lot of one season wonders in football and i don't think that all of those one season wonders failed ultimately in their careers because of a lack of application. Maybe they've just not been at the right clubs, with the right managers, support and the right team and quality of players around them. Maybe they just weren't really good enough, and some players only look good when a team plays a certain way or is built around them.
As for Villa since Ireland's arrival, we've been a mess and a i think a lot of good players would struggle to look good with the quality of players they've had around them and some of the bizarre formations and tactics we've used across the various managers.
-
Didn't Houllier directly (in public) question his application in training? It never ever seemed like he really wanted to be here either. I think Bradford really hammered that home for a lot of people. Everyone was awful, but while our side was dying on it's arse in desperation, Ireland wasn't exactly putting too much effort in.
-
Didn't Houllier directly (in public) question his application in training? It never ever seemed like he really wanted to be here either. I think Bradford really hammered that home for a lot of people. Everyone was awful, but while our side was dying on it's arse in desperation, Ireland wasn't exactly putting too much effort in.
Total waster. Anyone who defends him has never seen him player regularly for us
-
Ireland was at best a one season wonder (and his form tapered off a bit that year also) - so similar to the likes J Lloyd Samuel in that respect.
Wasn't he the first player than Mancini showed the door too after he had a chance to take stock of the squad he'd inherited, and it's not like he needed to sell either as Citeh still needed to build a squad and have ample cover.
We got him more for the fact that Citeh wanted shot of him as much as the player fitted our plan (we had no manager) or the player wanted to join (said before signing he didn't want to leave Citeh).
-
Free at last?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/10561690/Aston-Villa-make-Stephen-Irelands-loan-move-to-Stoke-City-permanent.html
And good riddance - overrated waster imo.
Agreed. He is the epitome of what has been wrong at the club over the last few years.
Which is what exactly? I would say that responses like this are the epitome of what is wrong with some of the clubs fans over the last few years.
The signing of Ireland never really worked out for us and it's probably a good example of why you shouldn't sign players when you don't have a manager but i really don't get a lot of the vitriol that has been thrown his way by some fans.
Yes he's undoubtedly a talented player and he's never really been able to realise the full potential of that talent, but i think it's rubbish to say he never put in the effort either on or off the pitch. On the pitch he's had to play for several disjointed managers in a variety of poor squads with dodgy tactics, and i think you could see his frustration with that sometimes, yet he always put in a shift. After some games i would see some fans saying he'd been lazy, yet I'd seen him often tracking back and making important tackles on the edge of our area after running the full length of the pitch. Even when he won player of the season people would denigrate it and say 'well yeh, just goes to show how poor the rest of the squad was'. Well if that's the case then surely the rest of the squad deserved more criticism than him, but of course he was always the easy fall guy.
Off the pitch he has always been one of the players that puts in a hell of a lot of time to charity too and has been a good ambassador for the club in that way, and despite the way he's been treated, has never spoken out about it.
But lets forget about all that, lets focus on the faux dead granny incident, the dodgy pink range rover and the rather dodgy pictures of his house, or him with a sheisha. Yes i think we can all agree he's a bit of a numpty in that regard, but i'm not sure he deserves a lot of the criticism he's had.
That said, I'm glad he's gone, it will free up a significant amount of wages for us and if anyone can get the best out of him, it will be Hughes, who despite him being so poor for Stoke this season according to some, has wanted to sign him permanently.
Conversely, that some seem to overlook his, couldn't give a toss attitude, his lack of application, his wasting of the ability that he undoubtedly has, his unwillingness to impose himself on games which he could and should have done, could be classed as the epitome of what is wrong with some of our fans.
His pipe and his car and his multitude of grandmothers merely demonstrate that on a personal level, he is a twat. His having been taking the piss out of the club pretty much since his arrival (and indeed since shortly before his arrival - as he clearly didn't want to come here) demonstrates that he is a waster of the highest order, to be filed alongside Curcic and Alpay.
Curcic yes, Alpay not so much. Regardless of the abysmal end of his Villa career, we got a couple of pretty good years out of him first.
-
I must admit with the squad we had I thought he'd fit in really well here.
Even with milner gone we still had a solid defensive midfield partnership of NRC and Petrov and good wide men like Downing and Young.
Instead we messed about with Young playing in the hole and Ireland's first few games were in a central two before he drifted out of favour as soon as Houllier came in.
What I'm trying to say is we had a much better team then in terms of set up and ability for a 10 to come in then than we do know.
-
He may have hjad the ability, but his attitude was appalling.
-
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3620424,00.html
Villa fans across the country weep.
-
I'm going to miss that guy with his slouching around and holding both hands out, imploringly, when failing to get on the end of passes.
Still, that seems to be one of KEA's specialities, too, so all is not lost.
-
Ireland had the ability but not the heart or effort. Karim tries hard, but not the ability. I'd take KEA over Ireland every time.
-
adios Stevie. Loads of talent most of it wasted.
-
He'll be ok under Hughes, but should he leave expect a huge dip in form and an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother when he quits the game.
-
I'm predicting an article in one of the red tops later this week:-
Stephen Ireland - My Villa Nightmare
Stoke's new midfield signing tells the Sun/Mirror how he never got a fair chance/the manaer picked on him/nobody told him why he was out of the team/it was everyone else's fault but his
-
Kea has already scored more goals for villa than him.
So is he now eligible to play against us?
-
So glad the twat has finally left.
-
Surely, Aston Villa's biggest ever waste of money.
-
So glad the twat has finally left.
Agreed. Bearing in mind the competition he is probably the biggest ****** ever to play for Villa.
-
Excellent, this seasons best news.
-
Its like a new signing.
-
@SkyFootball: Stoke playmaker Stephen Ireland has signed a new three-year contract at the Britannia Stadium. http://t.co/d131VVu48l
' kin hell. Has he made that much of an impression !!
-
Was it on here that I saw a picture of Stephen Ireland with the caption "Mid Table Bitches!"?
-
Was it on here that I saw a picture of Stephen Ireland with the caption "Mid Table Bitches!"?
The 'sum up in a picture' thread. And the comment was typed by the poster underneath the Ireland pic.
-
Be interesting to see how is form is now he has a new deal. Although Hughes loves him and he can commute to Stoke from Manchester, so it could be that he has genuinely settled. The biggest waste of money Villa have ever spent, how £60k a week can't motivate you I don't know.
-
Was it on here that I saw a picture of Stephen Ireland with the caption "Mid Table Bitches!"?
Yeah that was me on the picture thread.
Apologies for giving you nightmares. ha ha.
-
He's having the last laugh though. A three year contract with a club who will probably stay in the PL for a while compared to his last club who are declining alarmingly.
-
He's having the last laugh though. A three year contract with a club who will probably stay in the PL for a while compared to his last club who are declining alarmingly.
Sadly yes. The sight of his face makes me feel a bit sick to be honest. Probably more so than when he was at the club. The turnaround in the league between the two clubs since they spanked us 4 weeks ago has been very painful.
-
From the Beeb
Stoke City midfielder Stephen Ireland has signed a new three-year contract with the club.
The 27-year-old turned his season-long loan to Stoke from Aston Villa into a permanent move in January and has now penned a long-term deal.
"It's important for every player to feel wanted and to be a part of a family and I haven't had that for a long, long time," said Ireland.
"Thankfully I have felt that warmth here at Stoke."
Ireland has scored three goals in 25 appearances for the Potters this season and the club are currently 10th in the top flight in manager Mark Hughes' first season in charge.
"I couldn't really be in a better place than I am at the moment," added the Republic of Ireland player, speaking to the club's website.
"For that, I have to thank the gaffer immensely because he is the main reason why I came here in the first instance, and of course, he is a big factor in why I am delighted to agree this new deal now."
-
Feel the warmth? Soft twat.
-
Feel the warmth? Soft twat.
It must be all the shisha....
-
On recent form Stoke should certainly nab the 9th spot from Newcastle, and may well leapfrog Southampton by the time the season ends. That would be a remarkable season for them...sickening isn't it?
What is frustrating is that we're a side sorely lacking quality in midfield. Ireland, for as much of a twonk as he is, has a lot of ability and for us to have let him go for nowt is frustrating. Particularly as Lambert has basically said he's looking for this no 10 player. We had one at the club who he never really used right, and like the rest of the bombers has been virtually written off for nothing.
Not that I'm absolving Ireland of blame for how his Villa career turned out. It's still mostly his own doing. It's just bloody annoying. Even if Lambo bought in a new number 10, I don't think he'd have a clue how to use him.
-
Ireland had plenty of chances under different managers here, the fact he was shit in most of them isn't their fault.
-
this bloke gives tools of the highest order a bad press
-
Irelands bollocks and had half a good season in his career.
The club could have given him a team of scantily clad serving girls and have him hooked up to a shisha like Jabba the Hutt and the useless ****** would still find a reason why things aren't working out.
The man is a thief.
-
I don't think it'll be long before he looks disinterested at Stoke.
-
Ireland had plenty of chances under different managers here, the fact he was shit in most of them isn't their fault.
Agreed. Also, I don't think he has looked like a world beater at Stoke from what I have seen.
-
Ireland had plenty of chances under different managers here, the fact he was shit in most of them isn't their fault.
Agreed. Also, I don't think he has looked like a world beater at Stoke from what I have seen.
hand on hips is how I will remember him (I'm setting myself up here)
-
He is a good player if handled correctly. As much as some people hate it, you have to manage players differently. Hughes has obviously managed it with him twice so must play to his ego. If it means he gives decent, creative performances then it can only be a good thing.
-
I thought he was our player of the season one season ;)
-
I thought he was our player of the season one season ;)
Chris Herd would have got my vote that season. Sums that season up. Both who won it, and who i'd have given it to.
-
I thought he was our player of the season one season ;)
Chris Herd would have got my vote that season. Sums that season up. Both who won it, and who i'd have given it to.
Its been that bad , I couldnt even tell you what season it was
-
I've had a few beverages, but seeing a stalwart like Steve get a new contract at a new club gives me a nice warm glow. I despair.......
-
To follow my previous comment and to point out the blindingly obvious, the like's of this guy are killing football. He has no loyalty to a club or a country, but people keep giving him unbelievable amounts of money on the off-chance that he can reproduce a few good games he had four or five years ago.
-
To follow my previous comment and to point out the blindingly obvious, the like's of this guy are killing football. He has no loyalty to a club or a country, but people keep giving him unbelievable amounts of money on the off-chance that he can reproduce a few good games he had four or five years ago.
Sorry, disagree, it is not players, it is the moneymen behind the scenes that actually agree to pay silly amounts to players like Ireland.
-
Very early into next season, Stoke will wonder why they bothered.
-
He'll be a squad player for Stoke, they have plenty of other options in that area.
-
He is the past, he had more than enough opportunities at Villa and failed everyone of them!
-
He is the past, he had more than enough opportunities at Villa and failed everyone of them!
Correct - one of the few people ever to be associated with Villa who I would liberally use the c word to describe him
-
He could turn into Rivaldo and I still wouldn't regret bombing him out of VP. He hated us and the feeling is mutual.
-
Enjoy.
Stephen Ireland "didn't want to be at Aston Villa at all" after leaving Manchester City for Villa Park back in 2010.
Those are the exact words of the former midfielder, who signed for Villa from City and looks back on his time under Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish, and Paul Lambert with regret after failing to make an impression in claret and blue. He left his boyhood club in Manchester after Roberto Mancini had his reservations about keeping Ireland in his Premier League title chasing squad.
"I don’t want to be there [at Aston Villa] at all," said Ireland on the Kickback with Nedum podcast. "I felt forced out. I felt like I was actually shafted. I felt the height of disrespect from Man City as they didn’t even give me a goodbye, or 'thanks for everything and good luck' - I felt heartbroken.
"I did not want to be at Villa, and I was really nervous about going to Villa because I felt like it was not for me, that 'I am not suited to this club.' I didn’t have a leg to stand on. They were working a deal to get James Milner in. On reflection, I should have done things differently.
"I remember sitting with my accountant in the office, and I had to go and sign the papers. We went back up to reception, and Richard Dunne was there welcoming me, and I thought, ‘Ah no, I don’t want to see his face, right here, right now’ because I was on the verge of pulling the plug on the deal.
"I said to my accountant, 'I'm not feeling good about this deal, I am not sure I should go through with it'. Because Dunny was there and the pressure from everybody, I just went through with it. I just knew it wasn't right for me."
Reflecting on his time at Villa Park, Ireland thinks the Villa that he signed for was an 'absolute shambles' after signing for the club hours before then manager Martin O'Neill resigned. He added: "I signed there at five o'clock, Martin O'Neill resigns at 11 o'clock.
"I think it was 10:30, 11 o'clock at night, I was sitting having some food in the hotel room, and I see the yellow bar on Sky Sports that Martin O'Neill has resigned. Then a caretaker manager comes in and we get leathered every game. He gets out of there, [Gerard] Houllier comes in and he was like, 'I didn't sign you, so I don't want you here'.
"Before I know it, I'm playing reserves and training on my own. I've done nothing wrong, didn't have any interaction with the guy. Then I'm at Newcastle on loan. I'm like, 'What is actually going on here?'"
The 2012/13 season at Villa started well for Ireland but he suffered an injury early on in the season which cost him his place in the team, and ultimately his place at the club altogether. Ireland said: "Lambert loved me when he came in first pre-season, the first five or six games of the season, I was flying under him.
"I said, 'I want to win. I want to play'. After about eight games, I broke my arm in a game. Then they went on a decent enough run where they won a couple and drew, lost one, beat Liverpool at Anfield. I remember I came back from my broken arm and he said, 'Look, we've won without you, so we don't need you. I've been instructed by the owners to make you train on your own. Hopefully, when January comes, you can find yourself a new club'.
"I was seven or eight pitches away, training on my own. He goes, 'Here's a couple of balls. Go down and do some keep ups, or take the crossbar challenge'. I'd have Saturday, Sunday, Monday off. Come in Tuesday, do that. Have Wednesday off. Do it Thursday. Don't come in Friday because the media could be driving past seeing me, and could be asking the gaffer questions. I was getting paid to come in Tuesday and Thursday.
"Me, Darren Bent, Alan Hutton, Shay Given - there were about 15 of us - came back one pre-season, and we weren't in the locker room anymore. We were moved down to some academy side of the building. We were told that we were in something called 'The Bomb Squad'.
"The club said it was [Paul Lambert's] decision, and then he said it was the club's decision. He probably didn't want to be the face of it. They were saying that it was because they wanted to take us off the wage bill, but they were paying for us to be in the Bomb Squad - it made no sense. It's a shame really," Ireland said about his time at Villa. "I was wasted. It was wrong."
-
Quite possibly my least favourite Villa player of all time.
Nobody forced you to come and sulk on £70k a week, you gutless little wank
-
With virtually every sentence, he has reminded me what an 18-carat, deluded cnut he was.
-
Always somebody else's fault. We didn't want you either, you slapheaded ******.
-
******
How I wish Dunne had not turned up when he did.
-
Doesn't come as a shock at all. We shouldn't have touched him with a bargepole, felt that way when we signed him. To be fair from his perspective, we were the last place he needed to be - a club in massive turmoil where it was clear from the moment he joined that he wasn't the manager's choice of signing.
No hard feelings towards him personally, it was just clearly the wrong move for both parties, and that's not even saying anything in hindsight as I remember having the exact same conversation with my dad before he'd even kicked a ball.
-
Wanker though he is, he’s right about the club being an absolute shambles back then.
-
I hate/hated him more than Hodge, honestly.
-
“Reflecting on his time at Villa Park, Ireland thinks the Villa that he signed for was an 'absolute shambles' after signing for the club hours before then manager Martin O'Neill resigned. He added: "I signed there at five o'clock, Martin O'Neill resigns at 11 o'clock.”
Didn’t Ireland sign for us the week after O’Neill walked out?
-
wow I love going back to these old threads, the things you forget , the bomb squad that Hutton was also in.
-
Martin O’Neill’s resignation was announced during the afternoon. I remember being in the office when I found out.
-
Pubehead quit on the 9th, Ireland signed on the 17th. His debut was the 6-0 at Newcastle.
-
“Reflecting on his time at Villa Park, Ireland thinks the Villa that he signed for was an 'absolute shambles' after signing for the club hours before then manager Martin O'Neill resigned. He added: "I signed there at five o'clock, Martin O'Neill resigns at 11 o'clock.”
Didn’t Ireland sign for us the week after O’Neill walked out?
Yes. In fact Jimmy played for us at home to West Ham Saturday 14 August before leaving and MON the ****** had long gone.
-
Pubehead quit on the 9th, Ireland signed on the 17th. His debut was the 6-0 at Newcastle.
Yeah well he probably didn't fucking realise MON had gone already, the wanker(s).
-
He was already outed as a lying shitweasel before we signed him, saying his nan had died to duck an international squad
-
He's a year younger than Ashley Young, but the last time he started two games of football in a row was 8 years ago. Absolute waster.
-
With virtually every sentence, he has reminded me what an 18-carat, deluded cnut he was.
Makes the Irish singer look like one of our better exports.
-
A waste of air.
-
Wanker though he is, he’s right about the club being an absolute shambles back then.
Absolutely. What a mess.
-
He’s probably right about the club being a shambles, at least to an extent. MON quitting as he did and signing a player that didn’t want to join (and probably has a stinking attitude) suggest we weren’t the most thorough in doing our checlks.
-
He’s probably right about the club being a shambles, at least to an extent. MON quitting as he did and signing a player that didn’t want to join (and probably has a stinking attitude) suggest we weren’t the most thorough in doing our checlks.
Yes, lack of thoroughness in doing our checlks cost us big time.
-
He's a year younger than Ashley Young, but the last time he started two games of football in a row was 8 years ago. Absolute waster.
Imagine having to rely on him and Gabby...
Lambert mumbling at him to keep busy by "doing a few keepy-uppies and the crossbar challenge" is where the over-paid/SoccerAM-ing of modern football goes to a quiet corner of Bodymoor Heath and pisses on the soul of football.
-
The 'bomb squad' was a fucking stupid idea.
How many of those players we threw in it left us for actual money, I wonder?
-
What did he say about McLeish? He played well for 4-5 games under him at least (although him winning POTY certainly summed up the state).
I actually rated him at Man. City and was pretty happy when we got him in. He certainly couldn't replace Milner but I thought a 4-2-3-1 with Petrov and NRC infront of back 4 and him with Young and Downing either side would be good to watch. Instead we moved Young centrally which didn't really work.
He's making the O'Neill stuff up btw.....given Milner played and scored in the first game of the season under Kevin McDonald. Unless he was in a hotel room with SSN being on a two week loop. Milner deal to Man. City went through 10 days after MON went anyway.
-
Stephen Ireland is a spoofer. Diabolical professional to boot, remember him in particular not trying a leg v Bradford. I guess that was someone else's fault too.
-
Its always someone else's fault with Ireland... Whiny little bitch...
-
Hiding in plain sight against Bradford. Standing there, 'asking' for the ball, but always positioning himself so there was a Bradford player between himself and the man in possession. Shameless wastrel.
-
To think he was our Player of the Season!
-
Its always someone else's fault with Ireland... Whiny little bitch...
Surely that should be Lying whiny little bitch.
-
I think he's nice.
-
I think he's nice.
Surprising given his shiny pate
-
Genuine lol right there. I just like his house and his pink Range Rover.
-
To think he was our Player of the Season!
That's a fact.
He had his moments, which were few and far between.
-
To think he was our Player of the Season!
That's a fact.
He had his moments, which were few and far between.
I just don't recall any of them.
-
Unsavoury little scheister as I thought of him at the time.
-
Being forced into joining us in 2010 showed just how much Man City wanted rid of his shit. I imagine he was massively fucked off. And while it wasn’t all his fault that year was the start of the massive nosedive we ultimately experienced.
-
Stephen Ireland "didn't want to be at Aston Villa at all" after leaving Manchester City for Villa Park back in 2010.
In these fractured times it's nice when all sides can all unite behind something that everyone agrees upon, and find consensus.
-
What a massive toe rag he was. Winning the POTY award for one fucking performance away at Chelsea in that turd of a McLeish season. I’d forgotten how bad 11/12 was until this bought it all back. And he can stick his Pimped up Range Rover up his arse as well. ****.
-
I've just had a look to check when Ireland last played. His last game was for Stoke in May 2018 when he was 31. He joined Bolton the following October, who were a far bigger shambles at that point than Vilia ever were, and didn’t kick a ball in anger for them in the two months he was there or indeed since.
-
Genuine lol right there. I just like his house and his pink Range Rover.
Point of order. It was only the wheels that were pink.
-
Genuine lol right there. I just like his house and his pink Range Rover.
Point of order. It was only the wheels that were pink.
Pink tinged vehicle, yes.
I think the interior was also involved. Bespoke car, as they used to say.
-
Quite possibly my least favourite Villa player of all time.
Nobody forced you to come and sulk on £70k a week, you gutless little wank
This
-
At a time when everything seems to be so positive about the club you can always rely on Birmingham Live to rake this sort of shite back up again
-
Doesn't come as a shock at all. We shouldn't have touched him with a bargepole, felt that way when we signed him. To be fair from his perspective, we were the last place he needed to be - a club in massive turmoil where it was clear from the moment he joined that he wasn't the manager's choice of signing.
No hard feelings towards him personally, it was just clearly the wrong move for both parties, and that's not even saying anything in hindsight as I remember having the exact same conversation with my dad before he'd even kicked a ball.
I think you've called it right, algy.
-
At a time when everything seems to be so positive about the club you can always rely on Birmingham Live to rake this sort of shite back up again
They do that with anything to do with Birmingham really. There’s an article about a new Birmingham skyscraper being built that, in the same piece, they say is too tall and not tall enough. I can’t stand them.
-
At a time when everything seems to be so positive about the club you can always rely on Birmingham Live to rake this sort of shite back up again
They do that with anything to do with Birmingham really. There’s an article about a new Birmingham skyscraper being built that, in the same piece, they say is too tall and not tall enough. I can’t stand them.
That's why you employ a professional construction company.
-
At a time when everything seems to be so positive about the club you can always rely on Birmingham Live to rake this sort of shite back up again
They do that with anything to do with Birmingham really. There’s an article about a new Birmingham skyscraper being built that, in the same piece, they say is too tall and not tall enough. I can’t stand them.
They've always been the champions of parochialism. The Mancs have The Guardian cheerleading on a national scale and we had these chumps telling us to know our fucking place.
-
If the Villa invented a cure for cancer they'd run a feature on out-of-work chemo manufacturers.
-
It's not just Villa they are like that with, as Percy mentioned, they have a downer on the entire city.
I have genuinely never encountered another major regional newspaper / news organisation with such a downer on (easily) its biggest sport institution, though.
When it comes to the city, they're just so, so small time. "OMG! A Brummie is in the news!!11!!!!" etc.
-
I had to hold my nose and look at the website yesterday to get the news on the bus strike.
-
I only read the Villa stuff in there so interesting to hear that they're not just down on us, but the entire city.
And that website is shocking. Impossible to read on a phone or tablet. Yet they never do anything about it.
-
Many years ago I was with some journos enjoying a cup of tea when the topic of parochialism in newspapers came up. I suggested that the Evening Mail would win it with "Birmingham man injured as Russians invade West Germany". The local press has mostly gone downhill since then.
-
At a time when everything seems to be so positive about the club you can always rely on Birmingham Live to rake this sort of shite back up again
They do that with anything to do with Birmingham really. There’s an article about a new Birmingham skyscraper being built that, in the same piece, they say is too tall and not tall enough. I can’t stand them.
They recently had an "article" asking where the players were from a Euro defeat against Austria Vienna.
Not the win against Ajax, or anything else positive. A random Euro defeat...
Wankers.
-
At a time when everything seems to be so positive about the club you can always rely on Birmingham Live to rake this sort of shite back up again
They do that with anything to do with Birmingham really. There’s an article about a new Birmingham skyscraper being built that, in the same piece, they say is too tall and not tall enough. I can’t stand them.
They've always been the champions of parochialism. The Mancs have The Guardian cheerleading on a national scale and we had these chumps telling us to know our fucking place.
Aren't they owned by The Mirror Group, based in Cockerney land or the north west?
You only have to look at the likes of that tarquin twat Piers Morgan for his snidy little shit-fuck comments whenever Birmingham is mentioned to see their attitudes towards us.
They all have a snidy cowardly snobbish prejudice against anything from Birmingham...
-
A typical Manchester Evening News website headline: "VIST MANCHESTER - IT'S THE GREATEST CITY ON EARTH!"
A typical Liverpool Echo website headline: "VISIT LIVERPOOL - WE'RE THE CITY FOR MUSIC AND FOOTBALL!"
A typical Birmingham Evening Mail website headline: "VISIT BIRMINGHAM - IF YOU'RE LUCKY YOU'LL GET HOME IN ONE PIECE!"
-
A typical Manchester Evening News website headline: "VIST MANCHESTER - IT'S THE GREATEST CITY ON EARTH for the rain, fleecing fans, quiet stadiums where you can bring a book to read in peace, illegal purchasing of players and pretending otherwise !"
A typical Liverpool Echo website headline: "VISIT LIVERPOOL - WE'RE THE CITY FOR MUSIC AND FOOTBALL, well, the red half, who are about as consistent as a bowl of freshly made custard, as for the blue half, they are in a spot of bother but think they're amazing and big!"
A typical Birmingham Evening Mail website headline: "VISIT BIRMINGHAM - IF YOU'RE LUCKY YOU'LL GET HOME IN ONE PIECE because you're as tough as fuck!"
Fixed.