The Milner Novela... Final episode page 296

[SashasGrandad]

Ireland is no better or worse than Milner IMO.

I just wish we'd get an announcement soon, I was gonna get a Milner England shirt for the World Cup, but shall opt against if his future isn't sorted.

You could always get a Heskey one!!

[PaulTheVillan]

Ireland is no better or worse than Milner IMO.

I just wish we'd get an announcement soon, I was gonna get a Milner England shirt for the World Cup, but shall opt against if his future isn't sorted.

You could always get a Heskey one!!

Or Barry? Gerrard? or Terry?

[Chris Smith]

The question would be, could we replace Milner for £20m.

If we get Ireland, we'd already have done.  With a better player as well I reckon.

I think he’s a better attacking central player. The obvious downside is that we lose a hell of a lot of industry. As long as we bring in another central midfielder to replace the ineffective Sidwell, and who can complement Ireland, then we’ll be stronger.

Throw in a top right back, a couple of strikers and another midfielder and we'll be well away.

Ireland is far too inconsistent to be considered as an equal to Milner. Yes he's got a bit of flair and an eye for a pass but he's a luxury player not one to build your team around like Jimmy.

[Risso]

Ireland is far too inconsistent to be considered as an equal to Milner. Yes he's got a bit of flair and an eye for a pass but he's a luxury player not one to build your team around like Jimmy.

For two years he was the very model of consistency, and was Man City's player of the year last season (07/08) at the age of 22.  This season he's been disrupted by injury and the general silliness at Man City.  I think you're being unduly harsh on him, he's an excellent player.  Given that Milner has only really caught they eye after a half season of playing in central midfield, I'm not sure how you can say one player is more consistent than the other.

[Concrete John]

I'd take Ireland with or without Milner going, but he isn't as good a player, IMO.

Yesterday's Sunday Mirror had an article comparing their stats and there wasn't much difference between Ireland in 08/09 and Milner for 09/10 in terms of goals and assists.  So we'd replace his offensive contribution, but not his work rate and industry.  So for me it shows Jimmy to be the better player.

[Ads]

I stand by my comments. I think Ireland has got more going for him as an attacking player and I think he’s the closest thing to Scholes we could get. I readily admitted that we’d lose a lot of industry and balance that Jimmy offers, but if we could bring in two other central players to replace Sidwell and the missing industry, then I think we’d end up on the better side of the deal.

The dream scenario would be to bring in Ireland and keep Jimmy of course. I think both of them having a long conversation with Dunney would do them both good.

[supertom]

How bout a straight swap. Hart, Ireland and Bellamy? I'd take that.

Man City won't mind losing Hart, they'll just spunk out a few bob on someone else.

I'd love to get Joe Hart here, I think he's gonn be absolutely top class. Bring him in, and have the experience of Friedel to call upon if needs be.  Let Bradders wind down in Europe and the Cups.

Bellamy would be useful too. And Ireland's a good player.

If we signed a top quality grafter, with a decent pass on him too, we'd be looking good in midfield.

Young, Grafter, Ireland, Bellamy
-----------Keane-------------------------

-------------------Gabby-----------------

Looks good to me. Let Grafty sit in front of the back 4. Young and Bellamy both work their bollocks of so we wouldn't be too flimsy.

[Mazrim]

The question would be, could we replace Milner for £20m.

If we get Ireland, we'd already have done.  With a better player as well I reckon.

I cant agree with that. Ireland, if his head continues to be screwed to his body, would replace Milners attacking dimension but not much else. Which is why we, and the media, are talking about him as a relatively small part of a deal for Milner.

I'd like to see Milner play behind Ireland because he's a genuine box to box midfielder and Ireland isnt. In other words I could see Milner playing Petrovs role with far more energy, mobility and attacking benefits.

[SoccerHQ]

Ireland is certainly the better attacking player as he scores and creates more from open player although Milner has improved in that aspect.

This will drag on through July I suspect.

[KevinGage]

I'd take Ireland with or without Milner going, but he isn't as good a player, IMO.

Yesterday's Sunday Mirror had an article comparing their stats and there wasn't much difference between Ireland in 08/09 and Milner for 09/10 in terms of goals and assists.  So we'd replace his offensive contribution, but not his work rate and industry.  So for me it shows Jimmy to be the better player.

How many penalties did Stephen Ireland take in 08/09?
I ask because I'm genuinely not sure, but from memory I don't think he was their designated penalty taker.

I like Jimmy, but given a straight choice I'd probably go for Ireland. Jimmy is a meat and potatoes player, a trier. 100% endeavour. Not completely without skill, but can look a bit one paced.

Ireland can do the unexpected, whether it's a sliderule pass, a welltimed run into the box to get on the end of a move or turn up to training in a pimped out Pink Landrover. Every good side needs that type of player (well except for the Landrover part, obv).

[SoccerHQ]

Ireland scored I think 9 goals from open play in the league in 08/09 so easily one of the highest scoring midfielders.

[pauliewalnuts]

I'd like Joe Hart, too, but why does anyone think he'd want to come here to be second fiddle to Friedel?

He's going to want to be first choice wherever he goes (and probably has as much chance of dislodging Given as he does Friedel, so why move?)

[KevinGage]

How long do we think Friedel has left?

There were times last season when the old reactions weren't as sharp as they once were.

Maybe this will be the season where he gradually gets phased out even more. That being the case, Hart would be an excellent shout.

[Mazrim]

I'd like Joe Hart, too, but why does anyone think he'd want to come here to be second fiddle to Friedel?

He's going to want to be first choice wherever he goes (and probably has as much chance of dislodging Given as he does Friedel, so why move?)

Well, I'd give him the the starting spot without even thinking about it.
Not that I think there will be any deal done involving Hart anyway.

[nechells]

I think its important to remember that there is likely to be other clubs in for Milner.

I would prefer some of the Man City player plus cash options but Milner could well hold out for a move to a bigger club than Man City.Its not a forgone conclusion that Milner is on his way to Man City.