The Milner Novela... Final episode page 296

[VillaAlways]

So....errrr..... why is this deal going through whilst we have no manager?

I think it was done and dusted prior to MONS resignation

[Risso]

So....errrr..... why is this deal going through whilst we have no manager?

because we need the money to balance the books.

It would have gone through whether we needed the cash or not.  and as it looks like we've got Ireland as a replacement, it's great business.

[eastie]

I thought Ireland had pulled out as he wants to go to spurs?

[Dave Clark Five]

No point paying Milner's wages for a minute longer.

[Dave P]

I thought Ireland had pulled out as he wants to go to spurs?

Please dont tell me you believe the Mirror.

[Concrete John]

If Milner for Ireland plus a bucket load of cash was a good deal last week then it's still a good deal now.  Manager or not.

[jonzy85]

The only snag I can see is whether Ireland will want to sign for a club with no manager and the last manager decided to walk out.

Also in terms of balancing the wages book, I imagine Ireland will be on about the same as what Milner was on, so it wont do much there.

[Chris Smith]

If Milner for Ireland plus a bucket load of cash was a good deal last week then it's still a good deal now.  Manager or not.

Yep, although I still have the same concerns of how we're going to play him. Ireland is a straight 442 would, in my opinion, be a disaster.

[jonzy85]

A disaster???

Why?

[Concrete John]

You would need a more specialist holding player behind him in a 4-4-2 and I don't think Petrov has the engine to do that, but NRC circa 07/08 would. 

[cheltenhamlion]

I wish this deal would be finalised it's all getting rather tedious now.

[jonzy85]

Ireland had is best season for City as a player who would break into the box and score goals, I grant you that.

But from what I have seen he is well able to play as part of 2 man midfield. Does his share of work when needed.

But I agree, to get the best out of him would be to play him as part of a 3...perhaps with Petrov and NRC behind him.

[citygirl]

Hope you don't mind me butting in but for me, Stevie needs to be played in a 4-3-3 or ideally a 4-5-1.  In a 4-4-2 he's too restricted.  He needs the freedom to roam which one or two more defensively minded players behind him would allow.  He can track back and he can tackle but that's not his strengths.  His Strengths IMO are just what  jonzy85 says, making late runs into the box and scoring goals from there.  He isn't one for defence splittling passes, he's usually the one on the end of a defence splitting pass.  His anticipatation and movement are excellent.

He had his best season when Elano and Robhino were in the team.  Him and Rhohino especailly had a certain something...they played off each other and it was a pleasure to watch.

Last year he had a 'mare...terrible.  I think there were lots of reason though, not least Carlos Tevez!!  I do however think you will be getting a real star.  Sorry to see him go..take care of him!

[Chris Smith]

Hope you don't mind me butting in but for me, Stevie needs to be played in a 4-3-3 or ideally a 4-5-1.  In a 4-4-2 he's too restricted.  He needs the freedom to roam which one or two more defensively minded players behind him would allow.  He can track back and he can tackle but that's not his strengths.  His Strengths IMO are just what  jonzy85 says, making late runs into the box and scoring goals from there.  He isn't one for defence splittling passes, he's usually the one on the end of a defence splitting pass.  His anticipatation and movement are excellent.

He had his best season when Elano and Robhino were in the team.  Him and Rhohino especailly had a certain something...they played off each other and it was a pleasure to watch.

Last year he had a 'mare...terrible.  I think there were lots of reason though, not least Carlos Tevez!!  I do however think you will be getting a real star.  Sorry to see him go..take care of him!

Thanks, nice to hear and that's more or less how I see him.

Quick question, is he really as loopy as he appears from the outside?

[LeeB]

Hope you don't mind me butting in but for me, Stevie needs to be played in a 4-3-3 or ideally a 4-5-1.  In a 4-4-2 he's too restricted.  He needs the freedom to roam which one or two more defensively minded players behind him would allow.  He can track back and he can tackle but that's not his strengths.  His Strengths IMO are just what  jonzy85 says, making late runs into the box and scoring goals from there.  He isn't one for defence splittling passes, he's usually the one on the end of a defence splitting pass.  His anticipatation and movement are excellent.

He had his best season when Elano and Robhino were in the team.  Him and Rhohino especailly had a certain something...they played off each other and it was a pleasure to watch.

Last year he had a 'mare...terrible.  I think there were lots of reason though, not least Carlos Tevez!!  I do however think you will be getting a real star.  Sorry to see him go..take care of him!

Thanks for that love, now pop a skirt on and make us a cup of tea, there's a good girl.

Now as for Ireland, I reckon he'd be too restricted in a 4-4-2, ideally he'd play in a 4-4-3 or a 4-5-1. We'd need to utilise his strengths, which I believe are his ability to arrive late in too the box..............etc.