Stephen Ireland

[VillaAlways]

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."

[Ads]

Feel the warmth? Soft twat.

[VillaAlways]

Feel the warmth? Soft twat.

It must be all the shisha....

[supertom]

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.

[PeterWithesShin]

Ireland had plenty of chances under different managers here, the fact he was shit in most of them isn't their fault.

[mr underhill]

this bloke gives tools of the highest order a bad press

[aj2k77]

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.

[supertom]

I don't think it'll be long before he looks disinterested at Stoke.

[Damo70]

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.

[Malandro]

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)

[kippaxvilla2]

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. 

[JUAN PABLO]

I thought he was our player of the season one season

[PeterWithesShin]

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.

[JUAN PABLO]

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

[Le Lapin]

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.......