Stephen Ireland

[Clampy]

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.

[eastie]

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 .

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Simple get rid ........

[Jarpie]

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.

[Tom_Mc9?]

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.

[eastie]

Another year after this I think.

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Summer 2014 unfortunately ......

[hilts_coolerking]

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.

[Merv]

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.

[Risso]

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.

[paul_e]

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.

[Risso]

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.

[tomd2103]

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.

[pestria]

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. 

[rutski]

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!