Conor Hourihane - thanks and farewell

[dave shelley]

I think he could be in a state of flux regarding his future and perhaps it's weighing heavily on his mind affecting his form.  I hope he gets sorted soon, one way or the other, I believe he deserves that much.

[brontebilly]

Started for Ireland the other night but you lose the will to live watching them so I didn't bother. Got subbed on the hour mark which mirrored his latter record at Swansea. Suggests that he's starting because of his name/reputation but not imposing himself on games and being taken-off at more or less the earliest opportunity....kind of like a lower-rent Barkley.

I suffered through it, Eamonn. Or most of it anyway.

Game passed Hourihane by like most of his international appearances. The odd tidy set piece aside. His limitations are exposed more for Ireland I think as our midfield (all the way back to Roy Keane to be honest) struggle to get turned on the ball in midfield when put under the slightest bit of pressure. Hourihane isn't brave enough frankly to get turned on the ball in that scenario. Some of the Irish media were scathing of his efforts against Andorra in this regard (I didn't brave watching that game, mind). Hourihane's weakness on his right side and physically he looks too lean if anything to be competitive in the tackle.

Under McCarthy and Kenny now he is usually one of the first guys hooked and in a very limited team that isn't a good look. Josh Cullen looks a better option in that role to be honest, more dynamic. Big summer for Hourihane to get back on track.

[Sexual Ealing]

Started for Ireland the other night but you lose the will to live watching them so I didn't bother. Got subbed on the hour mark which mirrored his latter record at Swansea. Suggests that he's starting because of his name/reputation but not imposing himself on games and being taken-off at more or less the earliest opportunity....kind of like a lower-rent Barkley.

I suffered through it, Eamonn. Or most of it anyway.

Game passed Hourihane by like most of his international appearances. The odd tidy set piece aside. His limitations are exposed more for Ireland I think as our midfield (all the way back to Roy Keane to be honest) struggle to get turned on the ball in midfield when put under the slightest bit of pressure. Hourihane isn't brave enough frankly to get turned on the ball in that scenario. Some of the Irish media were scathing of his efforts against Andorra in this regard (I didn't brave watching that game, mind). Hourihane's weakness on his right side and physically he looks too lean if anything to be competitive in the tackle.

Under McCarthy and Kenny now he is usually one of the first guys hooked and in a very limited team that isn't a good look. Josh Cullen looks a better option in that role to be honest, more dynamic. Big summer for Hourihane to get back on track.

He may or may not be a top-level player, but he doesn't lack bravery.

[in exile]

Steve Bruce wants him apparently.

[eamonn]

Hmm...would be a decent move for him. How much is Mike Ashley offering - a new House of Fraser for the Bullring?

[cdbearsfan]

I'm going to be shitting it ever we concede a free kick against him.

[Mortimer's Bear]

As limited as he is, I would not enjoy seeing him return to Vila Park in another teams strip.

[OCD]

Steve Bruce wants him apparently.

According to Gabby Agbonlahor.

[Footy-Vill]

Will he have a Hutton like renaissance here now given circumstances?

[Monty]

Will he have a Hutton like renaissance here now given circumstances?

Christ almighty FV, I know you've got a funny view of Grealish's abilities but replaced by Conor Hourihane? Instead of playing matches, how about we just offer to blow the opposition?

[Monty]

Hourihane leaving is a step up for the club. Grealish leaving is a step down. The latter is the end of the world - couldn't even begin to register a fuck given about the former.

[eamonn]

A bit harsh on Conor!

Has he gone again? Celtic is my guess. Him and James McCarthy, the Irish/Celtic dreamteam.

[Steve67]

We are not moving forward by playing Conor. Had his time but it’s now a step too far for him. He was great for us though and deserves some respect.

[Mossie Hennebry]

True, but he did contribute and will remembered fondly I think. He's pushing on too...he must be 33/34, no?

[Exeter 77]

True, but he did contribute and will remembered fondly I think. He's pushing on too...he must be 33/34, no?

He's 30.