Ireland unsure about his future

[Geo123]

There is no place for Ireland in this team, there is no place for Ireland in the Irish team.

How ppl cant see the glaringly obvious that playmakers dont fit into mancinis tactics is hilarious, similarly, he would not fit into Irelands cause there the same, no midfielder has shone this season consistently, not because Stevie and Barry are bad players but because the tactics dont permit it,

Doug you watch training every day and see how much tactical and shadow play goes on, midfielders are never supporting come match day.

This is not an anti Mancini post in any way before ye go off on one either because im not criticising them, just saying some players roles are too shine and others simply have a job, and for the most part they get results.

Finally im sure Stevie will have alot of suitors, rags and liverpool, everton and wudnt be surprised if fulham made a move but think we wont let him go cheap and none of them have money

[Tokyo Blue]

There is no place for Ireland in this team, there is no place for Ireland in the Irish team.

How ppl cant see the glaringly obvious that playmakers dont fit into mancinis tactics is hilarious, similarly, he would not fit into Irelands cause there the same, no midfielder has shone this season consistently, not because Stevie and Barry are bad players but because the tactics dont permit it,

Doug you watch training every day and see how much tactical and shadow play goes on, midfielders are never supporting come match day.

This is not an anti Mancini post in any way before ye go off on one either because im not criticising them, just saying some players roles are too shine and others simply have a job, and for the most part they get results.

Finally im sure Stevie will have alot of suitors, rags and liverpool, everton and wudnt be surprised if fulham made a move but think we wont let him go cheap and none of them have money

A big unspoken assumption here: that playmakers can't or won't defend. I believe this is not true. The days of clearly defined roles within a football team are at an end. Players have to be able to perform much more than just one function these days. Look at the very best midfielders, your Lampards, your Fabregases and your Essiens. They can all play any role in the centre of the park with comfort and quality; they do so regularly within a single game.

I think Ireland needs a rest. Last summer and the summer before he went hill-climbing and martial arts training. If I were his manager I'd tell him he needs to cut that out this summer and spend some time with the family, recharge his batteries both mentally and physically. A player doesn't become shite in a matter of months for no reason. City and Stevie himself need to find this reason and eradicate it. I believe it is overtraining and lack of rest.

[Slim]

I am sure I have seen Stevie track all the way back to our own byline to make a tackle, he has set forward numerous counters because he will defend from high up on the pitch, the idea that he is a passenger in midfield when we are defending is just wrong.

And again I say the same thing I said two years ago, he fills a role, shouldn't be sold, etc etc. You can search for it if you like under the "Ireland to Sunderland" type thread.

[dazby]

Keep unless it's a swap for Diego. I said that 2 years ago too.

[Slim]

Oooo, me too.

[dazby]

yeah

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

There is no place for Ireland in this team, there is no place for Ireland in the Irish team.

How ppl cant see the glaringly obvious that playmakers dont fit into mancinis tactics is hilarious, similarly, he would not fit into Irelands cause there the same, no midfielder has shone this season consistently, not because Stevie and Barry are bad players but because the tactics dont permit it,

Doug you watch training every day and see how much tactical and shadow play goes on, midfielders are never supporting come match day.

This is not an anti Mancini post in any way before ye go off on one either because im not criticising them, just saying some players roles are too shine and others simply have a job, and for the most part they get results.

Finally im sure Stevie will have alot of suitors, rags and liverpool, everton and wudnt be surprised if fulham made a move but think we wont let him go cheap and none of them have money

A big unspoken assumption here: that playmakers can't or won't defend. I believe this is not true. The days of clearly defined roles within a football team are at an end. Players have to be able to perform much more than just one function these days. Look at the very best midfielders, your Lampards, your Fabregases and your Essiens. They can all play any role in the centre of the park with comfort and quality; they do so regularly within a single game.

I think Ireland needs a rest. Last summer and the summer before he went hill-climbing and martial arts training. If I were his manager I'd tell him he needs to cut that out this summer and spend some time with the family, recharge his batteries both mentally and physically. A player doesn't become shite in a matter of months for no reason. City and Stevie himself need to find this reason and eradicate it. I believe it is overtraining and lack of rest.

Exactly!

Sure there are attacking midfielders who just fanny around when they lose the ball. Ireland for example, at his best, is very good at tackling and winning the ball back. People seem to get distracted with his slight build (same way as bald midfielder = defensive midfielder) but truth is he led us in tackles one season!

Most of the top midfielders in world will participate on both attack and defend. Take someone like Kaká for example. He is surprisingly good at winning balls and tackles.

[Grob]

Ireland is back to pretty much where he was 2 years ago. He's gone full circle.

He deserves another chance for me though, i want him to stay and fight for his place.

Theres plenty of deadwood to shift on before we give up on Ireland. Hopefully after an injury free summer and start of next season we will see the real Ireland.

Ireland's biggest problem to me always seems to be a lack of self confidence. He passes up so many shooting opportunites and often plays the easy pass rather than the exquisit pass that he is capable of. Its hurts his worth to the team. Could be a mental thing, and we all know he's got a screw loose!

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The strange thing for me at the mo is the apparent urgency of Ireland's thinking and likely decision.Even for him but I feel sure he will speak with Mancini before he talks seriously with other clubs. If Mancini wants him to stay I think he will stay.If he doesnt it sounds like he will be gone very soon and whatever happens I expect him to be successful.

[Ted Hughes]

There is no place for Ireland in this team, there is no place for Ireland in the Irish team.

How ppl cant see the glaringly obvious that playmakers dont fit into mancinis tactics is hilarious, similarly, he would not fit into Irelands cause there the same, no midfielder has shone this season consistently, not because Stevie and Barry are bad players but because the tactics dont permit it,

Doug you watch training every day and see how much tactical and shadow play goes on, midfielders are never supporting come match day.

This is not an anti Mancini post in any way before ye go off on one either because im not criticising them, just saying some players roles are too shine and others simply have a job, and for the most part they get results.

Finally im sure Stevie will have alot of suitors, rags and liverpool, everton and wudnt be surprised if fulham made a move but think we wont let him go cheap and none of them have money

A big unspoken assumption here: that playmakers can't or won't defend. I believe this is not true. The days of clearly defined roles within a football team are at an end. Players have to be able to perform much more than just one function these days. Look at the very best midfielders, your Lampards, your Fabregases and your Essiens. They can all play any role in the centre of the park with comfort and quality; they do so regularly within a single game.

I think Ireland needs a rest. Last summer and the summer before he went hill-climbing and martial arts training. If I were his manager I'd tell him he needs to cut that out this summer and spend some time with the family, recharge his batteries both mentally and physically. A player doesn't become shite in a matter of months for no reason. City and Stevie himself need to find this reason and eradicate it. I believe it is overtraining and lack of rest.

Exactly!

Sure there are attacking midfielders who just fanny around when they lose the ball. Ireland for example, at his best, is very good at tackling and winning the ball back. People seem to get distracted with his slight build (same way as bald midfielder = defensive midfielder) but truth is he led us in tackles one season!

Most of the top midfielders in world will participate on both attack and defend. Take someone like Kaká for example. He is surprisingly good at winning balls and tackles.

That's why his efforts this season have been such a disgrace. It's obvious to everyone that he hasn't tried as hard, the Scholes debacle being a prime example. That was pretty close to unforgivable. If he'd got stuck in & tried his best in games, like Johnson is doing, no one would be on his case for a loss of form, they'd just expect it to come back at some point. It's the sulking & lack of effort because he's been asked to play different roles, that has lost him respect. Tiredness could be an excuse if it was over 90 mins but it was clearly not an issue v rags or other substitute appearences. He chose not to try very hard.

I want to see him trying as hard as he can & doing the job he's fucking told to do, be it playmaker, defensive midfield, support striker, winger, anything. If Paul Scholes is willing to change roles & do as he's told then Ireland should be, he has no argument.

[Original Dub]

The strange thing for me at the mo is the apparent urgency of Ireland's thinking and likely decision.Even for him but I feel sure he will speak with Mancini before he talks seriously with other clubs. If Mancini wants him to stay I think he will stay.If he doesnt it sounds like he will be gone very soon and whatever happens I expect him to be successful.

Well the thing is Doug he said that if he does leave it won't be because he wanted to, it'll be because the club no longer want him, so any "talks" will be to see if he features in Mancini's plans.

I agree that he will be successful no matter what. He just needs the right guidance, that's all IMO.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The strange thing for me at the mo is the apparent urgency of Ireland's thinking and likely decision.Even for him but I feel sure he will speak with Mancini before he talks seriously with other clubs. If Mancini wants him to stay I think he will stay.If he doesnt it sounds like he will be gone very soon and whatever happens I expect him to be successful.

Well the thing is Doug he said that if he does leave it won't be because he wanted to, it'll be because the club no longer want him, so any "talks" will be to see if he features in Mancini's plans.

I agree that he will be successful no matter what. He just needs the right guidance, that's all IMO.

Agreed, but if Mancini doesnt fancy him that's his call. His judgement of players abilities and character and his man management skills will determine what happens next year and his future. That's what it's all about.

[john@staustell]

I see no mysteries why Bobby doesn't fancy him or any conspiracies.

Player doesn't play well, player doesn't get in team. Player wants to get in team, player bucks up a bit!

Simple.

[Geo123]

There is no place for Ireland in this team, there is no place for Ireland in the Irish team.

How ppl cant see the glaringly obvious that playmakers dont fit into mancinis tactics is hilarious, similarly, he would not fit into Irelands cause there the same, no midfielder has shone this season consistently, not because Stevie and Barry are bad players but because the tactics dont permit it,

Doug you watch training every day and see how much tactical and shadow play goes on, midfielders are never supporting come match day.

This is not an anti Mancini post in any way before ye go off on one either because im not criticising them, just saying some players roles are too shine and others simply have a job, and for the most part they get results.

Finally im sure Stevie will have alot of suitors, rags and liverpool, everton and wudnt be surprised if fulham made a move but think we wont let him go cheap and none of them have money

A big unspoken assumption here: that playmakers can't or won't defend. I believe this is not true. The days of clearly defined roles within a football team are at an end. Players have to be able to perform much more than just one function these days. Look at the very best midfielders, your Lampards, your Fabregases and your Essiens. They can all play any role in the centre of the park with comfort and quality; they do so regularly within a single game.

I think Ireland needs a rest. Last summer and the summer before he went hill-climbing and martial arts training. If I were his manager I'd tell him he needs to cut that out this summer and spend some time with the family, recharge his batteries both mentally and physically. A player doesn't become shite in a matter of months for no reason. City and Stevie himself need to find this reason and eradicate it. I believe it is overtraining and lack of rest.

That is not my assumption at all, im saying midfielders in our team have a role and it doesnt seem to be to get forward. This may be quite trivial too but the 3 players you mentioned for the most part play with one striker upfront, and essien is box to box not creative (would be exactly what mancini needs). Last summer Ireland actually undertook sufficiently less of this training on managements recommandations so I dont think a rest is in order. He looks disillusioned with City and I dont think Mancini saying he wants him will have much weight in his decision because he clearly doesnt.

[Ted Hughes]

I see no mysteries why Bobby doesn't fancy him or any conspiracies.

Player doesn't play well, player doesn't get in team. Player wants to get in team, player bucks up a bit!

Simple.

Agree, he played him, he was shit. He tried him again, he was shit. He brought him on as sub, he was shit. No subtefuge, he just didn't deserve to play.

[Geo123]

I see no mysteries why Bobby doesn't fancy him or any conspiracies.

Player doesn't play well, player doesn't get in team. Player wants to get in team, player bucks up a bit!

Simple.

Agree, he played him, he was shit. He tried him again, he was shit. He brought him on as sub, he was shit. No subtefuge, he just didn't deserve to play.

More like he played him, he played well, next game moved him to right wing (wolves) he was shit and got injured, he came back played well scored, set up 2 in the next two games, picked up a knock was poor, missed a couple games, came back and played poor, next game got injured, and this continued to happen for the remainder of the season.

Clearly him picking up injuries is not mancinis fault, but there were numerous times when he was fully fit and games that would have suited him that he was not utilised in.
For those saying he needs to buck up, by all accounts (perhaps doug can confirm?) he had been training quite well and working hard to get back in up until he got the knock last friday.

But my arguement that Mancini instructs players not to roam from midfield is lost on you anyway as yer too concerned with the player in question, but watch if Diego or other comes a similar problem arising,

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I see no mysteries why Bobby doesn't fancy him or any conspiracies.

Player doesn't play well, player doesn't get in team. Player wants to get in team, player bucks up a bit!

Simple.

Agree, he played him, he was shit. He tried him again, he was shit. He brought him on as sub, he was shit. No subtefuge, he just didn't deserve to play.

More like he played him, he played well, next game moved him to right wing (wolves) he was shit and got injured, he came back played well scored, set up 2 in the next two games, picked up a knock was poor, missed a couple games, came back and played poor, next game got injured, and this continued to happen for the remainder of the season.

Clearly him picking up injuries is not mancinis fault, but there were numerous times when he was fully fit and games that would have suited him that he was not utilised in.
For those saying he needs to buck up, by all accounts (perhaps doug can confirm?) he had been training quite well and working hard to get back in up until he got the knock last friday.

But my arguement that Mancini instructs players not to roam from midfield is lost on you anyway as yer too concerned with the player in question, but watch if Diego or other comes a similar problem arising,

No doubt at all that he had been training hard and well. Got to agree with geo here. It's true that some of his performances were below par but it's also true that he has had some injuries this season.Not so sure about the playing out of position bit so much.He has been at times but with his talent he should still have shown more quality.

The ONLY key to this going forward is whather Mancini likes him as a player and wants him in the squad never mind the team. I believe he should as I firmly believe we will see him back to his best next year and I hope it's with us.

[Geo123]

As Ive said already, I dont think mancini wants him that much but hes a good option with the rule thats coming in, just to sit him on the bench. We dont need the money so no one will match what we ask for him.

[Twobob]

Most of us can remember all the way back to last season and how well he played in his best possition, started this season playing much deeper and he wasnt as affective going forward - which is what hes best at. Then he had some crazy shit virus and since then he's looked half the player he was both physically and mentally.

We need to keep hold of him and get him to superman form again - christ we were calling out for creativeness from midfield against spuds and we know he can do the job when 100%.

Stevie needs to get into his close season, have a break and get this injury fixed - then get running up those Glossop hills again!

Either that or create some more contraversy to overcome!

[Longball]

used to defend him to the hilt ,ive got tired of him this season- hes not loyal - he has ran to the press and dissed all the managers since pearce, taxi for ireland!!