***Transfer Rumours Thread*** [ALL RUMOUR TOPICS MERGED]

[Blue Blood]

Personally i dont understand this deal either. Ireland who has potential gets shipped out.. yet we appear to be keeping in employment Pat 'no tricks left' Vieira..

based on what exactly?

friend of the boss is he?

Patrick isn't just a friend of the boss. He's a proven winner who can look people in the eye and talk about a winning culture and what it takes.

Im not excited about seeing Ireland leave either but he really has had little positive to show in the last 12 months. Patrick is here for this season because he could extend his deal and that's all. Who honestly would want to buy him from us? He came on a loan, got to extend his deal a season and that will be all. Cant hurt as a dressing room influence. Ireland is a whole different kettle of fish. Ill be sad if he leaves but maybe the fresh start will give the kid a fresh start and a clear head to get himself back on track. He needs a change for sure.

Cheers

Couldn't agree more, Ireland still has a big future in the game, its just that it clearly isn't here.

16million + Ireland for Milner represents good value imo. Also a good solution for all parties involved.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I would've said no to straight swap, nevermind giving them tons of money. Horrible deal if this goes through.

Ireland is also very liked among players so we'll see what sort of influence this will have in dressing room.

[DoomMerchant]

I would've said no to straight swap, nevermind giving them tons of money. Horrible deal if this goes through.

Ireland is also very liked among players so we'll see what sort of influence this will have in dressing room.

im really glad you aren't Antti Marwood then, because anyone who wouldn't snap their fuclin hands off on a straight swap Milner v Ireland has to be out of their mind on current form of both players. For me are we paying them maybe 4M more than we should be? prollee....but ill survive that.

I could understand if you'd written:

I know that Ireland looks like 1/6th of the player Milner has become on current form, but i have a hunch that Ireland could still come good in ways that Milner won't and we're rich enough to take that risk, although it's a huge one.

But, you didn't.

Conventional wisdom says Milner is a force to be reckoned with and will do great things for whatever club he plays for over the next 10 years, and that the jury is completely out on Stevie. Stevie could be playing in the Championship in 3 years at his current rate of deceleration. You just don't know.

cheers

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I would've said no to straight swap, nevermind giving them tons of money. Horrible deal if this goes through.

Ireland is also very liked among players so we'll see what sort of influence this will have in dressing room.

im really glad you aren't Antti Marwood then, because anyone who wouldn't snap their fuclin hands off on a straight swap Milner v Ireland has to be out of their mind on current form of both players. For me are we paying them maybe 4M more than we should be? prollee....but ill survive that.

I could understand if you'd written:

I know that Ireland looks like 1/6th of the player Milner has become on current form, but i have a hunch that Ireland could still come good in ways that Milner won't and we're rich enough to take that risk, although it's a huge one.

But, you didn't.

Conventional wisdom says Milner is a force to be reckoned with and will do great things for whatever club he plays for over the next 10 years, and that the jury is completely out on Stevie. Stevie could be playing in the Championship in 3 years at his current rate of deceleration. You just don't know.

cheers

Ireland has more talent on his left foot big toe than Milner will ever have. It is all about getting that potential out of him which I feel would've been easy. Just bit of arm around the shoulders and make him feel wanted.

And I don't care about form half as much as many people. Both ways. When RSC signed on the back of one good season year before, I knew that it'd be stupid deal. It was just purple patch. Same way I don't think one poor season from a good player makes anyone shit. Especially one riddled with injuries. Form is temporary, quality is forever.

I remember when Ireland came through ranks and I saw him first time. I couldn't believe we had talent like this on our Academy. I'm still in awe of his stand out natural talent. Passes he can see... There are not many people in the world who can see them.

But people got on the Ireland's back very early on for the most bizarre reasons. He was played on the right wing by that tool Pearce and got slacking for not being a success there. Well you'd have to be fucking blind to think he is a winger.

Also, he was labelled a rotten able by some quarters because of his stunts which I felt was naivety rather than being a bad person. Yes, he seems to be colour blind when choosing rims for his missus' car. So what? Also, I feel people completely missed the point in grannygate. Yes those were stupid lies. However his missus had just had miscarriage. Most footballers would've just shrugged their shoulders and went to shag some whore. But this feller was genuinely shocked and upset and wanted to support his family in a tough period all the while keeping the sensitive reason to himself. You know what, I would've probably done the same. Don't you think that in this time and age one of the few footballers left who is a genuine family man should be praised as great role model rather than idiot? Shankly was wrong in one thing, there's one thing more important than both football and life and death. And that's your family.

[DoomMerchant]

I would've said no to straight swap, nevermind giving them tons of money. Horrible deal if this goes through.

Ireland is also very liked among players so we'll see what sort of influence this will have in dressing room.

im really glad you aren't Antti Marwood then, because anyone who wouldn't snap their fuclin hands off on a straight swap Milner v Ireland has to be out of their mind on current form of both players. For me are we paying them maybe 4M more than we should be? prollee....but ill survive that.

I could understand if you'd written:

I know that Ireland looks like 1/6th of the player Milner has become on current form, but i have a hunch that Ireland could still come good in ways that Milner won't and we're rich enough to take that risk, although it's a huge one.

But, you didn't.

Conventional wisdom says Milner is a force to be reckoned with and will do great things for whatever club he plays for over the next 10 years, and that the jury is completely out on Stevie. Stevie could be playing in the Championship in 3 years at his current rate of deceleration. You just don't know.

cheers

Ireland has more talent on his left foot big toe than Milner will ever have. It is all about getting that potential out of him which I feel would've been easy. Just bit of arm around the shoulders and make him feel wanted.

And I don't care about form half as much as many people. Both ways. When RSC signed on the back of one good season year before, I knew that it'd be stupid deal. It was just purple patch. Same way I don't think one poor season from a good player makes anyone shit. Especially one riddled with injuries. Form is temporary, quality is forever.

I remember when Ireland came through ranks and I saw him first time. I couldn't believe we had talent like this on our Academy. I'm still in awe of his stand out natural talent. Passes he can see... There are not many people in the world who can see them.

But people got on the Ireland's back very early on for the most bizarre reasons. He was played on the right wing by that tool Pearce and got slacking for not being a success there. Well you'd have to be fucking blind to think he is a winger.

Also, he was labelled a rotten able by some quarters because of his stunts which I felt was naivety rather than being a bad person. Yes, he seems to be colour blind when choosing rims for his missus' car. So what? Also, I feel people completely missed the point in grannygate. Yes those were stupid lies. However his missus had just had miscarriage. Most footballers would've just shrugged their shoulders and went to shag some whore. But this feller was genuinely shocked and upset and wanted to support his family in a tough period all the while keeping the sensitive reason to himself. You know what, I would've probably done the same. Don't you think that in this time and age one of the few footballers left who is a genuine family man should be praised as great role model rather than idiot? Shankly was wrong in one thing, there's one thing more important than both football and life and death. And that's your family.

I never calles Ireland an idiot. Far from it. I hope thiwt stevie turns into half the player you think he can be. I really do. I remember writing on this very board years ago -- before his purple patch ;) -- that i thought he was bound to be one of the best midfielders in the premiership. I believe he could still do that. But it won't be at city if he does manage that. Why? Its not cuz someone wants to chase him out of the club. It's in his head. I wish that weren't the case but it is i believe. I think the pressure of what we are now is somehow too much for him. Lesser expectations will bring out the best in him again maybe. I hope so.

Cheers

[avoidconfusion]

Ireland has more talent on his left foot big toe than Milner will ever have. It is all about getting that potential out of him which I feel would've been easy. Just bit of arm around the shoulders and make him feel wanted.

And I don't care about form half as much as many people. Both ways. When RSC signed on the back of one good season year before, I knew that it'd be stupid deal. It was just purple patch. Same way I don't think one poor season from a good player makes anyone shit. Especially one riddled with injuries. Form is temporary, quality is forever.

I remember when Ireland came through ranks and I saw him first time. I couldn't believe we had talent like this on our Academy. I'm still in awe of his stand out natural talent. Passes he can see... There are not many people in the world who can see them.

But people got on the Ireland's back very early on for the most bizarre reasons. He was played on the right wing by that tool Pearce and got slacking for not being a success there. Well you'd have to be fucking blind to think he is a winger.

Also, he was labelled a rotten able by some quarters because of his stunts which I felt was naivety rather than being a bad person. Yes, he seems to be colour blind when choosing rims for his missus' car. So what? Also, I feel people completely missed the point in grannygate. Yes those were stupid lies. However his missus had just had miscarriage. Most footballers would've just shrugged their shoulders and went to shag some whore. But this feller was genuinely shocked and upset and wanted to support his family in a tough period all the while keeping the sensitive reason to himself. You know what, I would've probably done the same. Don't you think that in this time and age one of the few footballers left who is a genuine family man should be praised as great role model rather than idiot? Shankly was wrong in one thing, there's one thing more important than both football and life and death. And that's your family.

Can't believe I say this but I actually agree 100% with all of the above.


I think Ireland+16m for Milner will go down as one of the most retarded and stupid deals this club has ever done.

I got a question for you though, NQDP. You say that getting the best out of Ireland could have been easy. "Just bit of arm around the shoulders and make him feel wanted." ... do you think it is partly (at least) Mancini's and down to his management style that Ireland has not shown his best?

[Ted Hughes]

Most of Ireland's assists seem to me to come from when Sven played him on the wing or Robinho put him through, also on the right of 3 rather than him finding defense splitting passes from central. In fact I'm struggling to remember a single occasion where he successfully split a defence with a pass. He was usually the bloke who made the run imo, not the pass maker. That pass maker was usually Robinho or occasionally Petrov & required workrate from Ireland, something he doesn't always produce.

The thing that made Ireland special, imo, is that he combined great technique & sometimes intelligence with phenomenal effort, not because he was some Riquelme type figure creating havoc with his brilliant distribution. If he produces that effort again, he'll be a very very good player. Otherwise he'll be nothing.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Ireland has more talent on his left foot big toe than Milner will ever have. It is all about getting that potential out of him which I feel would've been easy. Just bit of arm around the shoulders and make him feel wanted.

And I don't care about form half as much as many people. Both ways. When RSC signed on the back of one good season year before, I knew that it'd be stupid deal. It was just purple patch. Same way I don't think one poor season from a good player makes anyone shit. Especially one riddled with injuries. Form is temporary, quality is forever.

I remember when Ireland came through ranks and I saw him first time. I couldn't believe we had talent like this on our Academy. I'm still in awe of his stand out natural talent. Passes he can see... There are not many people in the world who can see them.

But people got on the Ireland's back very early on for the most bizarre reasons. He was played on the right wing by that tool Pearce and got slacking for not being a success there. Well you'd have to be fucking blind to think he is a winger.

Also, he was labelled a rotten able by some quarters because of his stunts which I felt was naivety rather than being a bad person. Yes, he seems to be colour blind when choosing rims for his missus' car. So what? Also, I feel people completely missed the point in grannygate. Yes those were stupid lies. However his missus had just had miscarriage. Most footballers would've just shrugged their shoulders and went to shag some whore. But this feller was genuinely shocked and upset and wanted to support his family in a tough period all the while keeping the sensitive reason to himself. You know what, I would've probably done the same. Don't you think that in this time and age one of the few footballers left who is a genuine family man should be praised as great role model rather than idiot? Shankly was wrong in one thing, there's one thing more important than both football and life and death. And that's your family.

Can't believe I say this but I actually agree 100% with all of the above.


I think Ireland+16m for Milner will go down as one of the most retarded and stupid deals this club has ever done.

I got a question for you though, NQDP. You say that getting the best out of Ireland could have been easy. "Just bit of arm around the shoulders and make him feel wanted." ... do you think it is partly (at least) Mancini's and down to his management style that Ireland has not shown his best?

I think Mancini could've got the best out of Stevie. When Mancini took over Ireland had niggling injuries and was suffereing from drop of form. I'm not sure whether selling Ireland is Mancini's call at all. But let's leave it at that. That's just speculation.

[john@staustell]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

You could say same about many many other players. Think about the crap they shout about our players all the time!!!! Football is not a game where majority is always right. In fact, quite often not.

And regarding Bellamy, this has gone beyond mythical. I mean NO ONE said he is shite. I can't seem to remember anyone saying that. People like myself pointed out that A) his goalscoring record over his career is about one in every 3.5 games and that's not what you are looking for in a striker (turned out CORRECT) B) he has abysmal injury record and will be mostly on the sidelines (turned out INCORRECT) C) he is mouthy little shit and will bring negative publicity to Club (have you been watching telly? turned out CORRECT). I can only speak for myself but out of the three things I predicted for Bellamy, two has been correct.

[john@staustell]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

You could say same about many many other players. Think about the crap they shout about our players all the time!!!! Football is not a game where majority is always right. In fact, quite often not.

And regarding Bellamy, this has gone beyond mythical. I mean NO ONE said he is shite. I can't seem to remember anyone saying that. People like myself pointed out that A) his goalscoring record over his career is about one in every 3.5 games and that's not what you are looking for in a striker (turned out CORRECT) B) he has abysmal injury record and will be mostly on the sidelines (turned out INCORRECT) C) he is mouthy little shit and will bring negative publicity to Club (have you been watching telly? turned out CORRECT). I can only speak for myself but out of the three things I predicted for Bellamy, two has been correct.

It's quite funny isn't it how Bellers is in danger of turning full circle - zero, hero, zero and out!?

[Blue Blood]

The Milner hate / Stevie love in on here is going beyond ridiculous!

James Milner is the current PFA Young Player of the year and England starter of the future, not to mention one of the most consistent, creative and versatile midfielder's in the league.

Steven Ireland was top... for one season.. but since he picked up his City player of the year award (or didn't pick it up if i remember right) he has been utter crap, i mean terrible, should not make the bench bad!

Can anyone really argue that he should be in the team on current form or even the form of the past year? No thought not.

The guy on form, on his best day, is a great player but if you can't consistently produce this then you are just a liability, add to this his notoriously odd state of mind and i think we are best served getting rid.

Stevie is finished here, people have to face facts.

People also have to wake up to the fact Milner is the better player of the two. Doubt his ability at your peril, he will succeed here mark my words!

[Ted Hughes]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

You could say same about many many other players. Think about the crap they shout about our players all the time!!!! Football is not a game where majority is always right. In fact, quite often not.

And regarding Bellamy, this has gone beyond mythical. I mean NO ONE said he is shite. I can't seem to remember anyone saying that. People like myself pointed out that A) his goalscoring record over his career is about one in every 3.5 games and that's not what you are looking for in a striker (turned out CORRECT) B) he has abysmal injury record and will be mostly on the sidelines (turned out INCORRECT) C) he is mouthy little shit and will bring negative publicity to Club (have you been watching telly? turned out CORRECT). I can only speak for myself but out of the three things I predicted for Bellamy, two has been correct.

In the opinion of most opposing fans & neutrals over here, the overriding thing Bellamy has brought to the club & impression he's given is of quality & passion. He hasn't been a negative in terms of publicity at all, absolutely the opposite. Also, 10 goals & 10 assists from a wide player is excellent. If David Silva or Johnson can do the same from their positions we'll be delighted.

The key to Milner being important is that somebody has to do his job in our team & Mancini wants flexibility. Ireland can be flexible & can be a worker like Milner but won't do it for us. He will probably have to do it for someone else (or fail). We are building for the future which means after Barry. When you think of the future rather than just this season it becomes obvious where Milner would fit in.

[Crossie]

If Ireland is worth nothing, then its a fair price.

I just dont see the sense in this deal at all, and its pissed me right off.

[Fidel Castro]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

You could say same about many many other players. Think about the crap they shout about our players all the time!!!! Football is not a game where majority is always right. In fact, quite often not.

And regarding Bellamy, this has gone beyond mythical. I mean NO ONE said he is shite. I can't seem to remember anyone saying that. People like myself pointed out that A) his goalscoring record over his career is about one in every 3.5 games and that's not what you are looking for in a striker (turned out CORRECT) B) he has abysmal injury record and will be mostly on the sidelines (turned out INCORRECT) C) he is mouthy little shit and will bring negative publicity to Club (have you been watching telly? turned out CORRECT). I can only speak for myself but out of the three things I predicted for Bellamy, two has been correct.

Wow. You're amazing mate, bake a cake.

[ENIAM NAM]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

You could say same about many many other players. Think about the crap they shout about our players all the time!!!! Football is not a game where majority is always right. In fact, quite often not.

And regarding Bellamy, this has gone beyond mythical. I mean NO ONE said he is shite. I can't seem to remember anyone saying that. People like myself pointed out that A) his goalscoring record over his career is about one in every 3.5 games and that's not what you are looking for in a striker (turned out CORRECT) B) he has abysmal injury record and will be mostly on the sidelines (turned out INCORRECT) C) he is mouthy little shit and will bring negative publicity to Club (have you been watching telly? turned out CORRECT). I can only speak for myself but out of the three things I predicted for Bellamy, two has been correct.

I am sure your memory will turn out better than mine, but I seem to also remember a pretty strong feeling on the board at the time we were buying bellamy, that we were paying way too much for him. In fact, pretty much what everyone is saying about Milner now.

Once he started playing and everyone coud see what he added to the squad, we forgot the price pretty quickly. I have a feeling that this will also be the case with Milner.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

It's quite amazing how every pundit, nearly every fan of every club, seem to rate Milner, not at £30M, but at, say, 16 + Ireland. Also Ireland had one purple patch, much as Ted describes above, and has since been VERY disappointing, under both Hughes and Mancini, and not good enough to play in our side.

So why are some of our fans so out of step?

Personally as he is not a City player I have only watched him thoroughly in the City-Villa matches when he's played, and the odd Villa game on the box, so I wouldn't form a cast-iron opinion either way - many nailed their colours to the mast saying Bellamy was the worst signing ever - but what I am prepared to do is trust the manager's judgement. If he thinks he'll make a difference - not pull up any trees or score 30 goals, but just make that difference, along with other signings - then why cant we go along with it?

You could say same about many many other players. Think about the crap they shout about our players all the time!!!! Football is not a game where majority is always right. In fact, quite often not.

And regarding Bellamy, this has gone beyond mythical. I mean NO ONE said he is shite. I can't seem to remember anyone saying that. People like myself pointed out that A) his goalscoring record over his career is about one in every 3.5 games and that's not what you are looking for in a striker (turned out CORRECT) B) he has abysmal injury record and will be mostly on the sidelines (turned out INCORRECT) C) he is mouthy little shit and will bring negative publicity to Club (have you been watching telly? turned out CORRECT). I can only speak for myself but out of the three things I predicted for Bellamy, two has been correct.

I am sure your memory will turn out better than mine, but I seem to also remember a pretty strong feeling on the board at the time we were buying bellamy, that we were paying way too much for him. In fact, pretty much what everyone is saying about Milner now.

Once he started playing and everyone coud see what he added to the squad, we forgot the price pretty quickly. I have a feeling that this will also be the case with Milner.

You are right, people did say we paid too much for him and they were right. 14 million pounds for a player that now seems to be shipped off for next to nothing after 18 months. That's 1.1m per goal. 350k per game.

Having said that, RSC got quite alot to do to reach those numbers.

[dazby]

This really should have its own thread.

Stevie Ireland is a player that can win us a league title. I can't say the same about Milner. It's that simple. am soo looking forward to Silva and Stevie on the same team. I think they could change the world.

[Beeks]

I think a lot of you are vastly overrating Ireland and vastly underrating Milner

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

I think a lot of you are vastly overrating Ireland and vastly underrating Milner

I think lot of you are vastly underrating Ireland and vastly overrating Milner.