Ireland Speaks Out

[Citeh&Crew]

I don''t want to turn this into a micah debate but he's a defender its easier to spot mistakes, and easier for him to make them over someone whose primary role is to attack

anyway - like I say, there is no questioning Stevies talent - mentally though, he doesn't have it

That is true, however some defensive mistakes are far more egregious than others. And IMO, Micah has commited more of the latter type than any other defender we've had in recent history.

As for Steven, I agree; he is lacking mental fortitude. Nevertheless, I believe that he was not the sole source for many of the problems which prevented him from playing much, during Mancini's first year. It's obvious to me, that Mancini made up his mind, and that was that. Stevie never had a chance.

[Im_Spartacus]

Look at how Ireland has described his managers would you call that loyal..When have any players shown loyalty the moment a better offer comes from another club they are off. Ireland has had one good season and admits that he was not interested last year and it showed. Where is his professionalism. They are all mercenaries they enjoy what football gets them but to them its a job and yes provided they produce for my club I will cheer them to the rafters.

It has nothing to do with money I supported the players when we were in the old Division as long as they show they care for my club when they are playing I have had no issue with quality for we have had many years of shocking quality but as long as the players gave all they had I was satified. Clearly for 2 out of 3 years and pre season this Ireland only played well when HE felt like it which is not on

I don't believe that for a second. One thing I would agree about with Steven, is that he is somewhat mentally fragile. However, that doesn't excuse the inexplicable treatment he has received from Mancini, and at times from Hughes before him. People here who know Steven in some capacity have stated that he would just about die for the club, so something must have gone terribly awry for him to say the things he did. What, you think he went to crap after a fantastic season, for no reason? I agree, he looked listless on the pitch this past season, but there is something behind that. As I said, if one knows that any efforts to gain a starting spot, or even significant playing time, are in vain, then that person is eventually going to become indifferent on and off the pitch. It's a natural human reaction. But of course, I am SURE that fans here (to make a comparison) would stay in an organization that they loved, even if at some point, that organization began to treat them like so much dung. Right? Please...

Sorry pal, but thats utter horseshit. Can you explain to me what inexplicable treatment he has had from the last 2 managers? The first one in Stevie's own words helped him to become City's player of the year. The season after, in response to the glaring issue with our defence Hughes asked Stevie to play a different role.

The main excuse was that he had "trained too hard" in the summer, utter shit. He couldnt fit into a midfield whose primary raison d'etre was to protect the defence, and it showed, he was fucking dire last season under both managers, both managers playing a similarish system in the middle of the park which relied on the midfield to protect the defence.

Hughes stuck with him for a while. In January, after Hughes had gone, he launched an astonishing attack on Hughes' tactics, which by default also criticised Mancini who had by now set out his stall to also play more defensively in the centre of midfield. Mancini isn't stupid, and nor am I - it was a glaring attack on not just Hughes, but also Mancini as by now Ireland was finding himself sidelined. Why should he not have been sidelined when he played so poorly when called upon to show the new manager what he could do?

So, care to explain what inexplicable treatment you talk of, other than not picking him because he simply wasn't good enough in the new system, and in Mancini's case (potentially also in Hughes' case also given what has emerged), not being particularly impressed with the lad's attitude.

He has brought all this on himself, and as someone has already pointed out, has blamed every manager he has ever played under.

Time he grew up. I loved the lad two years ago, but all respect from me has evaporated, and yes, I think he is a cunt for not caring about firstly the club, and secondly the fans by having that diabolical attitude.

[Wooders]

well the academy debate is a good one - had it not been for the takeover (either of them) - would we now be a team who fields the likes of nedum, ireland and micah - dunnie still about - exciting young players like wiess still getting their chance to impress, in fact he'd probably be a first teamer by now ??
Maybe - we'd still be a decent bottom half team that I am sure of - bottom half with the occasional good cup run but we look after our boys like stevie and nedum
a strange, small, part of me wishes for those days again, but we're not in that situation anymore and the people that run the club have to be cut throat with players they don't feel make the grade - its who we are now, and we'll win things because of it - its not us that have done that too football but football that has done it to us

[BlueMoonAwoken]

The fact is ireland has been here since he was a kid, the fans was loyal to him and took him to their hearts, As we have been saying in the soul of the club topic.. The sould of the club is its fans. Ireland disrepected all of us by saying he didnt care if we won or lost sat on the bench.

I really liked stevie but after that i couldnt give a fuck about him, dunne didnt say anything like that ! even bellers and we all know his mouth can be huge. I was expecting bellers to say something like this but not stevie.

[Ted Hughes]

I don''t want to turn this into a micah debate but he's a defender its easier to spot mistakes, and easier for him to make them over someone whose primary role is to attack

anyway - like I say, there is no questioning Stevies talent - mentally though, he doesn't have it

That is true, however some defensive mistakes are far more egregious than others. And IMO, Micah has commited more of the latter type than any other defender we've had in recent history.

As for Steven, I agree; he is lacking mental fortitude. Nevertheless, I believe that he was not the sole source for many of the problems which prevented him from playing much, during Mancini's first year. It's obvious to me, that Mancini made up his mind, and that was that. Stevie never had a chance.

Mancini didn't have a 1st year, he had a few months. He arrived after Christmas, when Ireland was already a bit part player in spite of playing for City for years. By that time Ireland moaned that Hughes was the reason he was struggling because he wasn't playing him in 'his position' & hoped the new manager would. This is the same Huhes who ireland is now claiming he had a good relationship with. When he got the chance, Mancini played Ireland in 'his position' & he was useless. The final straw was when he was brought on as a sub v the rags & he allowed 97 year old Paul Scholes to run away from him & score the winner.

In pre season, Mancini played him several times in 'his position' & once again he did nothing. Just how many chances is a manager with unlimited funds & very limited time to put a side together, supposed to give to people who've played 100+ games should already be producing before he arrived?

People make it sound as if Ireland was a new signng who needed time to bed in, he's been at the club for fucking years. He failed, he should have just shut his face & gone, with everyone's best wishes.

[Im_Spartacus]

I don''t want to turn this into a micah debate but he's a defender its easier to spot mistakes, and easier for him to make them over someone whose primary role is to attack

anyway - like I say, there is no questioning Stevies talent - mentally though, he doesn't have it

That is true, however some defensive mistakes are far more egregious than others. And IMO, Micah has commited more of the latter type than any other defender we've had in recent history.

As for Steven, I agree; he is lacking mental fortitude. Nevertheless, I believe that he was not the sole source for many of the problems which prevented him from playing much, during Mancini's first year. It's obvious to me, that Mancini made up his mind, and that was that. Stevie never had a chance.

Mancini didn't have a 1st year, he had a few months. He arrived after Christmas, when Ireland was already a bit part player in spite of playing for City for years. By that time Ireland moaned that Hughes was the reason he was struggling because he wasn't playing him in 'his position' & hoped the new manager would. This is the same Huhes who ireland is now claiming he had a good relationship with. When he got the chance, Mancini played Ireland in 'his position' & he was useless. The final straw was when he was brought on as a sub v the rags & he allowed 97 year old Paul Scholes to run away from him & score the winner.

In pre season, Mancini played him several times in 'his position' & once again he did nothing. Just how many chances is a manager with unlimited funds & very limited time to put a side together, supposed to give to people who've played 100+ games should already be producing before he arrived?

People make it sound as if Ireland was a new signng who needed time to bed in, he's been at the club for fucking years. He failed, he should have just shut his face & gone, with everyone's best wishes.

^^^Yes, what he said^^^

[Citeh&Crew]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

[Citeh&Crew]

Mancini didn't have a 1st year, he had a few months. He arrived after Christmas, when Ireland was already a bit part player in spite of playing for City for years. By that time Ireland moaned that Hughes was the reason he was struggling because he wasn't playing him in 'his position' & hoped the new manager would. This is the same Huhes who ireland is now claiming he had a good relationship with. When he got the chance, Mancini played Ireland in 'his position' & he was useless. The final straw was when he was brought on as a sub v the rags & he allowed 97 year old Paul Scholes to run away from him & score the winner.

In pre season, Mancini played him several times in 'his position' & once again he did nothing. Just how many chances is a manager with unlimited funds & very limited time to put a side together, supposed to give to people who've played 100+ games should already be producing before he arrived?

People make it sound as if Ireland was a new signng who needed time to bed in, he's been at the club for fucking years. He failed, he should have just shut his face & gone, with everyone's best wishes.

Yes, this is the same Paul Scholes who has been a mainstay for years, at arguably, the best club in the world for the past decade. Oh yeah, and that Giggs fellow is like 145 years old, still has some pace and is actually better than Scholes. Yep.. old fellers just can't cut it, can they?

Seriously, that was a terrible mistake by Ireland, but honestly, it wasn't the only one that lost us that game, and anyone here who watched should know it.

As for a few games "pre-season" under Mancini? Please.. you make that sound as if it was ample opportunity to prove anything.

Anyway, we are going to disagree, and I'll leave it at that, amicably. Let's hope that all the changes that have happened the past two years will land us a CL spot for next year. If not, I will bet my house that we will be talking about a new manager next year, along with wholesale player changes, yet again.

[Beefymcfc]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Seems you are a little twisted mate, or just the facts. I don't think many have said they love the Mario 'Bling' and none have really condemned Stevie's. What has been said is basically how can Stevie have a go at the 'Bling' culture when he himself seemed to be one of those making the statement with his over indulgence on top cars and pimping/blinging them to high heaven.

[Goaters 103]

If I was the Aston Villa manager I would be worried

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/St ... 33927.html

Stephen Ireland slams Kevin Keegan, Stuart Pearce and Sven Goran Eriksson

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 024033.ece

Stephen Ireland blames Mark Hughes for his loss of form at City

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sp ... r-City.htm

STEPHEN IRELAND has slammed Roberto Mancini for failing to develop relationships with Manchester City players.

do you see a theme emerging here

This

The above post sums it all up in a nutshell, and indeed Ireland and his "its all the managers fault" mantra every time he isnt flavour of the month. Take a look in the mirror Steve.

[Im_Spartacus]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Its not a diva attitude from Ireland, its blatent stupidity. He wasn't in form, he wasnt picked, he didnt improve, his attitude stunk, he is sold. He has absolutely nothing to complain about. If he does that at his next club, the same thing will happen. Form would suggest that he doesnt have a good word to say about any of his previous managers, which tells you all you need to know. Its never his fault he plays shit.

Perhaps the fact that Balotelli has just moved for £25m, and Ireland been shunted out in part exchange would give the impression that Balotelli has a little more about him on the pitch than Ireland did even when you take his volatility into account - only time will tell, but if Balotelli does the business on the pitch he will be forgiven his indiscretions.

[Citeh&Crew]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Seems you are a little twisted mate, or just the facts. I don't think many have said they love the Mario 'Bling' and none have really condemned Stevie's. What has been said is basically how can Stevie have a go at the 'Bling' culture when he himself seemed to be one of those making the statement with his over indulgence on top cars and pimping/blinging them to high heaven.

Apparently, you don't read well. I've already stated that no matter Ireland's own bling, his comment was valid. Why is it that most people can't hold two opposing, yet complimentary thoughts in their heads, with any amount of comprehension of how they relate? If a murder on death row sincerely (without any derogatory malice) warns me not to kill someone due to possible consequences, I am hardly going to laugh-off his statement and imply he is a hypocrite, am I? Ireland had no angst when making the statement; he was just stating his views based on his current beliefs. It doesn't matter if Steven said it, or a priest, the opinion was valid.

[Citeh&Crew]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Its not a diva attitude from Ireland, its blatent stupidity. He wasn't in form, he wasnt picked, he didnt improve, his attitude stunk, he is sold. He has absolutely nothing to complain about. If he does that at his next club, the same thing will happen. Form would suggest that he doesnt have a good word to say about any of his previous managers, which tells you all you need to know. Its never his fault he plays shit.

Perhaps the fact that Balotelli has just moved for £25m, and Ireland been shunted out in part exchange would give the impression that Balotelli has a little more about him on the pitch than Ireland did even when you take his volatility into account - only time will tell, but if Balotelli does the business on the pitch he will be forgiven his indiscretions.

And that's the key, isn't it? Because honestly, if Mario slagged City every week, and called its citizens a bunch of low-class sons of whores, but scored a brace every other game, I get the feeling that many wouldn't care.

[blootoof]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Its not a diva attitude from Ireland, its blatent stupidity. He wasn't in form, he wasnt picked, he didnt improve, his attitude stunk, he is sold. He has absolutely nothing to complain about. If he does that at his next club, the same thing will happen. Form would suggest that he doesnt have a good word to say about any of his previous managers, which tells you all you need to know. Its never his fault he plays shit.

Perhaps the fact that Balotelli has just moved for £25m, and Ireland been shunted out in part exchange would give the impression that Balotelli has a little more about him on the pitch than Ireland did even when you take his volatility into account - only time will tell, but if Balotelli does the business on the pitch he will be forgiven his indiscretions.

And that's the key, isn't it? Because honestly, if Mario slagged City every week, and called its citizens a bunch of low-class sons of whores, but scored a brace every other game, I get the feeling that many wouldn't care.

Hello Stephen

[Beefymcfc]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Seems you are a little twisted mate, or just the facts. I don't think many have said they love the Mario 'Bling' and none have really condemned Stevie's. What has been said is basically how can Stevie have a go at the 'Bling' culture when he himself seemed to be one of those making the statement with his over indulgence on top cars and pimping/blinging them to high heaven.

Apparently, you don't read well. I've already stated that no matter Ireland's own bling, his comment was valid. Why is it that most people can't hold two opposing, yet complimentary thoughts in their heads, with any amount of comprehension of how they relate? If a murder on death row sincerely (without any derogatory malice) warns me not to kill someone due to possible consequences, I am hardly going to laugh-off his statement and imply he is a hypocrite, am I? Ireland had no angst when making the statement; he was just stating his views based on his current beliefs. It doesn't matter if Steven said it, or a priest, the opinion was valid.

You're at it again aren't ya. First you call all us City Supporters Fat-Arse Beer Swilling Mince-Pie Munching Stupid Fools, then you tell me I can't read very well. Well, what I read is a City fan who seems to have a bee in his bonnet because he believes that Stevie Ireland's statement was somehow justified, and when faced with the facts about his own background and statements about his managers, seem to want to put it in a big bubble where everything is right because it's right for Stevie.

The fact is he fucked up, he had a chance to be part of what City are building for now and the future however Stevie had it in his head that everyone apart from his Mrs, and probably Jim Cassell, were out to get him. Fuck, even his compatriots and Irish manager couldn't be trusted with the truth. Yes, he make think it's right, but it doesn't make it any more truthful does it?

[Ted Hughes]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Its not a diva attitude from Ireland, its blatent stupidity. He wasn't in form, he wasnt picked, he didnt improve, his attitude stunk, he is sold. He has absolutely nothing to complain about. If he does that at his next club, the same thing will happen. Form would suggest that he doesnt have a good word to say about any of his previous managers, which tells you all you need to know. Its never his fault he plays shit.

Perhaps the fact that Balotelli has just moved for £25m, and Ireland been shunted out in part exchange would give the impression that Balotelli has a little more about him on the pitch than Ireland did even when you take his volatility into account - only time will tell, but if Balotelli does the business on the pitch he will be forgiven his indiscretions.

And that's the key, isn't it? Because honestly, if Mario slagged City every week, and called its citizens a bunch of low-class sons of whores, but scored a brace every other game, I get the feeling that many wouldn't care.

Well it seems you don't know City fans very well or like City fans very much. I'm sure you'll soon be calling us 'bitters' or 'massives' as you seem to have a whiff of rag about you, which your pisstaking user name suggests.

I could be wrong I suppose, you may just be pretending to be an obnoxious rag cunt.

[Beefymcfc]

All of these are interesting comments.

One fact amuses me.. people are complaining about Ireland's diva-like attitude, while at the same time, many here are loving the Balotelli signing. If any of you have followed Inter over the past couple of seasons, you know that Mario makes Ireland look like a pious choirboy, when it comes to selfishness.

Let's hope that "Super Mario" curtails his childishness under Mancini, since they have a previous relationship (that is supposedly good). Along the same lines, I hope Ade fits into this new scheme, up top.

Its not a diva attitude from Ireland, its blatent stupidity. He wasn't in form, he wasnt picked, he didnt improve, his attitude stunk, he is sold. He has absolutely nothing to complain about. If he does that at his next club, the same thing will happen. Form would suggest that he doesnt have a good word to say about any of his previous managers, which tells you all you need to know. Its never his fault he plays shit.

Perhaps the fact that Balotelli has just moved for £25m, and Ireland been shunted out in part exchange would give the impression that Balotelli has a little more about him on the pitch than Ireland did even when you take his volatility into account - only time will tell, but if Balotelli does the business on the pitch he will be forgiven his indiscretions.

And that's the key, isn't it? Because honestly, if Mario slagged City every week, and called its citizens a bunch of low-class sons of whores, but scored a brace every other game, I get the feeling that many wouldn't care.

Well it seems you don't know City fans very well or like City fans very much. I'm sure you'll soon be calling us 'bitters' or 'massives' as you seem to have a whiff of rag about you, which your pisstaking user name suggests.

I could be wrong I suppose, you may just be pretending to be an obnoxious rag cunt.

Eh Ted, you may have a point there.

[blootoof]

Defo a mune. Either that or Ireland's agent.

[Citeh&Crew]

You guys are funny. Have no idea why you think I am a ManU fan. Perhaps because I said Scholes and Giggs are very good, older players and that ManU has been the best club for quite some time? I was just stating fact, and sincerely hope that we get to that level. Right now, we have the money to build. Let's hope that we have the manager. (And FYI, I like Mancini. I like a sound defensive football team, which moves and passes with cohesion, which is what Mancini seems to want)

[Citeh&Crew]

[quote="Ted Hughes]Well it seems you don't know City fans very well or like City fans very much. I'm sure you'll soon be calling us 'bitters' or 'massives' as you seem to have a whiff of rag about you, which your pisstaking user name suggests.

I could be wrong I suppose, you may just be pretending to be an obnoxious rag cunt.[/quote]

No Teddy, I don't like mindless sheeple very much. I assume you are overly defensive, and thus don't include you in that description.

City refers to the obvious. Crew refers to the Columbus Crew MLS team, which also happens to be my hometown.