Ireland (Merged)

Re: The end of Superman...

Ireland is a very talented footballer. He may have not shown that on many occassions last season but his talent shouldn't be in doubt. In his big season that we refer to he was immense probably MOM in practically every match. If he can get back to that standard over a prolonged period of time then we have made a massive mistake. I think he has it in him. I have only been more gutted about a player leaving (SWP). I suppose this time we have players like Yaya, A Johnson, Milner, et al that softens the blow.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

I think he will kick on and show us what he can do.

It might take him some time but he will be an exceptional player for Villa.

All the best Stevie.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

Grand Master Ram Rod said:
Ireland > Milner
On peak form, yes, but Mancini is going for consistency - which is harsh but fair. But I still think Villa have got the best of this transfer (again). If Ireland has been valued at £9 million which is what the SSN speculated cash figure is pointing to, that's an undervaluation to Milner's overvaluation.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

haller said:
bonespost said:
would ireland get in the england squad no ,not even close so end of .
Of course he wouldn't, he's irish and has already been capped by R.O.I, simples.
Clearly bonespost means if Ireland were English, he wouldn't make it to the English squad.
I have to agree. And I think some of his inability to adapt to different ways of playing can be traced to his refusal to play for Ireland. More international experience, playing and training more often with different coaches and team mates in different systems, with different tactics, could have helped Ireland become a more all-round performer.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

Nice if a little strange lad. Not a bad player either. However he has not gone to one of the traditional giants of football. Had they wanted him he would have gone. City may not have wanted him to go to United but had they made an offer Ireland could have dug his heels in, after all its is career.

But Ferguson, Wenger et al will have noticed that at the age of almost 24 Ireland has had one good season out of 5. That is not the type of player they want to take a punt on. He may be a late developer and go on to an illustrious career, and I hope he does as he has shown he cares for City.

But he probably did not want to hang around on the bench, playing Carling Cup and who can blame him.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

All the best Stevie, i hope you start enjoying your football again at Villa and get back to the player we all saw a couple of seasons ago, thanks for everything.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

Shame to see him move on. Villa got an amazing deal in my opinion!

Good luck Stevie!
 
Re: The end of Superman...

There's going to be other players leaving City that us fans might not agree with but we're bringing in very talented players who will change the culture at the club for the better. So for that reason I'm not sad to see Stevie move on, he's been given a chance to prove himself in a fresh environment - he'd have gone stale staying at City.

I don't think Villa are a threat this season so them having Ireland will be of no consequence to us, providing he doesn't score against us that is.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

I shed no tears. I thank him for his one good season and wish him well. I hope he re discovers his form and goes on to be the footballer we hoped he would become. But at the end of the day, the young multi- millionaire will be ok.

The crying and excess of sentiment in here reminds of when Princess Di died to be honest.

Rose tinted also.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

Big move for Stephen, big moment in his life.

I still feel uncomfortable at the possibility that city pushed him in the direction of a managerless club, but in every other respect Villa and Stephen are a perfect match.

ElanJo said:
He'll probably improve on that last season but unless Villa sign Robinho I doubt Ireland will replicate his 08/09 form.

Ashley Young plays in exactly the same space as Robinho, so it might be perfect. I think he'd do better to forget all about past form and focus on getting a good run of matches under his belt first.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

SWP's back said:
I shed no tears. I thank him for his one good season and wish him well. I hope he re discovers his form and goes on to be the footballer we hoped he would become. But at the end of the day, the young multi- millionaire will be ok.

The crying and excess of sentiment in here reminds of when Princess Di died to be honest.

Rose tinted also.

finally a post which i agree with :)
thanks for the one good season
 
Re: The end of Superman...

NQblue said:
Does this mean we don't consider Villa as a main threat then as our policy is not to sell our assets to title competing teams?

That's never been our policy, afaik.

It's just how some people saw us refusing to bend over for Spurs and Bellamy.

I'd rather think we treat people exactly as they treat us.
 
Re: The end of Superman...

Ireland was a fine player in that season but he has consistently been a shadow of it since, genuinely good players form does not dip so alarmingly for such a long time. I have no doubt that he will get his head straight without whatever demons have been plaguing him at City and turn in some sterling performance's for his new club, I would be surprised if he does that on a game in game out basis, but nevertheless we are all aware of what he is capable of, and it will happen.

I firmly believe though we now need to draw a line on this episode. Stevie is no longer our player, the proud product of our academy, when he comes back I'm sure we can all afford him a warm ovation but lets concentrate on the fact that we now have James Milner who in my opinion is the better player. Doubtless Villa got the better deal but we got the better more consistent player, one whom will be an integral part of Englands midfield for maybe a decade to come. I implor those who believe Ireland is the better player or those who inexplicably don't rate James Milner at all to give him a proper chance, don't hang him the first time he loses the ball don't boo him if he misses a sitter and for the love of god don't start singing Irelands name if he has a rough game.

Once again, and I speak purely my opinion, thanks Stephen, in particular for that season, you are now however the past. Welcome and good luck James, time to draw a line now.
 

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