Optimistic Nut Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I think his main issue at Villa was that O'Neill signed him an then Houllier came in who had a problem with him. Similar to when Guivarch signed for us, Gullit made it very clear that he didn't rate him and his form and confidence were awful whenever he played. Did O'Neill sign him? They had that Scottish bloke in charge for the first game of the season and they still had Milner at the time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crumpy Gunt Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 There is nothing to that story whatsoever. Usual substanceless red top shite. Also, Ireland is a total oxygen thief and I wouldn't take him on a free. What a completely stupid thing to say. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggio Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I think his main issue at Villa was that O'Neill signed him an then Houllier came in who had a problem with him. Similar to when Guivarch signed for us, Gullit made it very clear that he didn't rate him and his form and confidence were awful whenever he played. I think O'Neill had already gone when Ireland was signed, apparently he felt he got pushed into going to Villa when Milner went to City and he never really wanted to be there. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I think his main issue at Villa was that O'Neill signed him an then Houllier came in who had a problem with him. Similar to when Guivarch signed for us, Gullit made it very clear that he didn't rate him and his form and confidence were awful whenever he played. O'Neill quit even before the Milner / Ireland transfers happened IIRC, the transfer was done by the board but IMO he left City as he knew Villa was the only team interested in him and was used a pawn in the Milner deal. Guivarch was just a terrible player in fairness to Gullit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredbob Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Never really quite grasped why there was so much hostility to him last season. Totally agree, he had a set back a couple of weeks after he came, the fee is good so I imagine the club will be ok with the wages. Wouldn't mind this at all, he has a bellamy aura about him, prodigious talent but complete prick. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmojorisin75 Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 £2M in for Guthrie and then £2M spent on Ireland would me canny business. Would need rid of Smith to balance the wages though... like for like barton, guaranteed - fee will be similar wherever barton goes and the wages will balance-ish perfect in mikes world, and if ireland remembers he's a footballer then mightn't be the worst deal in history people should forget about getting smith off the books man, if it happens we'll all treat it like a lottery win - til then no point in checking the numbers as the odds are so shit Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimistic Nut Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I'd say this would be more Nolan's replacement than Cabaye. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeloEmre Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I would rather keep Guthrie than have this fucker in the squad. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baggio Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I would rather keep Guthrie than have this fucker in the squad. Why? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
S.S.R. Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I don't understand the hostility towards Ireland. He's an oddbod, but he's potentially a great player. McLeish is an idiot if he doesn't try to make use of him in some way. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I would rather keep Guthrie than have this fucker in the squad. Why? Why? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredbob Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I'd say this would be more Nolan's replacement than Cabaye. I'm getting obsessed with what formation we're playing next season because I'm genuinely excited to see a bit of innovation on the pitch! So where does Ireland fit into all this??! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponsaelius Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Meh. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shak Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I'd be up for giving him a chance if he wasn't such a complete and utter tosser. He is though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cronky Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 He'd suit an advanced position in the new 4-3-3 formation we seem to be going for. Absolutely made for it. Whether he's completely lost what little pace he had is the question mark. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRon Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 He'd suit an advanced position in the new 4-3-3 formation we seem to be going for. Absolutely made for it. Whether he's completely lost what little pace he had is the question mark. My major concern as well. Not sure how he'd fit in to our supposed new fast raiding style. No doubt about his ability otherwise though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BlacknWhiteArmy Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I do see how he would fit in as part of the three, but we could do better. Really don't think Ireland's worth it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ketsbaia Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Wouldn't be against this, for a reasonable price. Guessing he'll replace Nolan and it shouldn't interfere with any winger/striker signings, so may as well go for it. If he's going to get back to how he used to be, this is where he'll do it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sifu Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 £2 million is a decent price I suppose... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginola Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 I'd take him as a cheap option. He was mint at Man City so if he was able to recapture some of that form he'd definitely be worth it. Not so much of a risk at a small price either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revolution Number 9 Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Don't think he's necessary tbh, would be a waste of money considering our midfield is nowhere near our problem area. We should be looking at forwards and a few defenders now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 A senior United source said: “Nothing is imminent with Stephen, but it is not one to write off just yet. “He might not have played but he was unlucky with injuries and his attitude and work-rate while he was here were absolutely first class. “He was finished at Villa under Gerard Houllier but a new manager might change things for him. “He would like to come back but it depends on Villa now. “I think Stephen is one that we’ll keep an eye on with a view to maybe ‘nicking him’ at the end of the window.” When we magically fail to get the likes of Matuidi and Sissoko. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberto2005 Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 A senior United source said: “Nothing is imminent with Stephen, but it is not one to write off just yet. “He might not have played but he was unlucky with injuries and his attitude and work-rate while he was here were absolutely first class. “He was finished at Villa under Gerard Houllier but a new manager might change things for him. “He would like to come back but it depends on Villa now. “I think Stephen is one that we’ll keep an eye on with a view to maybe ‘nicking him’ at the end of the window.” When we magically fail to get the likes of Matuidi and Sissoko. 'Nicking him' someones got to want him for us to fucking nick him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barnes23 Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 Can't really see where he'd fit in with HBA earmarked for the number 10 role. An on form Ireland would probably suit the playing style we seem to be going for next season,though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajun Posted June 26, 2011 Share Posted June 26, 2011 If we got Ireland for the same price we sold Guthrie for it would be a good deal, obviously his wages would be a lot higher but his potential ability is FAR better than Guthries. I had a real problem with Guthrie earlier on in the season, I think he is a decent player now, especially on the wage he currently earns but he will never progress to more than average so to take a gamble and practically swap him for a potential brilliant player who has shown that ability over a season, that seems a worthwhile gamble imo. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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