Irish Player Watch 2012/13

Sport
1

Rocko, is there a need for a specific Irish players transfer gossip thread?

If so please feel free to set it up using this post

Cunningham and Kilbane on the move

By Darren Norris
Friday, July 06, 2012
Irish left-back Greg Cunningham hopes his move to Championship outfit Bristol City can re-ignite his Ireland career.
The 21-year-old joined the Robins from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal yesterday and is keen to add to his three Ireland caps.

ā€œIā€™ve played a few times for the seniors and the under-21s,ā€ he said. "This could be a good season internationally for me and if I get another call up for the full squad Iā€™d jump at the chance.

"Euro 2012 was a disappointing tournament all round but you only have to look at the likes of Holland, who were one of the favourites, and they left on the same boat as us.

The Galway man conceded leaving the Premier League champions was a difficult decision but said he had to move on for the sake of his career.

"Iā€™ve been with City since I moved over here so it was always going to be a big decision,ā€™ā€™ he said.

"But I felt to better my career and better myself as a player I had to leave Man City, and I think Bristol City is the right club for me.

ā€œThis club is going places. This is the right move for me.ā€

Meanwhile League One side Coventry City have signed former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane on a free transfer.

Veteran Kilbane, who can operate anywhere down the left flank, has signed a one-year contract at the Ricoh Arena.

"This is another great signing for us,ā€™ā€™ Coventry boss Andy Thorn said.

"You only have to look at the clubs Kevin has played for and his record at international level to know his quality.

ā€œHe brings bags of experience to our squad and he will complement the younger players we have here and will help bring them on. He will be a big player in the dressing room too.ā€

2

I think we can deal with Irish transfers in a general Irish player watch thread Chewy. Good to have a definitive tracker of whatā€™s going on with our players anyway.

Good to see Cunningham getting a move anyway. Hope he can prove himself quickly at that level and move up the ladder - thought he might have been an option for a slightly more prestigious club, with the greatest respect to Brian Tinnion.

3

Anyone know how Tommy Walsh is going for the Swans ?

4

unlike rugby league players gga players struggle in AFL
he will be back playing agriball very soon and he will be mocked as not being able to hack it in a professional sport

5

David Meyler is being linked with a move to Hull

6

Paddy Kenny has joined Leeds on a 3 year deal. QPR happy to let him go after signing Robert Green.

7

I thought Kenny did well for them last season?

8

He seemed to do ok and he as player of the year the season before but I guess theyā€™ve had a change of manager and they decided they wanted Green. Warnock managed him before so the move makes sense. I imagine a 3 year deal would be hard for a 34 year old to turn down too - particularly one who was out of the game for a while and hasnā€™t been playing at the top level much.

9

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/dublin-boy-nine-joins-barca-football-academy-559315.html

10

Poor lad will be pumped with roids and used as a guinea pig for the FC Barcelona doping team.

11

Simon cox being linked with a move to Blackburn Rovers today. Would be a good move for him

12

Heā€™d be learning from the best in the business. Needs a move anyway, heā€™s not even first sub at West Brom and not much hope of that changing in the short term.

13

According to Sir Sour Bollix Robbie Brady will get to see a decent amount of game time for Man United on their preseason tour with the possibility of him being understudy to Patrice Evra at left back for the season ahead.

14

Left back?

15

Are you going to keep this up all season? :rolleyes:

16

Leon Best did his cruciate in a preseason friendly for Blackburn who have made a Ā£2 million bid for Simon Cox

17

Simon Cox is joining Nottingham Forest.

18

Paul Corry got the winner for UCD against Shels last night, Philly Hughes scored for Shelbourne

19

no harm

20

IT is a familiar refrain. In the wake of Irelandā€™s[/url] [url=ā€œhttp://searchtopics.independent.ie/topic/Euro_2012ā€]Euro 2012[/url] difficulties in [url=ā€œhttp://searchtopics.independent.ie/topic/Poland_national_football_teamā€]Poland[/url], [url=ā€œhttp://searchtopics.independent.ie/topic/Giovanni_Trapattoniā€]Giovanni Trapattoni made reference to the limitations of his squad. ā€œThey donā€™t all play for their clubs,ā€ he said. ā€œAnd many of them are in the Championship.ā€
The 73-year-old generally follows it up by claiming that he is slightly perplexed by the personnel decisions that club managers in England have taken. The inference is that his boys should be doing better in their careers.
However, the alternative side of this debate is that Trapattoni does have a large number of regular top-flight performers at his disposal; he just chooses not to pick them.
With an ageing side sure to undergo some form of transition over the forthcoming World Cup campaign, itā€™s worth examining the current state of play, with English football clicking back into gear this weekend.
The squad which Trapattoni brings to Serbia tomorrow includes some men who were engaged in the low-key first hurdle of the League Cup over the weekend, a sharp reminder of life outside the top flight.
But with over 30 players in with a genuine shout of figuring for their clubs in the Premier League this term, it could be argued that the Italian has a greater depth of options available than he sometimes lets on.
Trapā€™s Men In Premier League ā€¦ Euro Survivors
Shay Given (Aston Villa)
International future remains unclear but likely to be Irelandā€™s only regular top-flight 'keeper this term.
Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
On the sidelines for now, but still the best central defender from these shores at this moment in time.
Darron Gibson (Everton)
Miserable time in Poland and untimely injury for Serbia. Has more to offer.
Damien Duff (Fulham)
A senior citizen now, yet he performed better than most in Poland. Still integral at Fulham.
Stephen Kelly (Fulham)
Often cast in the role of understudy for both club and country. Signed contract extension with Londoners.
Jonathan Walters (Stoke)
Figured from the bench in the Euros and will believe he can play a strong part in the next campaign.
Glenn Whelan (Stoke)
Always selected when available by Trap, and is an established figure with his employers.
John Oā€™Shea (Sunderland)
Interrupted preparation didnā€™t help his Euros experience. Will be a key figure in Kazakhstan.
James McClean (Sunderland)
Itching to be let off the leash by Ireland, although he must also cope with second-season pressure at club level.
Keiren Westwood (Sunderland)
Uncertain standing at the Stadium of Light, with Simon Mignolet in possession of the gloves.
Shane Long (West Brom)
Alan Hutton checked his stride last term; will be hoping to push on under new boss Steve Clarke.
World Cup Trialists
Seamus Coleman (Everton)
Underwhelming season cost him Euros ticket. Time to regroup and recover form of 2010-11
Marc Wilson (Stoke)
Desperately disappointing that he misses this weekā€™s trip due to a viral infection. This was his chance.
Joey Oā€™Brien (West Ham)
In from the cold and has hopefully left his injury woe in the past. No doubting his talent.
James McCarthy (Wigan)
The great white hope. His contribution will be the most interesting aspect of the trip to Belgrade.
Wes Hoolahan (Norwich)
As with Wilson, a huge shame that he is unavailable for Serbia after being extended an overdue invitation.
Rest of Premier League (16)
Ciaran Clark (Aston Villa)
Dunneā€™s injury could give him game-time at centre-half for Villa ā€“ and raise questions of Trapattoni
Stephen Ireland (Aston Villa)
Encouraging signs last term and, if he thrives under Paul Lambert, an inevitable debate will resume.
Samir Carruthers (Aston Villa)
Youngster who saw Premier League action at tail-end of campaign. One for the future.
Shane Duffy (Everton)
Would have been in Serbia this week only for U-21 commitments. Interesting to see how he progresses at Goodison.
Anthony Pilkington (Norwich)
Was set for a first call-up this week only for injury to intervene. A goalscoring midfielder who also offers versatility.
Marc Tierney (Norwich)
Attacking left-back who qualifies for Ireland. Claims less obvious than Wilson ā€“ for now.
Brian Murphy (QPR)
Ex-Bohs 'keeper very much in the background with QPR, and Rob Greenā€™s arrival wonā€™t help.
Ian Harte (Reading)
Back in the Premier League after a long absence. No chance of an international recall, however.
Jay Tabb (Reading)
A squad member at the Madejski who is unlikely to feature in too many headlines.
Noel Hunt (Reading)
Raring to go for his Premier League bow. Can give Trapattoni something to think about.
Alex Pearce (Reading)
English-born Scottish U-21 cap who says he wants to play for Ireland. A well-regarded centre-half.
Rory Delap (Stoke)
Still going strong and has proved to be more than just a throw, but not on Trapattoniā€™s radar.
David Meyler (Sunderland)
Sought after by Championship clubs, but promising messages from Martin Oā€™Neill in pre-season.
Steven Reid (West Brom)
Determined to make a strong contribution at West Brom, but knows his international days are behind him.
Stephen Henderson (West Ham)
The Dubliner is highly rated but will have to wait for a chance to usurp Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Conor Sammon (Wigan)
Racked up plenty of appearances from the bench without getting on the scoresheet in 2011-12. More to do.
trapā€™s men in the CHAMPIONSHIP (11)
Keith Fahey (Birmingham)
On the sidelines for now ā€“ due a turn in fortune.
Keith Andrews (Bolton)
Logic of move will be determined by whether Bolton return at first attempt.
Keith Treacy (Burnley)
Lost his way last season, and recall for Serbia might poke him in the right direction.
Paul McShane (Hull)
Big year for McShane (left) with his contract running down with the Tigers.
Paul Green (Leeds)
Could do better than people expect if Neil Warnock can build another promotion-challenging side.
Sean St Ledger (Leicester)
Disastrously timed knee injury, given that a starting place is far from assured at Leicester.
David Forde (Millwall)
Suffered with his form last season and cannot afford a repeat showing.
SIMON COX (Nottingham Forest)
Dropped down a level to secure regular football after a frustrating couple of seasons at West Brom
Andy Keogh (Millwall)
Finished last season well, and will feel that international recall was justified.
Stephen Hunt (Wolves)
Endured misery at the Euros and his career has reached a crossroads. Major campaign ahead.
Stephen Ward (Wolves)
Linked with a top-flight return, but nothing came to pass. Sure to be under pressure from Wilson for Ireland berth.
Kevin Doyle (Wolves)
Says he is willing to stay with Wolves, yet it still wouldnā€™t be a surprise if there were enquiries before close of transfer window.
Damien Delaney (Ipswich)
Was on Trapattoniā€™s Euro 2012 standby list, and a late call for this week. Established Championship performer.
Rest of Championship (34)
Stephen Dawson (Barnsley)
Well-travelled midfielder who joined Barnsley in January.
Colin Doyle (Birmingham)
Restricting to cup competitions last term and has Jack Butland on his tail.
Adam Rooney (Birmingham)
Chris Hughton was a fan, and heā€™ll be praying that new boss Lee Clark is similarly inclined.
Leon Best (Blackburn)
Out until January after his big-money move from Newcastle. Frustration for all concerned.
Marcos Painter (Brighton)
Left-back whose career failed to really take off after early promise.
Gary Dicker (Brighton)
Ex-UCD midfielder has forged a solid career for himself with the Seagulls.
Greg Cunningham (Bristol City)
After leaving Manchester City, the Galway lad must hope itā€™s a case of one step back to make two forward.
Chris McCann (Burnley)
Desperately unlucky to be struck down during Burnleyā€™s Premier League adventure. Plenty of potential.
Paddy McCarthy (Crystal Palace)
Part of the furniture at Selhurst Park; Trapattoni evidently not convinced he can offer much.
Owen Garvan (Crystal Palace)
Plenty of ability, but he was probably closer to the Irish squad four years ago than he is now.
Stephen McPhail (Cardiff)
Given his problems with illness, McPhail has overcome adversity that puts international exclusion in the shade.
Joe Mason (Cardiff)
A very capable frontman who is a future senior international at his current rate of progress.
Richard Keogh (Derby)
Defender who made close-season move from Coventry. Useful performer.
Mark Oā€™Brien (Derby)
Youngster who showed promise last term. Next step is to become a regular.
Jeff Hendrick (Derby)
A ball-playing midfielder who was rated far superior to Paul Green by Nigel Clough. Remember the name.
Saul Deeney (Derby)
Another Irish goalkeeper more accustomed to the bench than the pitch.
Sean Scannell (Huddersfield)
U-21 boss Noel King thinks a fresh start away from Crystal Palace could be just what Scannell needed.
Alan Lee (Huddersfield)
Experienced striker who may find opportunities restricted this term.
Jamie Devitt (Hull)
Winger who has mixed first-team cameos with loan spells.
Ronan Murray (Ipswich)
Young striker who will be targeting a move inwards from the periphery.
Aidan White (Leeds)
A left-sided player with ability that has alerted top-flight clubs. Promising.
Paddy Kenny (Leeds)
Reunited with his old pal Warnock, and promotion is the stated aim.
Conrad Logan (Leicester)
Reserve 'keeper at Leicester, and likely to stay that way.
Alan Dunne (Millwall)
Long-serving member of staff at Millwall. Never threatened to go higher.
Andy Reid (Nottingham Forest)
Has looked good in pre-season but then weā€™ve heard that before. New boss Sean Oā€™Driscoll will determine Reidā€™s (left) fate.
Daniel Kearns (Peterborough)
Ex-Dundalk winger has bags of ability, but is too often used as an impact sub.
Lee Frecklington (Peterborough)
Called into the Ireland ā€˜Bā€™ set-up during Steve Stauntonā€™s time. Hasnā€™t quite pushed on.
Mark Yeates (Watford)
Another ā€˜Bā€™ international who has moved around the clubs in this division.
Sean Murray (Watford)
They are very excited by Murray at Watford, and if Gianfranco Zola buys into it, then his star could rise.
Kevin Foley (Wolves)
Taking a break from international football after the manner in which he was treated in Poland.
Matt Doherty (Wolves)
Confident defender who earned mixed reviews on loan stint with Hibernian. Has to impress new gaffer Stale Solbakken.
Anthony Forde (Wolves)
The Limerick midfielder is in same category as Doherty ā€“ a young player that Mick McCarthy liked who must win over Solbakken.
Aaron McCarey (Wolves)
Young Monaghan 'keeper who is pushing for contention. Was on bench at weekend.
Foreign Legion
Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)
After a bad June in Poland, he had a good July in Los Angeles. Unclear where heā€™ll be in September.
Aiden McGeady (Spartak Moscow)
Euro 2012 didnā€™t put him in the shop window; hinted he may be willing to move.
Darren Oā€™Dea (Toronto FC)
Search for a club took him to Canada and the MLS. A curious departure for the 25-year-old.
Loan Stars
Robert Brady (Manchester United)
Involved in Alex Fergusonā€™s pre-season at left-back, but all indications are that a temporary stay elsewhere is next step.
Conor Henderson (Arsenal)
Midfielder has recovered from knee injury, and Liam Brady has suggested that a loan stint is essential.
Conor Clifford (Portsmouth - loan)
Former FA Youth Cup winning captain is at Pompey until Christmas. Future at parent club Chelsea looks bleak.
John Egan (Sunderland)
The centre-half would benefit from gaining some experience at Championship level.