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

[ashton287]

Ireland can be just as good as Gerrard? Since when has Ireland put in season after season of consistently excellent performances? Answer never and he never will. The club is looking at players who can thrive under the pressure of delivering their very best game after game after game. Its all about attitude, mindset and mental strength. Gerrard has this. Torres as well. Ireland hasn't and neither has Ade. Nor do you get Gerrard whining on the sofa of Soccer AM that the manager doesn't like me. In fairness you don't get Ireland doing it either notwithstanding his fondness to blame the last manager but one for his current failings.

We are going to have to accept that if you want to win the top prizes then there has to be a spine of players who don't except anything but the best from themselves and everyone else around them. I do see glimmers of this with some players we currently have but Ireland and Ade ain't amongst them.

yeah because gerrards attitude, midset and mental strength helped get liverpool 4th this year didnt it, OH WAIT. Have you seen him play this season? Hes not been half the player he was last year and he wouldnt get any better after leaving his precious liverpool. if anything he would just ride the contract out till its done then retire. The passion he has shown in the past comes from playing for liverpool and he wont take that with him wherever he goes. Last season i wouldn't of swapped ireland for gerrard when they were both at there best simple as that, ireland has time to rediscover his form. Basically id rather have a 23 year old midfielder that has lost form then a 30 yr old midfielder who has lost his form given the choice between the two. i'd take both in form with tevez upfront though

[Original Dub]

Ireland can be just as good as Gerrard? Since when has Ireland put in season after season of consistently excellent performances? Answer never and he never will. The club is looking at players who can thrive under the pressure of delivering their very best game after game after game. Its all about attitude, mindset and mental strength. Gerrard has this. Torres as well. Ireland hasn't and neither has Ade. Nor do you get Gerrard whining on the sofa of Soccer AM that the manager doesn't like me. In fairness you don't get Ireland doing it either notwithstanding his fondness to blame the last manager but one for his current failings.

We are going to have to accept that if you want to win the top prizes then there has to be a spine of players who don't except anything but the best from themselves and everyone else around them. I do see glimmers of this with some players we currently have but Ireland and Ade ain't amongst them.

yeah because gerrards attitude, midset and mental strength helped get liverpool 4th this year didnt it, OH WAIT. Have you seen him play this season? Hes not been half the player he was last year and he wouldnt get any better after leaving his precious liverpool. if anything he would just ride the contract out till its done then retire. The passion he has shown in the past comes from playing for liverpool and he wont take that with him wherever he goes. Last season i wouldn't of swapped ireland for gerrard when they were both at there best simple as that, ireland has time to rediscover his form. Basically id rather have a 23 year old midfielder that has lost form then a 30 yr old midfielder who has lost his form given the choice between the two. i'd take both in form with tevez upfront though

I agree with most of this.

Ireland at 22 had a far far better season than Gerrard had when he was 22 years old. Granted this season was all over the place for him for a number of reasons that we've been over and over, but to rule him out as never being capable of being as good as Gerrard when he has already shown that he COULD be only last season is crazy. Talk about attitude and the right mentality - again this can only be something that was taken from this season, because last season he often drove the team on and he had a total "never say die" attitude.

We still don't know for sure how Mancini will mould the team, but the only evidence we have so far is that he doesn't seem to fancy playmakers... I'm betting Ireland comes back stronger as a result of this season.

One thing's for sure, I hope we get to find out because selling him now makes NO sense whatsoever.

[Mark (Blue Army)]

ibrahimovic hasn't started for Baca tonight any one think theres something in that? ie he might be on his way.

[Blue Blood]

ibrahimovic hasn't started for Baca tonight any one think theres something in that? ie he might be on his way.

I think so. not necessarily to us mind, but he won't be at barca come next season.

[BobKowalski]

Ireland can be just as good as Gerrard? Since when has Ireland put in season after season of consistently excellent performances? Answer never and he never will. The club is looking at players who can thrive under the pressure of delivering their very best game after game after game. Its all about attitude, mindset and mental strength. Gerrard has this. Torres as well. Ireland hasn't and neither has Ade. Nor do you get Gerrard whining on the sofa of Soccer AM that the manager doesn't like me. In fairness you don't get Ireland doing it either notwithstanding his fondness to blame the last manager but one for his current failings.

We are going to have to accept that if you want to win the top prizes then there has to be a spine of players who don't except anything but the best from themselves and everyone else around them. I do see glimmers of this with some players we currently have but Ireland and Ade ain't amongst them.

yeah because gerrards attitude, midset and mental strength helped get liverpool 4th this year didnt it, OH WAIT. Have you seen him play this season? Hes not been half the player he was last year and he wouldnt get any better after leaving his precious liverpool. if anything he would just ride the contract out till its done then retire. The passion he has shown in the past comes from playing for liverpool and he wont take that with him wherever he goes. Last season i wouldn't of swapped ireland for gerrard when they were both at there best simple as that, ireland has time to rediscover his form. Basically id rather have a 23 year old midfielder that has lost form then a 30 yr old midfielder who has lost his form given the choice between the two. i'd take both in form with tevez upfront though

I agree with most of this.

Ireland at 22 had a far far better season than Gerrard had when he was 22 years old. Granted this season was all over the place for him for a number of reasons that we've been over and over, but to rule him out as never being capable of being as good as Gerrard when he has already shown that he COULD be only last season is crazy. Talk about attitude and the right mentality - again this can only be something that was taken from this season, because last season he often drove the team on and he had a total "never say die" attitude.

We still don't know for sure how Mancini will mould the team, but the only evidence we have so far is that he doesn't seem to fancy playmakers... I'm betting Ireland comes back stronger as a result of this season.

One thing's for sure, I hope we get to find out because selling him now makes NO sense whatsoever.

Aged 20 Gerrard made fifty starts in all competitions and scored ten goals as Liverpool won the League Cup, FA Cup, and the 2001 UEFA Cup. At 22 Gerrard was made club captain. In Ireland's best season he drove City to...a 10th place finish. This is not a go at Ireland who is a very talented player and I happen to rate highly but I do not believe Ireland has the mindset to compete with Gerrard at the highest level.

ashton287 questioning whether Gerrard would be as committed for any other team as he would be for Liverpool is a valid one. Balanced against this is Gerrard's desire to win the PL title. Personally I cannot see this move happening anyway but I do think we have to assess the players we have with some degree of realism.

[Original Dub]

Ireland can be just as good as Gerrard? Since when has Ireland put in season after season of consistently excellent performances? Answer never and he never will. The club is looking at players who can thrive under the pressure of delivering their very best game after game after game. Its all about attitude, mindset and mental strength. Gerrard has this. Torres as well. Ireland hasn't and neither has Ade. Nor do you get Gerrard whining on the sofa of Soccer AM that the manager doesn't like me. In fairness you don't get Ireland doing it either notwithstanding his fondness to blame the last manager but one for his current failings.

We are going to have to accept that if you want to win the top prizes then there has to be a spine of players who don't except anything but the best from themselves and everyone else around them. I do see glimmers of this with some players we currently have but Ireland and Ade ain't amongst them.

yeah because gerrards attitude, midset and mental strength helped get liverpool 4th this year didnt it, OH WAIT. Have you seen him play this season? Hes not been half the player he was last year and he wouldnt get any better after leaving his precious liverpool. if anything he would just ride the contract out till its done then retire. The passion he has shown in the past comes from playing for liverpool and he wont take that with him wherever he goes. Last season i wouldn't of swapped ireland for gerrard when they were both at there best simple as that, ireland has time to rediscover his form. Basically id rather have a 23 year old midfielder that has lost form then a 30 yr old midfielder who has lost his form given the choice between the two. i'd take both in form with tevez upfront though

I agree with most of this.

Ireland at 22 had a far far better season than Gerrard had when he was 22 years old. Granted this season was all over the place for him for a number of reasons that we've been over and over, but to rule him out as never being capable of being as good as Gerrard when he has already shown that he COULD be only last season is crazy. Talk about attitude and the right mentality - again this can only be something that was taken from this season, because last season he often drove the team on and he had a total "never say die" attitude.

We still don't know for sure how Mancini will mould the team, but the only evidence we have so far is that he doesn't seem to fancy playmakers... I'm betting Ireland comes back stronger as a result of this season.

One thing's for sure, I hope we get to find out because selling him now makes NO sense whatsoever.

Aged 20 Gerrard made fifty starts in all competitions and scored ten goals as Liverpool won the League Cup, FA Cup, and the 2001 UEFA Cup. At 22 Gerrard was made club captain. In Ireland's best season he drove City to...a 10th place finish. This is not a go at Ireland who is a very talented player and I happen to rate highly but I do not believe Ireland has the mindset to compete with Gerrard at the highest level.

ashton287 questioning whether Gerrard would be as committed for any other team as he would be for Liverpool is a valid one. Balanced against this is Gerrard's desire to win the PL title. Personally I cannot see this move happening anyway but I do think we have to assess the players we have with some degree of realism.

Ah very good - so just to clear this up then: Ireland at 22 can't be compared to Gerrard at 22 because Man City finished 10th? Sorry mate but that's a complete crock of shit. Ireland had an amazing season with goals and assists and was recognised by being nominated for the YPOTY in the entire league - an award he most definitely should have won, no doubt. This "highest level" you refer to is the uefa cup, the fa cup, the carling cup and the premier league? All of which Ireland has performed with ease.

I don't want for this to sound like I think Ireland's as good as Gerrard but to say he never can be because of a shitty season where he got injury after injury is very premature.

I think he could be with the right management and luck with injuries, whereas you are absolutely certain he can never be and last season was a flash in the pan.

[Dazzacity]

Im shocked that some would think it would be so wrong if we done this deal!!! It should be a no brainer...

Gerrard is much better than Ireland and Torres is much better than Ade..Simple

[BobKowalski]

Ireland can be just as good as Gerrard? Since when has Ireland put in season after season of consistently excellent performances? Answer never and he never will. The club is looking at players who can thrive under the pressure of delivering their very best game after game after game. Its all about attitude, mindset and mental strength. Gerrard has this. Torres as well. Ireland hasn't and neither has Ade. Nor do you get Gerrard whining on the sofa of Soccer AM that the manager doesn't like me. In fairness you don't get Ireland doing it either notwithstanding his fondness to blame the last manager but one for his current failings.

We are going to have to accept that if you want to win the top prizes then there has to be a spine of players who don't except anything but the best from themselves and everyone else around them. I do see glimmers of this with some players we currently have but Ireland and Ade ain't amongst them.

yeah because gerrards attitude, midset and mental strength helped get liverpool 4th this year didnt it, OH WAIT. Have you seen him play this season? Hes not been half the player he was last year and he wouldnt get any better after leaving his precious liverpool. if anything he would just ride the contract out till its done then retire. The passion he has shown in the past comes from playing for liverpool and he wont take that with him wherever he goes. Last season i wouldn't of swapped ireland for gerrard when they were both at there best simple as that, ireland has time to rediscover his form. Basically id rather have a 23 year old midfielder that has lost form then a 30 yr old midfielder who has lost his form given the choice between the two. i'd take both in form with tevez upfront though

I agree with most of this.

Ireland at 22 had a far far better season than Gerrard had when he was 22 years old. Granted this season was all over the place for him for a number of reasons that we've been over and over, but to rule him out as never being capable of being as good as Gerrard when he has already shown that he COULD be only last season is crazy. Talk about attitude and the right mentality - again this can only be something that was taken from this season, because last season he often drove the team on and he had a total "never say die" attitude.

We still don't know for sure how Mancini will mould the team, but the only evidence we have so far is that he doesn't seem to fancy playmakers... I'm betting Ireland comes back stronger as a result of this season.

One thing's for sure, I hope we get to find out because selling him now makes NO sense whatsoever.

Aged 20 Gerrard made fifty starts in all competitions and scored ten goals as Liverpool won the League Cup, FA Cup, and the 2001 UEFA Cup. At 22 Gerrard was made club captain. In Ireland's best season he drove City to...a 10th place finish. This is not a go at Ireland who is a very talented player and I happen to rate highly but I do not believe Ireland has the mindset to compete with Gerrard at the highest level.

ashton287 questioning whether Gerrard would be as committed for any other team as he would be for Liverpool is a valid one. Balanced against this is Gerrard's desire to win the PL title. Personally I cannot see this move happening anyway but I do think we have to assess the players we have with some degree of realism.

Ah very good - so just to clear this up then: Ireland at 22 can't be compared to Gerrard at 22 because Man City finished 10th? Sorry mate but that's a complete crock of shit. Ireland had an amazing season with goals and assists and was recognised by being nominated for the YPOTY in the entire league - an award he most definitely should have won, no doubt. This "highest level" you refer to is the uefa cup, the fa cup, the carling cup and the premier league? All of which Ireland has performed with ease.

I don't want for this to sound like I think Ireland's as good as Gerrard but to say he never can be because of a shitty season where he got injury after injury is very premature.

I think he could be with the right management and luck with injuries, whereas you are absolutely certain he can never be and last season was a flash in the pan.

On occasions I think that you don't really read what is written but just post what you think has been written.

You stated that at 22 Ireland had a better season then Gerrard at 22. This statement overlooked several facts namely that Gerrard was competing at the highest level successfully at the age of 20 and was made club captain at 22. In short he achieved a lot more than Ireland has at a similar age and had a bigger influence on the club then Ireland has at a similar age. To make this even clearer not only (a) can you compare them both at the age of 22 but (b) I just fucking did.

Gerrard has been churning out one excellent season after another for the last 10 years. Like Rooney or Fabregas the talent was not only evident from an early age but it has been applied consistently from an early age and it is this 'applied consistently' that is the key here. We need more than just talented players. We need talented players who do it game after game and season after season. Ireland has yet to prove that he can apply himself game after game and season after season. He has yet to prove that he can be a constant asset to the team irrespective of which position he is being asked to play for the general good. Waiting for the right management is all very well but as a rule the players that actually make the difference at the very top tend not to wait around for ideal conditions before making their mark.

So no I don't think Ireland has the right mindset to compete with the Gerrards at the highest level. I don't think we should sell him and I do think he is an exceptional talent who just may with even better players coming in this summer respond as he did when Robbie was playing well for us. I think to get the best out of Ireland everything has to be 'just right' otherwise he retreats into himself and it is this 'mental fragility' is where the problem lies.

[Ted Hughes]

Ireland can't shoot like Gerrard, or cross a ball like him or take free kicks, run as fast or head the ball, or hit long passes as well or take control of a game like Gerrard does. 2 seasons ago he was as good as Gerrard at tackling but now he doesn't do that either.

Ireland never has been & never will be as good as Gerrard. Even if he had the ability, he doesn't have the mentality. He may become a top player of a different kind if he works hard but he'll never be as good as Gerrard at those aspects of the game. If he was going to be as good at those things he would already be doing most of it now.

[Original Dub]

I seem to have a hit a nerve there Bob...

Anyway, for all your ranting, the fact remains that you say Ireland CAN'T become as good as Gerrard. Its unlikely that he will, but he most certainly CAN.

so chill out there chief and just admit you're wrong.

[gillie]

This is just pure lazy journo bullshit so chill guys.

[Dazzacity]

I seem to have a hit a nerve there Bob...

Anyway, for all your ranting, the fact remains that you say Ireland CAN'T become as good as Gerrard. Its unlikely that he will, but he most certainly CAN.

so chill out there chief and just admit you're wrong.

To be honest, he took you to the cleaners and now you're hanging on like a boxer that has been seriously rocked by some devastating shots ..Its there for all to see.

Sayin Ireland has done more than what Gerrard did at 22 was the leg wobbler..

[Manx Blue]

http://m.guardian.co.uk/?id=102202&stor ... ston-villa

interesting!!

[Ted Hughes]

This is just pure lazy journo bullshit so chill guys.

I recon it's true that we're trying to sign Gerrard & Torres but whether they'll come, or whether it's true that Ade & Clark Kent are involved is a different matter.

I recon we'll be sniffing around one or two of the England squad though & also other team's star players, who are likely to get publicity in the World Cup; thus helping our team building & profile at the same time. Profile was one of the reasons why we wanted John Terry so badly.

[jonrambo]

we shouldnt be looking at milner - he's distinctly in the above average premier league section of players

[Manx Blue]

we shouldnt be looking at milner - he's distinctly in the above average premier league section of players

with respect JR... He can play a number of positions ( 5/6) and I thinkthat sort of versatility can be very useful, and means IMO that he is better than above average.

[Blue Blood]

Hmmm... well i'm not one to usually fuel speculation but upon inquiring with a mate of mine who is a holt ender at villa, apparently he and other season ticketers who he knows reckon this has legs, now i'm not ITK, nither is he, he's just a season ticket holder who is well involved in the villa fan community.

He said to me tonight that his lot reckon this could very well happen as o'neill has been told if he wants to buy big he's going to have to sell a star and they all reckon milner is the one who's up for sale. Apparently o'neill wants a top striker at villa and will have to sell to get the dosh for one, milner being the man seen to be able to generate the most money!

Milner would be a great signing for us, defo a rumour here worth keeping a eye on! But if chelsea are in for him as is being touted, we are knackered imo, he'll most probably go there.

Mail link below;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... l?ITO=1490

[Manx Blue]

Hmmm... well i'm not one to usually fuel speculation but upon inquiring with a mate of mine who is a holt ender at villa, apparently he and other season ticketers who he knows reckon this has legs, now i'm not ITK, nither is he, he's just a season ticket holder who is well involved in the villa fan community.

He said to me tonight that his lot reckon this could very well happen as o'neill has been told if he wants to buy big he's going to have to sell a star and they all reckon milner is the one who's up for sale. Apparently o'neill wants a top striker at villa and will have to sell to get the dosh for one, milner being the man seen to be able to generate the most money!

Milner would be a great signing for us, defo a rumour here worth keeping a eye on! But if chelsea are in for him as is being touted, we are knackered imo, he'll most probably go there.

Mail link below;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... l?ITO=1490

Fair do's BB. I'm not an itk either, nor do I like it when speculation has been fuelled beyond a frenzy, such as recent days.

However, if this us true, I would go as far as to suggest that the Gerrard deal may have fallen through. Whilst SG plays primarily down the middle, he has also played on the left and right for England and Liverpool.

This is maybe why we're after Milner, as he offers us similar options to those of Gerrard, plus two defensive in an emergency. He's also 25/26 isn't he?... So more mileage left, and a few bob less too?

[Blue Blood]

Hmmm... well i'm not one to usually fuel speculation but upon inquiring with a mate of mine who is a holt ender at villa, apparently he and other season ticketers who he knows reckon this has legs, now i'm not ITK, nither is he, he's just a season ticket holder who is well involved in the villa fan community.

He said to me tonight that his lot reckon this could very well happen as o'neill has been told if he wants to buy big he's going to have to sell a star and they all reckon milner is the one who's up for sale. Apparently o'neill wants a top striker at villa and will have to sell to get the dosh for one, milner being the man seen to be able to generate the most money!

Milner would be a great signing for us, defo a rumour here worth keeping a eye on! But if chelsea are in for him as is being touted, we are knackered imo, he'll most probably go there.

Mail link below;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... l?ITO=1490

Fair do's BB. I'm not an itk either, nor do I like it when speculation has been fuelled beyond a frenzy, such as recent days.

However, if this us true, I would go as far as to suggest that the Gerrard deal may have fallen through. Whilst SG plays primarily down the middle, he has also played on the left and right for England and Liverpool.

This is maybe why we're after Milner, as he offers us similar options to those of Gerrard, plus two defensive in an emergency. He's also 25/26 isn't he?... So more mileage left, and a few bob less too?

James Milner is 24, he'll be 25 next year!

I think he seems older as he's been playing solid seasons since he was 17 at leeds i think :D

TBH i'd rather have him than Gerrard, Milners best days are ahead of him, while Gerrards are behind him sadly.

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

If we are counting on milner to be our playmaker we'll be in shit next season. I still stand by my opinion that he is too one dimensional and lacks creativity to ever be REALLY top player. And that's what we need in the middle of the park, a really top player.