TicTacWoe

Can't remember Parker doing much for us, that team was a real mess though so it's hard to know. He's done better at West Ham who are in even more of a mess mind you.

I'd say they were chuffed to bits

In terms of raw ability without a doubt. Think in part I always struggle to accept blistering pace as being the same thing as footballing ability. Although it's obviously as important as anything else (if not more so) in the modern game. There was more to Dyer than just pace though, when not injured for us he was far more lethal than the likes of Walcott, Lennon or Agbonlahor are at present, he had a much greater sense of purpose and direction then that lot. Obviously he wasn't the most likeable of players particularly after disrespecting SBR but to give him some credit he later said that doing so was the biggest regret of his life.

Dyer was fantastic for us, as was Bellamy, we've had nothing that potent in the team since imo. Bellamy was certainly underappreciated by people at the club but that's probably partially understandable due to his prickish behavior, same with Dyer.

Hughes I assume? He was massively underestimated alright, often plays centre back as well as full back too. Suppose you could throw in Distin and Saha who I never remembering impressing too much while on loan but obviously went on to be good players.

cheers Fish!

I'm still looking for a PM if anybody feels generous, I'll send it back to you afterwards when I'm done with it

one for me too if possible please

Hello, is it me you're looking for?

As a country and people probably, but can't see it in football. there isnt much between the two lineups out tonight (though I still think we shade it) but if everyone was fit (and in S.Irelands case willing to play) I think we're a fair bit ahead of the scots. Is he ever going to play for Ireland again? Its just the embarrassment of being caught lying like an idiot keeping him out imo. I doubt he'll play for us again but he's still only 24 so who knows, apparently there was more to it than just the granny incident, think he claimed there was a lot of dressing room bullying going on as well (from the former Reading lads IIRC). Wish he'd swallow his pride and come back for us though.

with Berbatov retired from internationals this should be a strole for England. They didn't look up to much with him against Ireland in the world cup qualifiers anyway.

As a country and people probably, but can't see it in football. there isnt much between the two lineups out tonight (though I still think we shade it) but if everyone was fit (and in S.Irelands case willing to play) I think we're a fair bit ahead of the scots.

It's not so long ago you lost 5-1 to erm....Cyprus. 5-2 actually, that was during a particularly low ebb in the dreadful Staunton era, which also featured a delightful 2-1 win over San Marino that required a last minute Steven Ireland goal to spare the humiliation. I actually felt terrible for San Marino that day, they deserved to win...

Given, Dunne and O'Shea are the only three in the whole team that would make it imo. Hutton is a better attacking right back than O'Shea and Miller has improved twn fold in the last 18 months. I think Doyle is shit and McGeady can't cross. Although I think Doyle and particularly McGeady are overrated its worth pointing out that we're missing Duff whos still decent as well as several others not to mention the whole Steven Ireland thing. There's also the likes of Andy Reid and Delap as well as the youngsters I mentioned earlier who are simply never picked by Trap rightly or wrongly. Doyles goalscoring record in the UK is 134 goals in 188 appearances which is pretty damn good and better than Kenny Miller's by all accounts

wellllll - there are countries with similar populations who do better TBF Im sure there are, but many more who do worse, I lived in Finland in the past and their country who has a greater population than Ireland have never qualified for a single major tournament in football (and despite Hockeys popularity football still brings in more tv revenue) whereas Ireland have been to 3 world cups (getting to the knockout stages each time) and one euros.

Some of the Irish youngsters starting to break through for their clubs should be playing for us by now, the likes of Seamus Coleman (who really does look class for Everton so far) and James McCarthy (now a regular for Wigan) should be starting for us, like Stevie says, too many plodders in our team these days, needs freshening up. There's also a very promising looking lad from Chelsea (not that he'll make it there) called Conor Clifford who is one of only players from the British Isles who can get into their youth team regularly. At the end of the day I still reckon our starting line up is better and more dangerous than Scotland at present especially if we were to pick what I see as the best team we could put out. All in all there isn't much between Scotland Wales and ourselves at the moment and I think people from all 3 countries are far too harsh on the national teams considering the relatively tiny populations.

Kadar doesnt have to be named as he's under 21

why is Foster there...can we recall him perhaps?

http://www.richmolnar.com/Sounds/Apu%20-%20Shut%20Up.wav

he's like one of those little colds you get in winter, you have them for ages, they're extremely frustrating but never seem to be quite bad enough that you actually do something about getting rid of it.

same here, that's the thing, I have actually never met someone who doesn't vehemently hate the guy.

i still think he'll be playing for newcastle long after the sun has burnt out and human life has ceased to exist

Aye for the same reasons you'd take Paul McShane or Kevin Kilbane. The best thing about him is he's a good talker on the pitch and would be a bit of a leader. ah! he's a terrible leader in that sense, Stevie. A complete moan if every ball isn't put on his toe. I remember seeing Steophen Kelly making his Ireland debut and he barely misplaced a pass to Keane, who absolutely berated him. He looked fucking terrified after that. Anyway, his movement and ability to score are reason enough to sign him. I'd be amazed if he wants to go back to Celtic for any other reason than he doesn't feel he can hack it down here anymore. I think his leadership qialities have improved since then. I would be far from surprised if the mackems don't try and hijack this if it's genuine, particularly with him being friends with NQ. He's still got a bit of an "anyone's fault but my own" type attitude, would still be a good addition on loan though.

All based on his performances from me. I've never actually rated him. I think he's a fucking cheat to his team mates which is why he could often be found sweeping behind Given instead of marking his man half the time. He did well last year though and at RB the season before. fair enough, he's certainly prone to errors, still reckon he could develop into a Carragher style defender with time providing he can stay fit.