Ireland talked the talk but failed to walk the walk at SJP
It would appear that Stephen Ireland is more intent on sounding like a broken record rather than breaking records.
Not for the first time in his football career, Ireland has opted to try to cover up his failings with excuses claiming he was farmed out to Newcastle "against his will."
Or is the stance of a bloke who knows he blew his chance to make an impact at Newcastle United?
And the reality is, that perhaps it was Newcastle United who have washed their hands of him rather than the other way round.
For a bloke who was supposed to have been frogmarched up to Tyneside by Brummie foot soldiers, Ireland's feelings at the time of his loan move to Newcastle seem very different.
Back then he said: "As soon as I got the heads up that it was almost done, I was ready to pack my bag and go."
It's easy to throw things back at footballers because things can change so quickly in this crazy game and that's one of the reasons we all love it so much.
But Ireland resembles yet another footballer who came to Newcastle and could not live up to the expectations (not that Geordie folk are asking for anything more than 100% in a black and white shirt) at St James' Park or even begin to match the magnificent black and white faithful.
From the club's point of view, I really don't think Newcastle could have done more to help Ireland get back on the straight and narrow from a fitness point of view.
Derek Wright put in hours and hours on the training field working with the player on a one and one basis while Alan Pardew and John Carver put in plenty of faith for a player that has a track record of problem causing but was given a huge chance to impress in black and white.
But at the end of the day he arrived injured and left injured.
Footballers can't help injuries but they can show willing, for me Ireland didn't do this enough and merely talked a good game during his time up here conducting as many interviews as appearances.
Another of Ireland's comments also has spats of pure bullsh*t too.
Speaking on the Toon Army, Ireland said: "They're die-hard fans, and it's exactly where you want to be week-in, week-out.
"It helps an awful lot, and you've got to repay them."
Well, I'd bet that plenty Geordie fans felt short changed by the time Ireland upped sticks and headed back to Aston Villa.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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half decent article mr ryder, you know for this time of yr. I don't mind just a bit of general football craic.
this lad seems like his fame and fortune may have got the better of him, which is a mortal sin with fans, who don't get paid in a yr what these lads make in a week.
he was great at city but they wanted shot of him asap, so you have to wonder whats going on there..? There are 2 things going on in newcastle 1.football 2.the night life.
Ireland semed to opt for 2. maybe that's a bit unfair but he certainly didn't really bother with the football.
As much as this is a good article Lee, I am more worried about the lack of transfer activity at the club, even Sky Sports have not mentioned Newcastle about potential targets for a few weeks and the UK wide papers is a blank,Even the Newcastle Sunday Sun yesterday had nothing to say. 35 Million not going anywhere ??
just one of many footballer's who have a different version of events, much like modric at spur's. The question i would ask, is why when we needed a striker at the time, did we bring in an injured player. Erm makes sense, not to me. Yes on his day, he is a capable player. But ashleys so called blueprint. makes you wonder if it was just get anyone. To me, not surprised he didn't live up to anything, but cut the guy some slack, he was injured most the time. he's not to blame, its the donkey who sanctioned the move.
People like Ireland are no brain no pain type person's.Too much in the back pockets¬ enough behind the eye sockets.Poor fellow has to say this about NUFC so he can play ball again with the Villa fans.WONDER what he would say if a bid from SJP came in!!!
Seems like some words are missing from my 1st blogg.HERE IT IS AGAIN: People like Ireland are no brain no,no pain type persons.Too much in there backpockets&nowt behind there eye sockets.Poor fellow has to say this about NUFC so he can play ball again with Villa fans.Wonder what he would say IF??? a bid from SJP came in!!!
Stephen Ireland is a good player and I for one think it was good business however he was unfortunate to get injured. If any of you lot read the article you would discover that at no time did he disrespect the Toon Army or the club so why all this rubbish. Lee, you of all people should know better.
Complete waste of space.
And we felt sorry for him after his girlfriend had a car accident... Well I didn't, how can you break an ankle in a Bently with the dozens of airbags etc?
Ireland came in injured on a pay per play contract. He was brought in at the last minute as a sop to the fans because Andy Carroll was sold. The fact that he very rarely played was due to this initial injury and the pay per play contract (Ashley being reluctant to pay his wages0 The fact that he was subsequently injured was not his fault surely.
I think your stretching the facts to suit your argument Lee