FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[Itchy]

Can't blame him. What decent footballer would want to play with that bundle of shit?

I just think he is a bollix to take 3 caps with one senior team and then switch to another because of money. Money should not be a factor when choosing your country, if it is you are a greedy little bollix. But in that way I am glad we don't have a lad like him with us now, I'd rather be shit than have lads like that play for us. As for all the "modern men" wishing him well, why the hell would you wish him well?

[lurganblue]

Can't blame him. What decent footballer would want to play with that bundle of shit?

An Irish one.

[Maroon Manc]

The rule is a farce anyway, once you've played for a country you shouldn't be able to switch allegiances. I'm sure West Ham put a lot of pressure on him too which wouldn't have happened at clubs like United or Liverpool.

I'm second generation Irish, born in Manchester and lived in the City all my life and it would have been as easy decision for me to make; I've had an irrational dislike of the England football team since I was a kid and its nothing to do with my parents either. There'll be plenty out there like me and probably just as many who'd play for England given the chance, not everyone will have had the same upbringing I've had.

Just think the biggest disappointment is that he's pulled on the green jersey and then turned his back on it, its a real kick in the teeth. I'd say his dad will be gutted judging by what I heard.

[From the Bunker]

Can't blame him. What decent footballer would want to play with that bundle of shit?

An Irish one.

[Bord na Mona man]

The pity is not so much that he declared for England, more that he played for Ireland and we could have nabbed him by capping him in a competitive fixture. From a purely selfish point of view, mind.

I wonder how many players in the past declared for Ireland and then regretted not holding out for the England call up when they realised they were good enough? I suspect one is Andy Townsend who recounted being in a holiday bar cheering for England against Ireland in Euro '88 and months later was togging out in green at Dalymount.

[Baile Brigín 2]

Let him f**k off the bollix. I hope he ends up playing Jack grealish in the championship. All about the money. Forget him, move on with what we have.

Lad from England, born in England, of English parents developed through the English club system decides to play for England and this is your reaction?

You missed the bit about him having 30 irish caps, including 3 for the seniors

[shark]

The pity is not so much that he declared for England, more that he played for Ireland and we could have nabbed him by capping him in a competitive fixture. From a purely selfish point of view, mind.

I wonder how many players in the past declared for Ireland and then regretted not holding out for the England call up when they realised they were good enough? I suspect one is Andy Townsend who recounted being in a holiday bar cheering for England against Ireland in Euro '88 and months later was togging out in green at Dalymount.

Townsend played in 2 World Cups for Ireland. He probably wouldn't have made the England squad for Italia 90, and they didn't qualify in '94. Would have been an England regular from about 1991 until 1994 (when he was at his peak), but that's about it. He didn't lose out financially as he got his big money move at his peak to the then 2nd bast team in England, and made a tv career despite declaring for Ireland. Doubt he regrets it, but then again, how would I know!

[Baile Brigín 2]

Townsend is held up as the pinnacle of the Charlton envelope pushing. He didnt even know he had Irish roots. The black armband episode summed him up.

[Chicago Hurling]

So is the belief the rule is shit because people can switch or because the granny rule is too far removed to truly have allegiance to a country? I can't speak for every irish american but I'd be able to play in ireland (mom) usa (born) and italy (dads parents) and I'd play in that order respectively so there's plenty of people who'd play for ireland based on at least parent rule. But I fully believe that when you move up, friendlies or not, that should count as choosing your country.

[trailer]

Declan Rice wears England pyjamas.

[Dolph1]

So is the belief the rule is shit because people can switch or because the granny rule is too far removed to truly have allegiance to a country? I can't speak for every irish american but I'd be able to play in ireland (mom) usa (born) and italy (dads parents) and I'd play in that order respectively so there's plenty of people who'd play for ireland based on at least parent rule. But I fully believe that when you move up, friendlies or not, that should count as choosing your country.

Eligibility is one thing. Underage you haven't had a chance to fully work it out for yourself who you would like to represent so moving between countries wouldn't be such a massive deal.

However in my opinion under 21's is when you should be old enough to have figured it out and is seen as the stepping stone to making a senior team. Once you declare for an under-21s team that should be it.
This could really benefit weaker countries as you have a guaranteed pipeline and know what you have to work on in the future.

[Baile Brigín 2]

So is the belief the rule is shit because people can switch or because the granny rule is too far removed to truly have allegiance to a country? I can't speak for every irish american but I'd be able to play in ireland (mom) usa (born) and italy (dads parents) and I'd play in that order respectively so there's plenty of people who'd play for ireland based on at least parent rule. But I fully believe that when you move up, friendlies or not, that should count as choosing your country.

I dont think eligibility is the issue. Nationality can be nuanced. The issue is more that he was Irish, changed agent, strung us along, became English. Its a snakey, hungry call.

[johnnycool]

So is the belief the rule is shit because people can switch or because the granny rule is too far removed to truly have allegiance to a country? I can't speak for every irish american but I'd be able to play in ireland (mom) usa (born) and italy (dads parents) and I'd play in that order respectively so there's plenty of people who'd play for ireland based on at least parent rule. But I fully believe that when you move up, friendlies or not, that should count as choosing your country.

I dont think eligibility is the issue. Nationality can be nuanced. The issue is more that he was Irish, changed agent, strung us along, became English. Its a snakey, hungry call.

He was never Irish, he was British and played for the Rep of Ireland and now he wants to play for England.

Let it go lads before you sound as whiny as the IFA have done over the last number of years.

[trailer]

So is the belief the rule is shit because people can switch or because the granny rule is too far removed to truly have allegiance to a country? I can't speak for every irish american but I'd be able to play in ireland (mom) usa (born) and italy (dads parents) and I'd play in that order respectively so there's plenty of people who'd play for ireland based on at least parent rule. But I fully believe that when you move up, friendlies or not, that should count as choosing your country.

I dont think eligibility is the issue. Nationality can be nuanced. The issue is more that he was Irish, changed agent, strung us along, became English. Its a snakey, hungry call.

It's just soccer. It's typical soccer behaviour. It's what those people are. Out for themselves, no loyalty, lining their own pockets. Money. People should just let it go.

[Baile Brigín 2]

So is the belief the rule is shit because people can switch or because the granny rule is too far removed to truly have allegiance to a country? I can't speak for every irish american but I'd be able to play in ireland (mom) usa (born) and italy (dads parents) and I'd play in that order respectively so there's plenty of people who'd play for ireland based on at least parent rule. But I fully believe that when you move up, friendlies or not, that should count as choosing your country.

I dont think eligibility is the issue. Nationality can be nuanced. The issue is more that he was Irish, changed agent, strung us along, became English. Its a snakey, hungry call.

He was never Irish, he was British and played for the Rep of Ireland and now he wants to play for England.

Let it go lads before you sound as whiny as the IFA have done over the last number of years.

Who is whining? Im happy its over, he should have been shown the door the minute he wavered.

If its ok with you people on a discussion forum would like to discuss things.