Irish Lads McPhail and Stack on the move!

Dewey

http://www.fai.ie/NR/exeres/6159E22A-6547-4242-80C2-81A524D11343.htm

Former Republic of Ireland Under 21 goalkeeper Graham Stack is too join Millwall from Arsenal in order to gain first team football.

Stack – who was called into the Ireland squad for February’s friendly against Brazil – was number two at Arsenal last season, though with Jens Lehman in front of him, he has decided a spell with FA Cup runners up Millwall is help his chances.

“I think this could be a brilliant opportunity for me. Working with Dennis Wise and Ray Wilkins is an exciting proposition and I think Millwall are a club with big ambitions,” he said.

“The fact that they will be playing in Europe this year and have a chairman who wants to take them places is exciting too.

“I had a great time with Arsenal last season. I’d like to think I made my own small contribution.

“But I also think that the time is right to be in serious contention to be the No 1 keeper at the club. I’ve been told that it is in my own hands to prove that I should be Millwall’s first choice next season.”

Meanwhile, former Ireland midfielder Gareth Farrelly is training with Millwall having been released by Wigan Athletic at the end of the season while former Millwall left back, Dubliner Robbie Ryan is in talks with a number of Scottish clubs.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2004/0702/mcphailstephen.html

Division One Barnsley have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Stephen McPhail from Leeds on a free transfer.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who has earned 10 caps for his country, signed a two-year deal at Oakwell after passing a medical yesterday.

McPhail made 107 appearances for Leeds after joining the club as a trainee in 1997.

He turned out 12 times for Leeds last season, and also spent a spell on loan at Nottingham Forest at the start of last term.



I think its a good move for Stack, I seen him play a few games for Arsenal in the Craling Cup and he looked a great keeper. If he gets a run of games for Millwall i could see him in the Ireland Squad.
I not sure about McPhail going to Barnsley, they dont really light up Division 1 or whatever its called now. I suppose its good for him getting first team football, but i cant see him being in the Ireland squad for World Cup quilifyers.

eirebhoy

Originally posted by Dewey
Division One Barnsley have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Stephen McPhail from Leeds on a free transfer.

Barnsley are in division 2/League 1. McPhail was strongly linked with Coventry but I don't think he has much of a future with Ireland if he's playing in division 2.

Great move by Stack though. if he has a good season I can't see him going back to Arsenal, if he has a bad season Arsenal mightn't want him back. Either way, I doubt we'll see him play for Arsenal again. He should make the Ireland sqaud if he gets a good run for Millwall.

Pepe LeFrits

I'm assuming/hoping that Stack's move to Millwall is a loan deal. He was very good in the carling cup last season, safe hands and good reactions. I'll be very disappointed if he doesn't return to Arsenal, though he has tough competition from Stuart Taylor and possibly Almunia if he comes as number 2.

eirebhoy

Yeah, Stack has signed a year long loan deal with Millwall. Wenger said it was between Rami Shabin and Taylor for the no.2 slot. If they sign another keeper that would leave Stack way down the ranks. Either Taylor and Shaabin should get sold and Lehmenn hasn't got long left so he may well get a chance at Arsenal.

GuanYin

Ermmmm McPhail going to Barnsley is nuts

He is way better than that. Its his international career over anyway.

Big Ears

Well unless Barnsley get promoted this season it is .