Possible Sadlier comeback?

FrankGrimes

Found this story on Irish Times site.

Its early days yet, but I for one will have my fingers and toes all crossed hoping this lad can make it back to full fitness cos I've no doubt he's a Premiership standard striker. I really think he would be a big player in the Irish squad by now if he didn't have to retire - quality player with good vision, intelligence, and ability.

Despite the major changes in our style of play under Kerr we became a team capable of playing some lovely football, and frequently get the ball out wide in good crossing position. Our problem has been neither of our current first choice strikers are tall enough to be the target for those crosses. Actually I can't remember one goal in the last campaign either Robbie or Clinton scored directly by getting on the end of a cross.

Bottom line is we're clearly not a long ball team anymore, but we do need a big man to aim at when make those oppurtunities for dangerous crosses. I felt Sadlier was going to be that man, and like Quinn at the end of his career, Sadlier has an excellent touch and offers a lot more than being a target man. Here's hoping the comeback goes well for the lad.

---

Sunderland offer Sadlier comeback hope

27/01/2006: Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is taking a look at former Republic of Ireland and Millwall striker Richard Sadlier, who retired through injury more than two years ago.

Sadlier announced his retirement in September 2003 at the age of just 24 because of a hip injury.

But having consulted the same American specialist as Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle, who has been out with hip trouble for 17 months, Sadlier is pondering a possible comeback in the north-east.

McCarthy explained: "Sadlier is still here with a view to getting him fit and he's progressing very quickly with his training. We will get him out there and take a view on signing him. We will see when he's fit.

"He was a very good player who is trying to come back and if he gets back playing and gets fit, you weigh things up. It's open-ended at the moment. We are having a look. He could be a very very good player."

The Dublin-born player scored 41 goals in 165 appearances for Millwall and was once touted as an international replacement for former Sunderland favourite Niall Quinn.

However, two hip operations in 18 months meant he won only one international cap and forced him to admit defeat in his attempt to overcome the injury

Juan Pablo

I was under the impression Sadlier couldn't play professionally again under the terms of his insurance settlement following his premature retirement? Could be wrong though, it would be great to see him back in action, scored some lovely goals for Millwall in his day.

Pigman II

Our problem has been neither of our current first choice strikers are tall enough to be the target for those crosses. Actually I can't remember one goal in the last campaign either Robbie or Clinton scored directly by getting on the end of a cross.

Morrison 6'
Sadlier 6'2

Huge difference in height there between tall sadlier and small morrison I'm sure you'll agree!

Plus, I never realised height was the primary key when it came to coverting crosses! Quinner was about 6'5 and the two goals I'll always remember him scoring for us from crosses were both with his feet.

Height is great asset for a targetman but the idea that you have to be a tall guy to get on the end of a cross is nonsence. I mean Michael Owen can do more with a cross than Peter Crouch ever will.

DaveH

I was actually speaking to his auntie a few months back. Apartently he's been training for the last year non stop and is very hopefull to get back to profesional standard. I thought he couldnt play anymore, due to a hip injury, but she told me he never actually retired. I remember he was in contention for the 2002 world cup, but got injured about April time and I dont think he played for Millwall again. Its good to hear he's back, because he's only a young lad, think he;s around 26. Was leading scorer in the first division before in 2002. Looked like a great prospect, very big powerful man.

FrankGrimes

Pigman II wrote:

Morrison 6'
Sadlier 6'2

Huge difference in height there between tall sadlier and small morrison I'm sure you'll agree!

Plus, I never realised height was the primary key when it came to coverting crosses! Quinner was about 6'5 and the two goals I'll always remember him scoring for us from crosses were both with his feet.

Height is great asset for a targetman but the idea that you have to be a tall guy to get on the end of a cross is nonsence. I mean Michael Owen can do more with a cross than Peter Crouch ever will.

Eh, yeh those two inches do make a difference, but its not simply the height difference that sets Sadlier aside from Morrison. Morrison's strengths lie in playing with his back to goal, taking the ball in to feet, holding off a defender and laying it off to bring another player into play. He rarely gets on the end of a cross.

Sadlier has all those aspects to his game aswell - he uses the ball very cleverly, but he also knows how to play as a target man.

There are countless goals where Quinn knocked a ball down from a cross to a player who scored. Can't name any where Clinton has done this. Sadlier would give us this option.

Crouch is an example of a player that just cos you're tall does not necessarily make you a good header of the ball - he's good at knocking it down but not finishing headers. Owen is an example of a smaller player who is as good in the air as his height will allow. Neither Robbie or Clinton, regardless of height, are good headers of the ball. Sadlier is, but then again so is the ginger pele. Point is that Sadlier offers this plus plenty more.

Pigman II

FrankGrimes wrote:

Eh, yeh those two inches do make a difference, but its not simply the height difference that sets Sadlier aside from Morrison. Morrison's strengths lie in playing with his back to goal, taking the ball in to feet, holding off a defender and laying it off to bring another player into play. He rarely gets on the end of a cross.

Yes but earlier you said simply that Morrison and Keane simply weren't tall enough to be targets for crosses, not that they were inneffective from them due to shortcomings in their respective repertoires.

Sadlier has all those aspects to his game aswell - he uses the ball very cleverly, but he also knows how to play as a target man.

Sadlier is also a retired Championship level footballer.

There are countless goals where Quinn knocked a ball down from a cross to a player who scored. Can't name any where Clinton has done this. Sadlier would give us this option.

Ian Harte can hit a free kick like no-ones business. Matt Holland can score from outside the box at will. Andy Reid can land a 60yard pass on a sixpence. Does that mean they should all claim first XI status just because they 'give us that particular option'? Point being, I'm sure you'll find Morrison also has plenty of qualities that Sadlier lacks (still being a professional footballer perhaps being the most obvious).

Beside all that you continually talk about Sadlier in the present tense as tho he's even an option anymore. Perhaps some personal bias is clouding your apprasal.