LOI Talk, Rumors, Gossip, Transfers etc 2015

GLaDOS

Towell to Brighton apparently

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/towell-eyes-euro-place-as-brighton-move-edging-closer-34224634.html

gimmick

Vision of Disorder wrote: »

He was desperate at Limerick, underwhelming at Sligo and invisible at Cork (and he's somehow still talking about going back across the water). There is clearly potential there and it might suit him to be playing at home but I'd be wary of him being the solution to many problems if I was a Galway fan.

I genuinely forgot he was with us until I saw he had left.

monkey9

ScienceNerd wrote: »

Towell to Brighton apparently

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/towell-eyes-euro-place-as-brighton-move-edging-closer-34224634.html

I hope that move happens. It would be interesting to see how he'd develop at Championship level. Hughton is a very good coach and if he can progress as a player, it could be good for Ireland.

Oat23

I was told by a very passionate Dundalk fan who has never been wrong before that Towell had agreed a 2 year extension with them. Looks like he had bad info if the independent is right!

What a shame. I was hoping he would stay and break through into the NT with Dundalk. It would have been a huge boost for the league.

No doubt in my mind they'll call him up in the next friendly now.

CHealy

Gavan Holohan signs up for next year with City. He was terribly unlucky last season, anytime he broke into the team and started to look good he got injured. Interesting comment in the article, he says John has a plan to change the way we play for next year so I hope to god that comes to fruition.

wadacrack

http://www.balls.ie/football/richie-towell-set-for-big-move-and-hes-doing-a-lot-better-than-league-2/316999

djpbarry

ScienceNerd wrote: »

Towell to Brighton apparently

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/towell-eyes-euro-place-as-brighton-move-edging-closer-34224634.html

I admire the lad's ambition, but jaysus, he isn't half getting a bit carried away with himself. Thinks he's good enough to be in the Euro 2016 squad?!? I don't doubt that he has the potential to play for Ireland, but he's setting himself up for a massive fall with that kind of talk.

AgileMyth

Oat23 wrote: »

I was told by a very passionate Dundalk fan who has never been wrong before that Towell had agreed a 2 year extension with them. Looks like he had bad info if the independent is right!

What a shame. I was hoping he would stay and break through into the NT with Dundalk. It would have been a huge boost for the league.

No doubt in my mind they'll call him up in the next friendly now.

He'd never make the team if he stayed. Squad for a friendly at best. Two weeks with Brighton and they'll have developed him into an international!

White Horse

djpbarry wrote: »

I admire the lad's ambition, but jaysus, he isn't half getting a bit carried away with himself. Thinks he's good enough to be in the Euro 2016 squad?!? I don't doubt that he has the potential to play for Ireland, but he's setting himself up for a massive fall with that kind of talk.

Having seen Dundalk and Ireland regularly, I wouldn't say so at all.

Towell could slot into the Irish side quite comfortably.

A_Sober_Paddy

Will Dundalk see any money?

topmanamillion

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

Will Dundalk see any money?

Nothing
If though there isn't a fee no one can possibly argue that Dundalk haven't benefited immensely from Towell playing for them. He was an integral part of their league/cup winning side. There's a strong argument that a massive portion of the 650k in prize money they got this year is due to Towell.

White Horse

In an ideal world, Dundalk would have tied Towell down to a three year deal. However, Towell's advisors would have told him not to do so.

Perhaps, if we were able to offer a big financial incentive (say €4k pw), he might have been tempted. However, would that have been prudent? A financial commitment of €625k?

CHealy

White Horse wrote: »

In an ideal world, Dundalk would have tied Towell down to a three year deal. However, Towell's advisors would have told him not to do so.

Perhaps, if we were able to offer a big financial incentive (say €4k pw), he might have been tempted. However, would that have been prudent? A financial commitment of €625k?

If you want to go bust then I think its the best way to go, I'm from Cork I have previous.

Corholio

White Horse wrote: »

Having seen Dundalk and Ireland regularly, I wouldn't say so at all.

Towell could slot into the Irish side quite comfortably.

While a big admirer of Towell, I don't think that's true to be honest. While I've been an advocate for players in the league to get more chances internationally, it still wouldn't be anything comfortably. Hope he impresses at Brighton and goes on to get that recognition though.

djpbarry

White Horse wrote: »

Having seen Dundalk and Ireland regularly, I wouldn't say so at all.

Towell could slot into the Irish side quite comfortably.

At the expense of who? Who would you drop to make way for Towell, bearing in mind that he has yet to demonstrate he can consistently perform at the same level he has done for Dundalk against stronger opposition. Moving from Dundalk to a promotion-chasing Championship side is a huge step up. The step-up from there to international football is another big one.

Once again, I don’t doubt that Towell has the potential to play for Ireland, simply on the basis that he is the best player the LOI has seen for some time. But, talk of going to France next summer is ridiculously premature – he’s got an awful lot to prove yet.

There's a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance and he's coming mighty close to crossing it.

AgileMyth

White Horse wrote: »

Perhaps, if we were able to offer a big financial incentive (say €4k pw), he might have been tempted. However, would that have been prudent? A financial commitment of €625k?

All well and good til he breaks a leg or something. You'd be gambling the future of your football club and one misplaced tackle could put you in the ****.

That_Guy

doncarlos wrote: »

Byrne is decent at this level and a good signing for Bohs. Has played on left of front 3 or in number 10 role. Had Horgan and Finn in those positions this year so he had no chance

Very happy with these signings. Can see Byrne playing in a more creative role which we have been lacking desperately for quite some time.

Kelly --- Lopes --- Buckley ---Mohammed
Byrne
Akinade

Could be a very interesting midfield/attack next season.

Christy Browne

There are no quotes from Towell about breaking into the squad for the Euros in that article, sensationalism from the Independent as usual.

I don't think it's that ridiculous a goal to set though. If he goes to Brighton and hits the ground running he could easily get into a few friendly squads and build on it from there, it would be great to see.

topmanamillion

Christy Browne wrote: »

There are no quotes from Towell about breaking into the squad for the Euros in that article, sensationalism from the Independent as usual.

I don't think it's that ridiculous a goal to set though. If he goes to Brighton and hits the ground running he could easily get into a few friendly squads and build on it from there, it would be great to see.

He was interviewed on second captains live and said. I've heard him saying it numerous times this season. That article was written by Daniel Mcdonnell (a Dundalk fan) and a top sports writer.

dundalkfc10

topmanamillion wrote: »

He was interviewed on second captains live and said. I've heard him saying it numerous times this season. That article was written by Daniel Mcdonnell (a Dundalk fan) and a top sports writer.

Heard him say what? He dream and ambition was to break into the International squad?

A young player having an ambition, Jesus the cheek of him

topmanamillion

dundalkfc10 wrote: »

Heard him say what? He dream and ambition was to break into the International squad?

A young player having an ambition, Jesus the cheek of him

What are you raving about?
The posters message that I commented on said that the indo were just making up the fact Towell had said he wanted to play for ireland. I would recommend bed for you.

Christy Browne

topmanamillion wrote: »

What are you raving about?
The posters message that I commented on said that the indo were just making up the fact Towell had said he wanted to play for ireland. I would recommend bed for you.

I'm not denying the fact he wants to play for Ireland. Just that nowhere in the article does it quote him as saying he's gonna break into the Euros squad.

If he said it on Second Captains fair enough, but it should really be quoted.

Omackeral

djpbarry wrote: »

Once again, I don’t doubt that Towell has the potential to play for Ireland, simply on the basis that he is the best player the LOI has seen for some time. But, talk of going to France next summer is ridiculously premature – he’s got an awful lot to prove yet.

There's a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance and he's coming mighty close to crossing it.

Do you know what, I've no issue with your sentiment of "who would he replace" as it's valid but as for the self confidence/arrogance line, f*ck it. For too long we've been happy to just be there or take part and get moral victories. He's absolutely right to talk himself up, Conor McGregor did it and is now a household name and worth a fortune. Without his cockiness, he wouldn't have been noticed as quickly and put in the position to show his skills and get offered title fights. If Richie believes he has what it takes, then I say announce yourself to your audience and your peers. Screw this humble LOI-happy-with-your-lot attitude. Go for it, take your chance to be spotted, issue your come and get me, generate a buzz and headlines and if you have what it takes, it'll stand to you.

GLaDOS

McClean broke into the international team and made it to the Euros in a similar time frame. Obviously he was with a premier league team and had a ludicrous streak of form he's yet to show again since, but it can be done.

hufpc8w3adnk65

Marky Sull signs on at City again. Wonder did Johnny C give it too him Friday at his wedding

djpbarry

Christy Browne wrote: »

There are no quotes from Towell about breaking into the squad for the Euros in that article...

You’re right, there isn’t – fair point.

djpbarry

Omackeral wrote: »

…Conor McGregor did it and is now a household name…

Never heard of him.

Omackeral wrote: »

Screw this humble LOI-happy-with-your-lot attitude.

I don’t know where you’re getting this from? Where did I suggest he should be happy with what he’s got?

Omackeral wrote: »

Go for it, take your chance to be spotted, issue your come and get me, generate a buzz and headlines and if you have what it takes, it'll stand to you.

Yeah, if.

Look at it this way. This is a guy who has, for whatever reasons, already failed to make the grade in Scotland. Now, supposedly on the verge of a move to Brighton, he’s announcing that he’s good enough to play for Ireland. Well, Brighton fans are going to be expecting big things, aren’t they? So what happens if he doesn’t hit the ground running? Patience is going to be in pretty short supply.

wadacrack

djpbarry wrote: »

Never heard of him.
I don’t know where you’re getting this from? Where did I suggest he should be happy with what he’s got?
Yeah, if.

Look at it this way. This is a guy who has, for whatever reasons, already failed to make the grade in Scotland. Now, supposedly on the verge of a move to Brighton, he’s announcing that he’s good enough to play for Ireland. Well, Brighton fans are going to be expecting big things, aren’t they? So what happens if he doesn’t hit the ground running? Patience is going to be in pretty short supply.

Towell will do well with Brighton. Hes a confident lad, it will do him no harm.

Omackeral

djpbarry wrote: »

Never heard of him.
I don’t know where you’re getting this from? Where did I suggest he should be happy with what he’s got?
Yeah, if.

Look at it this way. This is a guy who has, for whatever reasons, already failed to make the grade in Scotland. Now, supposedly on the verge of a move to Brighton, he’s announcing that he’s good enough to play for Ireland. Well, Brighton fans are going to be expecting big things, aren’t they? So what happens if he doesn’t hit the ground running? Patience is going to be in pretty short supply.

You missed my point completely. I said if Richie believes he has what it takes, then he's dead right to shout it from the rooftops. If he can back it up, epic. If he can't, then that's on him and nobody else.

You must be living under a rock if you've never heard of Conor McGregor by the way, not that I believe you.

djpbarry

Omackeral wrote: »

You missed my point completely. I said if Richie believes he has what it takes, then he's dead right to shout it from the rooftops. If he can back it up, epic. If he can't, then that's on him and nobody else.

Well that was kind of my point – he’s setting himself up for a big fall if things don’t work out for him. The lad needs to keep his feet on the ground. Might not actually be a bad thing if he didn’t have a great start at Brighton – could be a useful reality check for him.

Omackeral wrote: »

You must be living under a rock if you've never heard of Conor McGregor by the way, not that I believe you.

Genuinely never heard of him. Just done a Google. Not surprised I’ve never heard of him – UFC isn’t really my thing. Bit of a stretch to call a UFC fighter a “household name”.

CHealy

djpbarry wrote: »

Genuinely never heard of him. Just done a Google. Not surprised I’ve never heard of him – UFC isn’t really my thing. Bit of a stretch to call a UFC fighter a “household name”.

I'm finding it very very hard to believe you've never heard of Connor McGregor, infact I'm calling BS on it. UFC isn't my thing either but I can't seem to get way from the langer, he's literally in every newspaper weekly for the last 18 months.

deisedude

djpbarry wrote: »

Well that was kind of my point – he’s setting himself up for a big fall if things don’t work out for him. The lad needs to keep his feet on the ground. Might not actually be a bad thing if he didn’t have a great start at Brighton – could be a useful reality check for him.
Genuinely never heard of him. Just done a Google. Not surprised I’ve never heard of him – UFC isn’t really my thing. Bit of a stretch to call a UFC fighter a “household name”.

McGregor is plastered over Tv, radio, newspapers and the internet. He is most certainly a household name

Oat23

CHealy wrote: »

I'm finding it very very hard to believe you've never heard of Connor McGregor, infact I'm calling BS on it. UFC isn't my thing either but I can't seem to get way from the langer, he's literally in every newspaper weekly for the last 18 months.

I know plenty of people who don't know him.

Darkglasses

Not sure how you could miss Conor McGregor, been all over the newspapers and TV for nearly two years now. In terms of international audiences, he's easily one of Ireland's biggest sportsmen right now.

gimmick

And now he is invading this thread :rolleyes:

djpbarry

CHealy wrote: »

I'm finding it very very hard to believe you've never heard of Connor McGregor...

deisedude wrote: »

McGregor is plastered over Tv, radio, newspapers and the internet. He is most certainly a household name

Darkglasses wrote: »

Not sure how you could miss Conor McGregor ...

I've never hear of him lads and I can virtually guarantee that none of my work colleagues would know who he is either. Granted, I live in London, but I'm back in Dublin a few times a year and I've yet to notice a reference to UFC in mainstream Irish media.

Anyways, this has absolutely nothing to do with the discussion at hand.

CHealy

djpbarry wrote: »

I've never hear of him lads and I can virtually guarantee that none of my work colleagues would know who he is either. Granted, I live in London, but I'm back in Dublin a few times a year and I've yet to notice a reference to UFC in mainstream Irish media.

Anyways, this has absolutely nothing to do with the discussion at hand.

What do you expect me to do now, put down my pitchfork????

SantryRed

Can't believe people are putting down a player purely because he is confident in his abilities! He's not being arrogant, he's not saying he's better than any one else. He's saying that he believes he has the quality and skill necessary to play for Ireland, what on earth is wrong with that? Fair play to him for having the belief, it's far too often that Irish people don't believe in their abilities.

djpbarry

SantryRed wrote: »

…he's not saying he's better than any one else. He's saying that he believes he has the quality and skill necessary to play for Ireland...

If he believes he’s good enough to play for Ireland, then that must mean he thinks he’s good enough to break into the current side, which means he thinks he’s better than what’s currently available.

SantryRed

djpbarry wrote: »

If he believes he’s good enough to play for Ireland, then that must mean he thinks he’s good enough to break into the current side, which means he thinks he’s better than what’s currently available.

How is that arrogant? He feels he's as good as is what's in the squad. I don't get how it's arrogant at all. It's a belief in his abilities.

SteelyDanJalapeno

Some of the greatest players in the world were very arrogant before they were recognized as great.

gimmick

Im arrogant and Im fúcking useless.

dreamers75

Bermo and Corcoran re sign for Pats.

JoeyJJ

Dinny playing for both St Pats now. Mixed season for Rovers still stuck a few away.

10green bottles

djpbarry wrote: »

.......

Look at it this way. This is a guy who has, for whatever reasons, already failed to make the grade in Scotland. Now, supposedly on the verge of a move to Brighton, he’s announcing that he’s good enough to play for Ireland. Well, Brighton fans are going to be expecting big things, aren’t they? So what happens if he doesn’t hit the ground running? Patience is going to be in pretty short supply.

He didn't play MF in Scotland.

overshoot

to add to that, Towell has openly admitted he didnt have the same drive to succeed (or i think he put it as 'not fail again') when he was in Scotland. Attitude goes a long way to making a footballer

CHealy

Whatever happens, Towell has come out of these last few years as a very intelligent, level headed individual who didn't jump into any decisions like so many others.

And to add, it will give failed players returning from England/Scotland at a young age alot of comfort when they see someone like Towell, who returned and had to rebuild and is now off across again with a much more mature head on his shoulders. All the best to him, I won't miss the amount of goals he scored against Cork City but he'll be a loss to the LOI.

Captain Havoc

djpbarry wrote: »

Well that was kind of my point – he’s setting himself up for a big fall if things don’t work out for him. The lad needs to keep his feet on the ground. Might not actually be a bad thing if he didn’t have a great start at Brighton – could be a useful reality check for him.
Genuinely never heard of him. Just done a Google. Not surprised I’ve never heard of him – UFC isn’t really my thing. Bit of a stretch to call a UFC fighter a “household name”.

I don't see how having a bad start will benefit anyone. I hope he tears the championship apart, then tears the Euros apart and finally he tears the premier league apart. Why? I have nothing against him, I want my national team to be better and it'd be seen by kids in Ireland and other home nations that the LOI can be stepping stone to bigger and better things just like McLean, Ward, Forde, Coleman, Doyle, Holohan and so on, which would hopefully attract a better standard of player and staff to the league for me to watch on a Friday night.

Wilberto

I for one hope Towell hits the ground running if only for our National teams sake. We've so many destroyers in midfield it's not even funny but when it comes to midfielders who can add a bit of creativity (and chip in with a fair few goals too) we're fairly lacking, with Wes Hoolahan one of (if not the only) creative player we have in the middle, and he's fairly pushing on to be quite frank.


While I do agree that he has a chance of making the Euros, he does need a few things to go his way. Most of all, he needs to hit the ground running as was mentioned previously, but even that may not be enough as, chances are, Martin O'Neill will look to stay with his tried and tested. It's only if we start picking up injuries that he'll be in contention really, in my own opinion.


Ideally he'll be looking to replace Hoolahan for the World Cup 2018 campaign if all goes well. That would certainly be my hopes, not just for Towell, but for Ireland.

CHealy

Steven Beattie signs a 2 year contract with City. Best bit of business we'll do this window.