Richard’s Dunne deal?

August 30, 2009

One of the Republic of Ireland’s better known and successful defenders, Richard Dunne appears to have agreed a move to Aston Villa. Although the contract has yet to be signed, it does appear to be a formality.

He was seen at Villa’s training ground on Friday, and Martin O’Neill spoke publicly about the move and how much of an addition he will be to the squad. So much so that he has offered him the captaincy immediately.

Whereas Paul McShane, the other Irish defender involved in a weekend transfer, has seen his career slip over the years, Dunne could be described as a polar opposite.

Originally somewhat of a joke figure in the Irish team, and was famously christened The Honey Monster due to his apparent fondness of fast food and a faster lifestyle.

So fast in fact that he almost crashed out of professional football due to the bad performances and even worse discipline. Dunne has since often stated how ex Manchester City boss saved his career by putting him on a strict diet and fitness regime.

Although ex-City coach Keegan didn’t last too much longer at City, Dunne went on from strength to strength and soon became club captain and a central figure at the club.

Current City boss Mark Hughes however, has brought in Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott over the summer, and it appeared that Dunne would be the third choice for two spaces in the defence.

Dunne is held in very esteem in the English game and only for the fact that City are newly mega rich and can buy practically any player they want, one feels he would still be at the club.

The Dubliner also knew he would most likely be warming the bench in the run in to vital World Cup qualifiers and a possible appearance in the finals that would surely be the last of his career, so the proposed move to Villa seems like a good move for both parties. He will be guaranteed first team football in a team pushing for Europe and being led by one of the most talented and popular managers in the English game, Martin O’Neill.

For such a pivotal member of the Irish squad and the heart of the defence, it will be definitely be welcome news to all those involved to see the ink dry on the contract early next week.

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