The Brief and Colorful History of Ireland: Part 3

September 24, 2009

This post is a little bit longer than usual…but considering the subject, it’s understandable.

Anyway, where were we, oh yes, Trappatoni. Well he is unquestionably a great coach, but is he a miracle worker too? Could the FAI really have delivered a guy that could do absolutely everything? Well, in a word, no.

It seems young Mr Ireland didn’t feel the time was right to come back into the fold. He wasn’t feeling wanted enough to give up his spare time and play for his country. He wanted to be coaxed back gently. He wanted his ego to be caressed and his reputation to be loved.

Although Italians have a reputation for being a romantic old bunch, would Trappatoni stretch this far? Not likely.

Rumours began to come out via the English media that Ireland felt he was being bullied by members of the squad about his hairstyle. It really was laughable that a 22 year old man was giving excuses that most school children would be embarrassed of.

And the alleged perpetrator of these verbal attacks on Ireland’s choice of hairdresser? None other than wing master Stephen Hunt. A man, who at the best of times looks like he has a poodle attached to the top of his head.

Hunt couldn’t contain his laughter when questioned on the matter. He responded by saying that he probably gets more abuse than anyone in both the Irish team and his club team of the time, Reading.

And so, as every squad announcement has read out by Trappatoni in this campaign, he has been inevitably asked by the assembled media; What’s the update on Stephen Ireland? Is he coming back? Have you been in contact with him?

Trappatoni has tried to maintain dignified and has constantly responded by saying the door is always open to Ireland, and that Mr Ireland just need to pick up the phone and let him know. He would be welcomed back with open arms.

Well, that’s according to the coach anyway. The players may not be so willing to give such a warm embrace to the young Cork man.

Quotes from inside the squad suggest that he wouldn’t be welcome, especially by the guys who have been turning up to the training sessions and the meaningless friendly encounters over the past 20 months. They have suggested that they only want players who are committed to the jersey and the team.

On the face of things, I would agree with them 100%. The only problem being and I think I can safely state that most Irish people would agree with me here, is that the team is crying out for a player of his ability.

He would work wonders in the often non-existent Irish midfield. Although the previously mentioned players have been willing to turn up when called upon, unfortunately they don’t have anywhere near the levels of neither skill nor ability possessed by Stephen Ireland.

His inclusion in the team would add just that little bit extra that is required to hopefully get the team to the World Cup in South Africa, and when there, to perform admirably against the world’s best nations.

Ireland himself doesn’t do many interviews with the media, and there is very good reason for it. Not because he appears to be the shy retiring type, but because he appears to be so badly advised and guided by the people around him that no one is ever really sure what he will say.

This lack of guidance was so visible in an interview he gave last week that it was almost as if it was underlined in a luminous yellow highlighting marker and circled in red pen for all to see.

In the report, he stated how he met up with Trappatoni recently, only to be insulted by the Italian’s arrogance because he had to leave the room a couple of times to take some phone calls.

Well Mr Ireland, a few little reminders here. Firstly, from a man who has been involved in the game for over 50 years and won almost every trophy imaginable, I think a little bit of respect and humility wouldn’t go astray.

Secondly, perhaps one of the many phone calls he had to answer was from other member of the squad. Ringing the boss, possibly, to tell him stop wasting his time in trying to encourage someone who feels he doesn’t need approval from a man who’s seen and done it all.

In one of the many press conferences that Trappatoni has given on the matter, he stated that he feels Ireland will regret his decision later in life when he retired perhaps.

Ireland is using the excuse that he wants to concentrate on improving his game at Manchester City and prolong his career. He added that the free time he has from not attending the Irish squad gatherings, he uses to perfect his fitness and kick boxing skills.

Let us consider a few facts here; Ireland is now 23 years old and approaching his peak age of 26 for a footballer. The average age of retirement is in or around the 33-35 age bracket barring injuries.

Considering the amounts of money being paid in wages to modern footballers, being retired and a multi millionaire at that age is a position very few people can say they will be fortunate enough to experience.

Presuming he lives an average lifespan of around 70 years, he would be afforded the best part of 20 years to actively pursue his interests in kick boxing, fitness and indeed any other pastimes he can very easily afford to be interested in.

Can he, however, look back on a long and distinguished career of club and international football, with a trophy cabinet filled to the brim of medals of differing levels of brightness?

Can he show his children and grandchildren the collection of jerseys he’s swapped with some of the biggest personalities in world sporting history?

Jerseys like the historic blue and white stripes of Argentina’s Messi. The famous yellow of Brazil’s Kaká. The blood red of Portugal’s Ronaldo. The white of the old enemy England and Rooney, to name but a few. Each one seeped with the history and the memories of battles on the pitch.

Judging by his club’s recently found wealth, making Manchester City the richest club in the world, there is a strong possibility of a few trophies and medals along the way before his retirement.

Will he, however get the chance to put himself out there amongst those greats, and really show off his undoubted talents on the biggest stage there is in football, in The World Cup Finals? Going by the current situation, it seems rather unlikely.

The situation is made all the worse when you consider it really is a lose-lose scenario. It truly is Ireland’s loss. And when I say Ireland there, I mean both the player and the country.

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