He was called up by Ireland every other week, as well as finishing off his academy work. I understand that he was the only player to be called up to both the U19s and U21s, meaning that he lost more of his summer than any other Irish youngster. That's all well and good if it's an opportunity (such as sacrificing two weeks in Ibiza in order to train with the Euro 2012 squad), but he has played for the under 19s many times, and was an unused substitute for the U21s.
I really hope we give Loach a good reception - he didn't deserve the abuse he got on Twitter and he gave good service for a keeper so young over a number of years. What his sale does show is that you should always sell at the top of the market when it comes to players values as we would have got millions if we had sold him 2 to 3 years ago instead of the pitence we got now.
All of Loach's history points to inconsistancies, his last game against the Boro he was brilliant outstanding even therefore his next match at Vicarage Road he will commit a howler and be completely off his game. I was too negative with my last prediction (3-1 to Pal-Arse) I am now going for a relaxed 3-1 victory with Loachie holding his head in his hands walking off the pitch
That doesn't change the fact that Ipswich got him at a steal. We should have been able to get at least £500k for someone with 150 games experience and who Ipswich were looking to instantly play. My best guess is that we were eager to get Loach out the door to convince Almunia that he would definitely be first choice here.
If we line up with Lloyd, Tiny, Nyron and Carl as strikers Scott might get really confused and let a few "own" goals in.
I think in desperation Scott will lose his head and pull down Vydra in the box and get sent off, that after a Lloyd Doyley hatrick has exposed his goalkeeping frailty.
Yep, we made a big loss on an U21 International keeper, with lots of championship experience. Shame on that one.
NNW, to answer your question, Murray made a fair few uncharacteristic mistakes on Saturday. His energy levels seemed the same as always. I have it on good authority that Geijo will not be match fit for a while, but that Pudil should be fit for tomorrow....fingers crossed. I'd far rather see Pudil play than Dickinson tbh...
Team news updated Really looking forward to tonight's game, the first I can have a nice sit in and listen to Mr. Marks!
More nervous than I should be about a home game against a team we routinely beat. I just have the feeling that this will finally be their night.
Maybe not though - I have a feeling that tonight you'll find out why SL was so cheap. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if he outscores Ellington & Priskin, the other two maestros you got from us.
Here we go again- the big one in the GG household. Mrs GG very quiet after the consistent string of wins we've had against ITFC. COYH!!
My first 'proper' game of the season as I was away Saturday. Just watched the highlights from the Palace game and if SL was cheap you could probably get JS with some Tesco vouchers.
Remind me to take the shades next time I get to the Vic. Have you seen the new team seating? http://twitpic.com/am6fsh”
#watfordfc v Ipswich Town: Almunia; Hodson, Taylor (c), Nosworthy, Pudil; Hogg, Abdi, Murray; Yeates, Garner, Vydra. The link on twitter is the same and works Al
No Eustace, Doyley on the bench, is this the start of the many changes? Still cannot see the pic OFH, must be my laptop
