Wes Hoolahan has been my favourite player since he joined us. I don't recall backing anyone as much as him to play in everygame even when he's on a poor run because he had the most difficult job on the pitch and he was the only player at the club who could do what he could. I understood his decision to want to leave as I couldn't blame him given the rubbish style Hughton has given him to play with. However, what he did against Villa is probably the worst thing I've seen in a City shirt, worse than Andy Hughes scuffling with a fan or Snodgrass shouting obscenities. I don't mind players not celebrating against former clubs but seeing the look of regret that he scored against his beloved Aston Villa and former manager was just abhorrent. It was disrespectful to those attending but most of all to his own past and acheivements with the club. If it were down to me I'd have him banned from the club facilities, training and playing for anyone else for the remainder of his contract. When he's a free agent, past it and no longer good enough to play football it will give him plenty of time to suck Paul Lamberts dick whenever he wants. **** off Hoolahan you little weasel, I don't want to see you in a City shirt again.
What did he actually do then? Did he just pull a facial expression or something? I was at the game but I was too busy celebrating to notice how he was reacting on the pitch. My friend who I was sat with did mention that he didn't exactly look pleased about scoring.
It`s not like we score many goals so for him to not celebrate out of "respect" just shows how detached from reality and stupid footballers are. Hoolahan shouldn`t be given the opportunity to play again for us, this is not the attitude we need for survival.
I can see you're in two minds Carrabuh about Wes... It seems a number of `heros' have ended (or are ending) their Norwich careers on a sour note after rising through the leagues. Holt wasn't happy last year, can't remember if he spoke out against Hughton's tactics whilst at Norwich or after, but there is also the transfer request/ new contract play. However I think family played a part in his motives about wanting to move so fair enough if thats the case. Lambert jumped ship as soon as he could, but I was expecting that a la Colchester (although I thought it would be one year later than he did), now trying to unsettle our players... Its not so much what these two did, but the manner in which they conduct themselves. No respect, in a word or two, to the club and fans. Talking of respect (or the lack thereof) now Hoolahan... They say the success has gone to the supporters heads in recent times, but I wonder whether the same has happened to some of the older players too used to having it their own way and being on top all the time. Of the old squad only Martin remains from the League One days without tarnishing his legacy in one way or another.
I have no issues with him wanting to move, its totally understandable, he's wasted by the present management team. It was thoroughly distasteful and I cannot believe anyone is stupid enough to spoil a legacy at a football club to rub it in the supporters face at the opposing clubs ground where he wants to go. Totally disregarding his City career and history with the club to make a stupid point at an inappropriate time.
I really don't know what went through his head. I can't work out why he would feel any particular affinity towards a club that he's never played for, who put in a derisory offer for him, and why he wouldn't show some respect towards the fans that have been sticking 20k in his bank account every week and who gave him a huge cheer when he came on against Tottenham. If it's really all about getting game time for Wes, as some have suggested, then he hasn't exactly increased his chances of getting that by displaying the damned great chip on his shoulder.
And unfortunately his name will be read out, as unless Hughton plans on playing 4-4-2 or bringing a winger more central, we don't have the options for him to not at least make the bench.
I can only imagine that a deal has been done for him to go in the summer. Why else would you be "respectful" and not celebrate scoring against a team you have no connection to. If that's not the case then i'm stumped and we're better off without him.
Bit mixed about this as Wes has been good for us even though he can be the most frustrating player at times. The situation has been created by the manager and the club, but Hoolahan has never been a big celebrater of a goal. Usually just clenches his fist. An example being the goal he scored v Charlton after a quick throw from Holt.The celebration shot was used in a lot of programmes and I actually have one signed by him ( although I thought he was a bit full of himself). He did do a forward roll when scoring against the Binners but who wouldn't! The big issue is his mind set. If there is something there then don't play him and use Howson.but that again is our mangers issue to decide on.
Another example would be the goal he scored against Villa on Sunday that has somehow caused this furore. Introverted fist-pump and a wry smile, that's what he did just before the rest of his team-mates mobbed him. I don't remember any points ever being awarded for goal celebrations, and am I the only one who thought Wes was our best player in his best performance in ages? That's what matters to me, that and the fact he scored a well taken goal as well. The amount of hatred being thrown at him this week by city fans is absolutely ****ing ridiculous, almost as ridiculous as some of the accusations hurled by Carrabuh in this most bilious of threads. It's bollocks and I'm not sure what it's trying to achieve. Is more ****-stirring really what we need right now? Shameful
In the 20 minutes where we looked decent before we shat the bed, he was easily our best player, ran things going forwards and nearly had a second. personally I'm not that fussed if he celebrates or not so long as he plays as hard as he can, which i felt he did.
So who is the instigater of this "****-stirring". Its Wes Hoolahan, he knew what he was doing, he's been given a chance to make amends for his previous comments and then choses to heap more pressure, more talk of unrest, more of a bad smell about NCFC. If you think that is acceptable behaviour towards the club that pays his wages, to whom he's under contract to, that allowed him to play at the top level, that he's won trophies with, as well as the supporters that pay and travel to watch him then I think you are mistaken Munky. It is just unacceptable behaviour that should not be tolerated. There are a few reasons not to celebrate, former clubs etc. Not because your playing against a team you want to join, or against a former manager or simply because you were denied a move to a rival club in a similar position because the Club needed you to help get out of a relegation fight. What kind of message does it send out to everyone? All for some selfish need to try and make a point. He is not fit to represent our club any further. The shame lies with him.
Sounds like he had a stormer today too. Didn't spot the fist pump I must admit - I just saw the hands crossed in front of him in "muted celebration", but if there was something more there then I suppose a reassessment is in order
