Don Givens interview on skysports

Barlow07 · 24-01-2008 11:39PM #1

Hi,

I caught the end of Don Givens talking about what i assume is an irish player not showing enough commitment for his country, in other words, couldnt be A** , personally i would say its just pure laziness on his part

Just curious, is that muppet Stephen Ireland he is talking about or someone else ?

cson · 25-01-2008 12:56AM

Yep, t'was Stevie Ireland he was talking about.

Incidentally anyone hear that mong reporter from Newstalk rip the piss out of Givens on their Off The Ball show earlier?

estebancambias · 25-01-2008 12:57AM

I love Off the Ball...top show.

Het-Field · 25-01-2008 12:58AM

Barlow07 wrote: »

Hi,

I caught the end of Don Givens talking about what i assume is an irish player not showing enough commitment for his country, in other words, couldnt be A** , personally i would say its just pure laziness on his part

Just curious, is that muppet Stephen Ireland he is talking about or someone else ?

In fairness I think Givens is the bigger Muppet. He has stated clearly that he will not reconcile with Stephan Ireland. He has done the same with regards Anthony Stokes. He kept rabbiting on about Irish players dying to pull on "the green of Ireland". I say cut the nationalist bull**** and get the best team out on the park. Ireland would be part of that. The lad is young and he had a huge shock, which he handeled badly.

I truly hope that this is not the precursor to signing Givens up as the next Irish coach. He has zero man mangement skills, has been less than average as u21 coach, and has not got a win in either of his games in charge of the first team.

I could not think of a worse choice. But I wouldnt be suprised if the Fools Association of Ireland were thinking that way

estebancambias · 25-01-2008 01:00AM

Honestly I think the FAI know they can't appoint him.

Muff_Daddy · 25-01-2008 01:31AM

Het-Field wrote: »

In fairness I think Givens is the bigger Muppet. He has stated clearly that he will not reconcile with Stephan Ireland. He has done the same with regards Anthony Stokes. He kept rabbiting on about Irish players dying to pull on "the green of Ireland". I say cut the nationalist bull**** and get the best team out on the park. Ireland would be part of that. The lad is young and he had a huge shock, which he handeled badly.

I truly hope that this is not the precursor to signing Givens up as the next Irish coach. He has zero man mangement skills, has been less than average as u21 coach, and has not got a win in either of his games in charge of the first team.

I could not think of a worse choice. But I wouldnt be suprised if the Fools Association of Ireland were thinking that way

Different situation. IIRC Keane pulled Stokes out of the squad because of an injury, and Keane just never told Givins.

I'm not the biggest fan of Givins myself, but I can understand where he is coming from by not picking that prima donna. I'll give S. Ireland the benefit of the doubt for grannygate, but his disregard for the Ireland team for the Germany game was inexusable.He needs to show some commitment, and so far he has shown zero desire to play for his country.

He's a good player, but not Don Givins or anybody else should bend over backwards for him.

Xavi6 · 25-01-2008 01:37AM

Muff_Daddy wrote: »

I'm not the biggest fan of Givins myself, but I can understand where he is coming from by not picking that prima donna. I'll give S. Ireland the benefit of the doubt for grannygate, but his disregard for the Ireland team for the Germany game was inexusable.He needs to show some commitment, and so far he has shown zero desire to play for his country.

His disregard for the Germany game? He was slated in every corner of the media for the whole granny thing, ridiculed by his team mates and he didn't feel he would do himself or the team any justice by playing. If that was the situation he was faced with then fair play to him for pulling out.

Get a good solid manager in who is good with the players and doesn't slate them on national tv and Ireland will be back.

Boggles · 25-01-2008 01:42AM

Muff_Daddy wrote: »

Different situation. IIRC Keane pulled Stokes out of the squad because of an injury, and Keane just never told Givins.

I'm not the biggest fan of Givins myself, but I can understand where he is coming from by not picking that prima donna. I'll give S. Ireland the benefit of the doubt for grannygate, but his disregard for the Ireland team for the Germany game was inexusable.He needs to show some commitment, and so far he has shown zero desire to play for his country.

He's a good player, but not Don Givins or anybody else should bend over backwards for him.

It's sadly gone to the stage that international managers will have to bend over to get there players to show up, especially for friendlies.

Stephen seems to have some problems, but I think it has got alot harder for a young fella to stay grounded in top flight football. He is still young and still growing up.

I don't think what happened would have, if we actually had a manager in charge at the time.

tetsujin1979 · 25-01-2008 01:43AM

Het-Field wrote: »

He has stated clearly that he will not reconcile with Stephan Ireland.

No he hasn't. He's said he's not going to track down and speak to Ireland, if he wants to play for us, then he'll have to contact Givens, or whoever is in charge first.

Het-Field wrote: »

He has done the same with regards Anthony Stokes.

Stokes is in the U-21 squad VS England. Which Givens picked.

Muff_Daddy · 25-01-2008 01:49AM

In fairness, if you won't play for your country because of a bit of slagging from your teammates, there is bigger problems than we know.

I do hope the S.Ireland issue is resolved, as I think he is potentially our best player, I just hope he shows more of a desire to play for Ireland. Remember, he wouldn't play for Kerr either.

Xavi6 · 25-01-2008 01:52AM

Muff_Daddy wrote: »

In fairness, if you won't play for your country because of a bit of slagging from your teammates, there is bigger problems than we know.

That was only part of the problem. If a guy is already down and not got his heart in it, your teamMATES ripping the piss constantly is going to push you over the edge.

Boggles · 25-01-2008 01:56AM

The new manager will come in with a clean slate for all and if he doesn't he shouldn't me the manager. I'd give S.Ireland a stay, for another couple of years.

Pity Miller hasn't developed into what we all hoped.

Y2J_MUFC · 25-01-2008 02:15AM

Don Givens is a stubborn spanner. Won't talk to Stokes, won't talk to Stephen Ireland. The lad clearly has problems and you expect him to come running back "Oh mr. Givens, please let me play for you". Its just an ego trip. We need to have him, he needs an arm around the shoulder, not to be left in the cold. That doesn't help us and doesn't help him. Get rid of this "oh, play for the jersey" rubbish. What we need is tactics, organisation and to play our best team every game.

"Oh, well, we had hoped to have a manager in place by now, but it hasn't been easy". Scotland have done it. England have done it. Why can't we? Because the FAI is totally, totally clueless. We've got Givens and Houghton (who clearly don't have a notion). And it is easy. Identify the best man for the job. Appoint him. Whats the hold up? Because they are saving money by not paying a managers salary.

Muff_Daddy · 25-01-2008 02:31AM

Y2J_MUFC wrote: »

Don Givens is a stubborn spanner. Won't talk to Stokes, won't talk to Stephen Ireland. The lad clearly has problems and you expect him to come running back "Oh mr. Givens, please let me play for you". Its just an ego trip. We need to have him, he needs an arm around the shoulder, not to be left in the cold. That doesn't help us and doesn't help him. Get rid of this "oh, play for the jersey" rubbish. What we need is tactics, organisation and to play our best team every game.

But here's the thing....it's not about apologising, it's about actually wanting to play for your country. I don't want him playing for Ireland if he's not happy playing for his country. Bobby Robson went over to Manchester already to ask S. Ireland if he wanted to play for the Wales game, and he said no. As far as I'm concerned, the ball is now in S.Irelands court now as to whether he chooses to play for Ireland or not. No one from the FAIlure should go over to talk him into coming back, and he can get into contact with them no problem.

If it is the case that he told Givins that he wants to play against Brazil, and Givins refused to pick him, I take back what I said, and you're right, Givins is a stubbern spanner.

Xavi wrote: »

That was only part of the problem. If a guy is already down and not got his heart in it, your teamMATES ripping the piss constantly is going to push you over the edge.

I see what your saying, and I agree to an extent. I take back the 'prima donna' comment.

Y2J_MUFC · 25-01-2008 02:40AM

Part of being a manager is picking your best players though, and getting the best out of the players you have. What they should have said to Stephen Ireland was "Listen, we want you to play when you sorted your head out, if you want to make yourself available for selection again, a simple fax from Man City will do to inform us, no phone calls, no pleading to come back, no BS"

But, what have they said "Right, you won't play against Germany? F*ck you so, you dont want to play for us, you dont have pride in your country". It is about apologizing. You think that he doesn't hold a grudge? The mention of his name clearly pisses him off.

Muff_Daddy · 25-01-2008 02:54AM

Y2J_MUFC wrote: »

Part of being a manager is picking your best players though, and getting the best out of the players you have. What they should have said to Stephen Ireland was "Listen, we want you to play when you sorted your head out, if you want to make yourself available for selection again, a simple fax from Man City will do to inform us, no phone calls, no pleading to come back, no BS"

But, what have they said "Right, you won't play against Germany? F*ck you so, you dont want to play for us, you dont have pride in your country". It is about apologizing. You think that he doesn't hold a grudge? The mention of his name clearly pisses him off.

I did get that impression myself from listening to the interview lol.

Don Givins is an old school type of manager, and his man-management skills leave a lot to be desired, but that doesn't take away from the fact that S. Ireland choose to say no to his country when Bobby Robson approached him to see if he would play against Wales. Hopefully, Ireland appoint Gerard Houiller, a man who works well with youngsters, and we'll see the Stephen Ireland that turns up at Eastlands for the national team for many years to come.

But I personally would like to see SOME commitment from the lad, because I've not seen an awful lot of it.

Xavi6 · 25-01-2008 03:01AM

Muff_Daddy wrote: »

I did get that impression myself from listening to the interview lol.

Don Givins is an old school type of manager, and his man-management skills leave a lot to be desired, but that doesn't take away from the fact that S. Ireland choose to say no to his country when Bobby Robson approached him to see if he would play against Wales. Hopefully, Ireland appoint Gerard Houiller, a man who works well with youngsters, and we'll see the Stephen Ireland that turns up at Eastlands for the national team for many years to come.
But I personally would like to see SOME commitment from the lad, because I've not seen an awful lot of it.

Jesus I hope not. He's been sh1te lately. Only back in the team now cause Castillo got injured. A lot of City fans don't like him at all.

Y2J_MUFC · 25-01-2008 03:06AM

Muff_Daddy wrote: »

Hopefully, Ireland appoint Gerard Houiller, a man who works well with youngsters

But I personally would like to see SOME commitment from the lad, because I've not seen an awful lot of it.

I'd personally like Houiller aswell. I think he'd do a hell of a lot for the under age game aswell. Not just "right lads lets go out there and f*cking show some passion" like Givens would say. I think your right about the commitment thing, it would be nice to hear him say he does wanna play, but like, he needs to sort things out first. I'm sure he had no interest in playin he'd have retired from international football like, instead of making himself look like an idiot. Don't think its all his fault, even though he did handle the whole granny thing badly.

Keano · 25-01-2008 09:58AM

Givens is a fool and I wont even take what he said seriously. He has done nothing to improve the young talent of this country nor has he ever inputtted anything to our senior team. Launching an attack on someone who obviously has major issues just shows the intelligence of the man! And to make matters worse he is choosing our next manager!

_blank_ · 25-01-2008 10:06AM

Givens : Would you pick Stephen Ireland
Potential Manager : Yes, he is one of the best young players Ireland has
Givens : Ah, ok so, we'll..erm..be in touch, see you now, thanks for coming in.
Potential manager : But...but, I've only been here a minute...wh..
Givens : Ah shure, we have loads of interested people...as I said we'll be in touch.

yom 1 · 25-01-2008 10:22AM

DesF wrote: »

Givens : Would you pick Stephen Ireland
Potential Manager : Yes, he is one of the best young players Ireland has
Givens : Ah, ok so, we'll..erm..be in touch, see you now, thanks for coming in.
Potential manager : But...but, I've only been here a minute...wh..
Givens : Ah shure, we have loads of interested people...as I said we'll be in touch.

I'd laugh only you have their level of incompetence spot on!

gimmick · 25-01-2008 10:25AM

Never thought I would say this, but Givens is 100% right. Stephen Ireland has lied his way out of squads, TWICE. Read from that what you will.

Ribbing happens in every dressing room. FFS, we all know that even with our friends that the worst thing you can do is react to a wind up, because if you do, it will get worse next time. Stephen Ireland reacted badly to a wind up, and has made himself a target for ridicule now. He needs to grow up a bit.

whatawaster · 25-01-2008 10:51AM

gimmick wrote: »

Never thought I would say this, but Givens is 100% right. Stephen Ireland has lied his way out of squads, TWICE. Read from that what you will.

Ribbing happens in every dressing room. FFS, we all know that even with our friends that the worst thing you can do is react to a wind up, because if you do, it will get worse next time. Stephen Ireland reacted badly to a wind up, and has made himself a target for ridicule now. He needs to grow up a bit.

that is utter crap. He lost a baby ffs. Obviously not as important as turning up for a game of football. The lies that went with it were unfortunate and misguided, but he was young. I think the wind-up's story is probably little more than speculation. He seems to have some sense of humor judging by his superman routine, so i'm sure a bit of banter wouldn't bother him too much.

Givens acted like a complete tool - saying he didn't pick him because Stephen never got into contact with him. Anyone with any brains would have picked up the phone and said "Stephen, do you want to be made available for the next Ireland squad?" If he says yes, then that's fantastic, if he says no then it's not the end of the world. But to come out in the press like givens did was a disgrace.

Another thing how long has he been working for the Ireland setup, and he's only getting his coaching badges now?

egan007 · 25-01-2008 10:59AM

Givens is the same old FAI rearguard the same class of moron as the ringleader.
He is only on the 'pick another scapegoat committee' to quench any good ideas Razor Houghton might have.

As fans we need to organise a raid of FAI headquarters and turf them out.
Then again there are some Irish fan organisations that seem as bad as teh FAI itself...

Anyway, Agree with the general Jist, givens won't talk to Ireland because he's petty.

gimmick · 25-01-2008 11:00AM

Did he really lose a baby?

Xavi6 · 25-01-2008 11:03AM

gimmick wrote: »

Never thought I would say this, but Givens is 100% right. Stephen Ireland has lied his way out of squads, TWICE. Read from that what you will.

Ribbing happens in every dressing room. FFS, we all know that even with our friends that the worst thing you can do is react to a wind up, because if you do, it will get worse next time. Stephen Ireland reacted badly to a wind up, and has made himself a target for ridicule now. He needs to grow up a bit.

Jays what happened to solidarity amongst Cork people? I'm sure you were the first man to defend Roy when he fell out with management.

gimmick · 25-01-2008 11:08AM

I was actually pro McCarthy at the time, but came to realise they both acted like idiots.

Solidarity is one thing, but Ireland has proven too many times he is unreliable and uncommitted.

villains77 · 25-01-2008 11:13AM

[ Because the FAI is totally, totally clueless. We've got Givens and Houghton (who clearly don't have a notion). Think your a bit harsh on auld houghton. givens i can understand with have the same view on him as you. hasnt done anythin with the U21's. as for ireland playing agian. he has the potential to be a great palyer if he sorts himself out. i know it such a shock to lose a kid (i know i lost 3 but you dont hear me making excuses)in the way he has if he told stan first off then we wouldnt have had this grannygate scandal. he still a young lad and growing up so hope the new manager can have the skills to get the best out of the player and the whole team. hope we can get backto qualifying for the world cups and european championships on a regular basis. we have the players to qualify on a regular basis we just need a top class manager.

Xavi6 · 25-01-2008 11:16AM

gimmick wrote: »

Solidarity is one thing, but Ireland has proven too many times he is unreliable and uncommitted.

Except when he's on the pitch obviously. He's been very reliable for us then

_blank_ · 25-01-2008 11:16AM

villains77 wrote: »

[ Because the FAI is totally, totally clueless. We've got Givens and Houghton (who clearly don't have a notion). Think your a bit harsh on auld houghton. givens i can understand with have the same view on him as you. hasnt done anythin with the U21's. as for ireland playing agian. he has the potential to be a great palyer if he sorts himself out. i know it such a shock to lose a kid (i know i lost 3 but you dont hear me making excuses)in the way he has if he told stan first off then we wouldnt have had this grannygate scandal. he still a young lad and growing up so hope the new manager can have the skills to get the best out of the player and the whole team. hope we can get backto qualifying for the world cups and european championships on a regular basis. we have the players to qualify on a regular basis we just need a top class manager.

Anyone want to translate that, so I can read it?

Mr.Nice Guy · 25-01-2008 11:37AM

I think we're all sick of personal spats which come in the way of putting the best XI on the pitch. I don't think Givens' attitude is constructive at all.

Hopefully the next manager will have a bit of common sense and can sit down and talk this issue out.

Petty jibes through the media don't help.

Don Givens interview on skysports

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