Stephen Ireland

[Jacko51]

I see Mark Hughes and the Stokies are complaining because Ireland won't be able to play against Villa. Hughes is even saying in one of the papers that Villa insisted on this clause in the loan contract or they wouldn't let Ireland join permanently in the summer. Shouldn't a Premier League manager know the Premier League rules - loan players are forbidden from playing against their parent clubs in the competition? Wenger kicked up a fuss about it over Lukaku not being able to play against Chelsea before Christmas.

 

I really do despair of the so called professionals in the game at times.

[boltonsno1]

Plus, Irelands out of contract at Villa in the summer anyway (I think, so couldn't stop him joining anyone he wanted anyway.

[MickyVale]

I thought he signed permanently in January and that's why he is complaining????

[markpvfc]

I thought he signed permanently in January and that's why he is complaining????

 

Correct. He started on loan but joined Stoke on a permanent contract in January so that Stoke could sign that striker from Man City on loan instead.They agreed to the clause that prevented him from playing so can't really moan about it, but moaning is what Hughes does best.

[bycars rob]

If I was Villa I would insist he plays as he`s crap.

[Jacko51]

Correct. He started on loan but joined Stoke on a permanent contract in January so that Stoke could sign that striker from Man City on loan instead.They agreed to the clause that prevented him from playing so can't really moan about it, but moaning is what Hughes does best.

 

Ah right my mistake - I thought he was just on loan. As you say, if they agreed to the clause why moan now?