Gibson still not ready for Ireland return

, Team Talk , 8 March, 47comments  |  Jump to most recent
Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, revealed he has spoken with Darron Gibson, who is not quite ready to lift his self-imposed exile from the national side; he was not named in Friday's squad for the World Cup qualification double-header on 22 March in Stockholm and four days later in Dublin.

"I was in touch with him and he said that he is still not ready," Trapattoni told the Irish Times.

"I saw him in the last game and I told him that I was there but he said that he didn't want the controversy and he wanted to stay so I respect his decision."

When the Italian was asked if Gibson could return in the future, Trapattoni said: "Why not? He's a good player and I won't forget him."

Quotes or other material sourced from Team Talk



Reader Comments (47)

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Kevin Hudson
1 Posted 08/03/2013 at 17:20:45
I bow to the wisdom and superior knowledge of Irish Evertonians here, but I have to say, if I was Trappattoni, I wouldn't pussy-foot around this petulant idiot.

Everton player or not, Gibbo's hissy fit is repugnant.

Do I have this right...? He's pissed with the FAI due to being previously overlooked?

Putting the Green shirt on is a privilege - not a God-given right.

Or is there some other compelling reason for the impasse?

Ben Jones
2 Posted 08/03/2013 at 18:02:43
I'm fully supporting Gibson here.

Throughout the Euros, Ireland played Keith Andrews and Glenn Whelan in centre mid, 2 of the most average football players on the planet, and this was while Gibson was in excellent form for us.

I would be pissed off too.

Jeremy Benson
3 Posted 08/03/2013 at 18:10:04
It's up to him, really. He obviously wasn't happy about something, and he has exercised his right...
Kevin Hudson
4 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:06:14
Ben,

If that's his reason, how can anyone possibly support such a stance?

Suppose Moyes elected to play Hitz & Osman in centre midfield for the remainder of the season; Would you support Gibson if he took a strop and went on strike for Everton?

Andy Crooks
5 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:11:28
Kevin Hudson, I agree with you. International football doesn't mean as much as it used to but Gibson has the chance to do something we all dream about and frankly he is way short of being good enough to strop. His reputation grows when he is out of the Everton side and diminishes when he is in it. Maybe that's why he takes this stance with Ireland.

He should be told to fuck right off and when Ireland qualify for another tournament he should be told to fuck right off again.Still not ready? It's a sign of our recent decline that he is even considered.

Harold Matthews
6 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:17:02
Don't know anything about these issues Kev but he's having a very soft ride with Everton. One tackle in 279 minutes is simply not good enough, dodgy leg or no dodgy leg. OK, he's excellent with the ball but Pienaar, Fellaini and especially Osman are having to do double shifts, covering for him .
Chris Leyland
7 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:35:49
Kevin (395) big difference is that Everton pay his salary whereas Ireland don't. Having seen the dross Ireland served up at the Euro's with the shite they had in midfield, I don't blame the lad for not wanting to play for them. I don't know his personal situation, but why should be leave his family and go and warm a bench?

It is up to ind

This isn't anything against Ireland, I feel the same for all our players. I don't want them playing international football

James Flynn
8 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:32:43
"I was in touch with him and he said that he is still not ready," Didn't we just see reports that he's playing, but below par? What other interpretation is there. Perhaps, playing for Club and country, simultaneously, would be too much right now.

Don't follow the Irish squad, but follow us. When this fellow plays, we're good. Let's see what's what for Ireland when the season ends.

Kevin Hudson
9 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:50:52
I'm happy to be proven wrong, but it appears to me that his ego had been dented. It baffles me that he'd turn his nose up at representing his country.

Whatever happened to proving the gaffer wrong or fighting for your place?

James Flynn
10 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:49:22
Kevin Hudson (378) - "I bow to the wisdom and superior knowledge of Irish Evertonians here". Haha. The rest of that post didn't bow to anyone or anything.

"I wouldn't pussy-foot around this petulant idiot".

"Gibbo's hissy fit is repugnant".

"Putting the Green shirt on is a privilege - not a God-given right".

"Or is there some other compelling reason for the impasse?" Only reasonable statement in your post.

"I was in touch with him and he said that he is still not ready," Trapattoni told the Irish Times. We know from Moyes' comments recently that Gibson is playing thru an injury. "Petulant idiot" indeed. Gibson or you?

Andy Crooks
11 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:55:00
Exactly, Kevin. He, rightly, in my view, turned down Northern Ireland to play for the Republic. It makes that choice look pretty lame now and suggests that it is Gibson's way or no way. I make no excuse for bigging up Irish lads at Everton. Playing for Everton and Ireland should be as good as it gets and I find Gibson's stance hard to understand and impossible to defend.
Andy Crooks
12 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:01:34
James, Gibson's decision is absolutely nothing to do with playing through an injury. It is to do with Gibson having a higher opinion of himself than the Irish coach has. I believe that Trapattoni's original decision was wrong but it doesn't excuse Gibson's strop
Shane Corcoran
13 Posted 08/03/2013 at 19:59:52
Fair play lads for the lack of "I don't give a fuck as long as he plays well for Everton" remarks.

I reckon he was pissed off at the Euros (and rightly so). Fucking Paul Green got a run ahead of him in the last few minutes of one of the games.

However, Tardelli mentioned before the Poland game that he thinks Gibson wants to play but for injury. Does it suit the media to omit that as a context to the current developments?

My guess is that he wants to "manage" this injury he has til the summer, get it sorted and see what shape he's in. Patriotism is great until you're in the position yourself.

I hope to see him back in the green soon and Trap will probably get the boot next month if and when we get less than four points from the two games.

Phil Sammon
14 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:00:06
I think everyone has, so far, missed the point. If Trappatoni resigned, Gibson would make himself available tomorrow. This is a personal grievance, not a slight on his country. He is a very proud Irishman.
Andy Crooks
15 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:07:00
Shane, you or I would play through any pain to have his chance, so why should we expect less of him?
Shane Corcoran
16 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:11:48
How do you know Andy? Theoretically yes, but surely there's a limit to everyone's patriotism?

I'm not saying I agree with it but the point is I can't appreciate his position because I'm not in it.

I thought you were from the North, no?

Kevin Hudson
17 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:12:02
James,

I was "bowing to the wisdom of Irish Evertonians," in the event that my take was wrong or there was another reason for his stance hitherto unknown to me.

....Which was precisely the reason why I asked the question: "Do I have this right..?"...in my very first post.

Andy Crooks
18 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:40:10
Shane, I am from the North but would be perfectly entitled to play for the south if I chose to do so. (of course having very little, actually no, football talent means that I am in a position to adopt a rigid ,moral patriotic stance) Having said that, when Trapattoni calls I will not let him down,bad back or not.
Dennis Stevens
19 Posted 08/03/2013 at 20:48:13
I don't give a fuck as long as he plays well for Everton.
Noel Lynam
20 Posted 08/03/2013 at 21:24:27
The history to this is that while at Man Utd, Trap told Gibson (and any journo who'd listen) that he needs to move and play regular football to get selected.

Gibson politely disagreed and expressed his desire to break into Man U's first team. So Trap continued to pick Andrews, Whelan and assorted journeymen ahead of him.

Trap continues the "he needs to move" line. Gibson eventually moved, finished the highest placed Irish player in the Premier League (in terms of league position), earned widespread praise for his performances, yet the media were told by Trap that it was irrelevant and he wouldn't be changing his team. NB: James McClean got the same treatment, despite the media and public clamour for his inclusion.

Euro 2012 comes around. Ireland's midfield gets bypassed, overrun and outclassed in the first two games. Gibson is left kicking his heels on the bench and has to watch as Paul Green, released by Derby County and possibly the poorest centre mid to play for Ireland in a generation, is brought on ahead of him. Ireland are knocked out. The last game is a dead rubber. Gibson again overlooked in favour of the same midfield who got destroyed in the first two games.

He is just one of a long list of players who has been messed around by Trap. Shane Long, Stephen Kelly, James McClean, Ciaran Clark and the shameful treatment of Kevin Foley, who was named in the Euro 2012 squad, then ditched. The man has alienated half the squad who the next team should be getting built around.

My guess is Gibson will be ready to return when Trap is no longer in charge. David Moyes would be called every name under the sun on Toffeeweb if he had behaved the way Trap has, while playing the worst brand of hoofball known to mankind.

James Flynn
21 Posted 08/03/2013 at 21:42:18
Noel - Here, I'll agree with Kevin's "bowing to the wisdom of Irish Evertonians,".Especially the last paragraph.

I don't follow that squad, so appreciate your comments.

James Flynn
22 Posted 08/03/2013 at 21:50:46
Kevin (424) - Yeah, fine.
James Flynn
23 Posted 08/03/2013 at 21:54:13
Andy (400) - "He should be told to fuck right off and when Ireland qualify for another tournament he should be told to fuck right off again'?

All because "Gibson has the chance to do something we all dream about"? Pure jealousy, is it then? Fair enough. Nothing unusual about that.

That fucking Gibson. Can't play for Club and country at the same time due to his health. Bastard!!

Kevin Hudson
24 Posted 08/03/2013 at 21:59:47
Noel,

Thanks for the insight. What's the consensus of the Irish fans..do they agree with Gibson's self-imposed exile, or are they annoyed that he's put a personal/ professional disagreement ahead of the country?

Declan O'Shaughnessy
25 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:08:04
The story I heard a while back was this: Gibson has a child who was severely ill around the time of the Euros (as in, she could possibly die). Given this, he asked Trap if he could stay at home, but stressed that if he was really needed then he was available. But said that if he was only going as third choice or worse then he'd rather be at home with the family. Trap insisted that Gibson go to the Euros and promised he would play. So he went and didn't play so much as a minute. As a result he told Trap that he wouldn't play for him again.

I have no idea how true the above is, but if there's any truth in it then I can understand Gibson's stance.

Andy Crooks
26 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:03:11
James, it really isn't jealousy. If it were, watching anyone playing for Everton would be unbearable. I grew up watching the home internationals which was the highlight of the season and playing for one's country meant something. I find Gibson's decision difficult to empathise with. Noel is right,Trapattoni is truly dire and Gibson should have been selected.

However, James, Gibson's choice was not for health reasons. Why some supporters accept anything that footballers come out with seems to me odd. Tiredness, two games a week, a choice between club and country. Alan Ball managed okay, for a little less money too.

Kevin Hudson
27 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:16:48
Wow. If true that explains a lot, Declan.
Kevin Hudson
28 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:17:56
Any take on Declan's rumour, Andy?
Andy Crooks
29 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:25:44
I haven't heard it, Kevin but I doubt that even a guarantee of a starting place would have made him go under such circumstances. Then again many of the debates on this site wouldn't occur if we knew the full circumstances. I'll certainly accept that Declan likely knows more than I do about it.
Phil Sammon
30 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:30:25
He doesn't even have kids does he?
James Flynn
31 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:00:13
Andy (416) - Ugh.

What the fuck are you talking about? We have, just recently, Moyes stating Gibson is playing despite not being 100%. Added to Trap stating, "I was in touch with him and he said that he is still not ready,".

Seems plain to me why he doesn't want to add National games to a workload tough enough with his Club.

How are you interpreting these things?

Declan O'Shaughnessy
32 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:33:17
Listen, I know nothing about this other than the story I heard. The guy I heard it from generally knows a lot about what happens inside the Irish setup, but he's not an insider or anything.

As far as I know, Gibson does have a 2 year old daughter (according to t'internet).

Phil Sammon
33 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:42:50
Not arguing with you Declan. I just didn't think he had kids.
James Flynn
34 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:33:40
Andy (457) - "However, James, Gibson's choice was not for health reasons. Why some supporters accept anything that footballers come out with seems to me odd".

Gibson hasn't come out with anything. The OP is Trap talking, not Gibson.

And, "the chance to do something we all dream about", came from where not jealousy? Why did you even say it that way?

Andy Crooks
35 Posted 08/03/2013 at 22:56:17
James, I've always dreamt on running on to Goodison park to the sound of z cars. I'm certainly not jealous of those good enough to do so. What I'm saying is that I would find it difficult to comprehend how any Evertonian with the talent to do so could turn down the chance.

The last paragraph of my post which you have cut to support your argument was intended to widen the subject. Frankly, for me to be jealous of Gibson because he plays for Ireland would be deranged. Envy? Now who wouldn't be envious. Seems a nicer word to me.

Noel Lynam
36 Posted 08/03/2013 at 23:12:46
I've not heard that rumour but Gibson does have a daughter and did miss a friendly in 2010 when she was ill. Trap criticised him for this in a press conference at the time by saying something along the lines of "Some people choose to not play if their child is sick, I don't need these people"
Kevin Hudson
37 Posted 08/03/2013 at 23:20:49
This puts a completely different perspective on it....

It would appear that it's not the bruised ego of a footballer after all.

If these accounts are true, then.....(having previously called him fit to burn) now I'm actually with Gibson on this!!

My kids come first too. Every parent would agree.

"Shove your World Cup Final up your arse...I'm in Alder Hey."

James Flynn
38 Posted 08/03/2013 at 23:25:23
Andy (469) - Spoken fairly.

My take is Gibson doesn't see how he can play for his nation while playing for his Club at lses than 100%. That's how I read Trap's comments. Certainly not that Gibson is in some "diva"phase.

What the hell, he plays well for us is what I care about. God bless him and the Irish Side whatever.

Andy Crooks
39 Posted 08/03/2013 at 23:29:03
Noel, if your quote is even half accurate then I'll happily take back that "fuck right off post".

Here's a strange thing, though; I dislike the way Giggs has treated Wales but don't like the Everton lads playing for England for fear of injury or having their heads turned. Double standards? Yes. Irrational? Yes.I can't explain it in any sensible way. It's a new thing,though. I remember being thrilled at Bob Latchfords first cap.

Noel Lynam
40 Posted 08/03/2013 at 23:57:24
Andy,

Here's a link to a story from an Irish newspaper at the time of Gibson dropping out of the Norway friendly

http://www.herald.ie/news/trap-under-fire-for-gibson-jibe-over-ill-daughter-27967064.html

Jamie Crowley
41 Posted 09/03/2013 at 00:08:26
Bottom line Trap is an asshole who plays the ugliest brand of football ever seen in an attempt to get a sub-par side to the Euros.

But bypassing Gibson was a crime.

We're I Gibbo I'd tell the Italian to fuck off and wait for him to get the sack.

First time I can ever remember disagreeing ardently with Mr Crooks...

Andy Crooks
42 Posted 09/03/2013 at 00:12:08
Thanks, Noel. Why is this man still coach?
Conor Waters
43 Posted 09/03/2013 at 04:06:03
I attended all Irish home Internationals since 1984. Was in Germany for Euro 88, Italy for World Cup 90. Been to away qualifiers and playoffs in France, Switzerland, Wales, Portugal and Iran. But since the death of Irish football and coincidently the tenure of Il Trap, I cannot stomach it anymore.

Yes, Gibson is taking this personnally and it is nothing to do with injury. But trust me when I say that the once great manager Trapattoni is so far out of touch with reality it is beyond belief. The guy just hasn't a clue anymore. As pointed out by previous posters with regard to his team selections, and more importantly his rigid tactics.

When he eventually bleeds Denis O'Brien dry and his reign of depression and gibberish interpretations comes to an end, we will see Gibson return, I might even go back myself.

Shane Corcoran
44 Posted 09/03/2013 at 07:38:22
That's the first I heard of the daughter rumour.

I'm still inclined to believe he's nursing the injury over all the other stories given Tardelli's recent statements.

And well fucking done Dennis Stevens # 432.

Kieran Fitzgerald
45 Posted 09/03/2013 at 10:07:17
Shane @517. Regardless of what else went on in the past, I would agree that the injury thing is most pressing at the moment. Gibson is being asked to play for his club with a recurring injury. The last thing he wants is to make it worse on international duty. The international break will give Gibson the chance to rest the injury.
Peter Warren
46 Posted 09/03/2013 at 11:23:16
Maybe he's just not arsed about playing for Ireland. Some1 questioned if we would feel same if he ha a strop and refused to play for Everton - totally different kettle of fish he's a highly paid employee so I would be pissed off. Whether anybody plays for England Ireland brazil or anybody else I don't give a monkeys
Harold Matthews
47 Posted 10/03/2013 at 16:40:02
He's definitely notnready for international football. At Everton he can get away with not tackling and not closing down but the lad knows it wouldn't work on the bigger stage.

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