Tag: Gerard Houllier

Stephen Ireland was on the payroll at Aston Villa when he left the club to join Newcastle United on loan at the start of 2011. He had to leave Villa for Newcastle on loan after six months at the club. Stephen Ireland had earlier joined Aston Villa from Manchester City in the summer of 2010. His transfer from Villa to City was £8m as part of the deal that saw James Milner move in the other direction on the final day of the 2011 winter transfer window.

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier fell out with Stephen Ireland and that prompted him to reluctantly leave the club. At the time, the midfielder was told by his manager that he needs to raise his game for more playing time.
Read More…

Stephen Ireland has lifted the lid on his time as an Aston Villa player as he  revealed that he didn’t want to sign for the club. Stephen Ireland made this known while he was fielding questions on the kickback with Nedum podcast. According to him, he’s filled with regrets whenever he looks back at his time in theclaret and blue of Villa. Stephen Ireland regrets that he didn’t make any mark under Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish and Paul Lambert at Villa Park.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini didn’t want Ireland in his title-chasing squad and that prompted him to sign for Aston Villa in 2010. The Republic of Ireland player said he felt forced out of his boyhood club at the time and that didn’t help him during his spell at Villa Park.
Read More…