Stephen Ireland signs on short term contract

Bolton Wanderers are pleased to announce the signing of Stephen Ireland on a short term contract.

The Cork-born attacking midfielder has spent his entire professional career to date in the Premier League and brings a wealth of experience to the University of Bolton Stadium.

Starting his foray into the game in his homeland with Cobh Ramblers, he made the move to England as a teenager with Manchester City and turned pro at the Etihad Stadium in 2005.

Making 176 appearances for the Citizens in all competitions during a five-year spell, he also played UEFA Cup football with the club during the 2008/09 campaign.

Moving to Aston Villa in the summer of 2010, he proceeded to spend three-and-a-half years with the Midlands outfit – including a loan stint with Newcastle in 2010/11 – before making the switch to Stoke City in January 2014.

After four-and-a-half years with the Potters however, 32-year-old Ireland brought down the curtain on his time at the bet365 Stadium in the summer and has now linked up with Phil Parkinson’s men.

Manager Phil Parkinson added: “Although he's got a bit to do in terms of match fitness, we've got a lot of games coming up and I'm sure he will make a positive contribution.”

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

We sign an unfit player on a short term contract...interesting.

Dear me, another "not match fit" signing.

Will we never learn?

Haha yeah typical!

They should have just come out and said that he was training with us!

Hasn't he been training with us since pre-season?

So how short is the short term contract? A month?

He is still probably better than anyone we have !!

Natasha Whittam wrote:Dear me, another "not match fit" signing.

Will we never learn?

You have answered your own question!  Spot on.

Natasha Whittam wrote:Hasn't he been training with us since pre-season?

Injured in pre-season.

Good signing if he can keep fit.

Too similar to Oztumer. We needed a big bastard who can play a bit

A good player years ago but how many games has he actually played in the last 5 years? Plus how unfit is he?
If and it's a big if, he can rediscover his form he would be useful but i just can't see it happening, hope i'm wrong though.

One thing about Stephen Ireland was that he could always pick out a killer pass so I'm wondering whether the lack of a decent final ball against Rovers influenced the decision to give him a contract?

He hasn’t been picking out ‘killer passes’ since his time at City to be fair, he’s a nice option off the bench if the money’s right and he’s fit though. I’m happy enough with it, we need options and this is one where if he’s motivated he might find his level.

Never liked him. He pretended his gran had died in order to get out of an international game.

A ponce, of the lightweight variety.

Did we not sign some great midfield hope from Leeds? I forget his name. Is he still alive?

boltonbonce wrote:Never liked him. He pretended his gran had died in order to get out of an international game.

A ponce, of the lightweight variety.

Didn’t he say that to keep something personal away from the public to do with his Mrs?

Natasha Whittam wrote:Did we not sign some great midfield hope from Leeds? I forget his name. Is he still alive?

Do you mean Murphy?

boltonbonce wrote:Do you mean Murphy?

Maybe, clearly a bright prospect.