What Next for Ireland, Toure and...Wabara?

What an odd end to the week. First the news explodes about Kolo Toure's water samples, Stephen Ireland expoldes about the way Roberto Mancini is getting it all wrong at City and then Dario Gradi who watched the Elite Development Squad on Tuesday gets disappointed because an un-named City player cannot go to Crewe on loan for the remainder of the season.

The scouts still turn up in large numbers to look at the 'Reserves'. Players like Guidetti and McDermott readily catch the eye but coming up on the heels of Dedryck Boyata now is Reece Wabara. He is starting to look like a solid defender in a similar mould to Boyata, has already found himself on the first team bench and is therefore starting to attract attention as a loan target. Although Dario and Platty haven't revealed who it was Crewe were looking at it is a reasonable bet that it was Reece who I'm sure would blossom immensely given the chance for 3 months with Dario Gradi.

The reason that it is not possible is because 'we have a problem with one of our centre backs' according to reports and that has manifested itself in the shape of a 'drug scandal' surrounding the very clean living and model professional Kolo Toure. Whilst we can't rule out the fact that the authorities can make whatever mountain out of whatever molehill they can, Kolo has no real history of anything other than being a true professional, so that must count for something especially if it is as reported something contained in weight control tablets. The warmest good wishes go out from all our supporters to Kolo and we hope to see him action again very soon.

What's going on with Stephen Ireland? Mancini's getting it all wrong? Why? What's gone on with Ireland's career since he headed down Rowlsey Street? Has he played any matches, scored any goals, lived up to his 'Superman' tag? No. More likely his superman shorts! Rubbish for City, rubbish for Villa, can't get into Newcastle's team. There's a little bit of a story in there Stephen. You could have been the heartbeat of our team if you'd shown the right application, but you didn't ..and look who's the heartbeat now..David Silva. David Silva or Stephen Ireland? Who's got what right? World Cup winner or forgotten man? A star to light up any stadium or a nobody who couldn't light up his fish tank. It's not difficult is it?

As you slide down the leagues with your big league attitude and less than small league mind you will sit and ponder and say to yourself 'I could have done that'. And as your bank balance starts to dwindle and you're stood in the cold reporting on Bury v York City for a broadcaster, you'll say 'I wish I'd done that' and when Tevez is finally holding up a trophy you'll say 'I really wanted to do that'. All you'll be is somebody who had the ability but didn't want to apply it consistently. Yes the old family club might not be the same. But it has broadened it's family to include the community around the magnificent stadium. It is bringing more to Manchester than has ever been seen before. It will bring the success that we City fans have longed for for a long time...and you, Stephen Ireland, will probably not even be a footballer.

The mirror is a good place to start Stephen, after that it is down to you.

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