All Whites, Ferns, and other international teams

David Mulligan - Contrasting Views

397 replies · 27,209 views

almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

A midfielder willing to shoot from out side the box is a very rare thing in NZ Football.

WeeMac and Brown would start but I'd be tempted to have Mulligan as my third CM option if one of the two went down injured.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

A midfielder willing to shoot from out side the box is a very rare thing in NZ Football.
Have to agree with you Luis, we have centre backs that get more scoring chances than most want to walk it in midfielders.
The lack of midfielders taking aim also gives the strikers less chance of poaching on scraps in the box.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Jag wrote:

Footpaul wrote:

To be fair it is idiotic to say Mully was "did exactly f**k all" when you didn't watch the whole game.

I quite clearly stated, and thought it would have been fairly obvious to anyone with a rudimentary grasp of the English langauge, that my comment about him doing f**k all clearly related to his performance in the 45 minutes of the game that I watched. So I would argue that the view I presented that he did exactly f**k all in the first half of the game is far from idiotic.

From what I have seen since, his 2nd half performance was an improvement but I'm still mystified at how well some people seem to think he played

Ha, obviously not clear enough! The point remains, rubbishing a player when you only saw half the game and he was certainly no worse than anyone else on the field is unfair. Just about the whole team was pants in the first half so it is ridiculous to single out Mully. And you then say you don't understand why people were complimenting his performance when you hadn't seen all of it. He had a decent second half. It seems some people just want to knock the guy regardless of how he performs. No one is saying he is Messi, but he is not as bad as some on here believe. I'd have him in the Nix over Toto any day.

I will say it does seem weird that Ricki has so much more faith in Mully for the All Whites than the Nix.

Footpaul2011-03-27 12:24:25

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Footpaul wrote:

I will say it does seem weird that Ricki has so much more faith in Mully for the All Whites than the Nix.

Why though? He doesn't have the same players to pick from for both teams.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

Footpaul wrote:

I will say it does seem weird that Ricki has so much more faith in Mully for the All Whites than the Nix.

Why though? He doesn't have the same players to pick from for both teams.

I understand that, but Mully didn't even see the bench in for the Nix last season (by memory) yet started on Saturday ahead of, for example, Rojas - who Ricki was confident enough in to start for the Nix. I see it is comparing apples and oranges, and he only started because of a number of injuries, but it is curious he was so sidelined at the Nix. I'm sure there is more to it - it's just an observation.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

1) Ricki obviously thought Troy/Manny were better than Mully at RB.
2) Ricki obviously thought Brownie,/Lia/Manny are better CM players than Mully.

Both of which I agree with. Pretty simple really.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

1) Ricki obviously thought Troy/Manny were better than Mully at RB.
2) Ricki obviously thought Brownie,/Lia/Manny are better CM players than Mully.

Both of which I agree with. Pretty simple really.

I'm not sure that it is quite that simple. I can totally understand Mulligan not starting matches in front of these players, but to not even be included on the bench for 46 straight matches while players like Chen, Diego and even Ferrante got game time is very, very odd, especially given his (Mulligan's)versatility.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Chen - striker.
Diego - much greater than Mully.
Ferrante - Toss up really.

Perhaps they all showed more desire at training than he did?

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

Chen - striker.
Diego - much greater than Mully.
Ferrante - Toss up really.

Perhaps they all showed more desire at training than he did?

Big call on Diego. But yeah, maybe they were better trainers.

And calling Chen a striker ... come on 2B, it's a bit early in the day to be drinking.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

liverpoolfan1 wrote:

2ndBest wrote:

Chen - striker.Diego - much greater than Mully.Ferrante - Toss up really.Perhaps they all showed more desire at training than he did?

ï¿½

Big call on Diego.ï¿½ But yeah, maybe they were better trainers.

ï¿½

And calling Chen a striker ... come on 2B, it's a bit early in the day to be drinking.

Happy that Mully has showed something in the midfield. His distribution isn't up to that of Simon Elliot, but he did look good in the last game at home before the WC.

Was clumsy making some challenges and gave away some free kicks in this game though.

I can't think of another good distributor- what kind of player is Keat? Definitely not an area we are over stocked with players...

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

liverpoolfan1 wrote:

2ndBest wrote:

Chen - striker.
Diego - much greater than Mully.
Ferrante - Toss up really.

Perhaps they all showed more desire at training than he did?

Big call on Diego. But yeah, maybe they were better trainers.

And calling Chen a striker ... come on 2B, it's a bit early in the day to be drinking.

Should have put it in quotation marks really.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Footpaul wrote:

Ha, obviously not clear enough! The point remains, rubbishing a player when you only saw half the game and he was certainly no worse than anyone else on the field is unfair. Just about the whole team was pants in the first half so it is ridiculous to single out Mully. And you then say you don't understand why people were complimenting his performance when you hadn't seen all of it. He had a decent second half. It seems some people just want to knock the guy regardless of how he performs. No one is saying he is Messi, but he is not as bad as some on here believe. I'd have him in the Nix over Toto any day.

I will say it does seem weird that Ricki has so much more faith in Mully for the All Whites than the Nix.

Missed my point. People were saying he had a great game etc, etc. My point was that in the first half he'd done bugger all, so his 2nd half performance would have to have been absolutely stellar then. If someone has a sh*t first half and a marginally better 2nd half, I don't tend to rave about how great a game they had. But that's just me!

I don't have anything against the guy, I think he is in that grey area where he's too good for NZFC but struggles to stand out above that level.

Anyway. Water under the bridge now

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I thought he was lucky to stay on the park,couple of late tackles in 1st half and a deliberate professional foul in the 2nd- all of which deserved yellows.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

2ndBest wrote:

Chen - striker.Diego - much greater than Mully.Ferrante - Toss up really.Perhaps they all showed more desire at training than he did?

Actually, in reserve games they played side by side, I thought Ferrante>Mulligan, and significantly so. In fact, Ferrante would look easily the best player on the field.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Well if Tony S keeps having money woes our player budget next year could be significantly lower... Mulligan to be resigned for a fraction of the price we had him for originally.

Could happen!!

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

TouchMe wrote:

Well if Tony S keeps having money woes our player budget next year could be significantly lower... Mulligan to be resigned for a fraction of the price we had him for originally.

Could happen!!

Sorry, but I'll ask before somebody else does. Who is Tony S?

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Jag wrote:

Sorry, but I'll ask before somebody else does. Who is Tony S?ï¿½

Terry S's illegitimate half-Nigerian brother, associated with the ACFC for A-League campaign.

Ramming liberal dribble down your throat since 2009
This forum needs less angst and more Kate Bush threads

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Mulligan's CV

Played for his Country's National Team, been to a World Cup, Professional Footballer in England and New Zealand.

Carried himself with dignity through his difficult times at the Phoenix.

Never meet the guy but he does deserve more respect than he gets on this site.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Dino10 wrote:

Mulligan's CV

Played for his Country's National Team, been to a World Cup, Professional Footballer in England and New Zealand.

Carried himself with dignity through his difficult times at the Phoenix.

Never meet the guy but he does deserve more respect than he gets on this site.

Does he?

Kevin Muscat. Captained his country. Professional footballer in the UK at a higher level than Mulligan. See where I'm going with this?

I respect Mulligan for what he's achieved, doesn't mean that that I have to rate him as quality or exempt him from criticism.

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Dino10 wrote:

Mulligan's CV

Played for his Country's National Team, been to a World Cup, Professional Footballer in England and New Zealand.

Carried himself with dignity through his difficult times at the Phoenix.

Never meet the guy but he does deserve more respect than he gets on this site.

Very good point. I don't remember him ever once having a bleat in the media about his situation at the Nix. Even now (presumably with the ACFC knitting circle egging him on to spill the dirt) he remains a model professional, I mean amateur!

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Does he?

Kevin Muscat. Captained his country. Professional footballer in the UK at a higher level than Mulligan. See where I'm going with this?

I respect Mulligan for what he's achieved, doesn't mean that that I have to rate him as quality or exempt him from criticism.

[/QUOTE]

Geez bringing up Muscat is harsh, its not like I compare you to Darren Hughes because you could be a Ginga

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I was making the point that even a scumbag like Muscat could arguably, on paper, deserve respect! The reality is a lot different.

I like the way Mulligan has just got on with it, hasn't complained or whined about the situation he found himself in. He does deserve loads of credit for that.

Anyway, I'm over all this. Good luck to him in whatever he does in the future.

(p.s. I am not a Ginga!

)

Jag2011-03-28 12:24:46

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Tough calls there Jag, but fair and impartial.

Have a

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Junior82 wrote:

Tough calls there Jag, but fair and impartial.

Have a

Aww shucks

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Now, now. This is just a referee-type-hug. Keep it up and you might get one from Frankie AND Doloras.

"Phoenix till they lose"

Posting 97% bollox, 8% lies and 3.658% genuine opinion.

Genuine opinion: FTFFA

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Think I'll pass.

Apparently I'm apathetic, but I couldn't care less.

"Being a Partick Thistle fan sets you apart. It means youre a free thinker. It also means your team has no money." Tim Luckhurst, The Independent, 4th December 2003

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I think Mulligan is taking too much criticism. Pretty similar level of ability to Brown IMO. He's not (nor did he play) amazing but he was solid enough and created a couple of opportunities. He also did a lot of donkey work acting as the link between defence and the midfield when playing it out from the back. You can't blame him too much for the complete lack of ball we had in the first 20 minutes, the strikers were not pressing or dropping back, and the defenders were sitting back very deep. There is just too much ground for two dentral midfielders to cover.

I'm glad he is around and available. I have a lot more confidence in him than Plodder and even Elliot now. It was good for him to get this run.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Brown >>>> mulligan - your comparing a guy who gets a regular starting spot in the nix to a guy who couoldn't even break into the first team. And for a guy who is a specialist on the dead ball - his free kicks were very dissapointing IMO, they may work against opposition in the ASB League but he's nothing special at international level or a-league level.

Queenslander 3x a year.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Anyone want to do a bigger break down of the skills of Brown v Mulligan?

Brown's taller for starters...

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Brown

Mulligan

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

el grapadura wrote:

Brown

Mulligan

If you are old and wise you were probably young and stupid

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

can't be Brown- I can see him and the ball isn't in the back of the net...

a fan of Timmy here...

also no head bandage!martinb2011-03-29 15:17:29

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Least Timmy pops up with the odd goal

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

For NZ:

Mully - 26 games, 3 goals.

Timmy - 27 games 0 goals

This season for Auckalnd CIty mMully has 5 in 9 games.

How's my driving? - Whine here

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

and timmy had how many for the nix? 6.....second season being the 2nd/3rd highest goal scorer

Nix > Auckland City, and Mully's goals for AW's were aginst who?

Queenslander 3x a year.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

Brown is a favourite of Herberts, given the choice of the two he would, i believe, always go for brown... (at the start of the year Brown was awful) just like he favours the 3 - 4- 3 formation at the moment and despite the new more athletic and skillfull players coming through is indicating he is going to stick with it.

The best players are not always picked... Brown is a leader, Mulligan isn't too my knowledge. Maybe thats why Brown was picked ahead... or atleast one of the reasons in Herberts eyes.

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

theprof wrote:

and timmy had how many for the nix? 6.....second season being the 2nd/3rd highest goal scorer

Nix > Auckland City, and Mully's goals for AW's were aginst who?

Just for fun, Mully scored his goals against Vanuatu. And let us not forget his 2 goals for the U 17s

a total of 5 international goals !!! LOL

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almost 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

theprof wrote:

and timmy had how many for the nix? 6.....second season being the 2nd/3rd highest goal scorer

Nix > Auckland City, and Mully's goals for AW's were aginst who?

Bit of a hater, aren't you?

2 of Mulligan's goals were against Vanuatu in Wellington, 2008 I think.
One I remember being an amazing free kick.

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