Anthony Stokes - Arsenal's Falkirk loanee

[MonTheHoops]

The boy up front for Falkirk, Anthony Stokes, looked very good against Celtic this weekend. Didn't take much notice of the other 3 on loan there from Arsenal but checked out Stoked because half the clubs in the UK were after him and he's Irish. Played well but tired towards the end as you'd expect from a young guy. Think Arsenal want him back in January.

[homer jay]

how was mcgeady? worth a place on the irish starting 11.

[MonTheHoops]

how was mcgeady? worth a place on the irish starting 11.
Best of a bad bunch the other day be has done very well so far this season bar a poor performance against United (worst of the season so far).

Keeping POTY Maloney out of the side at the moment and himself & Nakamura are on top form. I'd start him but not in a midfield 4, maybe off the front striker. If I were Stan I'd try a 4-3-3 the next day with Duff and McGeady making it a 4-5-1 when we're defending. McGeady has done what he needed to do last season - bulk up and make the trickery have an end product.

[MonTheHoops]

Some bits of McGeady in action so far this season. He was very good in the Rangers game, unlucky not to get MoM, definitely the brightest attacking player. If given his chance this weekend he'll tear them a new one the form he's in.

McGeady v Rangers 23/09/06

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts1_My5gTJY

This is his turn at the weekend against Falkirk - very tight space

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfhnPJ8LUYE


Here's a compilation of stuff from the last few seasons. Check out his moves v Rangers and Aberdeen. Still a kid at only 20. Think he's going to be a top class player for Ireland if we can get the right players around him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCUEygddgHQ

[MonTheHoops]

Stokes has just completed his second hat-trick in a week.

[Jim Comic]

celtic 1-1 with hearts, 4 mns to go

[MonTheHoops]

2-1 whoo

[Jim Comic]

2-1 whoo


praise the lord!!

[Loftydog]

One of my jammy mates had celtic on to win 2-1 when they were losing.

[Rollo]

Stokes has just completed his second hat-trick in a week.

hope to God when he returns to Arse that they play him as a striker and not a winger. He will probably have to move to get any football. Who was the last young gun striker to break into the first team from the youth system? David Bentley?

[markinmanc]

hope to God when he returns to Arse that they play him as a striker and not a winger. He will probably have to move to get any football. Who was the last young gun striker to break into the first team from the youth system? David Bentley?

He had a trial at Sunderland early this season, but wasn't judged to be good enough.:rolleyes:

[MonTheHoops]

He had a trial at Sunderland early this season, but wasn't judged to be good enough.:rolleyes:

Stokes may not have been good enough at the time but often a step down builds up that confidence a striker needs. I reckon his time at Falkirk will have done him the world of good. Thought he was very good against Celtic when the sides met even though he didn't threaten the goal he ran at the Celtic defence with confidence.

[il feeno]

Stokes's failure to get a deal at Sunderland was more to do with Quinn feeling the squad was already too big and not wanting to sign players while his position was temporary.

[MonTheHoops]

Celtic line up swoop for Stokes

CELTIC are lining up a January move for Falkirk's on-loan sensation Anthony Stokes.

Gordon Strachan's spies at East End Park were blown away by the 18-year-old Arsenal hotshot's hat-trick in the Bairns' 3-0 win over Dunfermline.

Super Stokes (below) became the first player in the SPL to bag backto-back hat-tricks. His treble in Saturday's 3-0 win over Dunfermline brought his tally to an astonishing nine goals in his last four games.

The hat-trick also saw the striker rocket to the top of the SPL goalscoring charts.
That hot streak has attracted the attention of runaway leaders Celtic - the team Stokes supported as a kid.

And Starsport has learned that their watchers were briefed to keep a close eye on the young Irish sensation.

A Parkhead insider said: "We all know what a job he is doing at Falkirk."

© copyright Express Newspapers 2006

[markinmanc]

Stokes's failure to get a deal at Sunderland was more to do with Quinn feeling the squad was already too big and not wanting to sign players while his position was temporary.

You have a better inside source than me then?

[Jim Comic]

scored again tonight v celtic in the cup game

[MonTheHoops]

scored again tonight v celtic in the cup game
Looks to be a bit special this fella.

[Jim Comic]

Looks to be a bit special this fella.


10 goals in his last 5 games!!

[Teknique]

cool finisher

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS2QXxMykcY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZGl_g9JDxk&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etts2hFCvRM&mode=related&search=

[MonTheHoops]

He's a big unit too for a young fella.

[STEVIEG]

If he is that good it will interesting to see if if Wenger will let him go

[STEVIEG]

I'd say bendtner is Wengers favourite

[markinmanc]

As long as he doesn't end up at N**castle.....

[Paddy Wagon]

All three goals were scored with his left peg but as far as I know he is naturally right legged..
Scottish Football or not 10 in 5 is a massive return...

[MonTheHoops]

I dunno wether he'll make it at arsenal in the first team this year considering aliadire is still there and again fair more complete player. He played alot on the wings for arsenal last year so that will stand to him.


Freudian?

From what I saw of Aliadiere he was rubbish and his attitude was horrible. I imagine West Ham & Wolves fans would concur. I thought he'd be a great signing but Beattie kept him out of the side.

[STEVIEG]

aliadiere is the best natural finisher at arsenal. barr jimmy briand hes the best finisher to come out of claire fontane as well. Its something thats been recognised by wenger on many occasions as well as sastre


I wish to fawk i could speak French

[homer jay]

I wish to fawk i could speak French

english would be a start

[STEVIEG]

english would be a start


An over-rated language

[MonTheHoops]

aliadiere is the best natural finisher at arsenal. barr jimmy briand hes the best finisher to come out of claire fontane as well. Its something thats been recognised by wenger on many occasions as well as sastre

Ok. Well I won't disagree with what you've seen at Arsenal but what I've seen at Celtic he was useless.

[STEVIEG]

why ya think youd have made it at claire fontane?
your gifted stevie.

Having said that i still feel that way about anelka too if he screws his head on.


Nah i'm only messing she sounnds sexy though (winks)


Anelka has such ability but what a bad attitude these days

If even half of the quotes attributed to him are true his teammates must hate him

"I tried to join a big club and hopefully will"
"Bolton are hoofers"
"My team are crap etc etc"

He makes Diouf look a little bit good attitude-wise (on the pitch) and that's saying something.......

[MonTheHoops]

He wasnt given a proper chance, he was just after recovering for about his 7th serious injury since he joined arsenal. Maybe he missed herself too much as well.
hes been inform and looking better than he ever has since july. Surprised wenger isnt chancing him.

No. He was given plenty chances. I won't question your knowledge on all things Arsenal so don't question mine when it comes to Celtic.

He had plenty of chances and the word on the ground is that he is completely useless in training. I watch all the games myself on Celtic TV and the only time he shone believe it or not was Artmedia away when he came on for 15 minutes. Outside that he didn't seem to know much about what was going on around him.

As for yer one Leilani, she moved to Glasgow with him.

[MonTheHoops]

Anyway, looks like he wants out. This link from a few weeks ago.

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=42605 7&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=2&title=Gunners+starle t+eyes+exit

[Teknique]

As for yer one Leilani, she moved to Glasgow with him.

And your wondering why he couldnt concentrate in training ?

[MonTheHoops]

how many 90min matches did he play

None - with good reason too.

Are you saying you're in a better position to consider his worth to Celtic than I am? He started off on a clean slate as there was a new manager, in fact a new manager who signed him. Most managers play the guys they sign rather than those that are there already. The fact that Beattie, who played very little under MON, kept Aliadiere out of the side says enough about Aliadiere for me.

The fact that he didn't set the heather alight at Wolves or West Ham came as no surprise either.

[MonTheHoops]

so your judging a guy having not once see him play 90mins of football.
ok sound. and the wolves fans would have him back in an instant.

Yeah that's what I'm doing:rolleyes:

Look I'll get wrapped up in the "best finisher at Arsenal" rubbish when I see him in an Arsenal jersey doing what Henry does week upon week. If he is so good, such a great finisher, then why is Wenger not putting him out there beside Henry?

Maybe because he doesn't have it. 2 goals for Wolves would suggest something other than the best finisher at Arsenal. Or is it just in training?

[MonTheHoops]

sorry just like you ive a monopoly on all things arsenal so i dont have to answer that one. why isnt wenger playing walcott? or merida? baptista?
ask arsene......better still get celtic to ask him

Where did I refuse to answer your questions? Now you're babbling. I said I am a better authority on all things Celtic than you are, as I've no doubt you would be on all things Arsenal. I'm asking, in your opinion, why Aliadiere isn't starting if he is Arsenal's best finisher. You're the one who made the best finisher remark. I'm just asking why the best finisher would be languishing in the reserves, being sent out on loan and looking to move in January.

Then again, is it like the case at Celtic where the best finisher just isn't a great all round player, like Zurawski?

Is Aliadiere just not a great player?

[Superior]

[QUOTE=I said I am a better authority on all things Celtic than you are, as I've no doubt you would be on all things Arsenal. [/QUOTE]

Laughable. Cause you watch some matches? The pubs are full of similar experts.

[MonTheHoops]

Laughable. Cause you watch some matches? The pubs are full of similar experts.

Laughable?

I support Celtic, he supports Arsenal.

I assume he has more knowledge of Arsenal than I would and vice versa. How is the comment laughable.

[parrotbait]

start a celtic vs arsenal supporters thread and save us yer bickering, actually thought the latest post would actually be about Anthony Stokes.............. .

[MonTheHoops]

start a celtic vs arsenal supporters thread and save us yer bickering, actually thought the latest post would actually be about Anthony Stokes.............. .
You'll get over it though right?

[parrotbait]

Nah I won't. heres some thread related info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Stokes_(foot baller)

[MonTheHoops]

Nah I won't. heres some thread related info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Stokes_(foot baller)


If it's any consolation, I thought the place would be full of parrots by now.

[parrotbait]

nah the problem is you can never catch them, you need some..............ca n you guess what you need?

[MonTheHoops]

Falkirk 1 up. Guess who AGAIN!!!

11 in 7 now. Sign him up Gordon.

[Jim Comic]

11 in 7 now. Sign him up Gordon.


are arsenal looking to sell him?

[MonTheHoops]

are arsenal looking to sell him?

He's looking to leave apparently.

[Jim Comic]

He's looking to leave apparently.


the way he's scoring at the mo' there'll be a lot of clubs after him no doubt

[MonTheHoops]

the way he's scoring at the mo' there'll be a lot of clubs after him no doubt
Gave a "come and get me" to Celtic the other day.

[Jim Comic]

Gave a "come and get me" to Celtic the other day.


daycent! though it looks like they won;'t need him this season the way things are panning out up there.

would he be eligible for europe if he signs in the transfer window?

[MonTheHoops]

daycent! though it looks like they won;'t need him this season the way things are panning out up there.

would he be eligible for europe if he signs in the transfer window?


He sure would.

Don't think too many will come in in January. Would like to see Thommo out and apparently O' Neill is thinking of buying Balde for £2.5M. I'll take that cos he hasn't been playing this season. Need someone in for Caldwell though - he's hit a patch of very bad form. Irish kid Darren O' Dea came on for him today.

[Jim Comic]

he scored again today, 12 goals in 8 games now i think

[Philby]

The Mirror says Arsenal want to sell Anthony Stokes - for 600,000EUR, while the Independent says Celtic are reportedly keen on the 18-year-old striker and are prepared to offer £1m to sign him. Stokes, who is currently on loan at Falkirk, is also being watched by a number of other teams in England.

[Jim Comic]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/1205/stokesa.html

[west cork rebel]

looks like there could be hope for the ireland team in the near future after all

[markinmanc]

Ireland won't even beat Gibraltar under Staunton.

http://icnewcastle.icnetwor k.co.uk/sunderlandafc/news/tm_headline=keane-steps-up-his-bid-for-striker%26method=ful l%26objectid=1823620 8%26siteid=50081-name_page.html

Roy Keane is ready to step up his bid to bring Anthony Stokes to Sunderland after admitting the free-scoring forward is the player he wants to spearhead the club's New Year promotion push.
And the Black Cats boss is also looking to Scotland to strengthen his midfield, with Hibernian's Michael Stewart - a former Old Trafford team-mate and one-time target of Mick McCarthy - having emerged as his latest target.
Keane's squad will be stretched to the limits for this afternoon's Championship encounter with Luton and if the Premiership is to remain a realistic target, significant numbers must be added.
The Journal this week revealed that Stokes, the Arsenal striker who has made a major impact on the SPL during a remarkable loan spell at Falkirk, is a player attracting great interest from the Stadium of Light. As he confirmed that interest, Keane last night admitted that the talented teenager has made a big impression on him in recent weeks.
"I have seen him play twice in the last month against Celtic and Hearts, two of the better teams in Scotland, and he played very well," said Keane, who will face stiff competition as he attempts to secure the signature of the SPL's 13-goal leading marksman.

"We're interested in any quality player and he is that. He's a very good player, he has done very well and he's someone we are looking at, I have to say that.

He's a goalscorer and he's a threat. He makes good runs and is direct. He's a real good talent and he's young. He's a young hungry player." Falkirk are keen to extend their loan agreement with Arsenal for the remainder of the campaign, Celtic are also interested and several Championship clubs are determined to land the 18-year-old on a temporary basis. But the Black Cats could seek to strike a permanent deal with the Gunners, something Keane seemed to be hinting at last night when he said: "I think Arsenal will be looking for top money for him."

Whether Arsenal will be willing to sever their ties with such a talented young player remains to be seen. But Sunderland's interest has certainly muddied the water for Falkirk, who having this week hoped to announce that Stokes would stay for the remainder of the campaign, have not yet been given the go-ahead they craved.

"We have still not heard from Arsenal and we need to put it to bed one way or another because I need to get on with my work," said Bairns boss John Hughes last night. "We are desperate to keep him. But we have to respect Arsenal and we're thankful for getting him in the first place."

Stokes spent time training on Wearside prior to Keane's appointment this summer but a deal failed to materialise. The Black Cats boss has decided that, given all his countryman has achieved since, a fresh attempt is prudent and, considering the skeleton squad with which he is currently operating, the transfer window cannot come quickly enough. "I might step up my interest (in Stokes)," said a man who is renowned for keeping things close to his chest. "We need players to come in in January, we are short on numbers and, as brilliantly as the players have done here, we need to strengthen."

Stewart is another who is undergoing scrutiny, although it seems that the 25-year-old has been targeted as a potential acquisition for next summer when his contract at Easter Road expires.

The Scottish international spent six years with Keane at Old Trafford and, although McCarthy attempted to bring him to Wearside when he was released by Nottingham Forest in 2003, he instead opted to join Forest. Stewart has since played for both Hearts and Hibernian. He will be able to negotiate a free transfer at the start of next month, and the Black Cats are monitoring the situation with interest.

Clive Hart, the player's agent, last night confirmed: "Sunderland are just one of a number of top Championship clubs who have been impressed with Michael's rapid development this season. While he's not in any hurry to leave Edinburgh, there will certainly be some interesting options on the table if he wants to deal with unfinished business in England."

Sunderland will play Bolton or Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. The two teams will contest their third-round tie on Tuesday.

[MonTheHoops]

Do you think Roy browses PROC and if so will I get a finder's fee?

[xvis]

Do you think Roy browses PROC and if so will I get a finder's fee?

yeah, his username is POL

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/6218157.stm

[Forsberg]

First half hatrick today

[markinmanc]

Sunderland missed our chance at the start of the season. I find it hard to believe Wenger will sell him for such a miserly sum!

[markinmanc]

Can't see him listed in the Falkirk squad, so that may be that. Or not.

[Jim Comic]

Charlton have agreed a £2.7m fee for Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes. (The Sun)

[MonTheHoops]

Charlton have agreed a £2.7m fee for Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes. (The Sun)
£2.7M??????

They can have him for that price.

I hoped Celtic would stretch to £1M max but he's not worth that kind of cash after one half season with Falkirk. He's proven himself against no one and is playing for a side who are the underdogs in every game they play so no doubt he gets a bit of extra leeway. Were he playing for Celtic in the SPL he would perhaps be marked a little tighter. If Charlton are going to spend that money then it's no surprise they're in the position they're in.

A club heading for the championship pinning all their hopes on the potential of an 18 year old. Now Im not saying he isn't good but it's certainly a big gamble if it does come to fruition.

[MonTheHoops]

Rumour going round that a Celtic bid has been accepted. I HOPE it's nowhere in the region of that kind of insane money. A third of it would be fine but that kind of hard cash is mental.

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/6235101.stm

[MonTheHoops]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/6235101.stm

I reckon Celtic have too Jim. Hearing it from a good contact.

[MonTheHoops]

I reckon Celtic have too Jim. Hearing it from a good contact.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/6235101.stm

Yep - a bid tabled.

[MonTheHoops]

Stokes is at Parkhead with his father right now .

[Loftydog]

Well its been reported in a lot of the papers that sunderland have been on to him as well

[MonTheHoops]

Well its been reported in a lot of the papers that sunderland have been on to him as well


Charlton made a £2.7M bid thinking it would blow every other club out of the running. Celtic & Sunderland made bids of around £1.5M which were both accepted too. Arsenal had told Stokes that once their valuation was met then he can sign for whoever so Charlton bidding so high didn't matter.

It's 6 of one half dozen of the other who he chooses now. There's for and against joining both, maybe the Champions League and higher profile will lure him towards Celtic. One things for sure, a striker is badly needed.

I also hear that Scott Brown and/or Kevin Thomson are on their way to Celtic in the next few weeks though that's from a different source so not 100% on that. I think both are cracking players. Bolton, Spurs, Charlton have been in for them in the past. Bolton had bids rejected during the summer.

[Loftydog]

Yeah there are pros and cons to each move i guess.

[MonTheHoops]

He's gone to Charlton according to Clyde radio. Mental.



EDIT: Breakingnews.ie saying he's signing for Celtic at 5

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/?jp=CWSNCWKFIDMH

[st finnbar]

He's gone to Charlton according to Clyde radio. Mental.
did he have talks with celtic today? cant believe he signed for charlton

[Loftydog]

He's gone to Charlton according to Clyde radio. Mental.



EDIT: Breakingnews.ie saying he's signing for Celtic at 5

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/?jp=CWSNCWKFIDMH

For how much?

[MonTheHoops]

did he have talks with celtic today? cant believe he signed for charlton
He's in Glasgow NOW. At the Dumbarton game.

No talk of figures. No one seems to know if he's signed or not.



EDIT: http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/?jp=CWSNCWKFIDID

€3.6 million is mental if that is the price.

[Superior]

Arsenal fan so I`m sorry he didn`t get a chance but Wenger seemed to think he was about 137th in the peckin order. Hope he bangs em in for Celtic.

[Jim Comic]

who did he go to in the end?

[Jim Comic]

just found this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/6235101.stm

[Tube a Pringles]

Maybe there is more than one Anthony Stokes?

[Loftydog]

Time to change the name of this thread me thinks

[markinmanc]

Ah well. He'll be injured by the end of the month. :puppydog: