ENDA STEVENS’ DISAPPOINTING three-year stay at Aston Villa has come to an end with the Premier League club confirming the Irish defender has been released.
Stevens, an Irish U21 international, failed to make an impression during his time at Villa Park after moving from Shamrock Rovers in January 2012.
After spending the first few months in the Villa reserve team, Stevens was drafted in to make his full debut against Manchester United in November 2012 due to injuries and suspensions.
He made just nine appearances for the club having been shipped out on loan to various lower league sides throughout his time at Villa.
The 24-year-old spent the second-half of last season with Doncaster Rovers where he made 28 appearances for the League One outfit, scoring once. He also had spells with Notts County and Northampton Town.
Stevens spent two seasons at Rovers after progressing through the ranks at UCD and then impressing for St Patrick’s Athletic. He was part of the Hoops side that became the first Irish team to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.
Stevens isn’t the only Irish player to be leaving Aston Villa with Dubliner Graham Burke failing to earn a contract extension.
Burke made his senior debut for the club in August 2012 during a League Cup tie against Tranmere Rovers but, like Stevens, was unable to kick-on.
England international Darren Bent has also been released but club captain Ron Vlaar has been offered a new contract at Villa Park.
Shane Lowry is a breath of fresh air when it comes to professional sport. Nothing scripted, always honest.
It would be great to see him win the Claret jug.
He has a good chance mick of lifting it! Might do a cheeky bet on him
Lowry is always worth a cheeky fiver e/w
Well said shane! Most of us go for a kickaround on the astro once a week, why shouldnt rory! Nike might give him a boot deal when they’re at it!
Had the pleasure to be in Shanes company for dinner once ..hes a true gent and always talks sense ..Unlucky Rory
Sure he could have done that if he slipped in the bath. He can’t wrap him self in cotton wool.
Lowry himself had a freak injury about 4 years ago. Rumour has it that he fell down the stairs in Coppers! Not sure if true or not. Obviously not quite on the same level but these guys can’t be wrapped in cotton wool. They need to have some semblance of normality in their lives.
Still though it’s crazy timing. The Open at St. Andrews in THE major that everyone wants.
Shane likes a night out. Met him once out in Dublin on a night out. Sound fella.
Accidents happen no matter what, he’s only trying to enjoy himself with his mates. Lowry is talking a lot of sense, as per usual.
I have spoke to same who said what was he thinking the week before the open? what’s your view?
I know the Open is a major, but he is nearly always a week away from some tournament. Why not have a kick around? Sure you can injure yourself walking down the stairs.
that was my view but others seem to think what was he at
Buffon or Toldo. Can’t remember which Italian keeper it was…. but he knocked a shaving gel can on his foot and broke a bone a month before a world cup. sh#t happens.
it was Canizarès the ex Valencia/Spanish Goalie,
Apparently he wasn’t even bring tackled when it happened. It’s just hard luck. He can’t be expected to beat balls all day.