Written by John Friday, 16 October 2009 11:20
Over the last few days this furore about the commitment and ability of one of Villa’s first team strikers has been causing unrest among the clubs devoted support.
When I first saw the article in the paper I didn’t read a great deal into it and assumed that he would be here till January and if he still wasn’t playing or was playing badly the possibility is he may move or he might not.
I certainly don’t feel that this has been the attack of 9/11 proportions towards the club and its fans that some feel it has been and while Heskey wasn’t misquoted, the context and gist of what he really wanted to say were misinterpreted.
Heskey is a nice guy, but he doesn’t strike me as the sharpest tool in the box. Journalists writing for large newspapers have degrees, excellent vocabulary and experience in asking the right questions to get the answers they want. Heskey is a big lump who plays a sport for a living; he’s never going to be as sharp as an Einstein or Newton, maybe not even a Paul Konchesky and has obviously mumbled his way into hot water after being asked questions involving words with more than three syllables.
Our manager has come out and supported the player and I think this is the right thing to do. Heskey is a confidence player and any criticism is going to damage his game further than it already has. He is being kept out of the side by a hungry young player in form and the general consensus is to get rid of him.
The reality is that Gabby may very well get injured between now and January and Heskey is the only player in our current squad with the experience and capability of leading the line in a 4-5-1. Carew is not mobile enough and it would be a big ask of Delfouneso at his age given that he is still yet to make an impact in the first team.
We all know how gradual Gabby’s progress has been, first playing down the right then in a front two and now on his own; it’s a learning process and the Fonz has a lot to learn.
My opinion is that Martin O’Neill is spot on. We know Heskey’s best role is up on his own and he just hasn’t had the opportunity to do it yet. This is no reason to throw him out of the club and I certainly don’t see him as a liar. If we get to January and he hasn’t played and wants to leave then there will be no hard feelings from me. I have some reservations about O’Neills desire to play him at centre back, but I for one would have been interested to see it.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’d rather shatter my jaw bone on a concrete bollard than have anyone think I’m a ‘Heskey lover’, I’m just thinking about the club as a whole and am convinced that he can do a job for us. Players take time to settle in some cases, as we have seen with Nigel, Sidwell, and Petrov. Heskey has not had as much time at the club as this lot, is out of the side at the moment and is suffering from a lack of confidence.
Can anyone post up Andy Cole’s goal scoring record at Man U between him signing for the club and the signing of Yorke and what about Coles’ scoring record for England being as prolific as the Iranian bobsled team’s haul at the last winter Olympics?
We have all seen players turn it on in fits and starts and Heskey may just need a goal (I’m not comparing Cole to Heskey, just trying to prove a point). I am going to stand by my prediction that if he stays with us till June he’ll get ten goals. Many will scoff at this, but I said it so I’ll stay with my convictions.
I’ll now prepare myself for the tirade of abuse from Chiefy.
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Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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... Rubbish article Heskey has 59 England caps and a long career as a top class profesional footballer. To say he's naive and his coments have been misinterpreted is just silly. Heskey wants regular first team football or he'll miss out on being in the team that may end up winning the world cup. Heskey wants out, and he will go - endof. |
John Samuels
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... I disagree, he may go if he doesn't play is what my article says. If he plays and knocks in a few goals there is no reason why he won't stay. My point is that it is a long season and it's difficult to predict what may happen. Gabby may get injured or suspended and he will HAVE to play. Christ he might break his leg and retire, no one knows. If he doesn't play or score between now and Jan then he will probably go and it won't be a big loss. I don't think he is trying to engineer a move necessarily, I think he is player who wants to go to the world cup, sure, he is also a player who wants to play and score for his club. If he knuckles down and does well then good luck to him. |
Deano-avfc
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... I just want to see anyone playing in a Villa top to be giving 110% when they are on the pitch, its not much to ask as a fan paying for their wages. UTV |
gareth horton
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... give heskey to west ham an take dean ashton in return had bad injuries granted but if he could pass a medical i think its something that would suit all parties bit of a gamble but if he was fit and playing it could be kind of gamble david moyes took on saha which now looks like payin off an ashton is younger would any1 else be happy if this sort of deal went through |
Smyth
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... For me Heskey's best position is NOT a lone striker, it's playing as part of a two man strike force. Or preferably at home watching the telly. |
Steve Badger
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... Decent article John and I agree about Heskey being required in the squad. Gabby will probably get burnt out again and Carew does tend to be injury prone. I also take on board that he might come good, given a run of games up top on his own. But, that means you have to have faith in his ability to score goals and everything comes back to that. I just don't see it happening. Let's say his form continues and he scores 2 in 20 again. My opinion is Fonz would get at least that many in 20 games, so you might as well play him instead. Up and coming hungry kid learning the game? Or a carthorse who has never scored prolifically in his declining years? The only problem with that is, what if Fonz doesn't do too well? He'd get ripped to pieces a la Gabby and I suspect that might be what MON is worried about. And as for Heskey scoring 10, I hope you don't have money on it. And even then, it's not good enough at this level. Squad player yes, starting no, unless we have no option whatsoever. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... Would Heskey work better if he was played up front with Young? Lets just Gabby out of the equation for now (even though you really can't do thatunless he gets injured)and say when Downing comes back i really think Young needs to be moved elsewhere. He is being found out on the left wing and he has all the attributes of a striker who plays in the hole. So if you were to play him in that role he would need a player capable of being able to hold the ball up. Thats what Heskey does best. I think that formation could work with Young picking up the lays offs from Heskey and running at teams in more central and dangerous positions where he has more space to get past players. It would a 442 formation with Young being capable of becoming an extra midfielder if needed. Downing on the left, Milner on the right and Petrov and Delph in the centre. I think that could work. It would certainly be less predicable then we are currently. |
Keith
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... The award for most stupid statement of the day goes to: "Heskey is the only player in our current squad with the experience and capability of leading the line in a 4-5-1. Carew is not mobile enough". Closely followed by "we know Heskey’s best role is up on his own" when did he last play up front on his own? |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... But just loking at my last post i think having Carew paired with Young would actually work better as his goal threat would be vital in such a formation and thats where Heskey really falls flat. |
Steve Badger
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...when did he last play up front on his own? I think that's the whole point. He hasnt. |
John Samuels
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... If you play Fonz you have to play 4-4-2 imo. This then leads to the 'is our midfield good enough?' question. With Downing then i think yes, but we'll have to see how fast he settles when he's fit. Fonz and Heskey could be a viable option ak if something happens to Gabby or he has a dip in form. Keef, Heskey got back into the international setup leading the line in a 4-5-1 at Wigan and then intermittently alongside Zaki just before he left. So, arugaubly his best form for the last 6 years saw him playing up front on his own at times so I stand by my comments. Has he played this position at Villa? No. Should he? Not unless Gabby is fit and we have to play a 4-5-1. I would rather play Carew in a 4-4-2 but we may then come undone in Midfield. I don't think Carew can do it up front on his own for us, he suffers from the same problems as Heskey, he goes to ground, gives away free kicks and is slower than Heskey. He takes his chances, granted, but how many is he going to get up on his own? |
John Samuels
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... Gabby is not fit* ak, agree that Young and eother Heskey or Carew could work. Downing on the left and Delph pushing on from midfield? |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... JPA yes. The main reason is i really think Young would give far more to the team in a central striking role where he could float around if he wanted. It would make it far harder for him to be double teamed plus he would have more space to run into with the ball in the centre and he used to be really dangerous in front of goal. I think he could be a quality palyer in there and if he got his confidence back in terms of shooting do we have a better player to have coming in on goal from the central positions? But the killer here is that Gabby could well be the odd man out in this formation as he doesn't have the intelligence or skill to hold that ball up or bring players in at the right time. A lot would also depend on Delph finding his feet in the CM. |
Steve Badger
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...Badger Yes, I remember Heskey playing as the one for Wigan too. Pretty sure he was ineffective even then though. I took John's words to mean that's where he ought to be best. It doesn't really matter to me, I just don't think he's got "it" however you play him. |
ruffy
said:
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... Fact is for the first time in many seasons we've got welcome problems. That is - 1st team quality players that cannot get into the side. For some reason people seem to think that only Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, City, and Liverpool, have the right to have good players on the sidelines. We MUST have players of Heskeys quality as replacements if we are to compete. He is a better option than Harewood was in my book. |
John Samuels
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... ruffy, Completely agree He is a better option than Harewood was in my book. He cost less too. |
bradz
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... truth is Heskey isnt a bad third choice striker, and has kept Gabby on his toes maybe even helped improve his game...the fact that the world cup is round the corner Heskey wants to play more...im sorry if you dont score as a striker or at least improve the teams scoring ratio, and he has done neither nor at the Villa, then he cant expect to be playing!! I would rather put a couple of million on a championship player like Chopra who might have a point to proove! |
Panos
said:
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... No offence to anyone on here, but this Heskey argument is getting a bit old. Badger sums it up nicely, Squad player yes, starting no, unless we have no option whatsoever. |
Jc_villa778
said:
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... Heskey is a good squad player in my opinion, when he has confidence he can be a difficult player to play against. Last year Carew admitted that his goal tally when returning from injury was down to Heskey as he acted as the foil which freed him up to score the goals. I feel for Heskey a little because no one apart from Capello and O'Neill appreciates what he can do for a team. He would work much better for villa if we had an attack minded midfielder. As we don't I can't see him being used as anything other than a squad player coming from the bench to try and do something for ten mins which is not long enough. |
RiosJocktrap
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... Lets face the basic fact here. Heskey was bought at a time when it looked like Carew was off. He was bought merely for that and that alone. He was brought in at the end of the window, which proberly indicates that very little thought went into it. "Hi Emile..its Martin here, would love you to come and work for me again, since you understand hoofball better than anyone. By the way, you dont happen to know if Lennon and Izzett are doing anything at the moment" Martin is the manager who deservidly takes the plaudits for where he has took this club, but dont shoot the same fans for pointing out his mistakes, when he makes them. And Heskey was a mistake of Mammoth propertions, since.... 1. With Laursens injury, Heskey was not the signing we needed. Our defensive record and dismal run after January showed that. 2. We had to change a succesful system to suit the big heffer, which made us a lot more predictable than we were beforehand. 3. We almost lost the best striker this club has had in a long time, due to Martins reluctance to accept his mistake. And who knows,that may yet happen.... Oh btw, how much will we lose on him when he leaves during January? And before we go for the Misquoted line, then all you need to do is go and ask any Bluenose About Heskey misquotes! Nice bloke, maybe a little dim, but far from stupid. |
KeithC
said:
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... As Martin Tyler said during the last England match, "My response to Emile Heskey would be to play better for Aston Villa." |
villacraig1982
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... i wonder what heskey's stats for villa are compared to harewood stats for villa? Probably very similar, and would we like to see harewood lead the line for us? No. |
Mike Carter
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... I'm sorry, but anyone trying to defend Heskey as anything more than a bloke in a Villa shirt is going to have to provide facts and proof. They'll struggle though, because there isn't any. Whereas those of us who can clearly see he's a liability can provide you with plenty. Just look at Villa's Win/Loss record with Heskey playing and there's all the proof you need. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... Panos the problem is that if Heskey is on the bench MON will be looking to bring him on during the game no matter what position that may be. It will probably be going through MON's head all during the game where can i bring him on today? He will bring him on as a winger, as a striker and i could see him bringing him on in the centre of the park. He could even try and bring him on in defense. If we can't find a system for Heskey to really fit into then i think we would be far better off selling him. There is nothing worse then seeing him come off the bench to make a difference as that is not in him. If he is ever to really make an impact at this club it will be from a starting role in the team. I think the problem with Heskey is you have to build and design a system around Heskey and not do what MON has done and try and put Heskey into a system which was already there before Heskey arrived. The question really is is Heskey worth trying to create a whole system to work around him? |
jerry
said:
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... I assume the 'John' in the byline is JPA. Nice article, nicely written. Words/phrases can always be interpreted differently. The key phrase is 'see what my next move is'. Heskey didn't say anything wrong in that interview. He was honestly answering questions directly after a game. A catchy headline was made from an answer to one of the questions that gives a misleading slant to the whole thing. Villa-Chris, Nan, tubbydunne, you're missing the point. It may have been an honest mistake. It may have been a lot of things. But he let it ride for three days, which suggests to me that he felt the Mirror piece was a fair reflection of what he said. And the rebuttal came out on the official site which probably means someone at the club prompted him to do it - maybe even O'Neill. This will get worse before it gets better. |
Steve Badger
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...I think the problem with Heskey is you have to build and design a system around Heskey and not do what MON has done and try and put Heskey into a system which was already there before Heskey arrived. That's a good point. But the answer is no, imo. Anyway slight change of subject, because I have to confess I'm a little bored with the argument too. On to the future and I want to ask about Fonz. I'm perplexed as to why he hasn't gone out on loan. Surely he'd be great at a championship club and I don't understand why we haven't done this. If we accept Gabby and Carew are firmly 1 & 2 and Heskey is 3, how is Fonz ever going to play? It's a shame we're out of the Europa cup really as I could see him getting games there and perhaps he will in the domestic cups (although I suspect not). I don't see how he's going to progress in the reserves, surely he's done that and is better than that level? I'd have farmed him out with a 24 hour recall jobby myself. Any thoughts? |
Panos
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... ak_27, The answer to your question is, absolutely NOT! I agree, at this point we'll be better off if he moves on. |
John Samuels
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... ak, If he was 23? YES. As it stands then NO. We'd be better off using more long term fixtures like Young, Gabby, Milly and the Fonz as the players to build the style and system around. Heskey only has a couple of top level seasons left in him before his legs go (if they haven't already) He needs to learn the way we play and change his game to compliment it. He basically needs to work his nuts off to have any chance of succeeding. He might, we'll see. Bradz, Chopra? I assume he's an example, because Chopra is poor. Personally I think with the stage our squad is now at we should be looking to bring in more established quality in the few positions we have left to fill. If Heskey goes in January i'd be tempted to just play Nathan more and wait till the summer to bring in a more established up and coming PL/European Striker with CL ambitions for 14/15 million. Likewise if we're still struggling for a creative CM. We can assume our summer budget will be in the £20m-£40m ballpark so with the squad already now established I'd favour blowing the lot on two players that might get us into the top four. i'e VDV and Huntelaar to use two examples. Not necessarily those two but players of that calibre: international and CL quality, but with a point to prove and a desire to settle at an ambitious club. |
John Samuels
said:
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... Badger, I vaguely remember reading that Fonz was ofeered a loan deal at a couple of league clubs and cited a desire to saty and fight. MoN also came out and stated that he has a part to play this season. Remember we've only played a handful of games. With the Carling, FA and League this season i reckon he'll get 10/12 starts. That's enough for a player at his level of development and age. Let's see how he's done come may. Churchill, Yes that was one of mine and thanks for the encouragement to submit the odd article. I really think the guy has been stitched a little and to be honest he was on international duty and I bet thwey aren't allowed to watch news or read sports pages under Capello. He came back to the club, his first port of call was to speak to the boss who advised him to release a statement to clear things up. This may well have taken a couple of days, would you release a reply to the press without talking to O'Neill first? after the NRC and Davies trash in papers recently...persoanlly I wouldn't risk it. Whether he wants to go or not he is contracted to the club and we may need him between now and the window. Lets hope he can knuckle down and repay some of the faith that our brilliant manage has put in him. I wouldn't want to let the little fella down and that's what Heskey is doing at the moment. It's time for him to prove us all wrong. Will he? Probably not. |
gareth horton
said:
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... no ashley young against chelsea que an o'neil brain fart as milner wiil move to the left nothing at all wrong with that but an this is a big but who will he play on the right it should be albrighton but i fear we will see gardner on the the right maybe nrc or even brad guzan if it was young albrightons lack of experience that would make mon hesitate to pick him then i would prefer gabby on the right than gardner or nrc does any1 else have an opinion on who should play |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... JPA/ Badger i think at Fonz's age he hould be getting more time on the pitch to develop. I think he would be gone out on loan if we had one more striker to sit on the bench but he is 19 which is not that young in terms of development and readiness. He will learn very little else without playing proper competitive football be that in one of the lower divs. I would have thought that Bannan especially should have been sent out on loan also. He is supposed to be quality but i don't see MON giving him too many oppertuinties so why not send him out on loan now so that he can develop and maybe come the end of the season be a usuable sqaud player. Same could be said for Albrighton though i think MON may have earmarked for time on the pitch soon. Hopefully. |
John Samuels
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... ak, I agree Bannan should have gone back out to Derby as I believe they showed an interest. I think Delfouneso will play this year as I stated above so lets wait and see. Gareth, 4-5-1 Gabby on the right Milly on the left and Heskey up front for me. We could always play 4-4-2 and Play Warnock on the left and bring Shorey or Bouma in, we could play Bannan, we could play Milly there and play Heskey on the right, Oh the joy of depth. |
Steve Badger
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...Badger, D'you reckon? I assume you mean 10/12 appearances? The kid is nearly 20 now and I'm not sure that's enough. I keep thinking back to Rooney who was getting prem games at 16. I know he's something else, but you get my point? I know it's a different game now and you have to watch for burn-out, but I'd like to see more of these loans, as I think they're a great idea. You can always treat them gently, by sending them to the lowest leagues and keep moving them up a level if they prove capable. It would probably prove a better grounding for them too, in that they get to see life in the real world, as opposed to being pampered. It just seems a waste to me, as MON would obviously rather bring Heskey on over the kid |
Steve Badger
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... ak_27, JPA/ Badger i think at Fonz's age he hould be getting more time on the pitch to develop. I think he would be gone out on loan if we had one more striker to sit on the bench but he is 19 which is not that young in terms of development and readiness. He will learn very little else without playing proper competitive football be that in one of the lower divs. That's exactly my point  He and the others will surely begin to stagnate after 3/4/5 years in the reserves, imo. |
gareth horton
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... ak thats what i was thinking goin with a 5 man midfield with gabby on the right think thats the best option |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... Badger if you look around at all the bright up and coming players most are being given a chance to learn and develop on the pitch which is the only place they will really learn their trade. The players that come to mind are Gosling and Rodwell at Everton, Wallbeck and Evans at Utd, Wilshire,Ramsay and Gibbs at Arsenal. Now like to claim that our youth system is one the best in the game but the reality is they are not coming through into the team. Why? The likes of Defouneso, Bannan, Albrighton and co are not that young when compared to other clubs younsters so why aren't they getting a chance? Are they not good enough or is it that MON just doesn't put faith in young players? Just take the whole Heskey as a CB over the really bright Clarke situation? What effect does that have on the youngsters if they don't feel that the manager really hasn't that much belief in them. What could happen is they will leave the club without ever getting a proper chance and we could end up with a another Cahill on our hands. |
John Samuels
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... ak, Why did Rodwell and Gosling play at Everton last season? Why did Gibbs play at Arsenal last season? Why did Wellbeck and Macheda play at Man U last season? INJURIES!!!!!!! It's a long season, they will get their chance this season in the cups and if there are injuries/suspensions. Stop panicking and just wait. Badger are you saying that Delfouneso should be FORCED out on loan? He will get a chance this season, how many times have I got to keep saying it?????? |
Steve Badger
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...What could happen is they will leave the club without ever getting a proper chance and we could end up with a another Cahill on our hands. Exactly. Which makes me wonder if the whole intention is for the academy to purely be a money-spinner, ie you invest say £100,000 in them and punt them out at circa £1 mill. I'd like to think that's not the idea, but as you say we've had very few come through. Perhaps MON's comment about not being able to carry players, earlier today gives us an indicator and he just feels we're not strong enough to carry kids. Perhaps he has a point. |
Steve Badger
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... xandehxx, He's 20 in Feb according to this Wiki; Nathan Delfouneso (born 2 February 1991 in Tyseley, Birmingham) is a professional footballer who plays for Aston Villa as a striker. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... JPA we had our fair share of injurys coupled with the smallest sqaud in the league yet the youngsters very rarely got a chance. Hopefully you are right but the evidence since MON has been here doesn't back that up to be honest. The evidence shows that MON would rather play senior players completely out of position rather then give a young player a chance to prove himself. Only time will tell but i'll be dissappointed if Delfouneoso isn't pushing for a starting role come the end of the season and at the very least is our number one sub to come on up front. |
Steve Badger
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... JPA, Badger are you saying that Delfouneso should be FORCED out on loan? He will get a chance this season, how many times have I got to keep saying it?????? Not forced, I prefer "encouraged". A chance is not enough, is all I'm saying. He needs to be playing at a higher level to keep progressing. And anyway, what's wrong with sending him out with a 24 hour return clause? As soon as he's needed, we call him back. I admire his wanting to "stay and fight for a place", but suspect it's more to do with not wanting to move away from home (understandable, I wish I still had my mom waiting on me hand and foot  ). But surely any player would want to improve his game by playing against better quality? |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... Maybe we should be setting up connections with other European teams in Belgium for eg the way others have done. That way we could have a loan system in place and could also be used to bring some young Brazilian talent to the club if we ever decided to go that route. |
Steve Badger
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... I thought we had done that with Walsall and I seem to remember this sort of thing being mentioned about another (foreign) club, but nothing ever seemed to come of it. |
John Samuels
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... ak, Would you agree that befor this pre-season and the peace cup that the youngsters you mentioned were at a different stage of their development and only now look like they would compliment the first team squad? I think they will get their chance this season as MoN has already said that much. This squad is pretty much the finished article bar one or two key signings and the kids you mentioned have squad numbers, are subs in PL games, will play in the cups and train with the first team. They just have to take their chance when it comes. If they have to work harder for it the more they'll appreciate it when it comes around. Surely training with and getting to know the more experienced players in the squad will bring their game on no end and prepare them for when they get the call. Persoanlly of theose around at the moment I can only see Clarke, Fonz and Brights around the first team next season. Bannan is not as good as Marc and Lowry I think may well be sold as we have Clarke who imo is the better player. When Ciaran Clarke is 23 (the age ash was when we signed him) Cuellar will be 30 and Dunne will be 34, he'll start getting games on a very regular basis in 2 seasons time. |
DAVID VILLA
said:
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... I agree that heskey will get 10 goals for villa this season, lets not shatter his confidence anymore, he is a villa player, now lets start getting behind him and giving him the support he needs more than ever. If you agree feel free to say but the bottom line is Martin believes in him or he wouldnt of signed him, Capelo believes in him and so do i UP THE VILLA |
Keith
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... JPA "So, arugaubly his best form for the last 6 years saw him playing up front on his own". Rubbish !!!! Heskey's best form came for Liverpool alongside Owen. His best form in the last 6 years (why this time period? is it to make your argument sound better?) was last season alongside Zaki. He played very rarely as a lone striker at Wigan and was partnered by Marcus Bent, Henri Camara, Marlon King and Zaki. He does not have a lot of experience playing as a lone striker and has never shown that his best role is upfront on his own. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... JPA perhaps but i just hope they are given the oppertunity thats all im really saying. Take Bannan for example you say that he isn't as good as the others but we really haven't seen that much of him and he above Albrighton was supposed to be quality. Even Roberto Martinez was linked with a move for him this summer and i would take that as a good sign for the lad. I would love to see him given 15/20 mins at the end of matches esp when Young is doing very little which has been a common occurance over the last 10 months . Thats a big call but that is what MON has to do if he is to utilise this squad. I agree i don't see that much of a future for Lowrey at Villa or Lachai either to be honest. Clarke on the other hand is a potential star. He just looked so comfortable every time he played which is very good sign of a CB. By the way what has happened to Harry Forristor? |
Keith
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... ak_27 Harry Forrester is still at the club, playing reserve team football as far as I'm aware. |
John Samuels
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... keef, the reason I gave that time period was to leave out his best years at Leicester and Liverpool. He has played up top on his own and when he's played with another striker he makes room and allows them space to run from deep. Why don't you write a headline that I can pick holes in cos believe me I will. ak, I agree totally although I saw Bannan pre season at Colchester and he really didn't impress me very much, he works hard but his final ball is nowhere near the quality of MArc's this is obviously something which may get better with time. When Joe Cole came through at West Ham it was Carrick that the coaches in the club were raving about and because of his position etc it took him longer to develop. I really don't think these lads are going to be anywhere near the first team regularly until they're 22/23. I think it's probably an advantage for them that they have time to develop gradually and without a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders. Early first team football may have been the right thing for Cahill who is obviously a strong willed, strong minded character, but not every young player is the same and need to be developed and nurtured in different ways depending. |
Keith
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... JPA James Milner should play left back for Aston Villa. He has played there before, had his best game for England in that position and we all know it is his best position. Same logic, same stupid conclusion. Why would you want to leave out his best years at Leicester and Liverpool? Because they disprove your theory. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Because he hadn't played in that role during that period. also because I believe that if we play 4-4-2 to accomodate him for those reasons it is to the detriment of a squad that plays it's best football in a 4-5-1. A formation Heskey to this point has not played in for us. I was simply saying wait and see if he is needed between now and January and see how he does at the top of a 4-5-1. As for Milner I don't think he has a best position. It's perhaps something that may come as his career progresses. i think you'll agree that soeone with his attacking prowess would be wasted in a fullback role. Barry was a leftback, he played really well as a CM for Villa and Engalnd so this must be his best position. Same Logic same stupid conclusion. |
Keith
said:
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... JPA You are proving my point!Can't you see I'm being deliberately stupid regarding Milner? Heskey played many more games for Wigan in a 4-4-2 formation than he did as a lone striker. You have made a statement of fact that he has played a lot of games, and his better games at that, as a lone striker. This simply is not true. His best position is in a 4-4-2 formation with a striker playing off him, be it Owen, Rooney or Agbonlahor. So why should we play him as a lone striker? Because it is your opinion that he could do a job in that formation, not because he has proven it is his best position. Your opinion is valid but don't try to make out it is fact. Heskey is our 3rd choice striker, he offers the team nothing and is hurting the progress of Delfouneso. |
John Samuels
said:
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... I know you are, So you think Barry is a better left back than Central midfielder then. Is that what you're saying? I seem to have confused you by turning your own fallible formula around. It works both ways i'm afraid. This is real life, you don't just pick up the Haynes Manual for football and see waht the rule is because there is always an exception. Heskey is a better option up front on his own than JC if Gabby gets injured. If we can play 4-4-2 by comfortably by then with Downing or whoever else in the side then I would play Fonz or Ash up top with either Heskey or JC. I think you take me for a fool which I certainly am not. Perhaps we could have a civil disagreement like the ones I often have with ak? You'd have to stop referring to my comments as stupid first though because they're not, they're just different to yours. |
Keith
said:
|
... JPA Firstly, everybody has disagreements with ak_27 !!! You have stated as a fact that Heskey plays better as a lone striker. He doesn't. He does not play as a lone striker for England, he didn't for Leicester, Liverpool, Birmingham or Villa. He may have played a few games for Wigan, but they were not his best games and they were in the minority. This is your formula not mine, Heskey has played as a lone striker so that is his best position. I was pointing out how ridiculous that idea is by using Milner as an example. I am not disagreeing with your ideas on keeping Heskey, or on which formation to play, I am just pointing out that Emile Heskey is not better as a lone striker than in a 4-4-2 formation as you state. He has hardly played as a lone striker. Gareth Barry initially played as a central defender, on the left-hand side of a back three alongside Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu. He has also played left back, left midfield and central midfield. |
Andi
said:
 |
... I have given up !! I will not abuse nor praise Mr Heskey anymore it is counter productive for my mind set and the team however before i commit to this EMULE your crap ! If you ge 10 goals by the end of the season I will by every fan on this blog who goes down the game a beer at the next game after 10goals has been achived ! EMULE bashing over |
Martin Clabon
said:
 |
... Chiefy, unfortunately I think your money is safe - but you are right there is no point going on about Heskey. When he goes we can all join in rubbishing him but for now he is claret and blue |
Geoff
said:
 |
... Well, they need some kind of points out of this weekends game. Sunderland is going to beat Liverpool, which means that any positive result moves Villa into a jumble with Liverpool and closes the gap on 4th and 5th place. I think that Arsenal may recieve an offer they cant refuse from someone for Fabregas and thats a player you really cant replace. They will hang around the 4th - 6th slot all season, but without him they are definitely vulnerable. Man City will spend enough to keep in it all year, though I am not certain that the Spurs will come through with the mid-season boost to add to their squad. Villa must at least finish 5th, but they really kind of do need to spend the money necessary in January to get that extra boost to get over the hump and grab 4th place and a spot in the CL. Liverpool is VERY vulnerable and they are only a few losses away from beginning their fire sale. With Torres and Gerrard injured and Aquilani not in shape yet they do not have enough to beat the top 8 teams consistently. Chelsea and Manchester Utd will be there, so there really are going to be Villa, Liverpool, Man City, Spurs and Arsenal fighting for 2 spots. Please, Lerner, pony up some cash and bolster the creativity and quality of the squad because this is the one year where the "Big 4" are really only the Big 2 and the rest of it is up for grabs. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Geoff, It's interesting to notice the differences in nuances in your descriptions Why do you Americans call your own club "they"? For us Brits, it's firmly "we", as in they're "our" club. Likewise, you talk about other teams in the singular as in "Sunderland is....", whereas we look at Sunderland or any other club as "they" as in the enemy Absolutely not a criticism, don't get me wrong. You're American, so you're allowed to talk like that. It just tickles me. Although I do get the hump when British people talk of "the off season" (Close(d) season) and the "offense" (attack)  Otherwise, yes, big game for our season, imo. We need to at least compete and I think we will. I'm never overconfident anymore, because I'm a poor predictor, so tend to say we'll draw/lose. It's worked mostly for the last couple of years It's certainly Sunderland's best chance to beat Pool. Both Gerrard and Torres are out and Sunderland winning would do us a great favour. My concerns are Man City and Spurs, but I do see one of Arse or Pool dropping out. I'm waiting to see how Downing goes before I start saying we need to spend big. Another top notch CM would be nice though. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
 |
... Badger, what pisses me off more than Americanisms creeping into English English is Australian inflection being used by English children. For example; the rising interrogative at the end of sentences. That makes me feel like saying something like |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Oops, we'll never know what I would have said...  They obviously spend too much time watching Australian soaps. Sad.  |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... greg and andy, Perhaps I make too big a deal of it, I don't know. I've actually pulled Damian for saying "gotten" I just believe that if you are British you should speak British English. I'm showing my age, I guess No doubt the world will end up speaking a mix of American English/Chinese, just like in Blade Runner. God, it has to be slow if we're talking about vocabulary |
Nick
said:
 |
... he use to be shite but now...... he's still shite walking in a heskey wonderland but seriously i just want to see heskey DO SOMETHING with his time on the pitch. He is normally such a waste of space... |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Heskey will contribute given the chance. I have my own opinion of the lad, but refrain from voicing it here in public. It's not good for the club for the fans to be slagging off their own players/staff in full view. Suffice it to say that I would rather Darren Bent than Emile, both for England and Villa. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... andy5759, Heskey will contribute given the chance. I hope you're right, but don't see it at all. It goes back to Churchill's "fate" thing. |
bradz
said:
|
... JPA...yes Chopra was an example! i really think we need an attacking midfielder more than anything at the mo, and thats where I think we should spend big money...on a central lockpicker...i said Chopra but it was a quick thought...what I mean is have Big John and Gabs up front, Fonz coming thru and a proven striker from the Championship happy to be keeping the bench warm but also one that will score a few...we could do with a 20 goal a season striker but I belive a lockpicker would do this for us! The point is Heskey is just all wrong and its doesnt work however you look at it with him! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... For once, I think Lawrensen has it right; http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/mark-lawrenson/Villa-lack-fluidity-and-are-as-far-as-ever-from-the-top-four-article190879.html |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... I saw that article and thought much as you do Badger. It's a sad fact that we are making progress, but at a slightly slower rate than those around us (Spuds and ManCity). However I trust MoN to increase the pace of progress as he deems it necessary, RL will provide the funds I'm sure. I quite expect a significant summer signing or two. A midfielder, depending on the impact of Downing and the development of Delph (also the continuing development of Ash and Jimmy). A striker in the top drawer, however well Gabby does we really do need a frightening goal scorer. I thought that JC would do that for us, but he's a mystery to me - and probably MoN as well. I rather fancy a draw at least against Chelsea. |
Damian
said:
 |
... Badger I just read that ... I don't want to sound like I'm saying they've been reading the site, but some on here have been saying that for an awfully long time ... Anyone see this: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo...l?ITO=1490 read it very carefully ... |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...However I trust MoN to increase the pace of progress as he deems it necessary, RL will provide the funds I'm sure. I don't see it as "increasing the pace of progress". It's just as players come available, I think. He'll buy players that he thinks can improve us and more importantly, have the right sort of attitude, imo. Downing will prove to be a good buy, you watch  This is not someone to do a job, it's planned. Many people slate MON for crap buys, but many have been makeweights, imo. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... I've just re-read my post and it reads as rubbish I'm trying to say he buys players for a reason. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Badger, I know what you mean (I think), anyway it sounds like the way I've been thinking all along. Trouble is, it makes me seem like one of Taglor's sheep (not one of Nan's). Damian., I will have a look at that D Mail thing. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Sod it, just when you think you're the only one doing the job right, along comes another one (Sunderland). Ok, so you have ManCity spending big, Sunderland doing it softly-softly, Spuds doing it just this side of legal (knowing you-know-who), Everton building well, Sty with their new found millions; then there's Villa. Where does that leave us? One step ahead of all of the above with the exceptions of City and Spuds. We can be certain that RL is here to do a job, he will not lose his nerve when the going gets tough. This coming summer will probably need brave hearts and deep pockets. Overall I am happy with the way things at Villa are going. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Damian, you've lost me mate?? Are you referring to this; I liken it a little bit to Aston Villa. They are going about their business in a quiet, understated fashion. If that's what you mean, you've been one of the biggest moaners about RL not putting enough money in mate, hence I'd have to take issue with you. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Everton building well, Sty with their new found millions; then there's Villa. Where does that leave us? Where have Everton built this year? Compared to them, we're well up on last year, imo. As for the Sty, well I feel sorry for them, to tell the truth. The previous incumbents raped that club, imo. As much as that somewhat makes me smile, it's not in the spirit of the game. I have a nasty feeling the Scum are going to be raped again too. I've read reports about £20-40 mill in the window and £40 in the summer. We'll see, but I'll bet it turns out to be absolute tosh. As was said by a previous poster, Yeung struggled to get the funds to buy the club in the first place. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... DAMIAN, sorry I lost the plot. You were referring to the Mirror post. I'm sure everyone knows we need some class in the Midfield though. I suppose I can grudgingly admit we've been found out though |
John Jordan
said:
 |
... Youeng is hoping to sell Birmingham City to the Chinese Mainland population by intoducing Chinese players into the team to make his money,but over here most youngsters follow MBA..American Netball [Basketball]..The youngsters that do prefer football tend to support Real Madrid and Man United...Can't see Birmingham City ever catching on here! |
Andi
said:
|
... Unchanged side form Citeh game, Ash shrugged of injury looking good 2-1 to the Villa, hope the ground is close to full |
robb david
said:
 |
... we need 5 in the middle against today, badly, if we do go that way we could pinch a win. chelsea will play the diamond, if we out number them in the middle they will have to come narrow leaving space for ash and milner. 442 and lampard, and ballack will run the show. i also hope we dont see joe cole at anypoint, he is a real top class player, i remember the link to villa when everyone got giddy over him. if we had him today pushing on from the middle, gabby up top ash and milner down the wings and two holders, petrov and reo, i would be predicting a win, as it is i still predict a win, untill o neill names a 442 then my prediction will quickly change to a loss. |
cockneyvillan
said:
 |
... On the hesky thing, he dosent work for villa at the moment because unlke england we dont have players around him who score goals, if he was playing with say ..defoe and we had a gerrard in midfield, no one would be complaining about hesky ( i think?). you sacrifice goals with hesky for what he does in terms of holding up play/bullying defenders, but we cant afford that sacrifce atm..imo |
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