Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: abc123cox on January 02, 2014, 04:20:05 PM
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Rumours are breaking that Kozak has bad injury and could be out for sea season.
From Hairyhands on VT.
If true what should we do? Loan player or give Helenius or Bowery a chance? Personally would like to see a different type of striker come in.
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Terrible news if true.
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Unsubstantiated rumour.
IF true, then Helenius needs to be given a chance.
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If it is true you really have to wonder when our injury jinx will end.
Start The Gladiator against Sheff Utd and go from there.
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Bad news, if true.
Focus this month has to be on centre back and creative MF, IMO.
Ergo, give Helenius some much-needed game time.n
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Might stimulate the need to sign someone during January.
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How did he get injured? Tripping up the steps of the coach yesterday?
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How did he get injured? Tripping up the steps of the coach yesterday?
Exactly. He was on the bench yesterday so can't have been that injured.
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I can't say much.
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You may be right and he's not injured but this HairyHands bloke seems to have a lot of credibility on the other sites....
I really hope he's not injured, our top goalscorer will be needed.
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Think of the worst that could happen and double it.
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I've really took a liking to Libor so this would be a huge shame.
It'll be a good chance for Helenius if true though. We've got Delfouneso coming back from loan in February so Lambert may hold off loaning anyone else in when there's so many strikers at the club already.
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Think of the worst that could happen and double it.
2+2=5?
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Someone who isn't me, but does know me very well, may or may not know his whereabouts right now.
But there is a chance that a player (unnamed so far) is in a place for receiving major injuries right now.
Well thanks for clearing that up!
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His career is over after he accidentally on purpose cut his own head off following the declaration that we can do without the FA Cup.
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Think of the worst that could happen and double it.
Oh sh*t.
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Think of the worst that could happen and double it.
2+2=5?
No Leeg, very very much four.
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Think of the worst that could happen and double it.
2+2=5?
No Leeg, very very much four.
Blimey is my answer close then?
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I was one who didn't think Libor had it as he didn't show the same kind of things that Benteke showed in his first season, but we have needed his goals with the current malaise in our number 20. However, if he is injured, it might mean that we start the play rather then lumping the ball to the tall striker up front which wasn't playing to Kozak's strengths anyway.It is typical though that we have a winger coming back that would be perfect for him as he picks up this injury.
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Think of the worst that could happen and double it.
2+2=5?
No Leeg, very very much four.
Blimey is my answer close then?
Vlaar? Benteke? Both of them
Can anyone put us out of our misery??
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The very worst it can be is cancer, as everyone knows. Anything other than that is a walk in the park so can we lay off the drama until something is announced?
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Benteke is leaving and Kozak out for the season?
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Lets wait and see if hairy hands is correct before getting too downbeat.
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If some people do know stuff and are 100% certain, can we just be told now rather then hinting.
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It's a bad one but nobody knows just how bad at the moment.
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Good job we've got Jordan Bowery to come straight in.
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Well it's clearly not a playing injury as he was on the bench yesterday. Whatever it is, fingers crossed for the lad.
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Well it's clearly not a playing injury as he was on the bench yesterday. Whatever it is, fingers crossed for the lad.
Unless it happened this morning?
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Big shame for the lad. But if we can't muddle through with Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weiman and Helenius we must be doing something wrong
Oh, and the mighty BOWERY!
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Can I just check: all these hard to interpret messages are about kozak's injury - the severity of it. Not about benteke, or vlaar, or Delph?
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It is about Kozak.
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So is he injured or not?
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You need Alan Turing on here to break the fucking code
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Bloody hell, awful news if true.
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You need Alan Turing on here to break the fucking code
Pop into GM.
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The inference one can draw is that he is indeed injured but that the extent of it isn't known at the moment.
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So is he injured or not?
Yes.
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So is he injured or not?
Yes.
Thank you
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Can people please stop hinting things? It winds me up so much.
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So is he injured or not?
Yes.
Do we know what the injury is?
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Well it's clearly not a playing injury as he was on the bench yesterday. Whatever it is, fingers crossed for the lad.
Injuries don't only happen in matches.
The worst football type of injury would be a leg break which fucks up the knee - Posterior Crucial Ligament (PCL), Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). That would be a year out.
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Fuck me it's like a hybrid of the yes/no game on here. Is it a film?
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Was it in the leg area? Three syllables? Fib-i-a? No, crap.
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Awful news and an awful injury.
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Something popped up on my Facebook feed that rhymes with 'broken peg'.
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How long before the street parties start over on SHA's tinpot forum? This will cheer them up no end after our win yesterday.
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Edited.
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You can be back from a broken peg in three months?
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You can be back from a broken peg in three months?
Depends how bad the break is and whether its a clean fracture, best wishes to him anyway .
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Indeed. I really like him as well. Seems passionate about the game/fans etc.
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Bad news, best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
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So is that what it is, then?
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Oh fucking hell, good luck Libor.
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That's not good if it's as bad as it sounds like it is.
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gutted for him. He was just picking up the pace of the PL and has scored some important goals. We now need a forward in the window pretty badly on top of everything else.
Good luck on the recovery Libor
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If true, our terrible run of luck with injuries continues. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
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Best wishes Libor.
Time to get Fonz back ?
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Couldn't we recall Tubby from Fulham?
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You need Alan Turing on here to break the fucking code
Pop into GM.
poped in , poped out, shaked it all about
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Couldn't we recall Tubby from Fulham?
True, I'd forgotten all about him.
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No thanks.
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if this has happened why no news from the club?
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The website was still advertising deals for the manu game today so I wouldn't hold your breath...
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if this has happened why no news from the club?
Because they are waiting on the results of scans to discover the extent of the injury before they announce it? Also, they do not need to announce anything if they don't want to.
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Couldn't we recall Tubby from Fulham?
Loans between prem clubs are for the season. He cannot be recalled early to play for us.
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wonder if Helerious will get a go
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wonder if Helerious will get a go
Who?
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wonder if Helerious will get a go
Surely he will get a game on Saturday I'd expect.
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wonder if Helerious will get a go
Who?
sorry I heard somebody call him that on here, bad I know
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No worries. I haven't.
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wonder if Helerious will get a go
If he does I hope he wears clean undies.
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Get well soon big man! so annoying he was starting to get used to the league and show his qualities.
If Benteke leaves...we are left with Bowery. Oh shit!
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Get well soon big man! so annoying he was starting to get used to the league and show his qualities.
If Benteke leaves...we are left with Bowery. Oh shit!
Benteke won't leave this month.
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He surely won't if Kozak is out, surely.
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Get well soon big man! so annoying he was starting to get used to the league and show his qualities.
If Benteke leaves...we are left with Bowery. Oh shit!
Absolutely no chance he will be sold in January.
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Bad news.
He's popped up with some vital goals this season for us. I wish him a speedy recovery.
Number wise we're o.k, still have 5 strikers but two of them are Bowery and Helenius and Weimann is in wretched form.
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
That is a myth at the moment
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
That is a myth at the moment
Eh?
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The rumour seems to be that it was some sort of ciaran Clark horror tackle. Can anyone post a cryptic clue to suggest if that's right? And why has the story still not broken? To excuse the pun
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
That is a myth at the moment
Surely very OT, but nevertheless: as a non-native English speaker, I'd really like to be able to distinguish between the finer aspects of the English language here. I would say that a myth is something that is supposed to be true, but really isn't. If I were to say that something is believed (by someone, not necessarily all), but hasn't been proved yet to be true or false, I'd say that it's a supposition at the moment. Am I totally at sea here?
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
That is a myth at the moment
Surely very OT, but nevertheless: as a non-native English speaker, I'd really like to be able to distinguish between the finer aspects of the English language here. I would say that a myth is something that is supposed to be true, but really isn't. If I were to say that something is believed (by someone, not necessarily all), but hasn't been proved yet to be true or false, I'd say that it's a supposition at the moment. Am I totally at sea here?
That's pretty much spot on and on that basis you've got a better grasp of English than almost the entire English population!
Oh, and welcome!
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
That is a myth at the moment
Eh?
I think he meant that's a myth because he's only ever looked good playing wide in a front three. Until this season when he's been wretched
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Weimann will be okay if and when he's played as a centre forward.
That is a myth at the moment
Eh?
Sorry I was on my phone and could not be arsed to expand. But, Weimann has played poorly in the majority of matches I have seen in the 2013 calendar year in truth. He was poor in the run up to the home game where we beat Sunderland and on the back of the game had an upturn, but generally was starting to get marked out of games etc.
This season he has been easily our weakest player going forward, and I would put him in the Luna and Baker bracket of poorest performances all season on the whole. As an excuse for this, I keep seeing people say he would be much better as a full on centre forward. At the moment that is a mythical saying, as it has never been seen and in fact has very little to actually back it up. His touch has been poor, finishing woeful, movement non existent, pace is limited, he is not tall. I could go on. But essentially, the idea that he will suddenly be a million times better through the middle (where he seems to have gravitated too much of the season giving us no options out wide) are just wishful thinking.
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Was very concerned at his performance against a poor Irish side in Austria towards the start of the season.
A serious case of the Marlon Harewoods: trapping the ball further than most players can kick it.
That was a game where a good forward would have cashed in on the shiteness of the opposition.
His touch has always been a bit brutal, TBH. But at his best he is direct, can be quite physical and can finish. I wouldn't be writing him off at all, but in the short> medium term, I think I'd prefer to see a Hoolahan or similar (preferbly better) coming in instead, and bringing a bit of composure to our play in the final third.
He's a bit on the old side, but some of his passing in dangerous areas against Crystal Palace yesterday was sublime.
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Confirmed
@AVFCOfficial: Villa can confirm that Libor Kozak suffered a broken leg in training today. #AVFC
@AVFCOfficial: Regretfully, Libor Kozak will play no further part this season. #AVFC
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Confirmed - best wishes for a speedy recovery Libor.
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Due to have surgery tomorrow. All the best Libor.
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Horrible for the guy. Can only hope that it was a clean break with no ligament damage and that he's a quick healer.
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That's pretty much spot on and on that basis you've got a better grasp of English than almost the entire English population!
Oh, and welcome!
Thank you for your welcome (and your praise, very much appreciated, although somewhat over-exaggerated, I'm sure :) ). I've been lurking on here for several years now, enjoying the reads and never really felt the need to post, but curiosity got the better of me this time. OT again, of course. I suspect whenever I post I might be OT, sorry to say. Ok, I'll step aside and stay out of this thread now. :)
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PL confirmed accidental tackle with Clark. Kozak to undergo surgery on Friday. But, great news on Okore: PL said recovery was going "great" and he's targetting a return within 2 months! So, he could be back in March! Source B'ham Mail
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I wonder who did that
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"Inoccuous" was the word used, apparently.
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That's got to be some tackle to break a leg.
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Chin up, big man.
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Bloody hell, poor bloke. He's a big loss, no doubt.
Sympathy for Ciaran Clark too. He must feel fucking awful.
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Surprised they had a full on training session today having played yesterday ? Thought today would have been a day off ?
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Possibly just for those that didn't play yesterday.
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Surprised they had a full on training session today having played yesterday ? Thought today would have been a day off ?
They probably didn't. You catch someone awkwardly and there's a problem no matter how light the tackle.
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Confirmed
@AVFCOfficial: Villa can confirm that Libor Kozak suffered a broken leg in training today. #AVFC
@AVFCOfficial: Regretfully, Libor Kozak will play no further part this season. #AVFC
Oh no.
Horrible news.
Horrible news.
Please, get well just as soon as you can Mr Libor Kozak.
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Compound fracture?
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Gutted, I've always rated the big man and he'd been scoring some vital goals. This is really disappointing.
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Oh I am so sorry to hear that. Best wishes Libor.
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Get Well Soon
And every good wish to Libor X
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Clark didn't play yesterday so probably put on a competitive session to get some of the fringe players up to pace for Saturday.
Hope he comes back o.k from this. Most do but I remember Dean Ashton breaking his leg on England duty and retiring a few years later.
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
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Fucking hell. Not good. Libor's done pretty well for us. We now desperately need Tekkers to find form.
Helenius has to play saturday imo. I think it's a must we get him up to speed ASAP, and hopefully get him finding some kind of form. If he can grab a goal against Sheff Utd it'll help him a lot. Ideal time really. Benteke needs to be rested ready for the Arsenal and Liverpool double header.
Time for Robinson to get more bench time too. He's a talented lad and we're now a bit short on attacking options. I'm not sure it's worth going into the transfer market again to be honest, even for a loan. We've got too many other positions to prioritise.
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I absolutely agree, if there was any thought to playing Helenius in the Cup, it has now become more important.
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
Pretty much. I've thought he was legit for a while (for example accurate early transfer/injury news, as well as team selections and even formations a day or so before games). The big question is who exactly he is, and what his job at the club is. Generally he can be quite critical of the club hierarchy and chairman but he's always very loyal and protective over Lambert and his decisions.
He said something interesting the other week that's pretty relevant - he described the medical department at the club as a 'shambles' and apparently Lambert's no1 priority in the summer is to have it completely overhauled.
Gutted about Big Libor, I really rate him. Hopefully its not too bad a break, but if he's out for the season you'd have to assume its a really nasty one.
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Not good at all re Kozak, but echo the posts above. Helenius needs minutes on the pitch and fast, and needs Lambert to make him feel 10 ft tall. In his brief apps so far he has looked a good player to me, so hopefully he can grab the opportunity.
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Extra loan in I reckon for Kozak. The insurance compo should pay for it.
What a shame. We've had some shitty luck with injuries.
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We should get Bent back from Fulham.
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You don't get compensation for injuries and you can't recall season-long loans.
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I hope Ciaran clark is ok after this also. He must be devastated by this and while it's the unfortunate side of the profession it's got to be really difficult having been in some way responsible.
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So we don't get any help paying the wages of the wounded - N'Zogbia and now Kozak?
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Can you imagine the premiums to insure the whole squads wages each? I doubt any insurer would do it anyway as it is so likely to happen and even if they did it would cost the club a fortune. Is how it appears to me anyway. I could be completely wrong as it is just an educated guess.
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All the best Libor for quick recovery bad news
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Hopefully Libor will be ok in the long run, I think he's done alright so far in his Villa career. Hopefully we haven't got another Nilis situation on our hands again.
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That's very bad news for Libor and Villa. Here's hoping a quick and full recovery for the big fellow.
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Can you imagine the premiums to insure the whole squads wages each? I doubt any insurer would do it anyway as it is so likely to happen and even if they did it would cost the club a fortune. Is how it appears to me anyway. I could be completely wrong as it is just an educated guess.
Insurance covering the wage cost of players when they get injured is fairly standard. That was what caused the hoo ha with Jenas - we thought he would be covered by Spurs' insurance but he wasn't which left him uninsured. It was news because it was unusual.
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Hope he recovers, I thought he was just finding his feet.
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Bad news.....Get fit soon Libor and come back stronger
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If some people do know stuff and are 100% certain, can we just be told now rather then hinting.
Either that or say nothing at all.
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Time for Helenius to step up, if Lambert will ever let him!
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
Would appear so , although it's not ideal for someone on the payroll to be leaking things on a website - including team selection details - I'm sure the club would like to expose him .
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Hope Big K can make a full recovery. He has done really well so far.
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1012244_773932765967617_834990388_n.jpg)
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
Pretty much. I've thought he was legit for a while (for example accurate early transfer/injury news,
He said something interesting the other week that's pretty relevant - he described the medical department at the club as a 'shambles' and apparently Lambert's no1 priority in the summer is to have it completely overhauled.
This supports what I said about HH knowing one of the physios (but not necessarily everybody else at BH). I have an inkling and will have a dig through VT.
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
Pretty much. I've thought he was legit for a while (for example accurate early transfer/injury news,
He said something interesting the other week that's pretty relevant - he described the medical department at the club as a 'shambles' and apparently Lambert's no1 priority in the summer is to have it completely overhauled.
This supports what I said about HH knowing one of the physios (but not necessarily everybody else at BH). I have an inkling and will have a dig through VT.
A show of hands should suffice to uncover this hairy mole.
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I'd rather we didn't uncover him, let he keep dropping this little bits of info on the web... more interesting than the normal stuff we get from the club.
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
It may well do, but if he is employed by the club in some manner and is releasing information like this as well as transfer/injury/team news without direct permission it might well boost his ego and self-esteem but might find it a bit of a shock to his bank balance if the club decided to dispense with his services.
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By James Nursey | 02/01/14
Paul Lambert is reeling from a "massive" blow after Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak sustained a broken leg in training.
The Villans' £7million summer signing from Lazio was taken to hospital on Thursday in an ambulance after being injured in a challenge with team-mate Ciaran Clark at the club's Bodymoor Heath HQ.
Czech international Kozak, who has four goals this term, will have Friday surgery on his crocked right leg, and the club later confirmed he'll miss the rest of the season.
Villa boss Lambert revealed: "Kozak has got a bad one. He has a suspected broken leg. It has been a massive, major blow.
"It was a nothing challenge - I thought it was a clash of boots. Nobody knew what had happened or thought anything of it and then we saw it.
"It was an innocuous challenge and we just need to find out how he is."
Lambert will now step up his search for a new striker this month.
The Scot, who also has defender Jores Okore - another summer signing - out with a long-term injury, added: "There are one or two I identified before this had happened. But the January window is a nightmare because it is inflated."
However, Lambert believes out-of-sorts No.1 striker Christian Benteke - who has not scored since September - is close to recapturing his best form.
Benteke, 23, returned in the 1-0 win against Sunderland after going to his native Belgium for treatment on a knee injury.
Lambert, commenting on Benteke's display at the Black Cats, added: "He was fantastic. Back to his old self."
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So does this prove HairyHands is the real deal?
It may well do, but if he is employed by the club in some manner and is releasing information like this as well as transfer/injury/team news without direct permission it might well boost his ego and self-esteem but might find it a bit of a shock to his bank balance if the club decided to dispense with his services.
I believe that they have suspected something for a while and have warned the staff about it.
More than likely, the mole will pass stuff to an intermediary rather than post direct.
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One of our former posters had a job at VP and was told exactly the same by the club.
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We really don't have very good luck, do we?
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Best wishes to Libor in his recovery, shame for the lad and the team.
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I imagine whoever the individual is, as Legion says, his ego is probably temporarily boosted, but longer term it's an extremely foolish thing to do. I don't get the impression he's the sharpest knife in the drawer.
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Just heard this news now,what a blow for us just starting to play better as well.
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I'm particularly gutted about this as I was predicting he'd become a bit of a cult hero as the season progressed.
Good luck in your recovery Libor!
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By James Nursey | 02/01/14
Paul Lambert is reeling from a "massive" blow after Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak sustained a broken leg in training.
The Villans' £7million summer signing from Lazio was taken to hospital on Thursday in an ambulance after being injured in a challenge with team-mate Ciaran Clark at the club's Bodymoor Heath HQ.
Czech international Kozak, who has four goals this term, will have Friday surgery on his crocked right leg, and the club later confirmed he'll miss the rest of the season.
Villa boss Lambert revealed: "Kozak has got a bad one. He has a suspected broken leg. It has been a massive, major blow.
"It was a nothing challenge - I thought it was a clash of boots. Nobody knew what had happened or thought anything of it and then we saw it.
"It was an innocuous challenge and we just need to find out how he is."
Lambert will now step up his search for a new striker this month.
The Scot, who also has defender Jores Okore - another summer signing - out with a long-term injury, added: "There are one or two I identified before this had happened. But the January window is a nightmare because it is inflated."
However, Lambert believes out-of-sorts No.1 striker Christian Benteke - who has not scored since September - is close to recapturing his best form.
Benteke, 23, returned in the 1-0 win against Sunderland after going to his native Belgium for treatment on a knee injury.
Lambert, commenting on Benteke's display at the Black Cats, added: "He was fantastic. Back to his old self."
From that it sounds like a Compound fracture of the lower leg similar to Busst and Nilis. Hopefully not as serious though.
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Nasty injury.
Get well soon Libor.
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Terrible News, hoping for a full recovery.
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We really don't have very good luck, do we?
If Lambert did not have bad luck he would have no luck at all
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Very unfortunate for him, us and Lambert. Of his summer signings only Okore, Kozak and arguably Bacuna have showed any signs of actually being any good at all, and two of them have picked up injuries that will keep them out for most if not all of the season. Deffo need to dip into the market in January now.
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Who else came? Helenius, Tonev and Luna? Still hold out hope that Helenius can be a player, looked it in Denmark and young enough to adapt given game time. Tonev and Luna are bloomin awful though, just hope they improve with time! Tonev really could do with a loan in the Championship to get lots of games at the pace of the league.
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The gods are not smiling on us!
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Gutted.
Thought he was doing a great job of giving oppo centre backs a tough time and the few goals he's scored have been crucial ones when we needed them.
We're gonna miss him unless that Benteke bloke who played for us last season turns up.
Time to give the Gladiator a bit of a run.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Libor!
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Get well soon big fella.
Was hoping if he did well for the rest of the season he would be more ready to fill the gaping Benteke size hole we will have in our team next season.
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Doesn't sound like a Busst or Nilis type injury to me. Lambert said "suspected" broken leg. I think the Busst and Nilis injuries were more than "suspected" breaks. If it was a Nilis type injury his career would be over. I sincerely hope it's not a complicated break. Best of luck with the recovery Libor. We seem to be cursed with these longterm injuries.
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Doesn't sound like a Busst or Nilis type injury to me. Lambert said "suspected" broken leg. I think the Busst and Nilis injuries were more than "suspected" breaks. If it was a Nilis type injury his career would be over. I sincerely hope it's not a complicated break. Best of luck with the recovery Libor. We seem to be cursed with these longterm injuries.
Busst you could see the bones sticking out of his leg at a horrible angle - this sounds nothing like that .
Hopefully a clean break and he can be back in August.
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Lambert's comments do suggest that there was visible damage though which would indicate either a compound fracture or that both bones were broken and the foot was left pointing in the wrong direction. Either way, they're not quick injuries to heal.
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I suppose it does read both ways. For me the line that stood out was "and then we saw it". Saw what exactly if it was suspected as in his previous line? If it was a normal break it would be 6 weeks plus training to get back so there must have been very obvious signs straight away, especially if operations are needed. Clash of boots also suggests Tib and Fib damage.
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Considering the age of most of our squad that could have knocked the stuffing out of a few of them - not just Clark if they all saw it
Best of luck big man
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So from one sentence that tells us nothing we've now ascertained that it's a compound fracture of the tibia and fibia and that it's a Busst/Nilis type injury that could end his career?
Jesus the internet is bizarre.
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I don't think it's a good idea to use Busst or Nilis as examples. Those were exceptionally bad and aren't the norm. There's nothing to assume that's it to that extent.
On the other hand, 6 weeks is a little over-optimistic. Assuming they use metal work to aid the healing process, 3-6 months is more likely for an average break. The bigger issue is whether there's any ligament damage.
As for it affecting everyone else on an individual basis, it will but only for a while. I've been in a game where there was a break. They were rushed to hospital and everyone else was left to get on with it. For 10-15 minutes everyone was dis-spirited and technically we did 'play' on but not in the true sense of the word. After that though everyone comes to an acceptance of what has happened. Obviously they will rally around him and regularly visit him whilst he goes through the absolute tedium that will be his recovery. I really feel for him though. I've been in a cast for 6 weeks and it's truly horrible. For him and those of you that have been in a cast for longer, I can only imagine how frustrating that is.
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If the manager said it's a bad one and the club have ruled him out for the season it suggests he won't back in 6 weeks.
Hopefully all things going well he'll be back in pre-season training in July. I broke my leg in 4 places when I was 16 trying out for a local side. Now medical science has come on leaps and bounds since then, plus I didn't have some of the best tending to me, but it took about 18 months before I played again. If it's bad but it heals well post surgery next season is the earliest we'll see him.
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Busst got MRSA didn't he? Wasn't that the problem that finished his career rather than the brake itself?
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Yep, Somniloquism MD at your service.
It is idle speculation on a line but to be out for the rest of the season (5 months at least) it is more serious then a clean break. The worst ones we recently have seen are the two mentioned but even ones where the players have come back (Eduardo for example), that took 16 months. I'm sure we will know more by next week.
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Busst got MRSA didn't he? Wasn't that the problem that finished his career rather than the brake itself?
That stopped him suddenly.
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Busst got MRSA didn't he? Wasn't that the problem that finished his career rather than the brake itself?
Having had the dubious pleasure of seeing his leg close up years after the incident there was certainly damage/muscle wastage. Basically a chunk of his calf missing if I remember right.
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Busst got MRSA didn't he? Wasn't that the problem that finished his career rather than the brake itself?
Having had the dubious pleasure of seeing his leg close up years after the incident there was certainly damage/muscle wastage. Basically a chunk of his calf missing if I remember right.
Yes, when he was Solihull Borough manager I saw it (I was stood behind their bench and he had shorts on), looked horrible. I think he mentioned that he'd had something like 25 operations on it.
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I seem to remember reading that Schmeichel was offered counselling following the Busst injury, it was so horrific to see.
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Years ago when i first started playing rugby I was in the middle of ruck that tipped over onto a guy who had just planted his foot over the ball to pass it out, he had 7 breaks between the 2 bones. They had to get a helicopter to airlift him (we were in a place called Belper in Derbyshire which is a bitch to get to and from by road) and when it arrrived they'd sent someone to arrange counselling for any of the players who wanted it. Every time I think about it I can recall the sounds of the breaks and then the scream of pain that followed, 15years later it still makes me feel a bit sick. I can totally understand the effect it would have on someone who felt they were responsible so I'd be very surprised if the offer isn't standard.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
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Blimey, only just heard about this. Bit of a shocker. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
Why not? The rugby incident sounded horrendous. There's many on here who will never forget the sound of Alex Cropley's leg being broken and we were much further away from the incident.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
Yes. It can be horrific.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
I don't see how that's funny. It's not the movies. In real life people don't always just move on with things and seeing bad injuries can have an affect on people.
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The pictures of Nilis, Bust, Freddie etc still turn my stomach so I can how a player involved could benefit from counselling.
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The pictures of Nilis, Bust, Freddie etc still turn my stomach so I can how a player involved could benefit from counselling.
Add Sid to that list of leg breaks that 'turned the stomach'.
That was absolutely horrible.
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It's not funny at all.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/153/498/sidinjury_display_image.jpg ('Sid Vicious' leg break still-image)
Youtube clip:
Not embedded as it's pretty graphic so discretion advised.
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I had a compound fracture in98. Was off work for 7 months and out of football for around 18 months. But that was more down to me being cautious than anything. But if Kozak's is a compound fracture it would have to be operated on immediately is I assume it's not.
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Best wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery libor.
I remember when Djibril Cisse broke his leg playing for Liverpool. He seemed to be in mid stride when the broken leg went onto the floor.
Still makes me shudder today.
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I had a compound fracture in98. Was off work for 7 months and out of football for around 18 months. But that was more down to me being cautious than anything. But if Kozak's is a compound fracture it would have to be operated on immediately is I assume it's not.
He had surgery today as far as I know.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
Why not? The rugby incident sounded horrendous. There's many on here who will never forget the sound of Alex Cropley's leg being broken and we were much further away from the incident.
Counselling for the people who fell into him, he wasn't really in the right frame of mind for it. I personally was the other side of the ruck with about 5 players in the way but the people right by him were very badly shaken. I've been on the pitch for 3 or 4 genuinely serious injuries (1 life-threatening broken neck) and that is the only time I've seen people so upset by one. It's worth pointing out that the call for the paramedics was made by a qualified GP so I guess he asked for someone to come out because of the reactions.
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Best wishes for a smooth and speedy recovery libor.
I remember when Djibril Cisse broke his leg playing for Liverpool. He seemed to be in mid stride when the broken leg went onto the floor.
Still makes me shudder today.
Yeah that was a horror one but didn't Cisse recover ridiculously quickly from that? Pretty sure he was injured in November of that season and was back playing in the champions league final and a few games before.
Hopefully all being well Kozak will be o.k for pre season training in 6 months time.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
I don't see how that's funny. It's not the movies. In real life people don't always just move on with things and seeing bad injuries can have an affect on people.
I broke my hand once. Heard the breaks.
S'nuffin.
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I broke my toe once. I've also had to experience a cracked rib. That's nothing compared to something like this.
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Counselling for a leg break? ;D
I don't see how that's funny. It's not the movies. In real life people don't always just move on with things and seeing bad injuries can have an affect on people.
I broke my hand once. Heard the breaks.
S'nuffin.
We aren't all as hard as you though.
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I think Cisse scored on his return against us. Typical!
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I broke my leg in three places once.
Ran it off.
Like a proper man.
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Pussy.
I was playing football once and my spine turned to dust. I carried on, by wriggling around the pitch like some sort of sporty snake. Scored the winner with a diving header.
Because I'm a bloody bloke.
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We aren't all as hard as you though.
I know ;)
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I remember one game, I was playing as the lone striker away to Leyton Orient. Halfway through the match, a thermonuclear device detonated beneath Barry Hearn's Roller.
I played till the whistle.
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I had a compound fracture in98. Was off work for 7 months and out of football for around 18 months. But that was more down to me being cautious than anything. But if Kozak's is a compound fracture it would have to be operated on immediately is I assume it's
He had surgery today as far as I know.
Immediately as in immediately. Not the next day. Again, depends on the severity I suppose.
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I once nailed my scrotum to a table.
But that's another story altogether.
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I broke a fingernail once. I also survived a papercut on the tip of my finger.
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I won a game of table football once, with no arms.
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I once watched Gladiator whilst suffering from man flu. After that anything is a doddle!
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Looks like the big man is getting better.
(http://i59.tinypic.com/2dt0j9d.jpg)
Must have been a nasty break though, given where his scar is.
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I broke my leg in three places once.
Ran it off.
Like a proper man.
I broke my leg in 2 places once , the Doc told me not to go to those places !......Godzvilla!
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Doing my national service on Christmas Island we played through an atom bomb test detonation Walk in the park Never any danger because we were dipped in molten lead which they blow torched off us at the final whistle One or two big jessies complained that the lead suits chafed their armpits We played the return leg on Bikini Atoll and lost when a rocket shot of mine was disallowed when the crossbar melted
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Doing my national service on Christmas Island we played through an atom bomb test detonation Walk in the park Never any danger because we were dipped in molten lead which they blow torched off us at the final whistle One or two big jessies complained that the lead suits chafed their armpits We played the return leg on Bikini Atoll and lost when a rocket shot of mine was disallowed when the crossbar melted
When my Dad did his National Service, he said that if he was going to be away from the Forest, he might as well be as far away as possible.
He asked for the Far East, the R.E.M.E. sent him to Rhyl for two years !!
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When I started my national service at Oswestry because I had been working at the Rep I got the job of putting on a concert party for the leaving CO It was so badly received I got posted to Ben Becula rocket range in the Outer Hebrides
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It looks like he's still in the early stages of recovery to me. They're only allowing him to do upper body work going by that and even then, they're not allowing him to put his feet on the floor. It might be his first time back in the gym since the break.
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It looks like he's still in the early stages of recovery to me. They're only allowing him to do upper body work going by that and even then, they're not allowing him to put his feet on the floor. It might be his first time back in the gym since the break.
Isn't that picture a couple of weeks old?
Anyway, that extra body work is going to mean he'll come back looking like Ivan Drago, which can only be a good thing.
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Working on his speed would give him an edge his play seems to need
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It looks like he's still in the early stages of recovery to me. They're only allowing him to do upper body work going by that and even then, they're not allowing him to put his feet on the floor. It might be his first time back in the gym since the break.
Isn't that picture a couple of weeks old?
No idea, it's the first time I've seen it. Hopefully he's weight-baring by now.
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the biggest thing with a broken a leg is confidence, and confidence that you will survive the first proper impact. I've broken my leg twice, first time really badly and it's amazing that your body is able to recover as it does and to the point that it reinforces that area. Once he encounters and makes it through his first full contact training session and game he'll be fine. Other than really severe bone breaks (eg. Eduardo type injuries) damaging ligaments/tendons is much worse and even then medical science has come on leaps and bounds.
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I broke my leg in three places once.
Ran it off.
Like a proper man.
I broke my leg in 2 places once , the Doc told me not to go to those places !......Godzvilla!
Thank you Tommy Cooper...:)
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Do you think that the Libor injury has anything to do with baker getting selected ahead of Clark? I font mean as a punishment but because Clark has been affected mentally?
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I broke my leg in three places once.
Ran it off.
Like a proper man.
I broke my leg in 2 places once , the Doc told me not to go to those places !......Godzvilla!
Thank you Tommy Cooper...:)
To be honest I heard it first from the great Rodney Dangerfield at his Club in New York ( ) . He probably got it from Tommy Cooper anyway ....................Godzvilla !
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I broke my leg in three places once.
Ran it off.
Like a proper man.
I broke my leg in 2 places once , the Doc told me not to go to those places !......Godzvilla!
Thank you Tommy Cooper... :)
To be honest I heard it first from the great Rodney Dangerfield at his Club in New York (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULe104OxDaE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULe104OxDaE) ) . He probably got it from Tommy Cooper anyway ....................Godzvilla !
Henry Youngman (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/henny_youngman.html), apparently.
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I broke my leg in three places once.
Ran it off.
Like a proper man.
I broke my leg in 2 places once , the Doc told me not to go to those places !......Godzvilla!
Thank you Tommy Cooper... :)
To be honest I heard it first from the great Rodney Dangerfield at his Club in New York (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULe104OxDaE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULe104OxDaE) ) . He probably got it from Tommy Cooper anyway ....................Godzvilla !
Henry Youngman (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/h/henny_youngman.html), apparently.
That would be HENNY Youngman , he of ' Dean Martin Roast Fame ( ) and one of the best ' old School ' Stand up Comics , ever !............
Pedantically Yours , Godzvilla!
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What role do people think he'll play next season?
I'm happy enough with him coming in as a starter against the physical teams as he's shown he can chip in with goals.
He however cannot be a replacement for Benteke at any cost. I'd go as so far to say that decision will cost Lambert his job as the football then would be even worse than this year.
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Substitute. He's not mobile enough to play any role in a counter attacking side and I can't see a complete overhaul of how we play in 3 months.
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I like him, he's from a foreign league, he's got to get used to the prem and he was chipping in with goals!
I like his passion
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What role do people think he'll play next season?
I'm happy enough with him coming in as a starter against the physical teams as he's shown he can chip in with goals.
He however cannot be a replacement for Benteke at any cost. I'd go as so far to say that decision will cost Lambert his job as the football then would be even worse than this year.
I'd have him playing Pike out of Dad's Army
Ref: That's a yellow. What's your name?
Lambert : Don't tell him Kojak
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What role do people think he'll play next season?
I'm happy enough with him coming in as a starter against the physical teams as he's shown he can chip in with goals.
He however cannot be a replacement for Benteke at any cost. I'd go as so far to say that decision will cost Lambert his job as the football then would be even worse than this year.
I'd have him playing Pike out of Dad's Army
Ref: That's a yellow. What's your name?
Lambert : Don't tell him Kojak
(http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/321/1/c/stupid_boy_by_thomassmurffan-d5l9k4k.png)
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I like Libor. He works his nards off and has a good eye for goal. As long as we play to his feet and don't have him chasing hopeful balls into the channel or 20 yards above his head, he'll be alright. I would say his role would be that of a squad option to rotate and cover our main man, whether that's Benteke, or a replacement. Our focal point needs to have pace. Benteke does, Kozak doesn't.
If Libor started 20 odd games next season with a further 10-15 sub appearences in the league, that would be about right. I'd also fancy him to hit double figures in terms of goals too. For me he's a Tommy Johnson. He'll do a good job when he comes in and chip in with his fair share, works hard, but is not quite first choice standard.
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I reckon in about 18 months he'll be absolutely banging them in.
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I like Libor. He works his nards off and has a good eye for goal. As long as we play to his feet and don't have him chasing hopeful balls into the channel or 20 yards above his head, he'll be alright. I would say his role would be that of a squad option to rotate and cover our main man, whether that's Benteke, or a replacement. Our focal point needs to have pace. Benteke does, Kozak doesn't.
If Libor started 20 odd games next season with a further 10-15 sub appearences in the league, that would be about right. I'd also fancy him to hit double figures in terms of goals too. For me he's a Tommy Johnson. He'll do a good job when he comes in and chip in with his fair share, works hard, but is not quite first choice standard.
how do you think he'd be alongside Benteke? I wonder whether the Beast would actually be better with someone sharing the physical challenges ...
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I like Libor. He works his nards off and has a good eye for goal. As long as we play to his feet and don't have him chasing hopeful balls into the channel or 20 yards above his head, he'll be alright. I would say his role would be that of a squad option to rotate and cover our main man, whether that's Benteke, or a replacement. Our focal point needs to have pace. Benteke does, Kozak doesn't.
If Libor started 20 odd games next season with a further 10-15 sub appearences in the league, that would be about right. I'd also fancy him to hit double figures in terms of goals too. For me he's a Tommy Johnson. He'll do a good job when he comes in and chip in with his fair share, works hard, but is not quite first choice standard.
how do you think he'd be alongside Benteke? I wonder whether the Beast would actually be better with someone sharing the physical challenges ...
I think it depends on the game to be honest and the way we set up. You could actually conceivably put Benteke as the left forward and then perhaps put Gabby on the right. In a straight 2 man up top, I'm not sure I'd go for it. But Benteke does like drifting out to the left and then cutting in, so having his starting point on left side could work.
I wouldn't go for it every game however.
My major worry about any time Lambert would play Benteke and Kozak, is that it would either be in a game where he all but writes off playing football, or if he brings on Kozak to try and change a game slipping out our hands. I think we'd resort to Guzan as our playmaker.
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He should be smashing out the weights to improve his upper body strength while he is rehabbing his leg. His pace won't matter so much if defenders just bounce off him...
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I like Libor. He works his nards off and has a good eye for goal. As long as we play to his feet and don't have him chasing hopeful balls into the channel or 20 yards above his head, he'll be alright. I would say his role would be that of a squad option to rotate and cover our main man, whether that's Benteke, or a replacement. Our focal point needs to have pace. Benteke does, Kozak doesn't.
If Libor started 20 odd games next season with a further 10-15 sub appearences in the league, that would be about right. I'd also fancy him to hit double figures in terms of goals too. For me he's a Tommy Johnson. He'll do a good job when he comes in and chip in with his fair share, works hard, but is not quite first choice standard.
how do you think he'd be alongside Benteke? I wonder whether the Beast would actually be better with someone sharing the physical challenges ...
It hasn't worked in the limited games we've done it before he got injured. Benteke certainly prefers playing with pace either side of him.
I think SuperTom has summed up Kozak for next season well.
If Benteke leaves I'd love to see us go for someone like Loic Remy as his replacement. I Think he'd be great here. Obviously wages would be difficult (although if Benteke and Bent leave that's 100k off the forward wage bill) but he'd be an ambitious signing no question.
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I like Libor. He works his nards off and has a good eye for goal. As long as we play to his feet and don't have him chasing hopeful balls into the channel or 20 yards above his head, he'll be alright. I would say his role would be that of a squad option to rotate and cover our main man, whether that's Benteke, or a replacement. Our focal point needs to have pace. Benteke does, Kozak doesn't.
If Libor started 20 odd games next season with a further 10-15 sub appearences in the league, that would be about right. I'd also fancy him to hit double figures in terms of goals too. For me he's a Tommy Johnson. He'll do a good job when he comes in and chip in with his fair share, works hard, but is not quite first choice standard.
how do you think he'd be alongside Benteke? I wonder whether the Beast would actually be better with someone sharing the physical challenges ...
It hasn't worked in the limited games we've done it before he got injured. Benteke certainly prefers playing with pace either side of him.
I think SuperTom has summed up Kozak for next season well.
If Benteke leaves I'd love to see us go for someone like Loic Remy as his replacement. I Think he'd be great here. Obviously wages would be difficult (although if Benteke and Bent leave that's 100k off the forward wage bill) but he'd be an ambitious signing no question.
Good opinions all round, agree with most if not all.
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OS
Christian Benteke looks set to be in the squad for the game against Man City this weekend.
Paul Lambert revealed that barring any last-minute hitches his intention is to include Benteke in the matchday group on Saturday.
It's a big boost for the forward, who played 60 minutes for the U21s on Monday against Bolton.
Lambert has been pleased with his progress and now hopes to see him available in the clash with the champions.
He said: "If everything goes okay tomorrow and he feels okay, then I will put Christian in the squad.
"He's come through the last few weeks unscathed.
"He played for an hour on Monday in the U21s.
"We will see how he is tomorrow but my intention is that he'll be in the squad.
"First and foremost, his leg is better - his achilles is okay. He has no ill effects on it whatsoever.
"He came through the U21s pretty good and trained for the rest of the week."
Ron Vlaar looks set to miss out on Saturday while Libor Kozak has had a setback in his return.
Vlaar has been absent against Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea after injuring his calf against Hull.
Lambert is hopeful of seeing the skipper soon after the international break.
Kozak was making good progress from his broken leg but his return has been put back.
He added: "Ron is doing really well. This one is probably too early. Hopefully we will see him after the break.
"Libor had another operation on Wednesday. He's had a setback on his leg but hopefully that will start to heal."
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Bugger. Poor bloke.
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Operation means more rehab before he begins even light training. He'll have missed a good year before he's match-fit, then getting him up to speed will be another couple of months. 2015/16 it is then for him to blossom.
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How close was he to returning before this setback?
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That is sad to hear, hopefully it is not too much of a set back. Good luck to him in his recovery.
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Bollocks
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Has any detailed information about the injury ever come out of the club? It must have been one hell of a break to take this long to recover, particularly after having even more surgery after having returned to training.
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Clark the clumsy oaf
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Bollocks
This.
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That's so sad, hope he gets better soon.
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Bollocks
A "friend" told me in the summer he would be back round about New Year...
looks like it may be longer now....
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Bollocks
A "friend" told me in the summer he would be back round about New Year...
looks like it may be longer now....
Must have been a really bad break.
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Lambert's revealed absolutely no details there so I don't know how anyone is able to put a timeline on his recovery. Not all operations need rehabilitation. It just depends on what the details are.
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
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Poor bloke. When I hear things like 'it just hasn't healed the way we thought it would' then its a big concern. You start to wonder but I hope he returns soon. If nothing else to stop us being reliant on one striker again.
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More detail here: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-striker-libor-kozak-7873791
The leg had not healed properly and Libor broke down in training, where he was up to the stage of running with the ball. Then, the new pin had to be inserted. Get well soon.
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That's a shame. I was looking forward to seeing him come back soon because the bloke had goals in him.
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oh that is really sad news....get well soon Libor.
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What bad bloody luck
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
Yeah I didn't know that until I just went through the newspaper review on the site. Now I know the details I can understand the comments better. It is bad luck and it makes me question the surgeon who performed the original operation.
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
Yeah I didn't know that until I just went through the newspaper review on the site. Now I know the details I can understand the comments better. It is bad luck and it makes me question the surgeon who performed the original operation.
There are plenty of reasons for delayed healing after surgery most of which have nothing to do with the surgeon and are largely dependent upon the severity of the injury and overall damage to the bone and surrounding soft tissues or deviations from the normal healing process. Unfortunately, sometimes the only option is further surgery.
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That's a right shitter of a blow, I like the guy, nice option to have. Hope he's back soon
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
Yeah I didn't know that until I just went through the newspaper review on the site. Now I know the details I can understand the comments better. It is bad luck and it makes me question the surgeon who performed the original operation.
bit harsh. It's hard to know what occurred especially considering he was thought to be pretty close to a return. It's just really tough luck.
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Poor lad. Get fit soon libor.
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
Yeah I didn't know that until I just went through the newspaper review on the site. Now I know the details I can understand the comments better. It is bad luck and it makes me question the surgeon who performed the original operation.
bit harsh. It's hard to know what occurred especially considering he was thought to be pretty close to a return. It's just really tough luck.
Emphasis on 'question' (not downright accuse).
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Villa's injury curse continues.....
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Any update ?
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Any update ?
Just been talking about him and the possibility we won't see him until the 2015/16 campaign
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Seriously? Surely at this point his career is in danger?
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Poor bloke. I really like him as a player as well. And he LOVES a good celebration too :(
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A year and a half out injured, has anyone come back successfully from that long a lay off?
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No one is saying he's out til next season, are they?
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Seriously? Surely at this point his career is in danger?
Agreed Smirker - we were being optimistic - I know that's a mistake if it's to do with the Villa ;-)
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No one is saying he's out til next season, are they?
The setback he had over the Summer sounded like it could be that serious, though it was only hearsay from my point of view.
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A year and a half out injured, has anyone come back successfully from that long a lay off?
Gary Gardner...... oh ;)
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I hope that he can still play some part in this season. Naturally we can not rush him back, but this is starting to look bad for his career. Its a real shame for both club and player espically.
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I'm a Kozak fan.
I loved how he completely fu**ed up Man Ci£y's defence at VP last season and his goal and celebration at Southampton really showed how much he wants to do the business for us.
Come back soon Libor!
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
Yeah I didn't know that until I just went through the newspaper review on the site. Now I know the details I can understand the comments better. It is bad luck and it makes me question the surgeon who performed the original operation.
bit harsh. It's hard to know what occurred especially considering he was thought to be pretty close to a return. It's just really tough luck.
Emphasis on 'question' (not downright accuse).
I doubt it is anything to do with surgical expertise. If he's had an internal fixation of a fracture (nail or screw and plate) there is always a risk on non union and need for further surgical intervention.
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He said they put another pin in. There's nothing good about putting in a pin.
Yeah I didn't know that until I just went through the newspaper review on the site. Now I know the details I can understand the comments better. It is bad luck and it makes me question the surgeon who performed the original operation.
bit harsh. It's hard to know what occurred especially considering he was thought to be pretty close to a return. It's just really tough luck.
Emphasis on 'question' (not downright accuse).
I realize you weren't accusing him. However there is a sense of cynicism by questioning the surgeon without there being even a shred of evidence to support it.
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That comment is a bit old now and it was quite a responsive question. With hindsight I should have termed it more as a curiosity as to what the issue is and whether it was preventable or whether its just the risk of surgery. I've had both ankles reconstructed and I was told before them that in 99% of cases there will be no complications. That obviously still leaves the 1% though so complications can occur even when everything seems to have gone perfectly well. I've been studying a lot of anatomy and physiology lately too and it's ridiculous how complicated the human body is.
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That comment is a bit old now and it was quite a responsive question. With hindsight I should have termed it more as a curiosity as to what the issue is and whether it was preventable or whether its just the risk of surgery. I've had both ankles reconstructed and I was told before them that in 99% of cases there will be no complications. That obviously still leaves the 1% though so complications can occur even when everything seems to have gone perfectly well. I've been studying a lot of anatomy and physiology lately too and it's ridiculous how complicated the human body is.
you're right there. I broke my leg when I was 16, so back in 1989. Compound fracture, 4 breaks, a number of pins, in a cast of some nature for the best part of 18 months. I bet that wouldn't be a year now, and for the pros even less. The biggest mistake the doctor at Good Hope made, if you can believe this, I didn't get an x-ray when I first went in. My calf had swelled up and so they deemed it a muscle injury. 4 days later with my peg turning black I was rushed back in by my family doctor and after tests and examination and into surgery. Apparently, the x-ray was an oversight first time around, and the swelling in my calf was due to bleeding that I was having that led me to having thinning tablets to ease the hardening in there. How did they get it that wrong?
Hopefully whatever it is with Kozak isn't anything more than a complication that was unforeseen than any kind of initial error. He was doing well when this happened and seemed to really enjoy being at the club.
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That comment is a bit old now and it was quite a responsive question. With hindsight I should have termed it more as a curiosity as to what the issue is and whether it was preventable or whether its just the risk of surgery. I've had both ankles reconstructed and I was told before them that in 99% of cases there will be no complications. That obviously still leaves the 1% though so complications can occur even when everything seems to have gone perfectly well. I've been studying a lot of anatomy and physiology lately too and it's ridiculous how complicated the human body is.
you're right there. I broke my leg when I was 16, so back in 1989. Compound fracture, 4 breaks, a number of pins, in a cast of some nature for the best part of 18 months. I bet that wouldn't be a year now, and for the pros even less. The biggest mistake the doctor at Good Hope made, if you can believe this, I didn't get an x-ray when I first went in. My calf had swelled up and so they deemed it a muscle injury. 4 days later with my peg turning black I was rushed back in by my family doctor and after tests and examination and into surgery. Apparently, the x-ray was an oversight first time around, and the swelling in my calf was due to bleeding that I was having that led me to having thinning tablets to ease the hardening in there. How did they get it that wrong?
Hopefully whatever it is with Kozak isn't anything more than a complication that was unforeseen than any kind of initial error. He was doing well when this happened and seemed to really enjoy being at the club.
I bust my kneecap in '98, and went to Good Hope as I did it playing football in Sutton park.
They put me in cast despite the swelling still growing, and subsequently I was rushed back up the place around midnight screaming in agony, fed pain killers for 12 hours, until someone qualified took one look at it and cut the cast off. He then stuck a needle into my knee, and proceeded to drain the blood out of it, as there was 120ml where there should have been 10ml, hence my discomfort.
-
Good Hope Hospital. That brings back some memories!! None too fond memories mind! Skin graft for my sister, referral to palliative care for my mother.
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Good Hope Hospital. That brings back some memories!! None too fond memories mind! Skin graft for my sister, referral to palliative care for my mother.
Sorry to hear that Newby. Hope all turned out as well as possible
-
That comment is a bit old now and it was quite a responsive question. With hindsight I should have termed it more as a curiosity as to what the issue is and whether it was preventable or whether its just the risk of surgery. I've had both ankles reconstructed and I was told before them that in 99% of cases there will be no complications. That obviously still leaves the 1% though so complications can occur even when everything seems to have gone perfectly well. I've been studying a lot of anatomy and physiology lately too and it's ridiculous how complicated the human body is.
you're right there. I broke my leg when I was 16, so back in 1989. Compound fracture, 4 breaks, a number of pins, in a cast of some nature for the best part of 18 months. I bet that wouldn't be a year now, and for the pros even less. The biggest mistake the doctor at Good Hope made, if you can believe this, I didn't get an x-ray when I first went in. My calf had swelled up and so they deemed it a muscle injury. 4 days later with my peg turning black I was rushed back in by my family doctor and after tests and examination and into surgery. Apparently, the x-ray was an oversight first time around, and the swelling in my calf was due to bleeding that I was having that led me to having thinning tablets to ease the hardening in there. How did they get it that wrong?
Hopefully whatever it is with Kozak isn't anything more than a complication that was unforeseen than any kind of initial error. He was doing well when this happened and seemed to really enjoy being at the club.
I bust my kneecap in '98, and went to Good Hope as I did it playing football in Sutton park.
They put me in cast despite the swelling still growing, and subsequently I was rushed back up the place around midnight screaming in agony, fed pain killers for 12 hours, until someone qualified took one look at it and cut the cast off. He then stuck a needle into my knee, and proceeded to drain the blood out of it, as there was 120ml where there should have been 10ml, hence my discomfort.
when I was 17 I broke my fibula, cracked my patella and had a partial tear to my lateral collateral ligament (inside back of the knee) as well as a whole of damage to my quad (it was a fucking horror tackle). I had a cast, they didn't foresee any complications and after 8 months I was back fit and playing rugby (fuck playing football after that injury) everything was absolutely fine. At 26 I got married and on my honeymoon we went diving and about halfway through I felt my knee just go and had to give up. Once I decided it wasn't getting better I went to the hospital and it led to 2 operations to pretty much rebuild the knee because I'd also done a tiny tear to my anterior cruciate ligament that hadn't been picked up and it had been slowly weakening over years until it eventually snapped. Took 2 years to recover in the end and it still feels weaker than it was 8 years on from the first op.
Moral of the story, some injuries can be easily missed when there's an obvious and massive injury to work on but they may present problems later.
Of course in this case it could be (as seems to be the case) as simple as the pins of plates not taking.
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Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
-
From the OS last week on injury updates.
On a positive note, Lambert said Libor Kozak [leg] was making definite strides forward in his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered on January 2, 2014.
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It would be brilliant just to see him come back any time this season. Hopefully by Feb/March he has made enough progress to be considered for selection again.
-
It would be interesting to see Benteke and Kozak paired together and given a run together. I don't think we've been able to do that yet, at least not with both in form.
-
From the OS last week on injury updates.
On a positive note, Lambert said Libor Kozak [leg] was making definite strides forward in his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered on January 2, 2014.
Was expecting to see more bad news when I saw this thread had been updated. Nice to be wrong.
-
Just as a counterbalance to the grim incidents above I would like to say thank you to Professor Sir Keith M Porter, of Queen Elizaberth Hospital, Birmingham. He attended my sister, Liz, at the roadside after a driver ran into her whilst pillion passenger on my brother's motorbike. Her leg was smashed to smithereens, almost literally. Not only did she live, keep her leg and walk again she has run several marathons since. She's my hero (and a season ticket holder for many years) but the Prof is too. Miracles do happen.
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Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
Why the sad face?
-
This is what Lambert said a few days ago
On a positive note, Lambert said Libor Kozak [leg] was making definite strides forward in his rehabilitation from the broken leg he suffered on January 2, 2014.
"Libor is doing alright. He had a scan yesterday.
"The bone is definitely getting stronger and healing.
"He's doing well but he's still a bit away."
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Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
Why the sad face?
Sad face was because I didn't see anything updated here, so I assumed the commentator was mistaken.
Glad to hear that things are going better for him, though nothing sounds imminent, it looked like it might be the end of his playing career at one point.
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Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
Why the sad face?
Come round to my place, let's live it up
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Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
Why the sad face?
Come round to my place, let's live it up
You by the dance floor
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I really like Kozak and wish that he was able to play again very soon.
Get fit to play soon, Libor.
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I really like Kozak and wish that he was able to play again very soon.
Get fit to play soon, Libor.
Yup I miss him too. :(
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and increase our firepower apart from Benteke.
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Will we see him this season? Think he's on-leave til the end of Jan with his family and hamsters.
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Lambert says he'll be back in light training soon which is great news for the lad.
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Great news.
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Good news. Could be back in for the final couple of months of the relegation scrap, all going well (with him, that is).
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Loved his goal v Southampton away last season...and his celebration with us!
Come back soon Libor!
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Let's hope he doesn't train too close to Ciaran Clark!
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Get him on the wing
Ormandroyd styley
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Great news welcome back Libor
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I love him. He celebrates like I would and I can't wait for him to come back. At Stoke the stand was quite literally jumping with people bouncing and singing his name.
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Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
Why the sad face?
Come round to my place, let's live it up
You by the dance floor
What do you cry for ?
-
Did anyone hear a comment during commentry of the Man Utd game saying Kozak was on his way back. They made it sound like he was a few weeks away...just checked this thread to see if it was true.
:-(
Why the sad face?
Come round to my place, let's live it up
You by the dance floor
What do you cry for ?
You lot are Mental as Anything
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Lambert also indicated he is unlikely to play this season. If true, another striker should be on our wishlist this January. Any kind of injury/ complacency from Benteke and the options behind him are not exactly inspiring.
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Good news. Good luck Libor.
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18 months out with a broken leg if he's not back till next season. That is a seriously long time. He's got a long road getting up to speed at the top level, if indeed he can.
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He's had a nasty injury and setback for that length of time. Definitely need another striker - Rickie Lambert would be a decent short-term solution.
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We could just try Weimann in his natural position?
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We could just try Weimann in his natural position?
Sat down on the bench?
(http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090711030817/pvx/images/thumb/4/43/Ba_dum_tsh.jpg/500px-Ba_dum_tsh.jpg)
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I was going to suggest Agbonlahor, but that was also a stupid idea. I'd rather we played Ricardo Scimeca.
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We should give Spink another run up front, he never got a fair chance as a striker.
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We should give Spink another run up front, he never got a fair chance as a striker.
We'd need to pre-book a bigger kit from Macron. I couldn't believe how he filled it at QPR.
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We should give Spink another run up front, he never got a fair chance as a striker.
We'd need to pre-book a bigger kit from Macron. I couldn't believe how he filled it at QPR.
That was a crazy match.
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He's now back in training apparently.
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Excellent news.
-
He'll be like a new signing once he's ready.
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We should give Spink another run up front, he never got a fair chance as a striker.
Nigel or Dean?
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Dean is a striker I think.
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Dean is a striker I think.
No, he's a window cleaner.
-
Meanwhile, there was also a positive update on Philippe Senderos and Libor Kozak, with both continuing their rehab with running sessions.
Kozak has been battling hard to get back fit since he broke his leg in January 2014.
On Kozak, he added: "Libor is doing well. He is doing well with his rehab.
"He is out there running. But it's too early for him."
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Need more..
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it will be great to have you back big man...
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4501377,00.html
UTV
The Doc
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Libor Kozak completes his first training session with the senior squad in 13 months.
http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/03/10/aston-villas-libor-kozak-tweets-on-another-huge-step-in-his-come/
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Good news for Libor after such a long lay off.
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good news....hope you can keep the progress going Libor
UTV
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Libor to score the winner in the cup final?
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I thought he was in his late twenties
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Rob who sits two rows in front of me (that's not Rob who sits next to me or Rob who sits one row in front) was chatting to Libor pre-match on Saturday.
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Apparently Libor spent at least part of Saturday night in The Village in Moseley because he was introduced to my football-clueless boss who had no idea who he was. I am reliably informed though he was drinking Diet Coke.
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I like him.
Proper old-fashioned CF.
Makes defenders work hard and know he is there.
Love the way he celebrates with us....he's bought into AVFC, no doubt.
Libor Libor, Libor Libor, Libor Libor, Libor Libor KOZAK!
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I hope he gets back to where he was before the injury. He was a great assett and really likeable character. He could thrive on an inform Sinclair and Nzogbia.
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Rob who sits two rows in front of me (that's not Rob who sits next to me or Rob who sits one row in front) was chatting to Libor pre-match on Saturday.
Ah that's our rob, not knob rob
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So what's the craic then, him and Helenius battling it out for the CrouchOrmondroyd role next season?
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I like Kozak as well. I know he's not what we really needed at the time, but I thought he looked a decent striker for the money we paid.
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One would like to think we might get some timely returns from injury in the next few weeks - Kozak, Vlaar, Baker, Senderos et al
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One would like to think we might get some timely returns from injury in the next few weeks - Kozak, Vlaar, Baker, Senderos et al
be like new signings
groan
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shouldn't this thread now be called Libor Kozak...getting better
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shouldn't this thread now be called Libor Kozak...getting better
There's no reason to tempt fate....
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shouldn't this thread now be called Libor Kozak...getting better
There's no reason to tempt fate....
I'm trying to send some positive energy from all of us to the big man
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I hope Tim Sherwood will use him and Benteke as main pair for next season. It will be nice to see him play next month or whatever.
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Libor Kozak is set to make his long awaited return from injury in tonight's U21 meeting with Wolves at Molineux.
The striker has been sidelined for 14 months after breaking his leg on the practice pitches of Bodymoor Heath in January 2014.
Loan moves for Lewis Kinsella and Graham Burke sees Niall Mason and Rory Hale come in while regulars Jerell Sellars and Riccardo Calder are back in the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Carles Gil features in his second consecutive match for Gordon Cowans' side.
Villa U21s make the short trip to Molineux as they look to make it a hat-trick of victories over their Black Country rivals for the 2014-15 campaign.
Back in October 2014, goals from Jack Grealish and Jerell Sellars helped Villa to a 2-1 win in the reverse Barclays U21 Premier League fixture at Burton.
The two West Midlands sides also met in a Premier League Cup last 16 tie.
Michael Drennan's early goal was the difference that day.
Cowans' Young Lions are in good form ahead of the trip and have picked up maximum points in their previous two matches.
Two late strikes beat Bolton at the Macron Stadium before an experienced claret and blue XI saw off West Brom 3-0 at Bodymoor Heath last time out.
Goals from Graham Burke, Grealish and Joshua Webb secured victory over the Baggies.
Meanwhile, basement side Wolves go into the clash on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Derby last Thursday.
The division's draw specialists have struggled for consistency.
They have won one, drawn eight and lost eight of their league games.
Kick-off at Molineux is 7pm.
WOLVES U21: McCarey, Matinyadze, O'Hanlon, Evans, Hayden, Upton, Ismail, Kellermann, Wilson, Hunte, Graham. Subs: Simpson, Burgoyne, Weeks, Harris, Bancessi.
VILLA U21: Steer, Leggett, Toner (C), Mason, Hale, Calder, Cowans, Sellars, Gil, Hepburn-Murphy, Kozak. Subs: Watkins, Webb, McKirdy, Green, Suliman.
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Good luck big man. Get your confidence back first!
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Great news. Good luck Libor.
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Welcome back Libor.
Hope you get some joy!
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Great news and hopefully he'll get through with no problems.
Good luck, Libor.
-
Good luck Libor.
He impressed me last season. If he's fit enough to play by May he could yet make a telling contribution to our fate.
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Played 60 odd minutes......Hoorah!
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Great to see you back Libor!
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I hope we get to see him belt out another of his celebrations this season :)
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Like Dublin, wouldn't it be nice to see him score the winning penalty at Wembley next week.
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Good news. I would be there tonight if not far away just now.
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Game was last night olaf - we won 1-0 - Libor played 67 minutes...next stop Wembley?
He should be match fit for the final!
:D
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Oh ok thanks fmwmu... I blame my error on time difference😂 good to see the big fella back. Could be useful coming on against Arsenal in the final with 20 mins to go.
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Game was last night olaf - we won 1-0 - Libor played 67 minutes...next stop Wembley?
He should be match fit for the final!
:D
Said in today's Evening Mail that he is targetting the Man City game.
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Good luck Libor.
He impressed me last season. If he's fit enough to play by May he could yet make a telling contribution to our fate.
Can he play at full back?
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Whats going on with Kozak now? he's been in full training about 6-7 weeks i think
Any updates on his progress?
-
Unless needed and unless we need a body on the bench come Burnley to chase goals i think he'll be done until pre-season.
-
He just tweeted he has broken his leg again....I think???!
-
He just tweeted he has broken his leg again....I think???!
That's definitely his account.
What horrible news.
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 5m5 minutes ago
two broke legs in one and half year.. In training!! No more words need
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Absolutely gutted for him
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Yeah I just saw that
Awful news for him. I feel so sorry for him
-
Sickening news.
-
It's not completely clear - when he broke down on his first recovery, wasn't that a break too? I.e. is he referring to the past?
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It's not completely clear - when he broke down on his first recovery, wasn't that a break too? I.e. is he referring to the past?
That's what I'm thinking.
-
Uh oh
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 35s36 seconds ago
it's not me with broke leg this time
-
He says it's not him
Must be someone else . .
-
Uh oh
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 35s36 seconds ago
it's not me with broke leg this time
Oh shit!
-
Uh oh
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 35s36 seconds ago
it's not me with broke leg this time
Well who has, then? Oh, blooming dear.
-
I know it's cruel but I'm just hoping it's someone like weimann or cissokho not benteke or delph or grealish
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Please no, please no, please no.
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I know it's cruel but I'm just hoping it's someone like weimann or cissokho not benteke or delph or grealish
I know what you mean. I was thinking similar. And feeling bad for doing so.
-
Please not Tekkers, Delph, Jack, Okore, Vlaar, Cleverley, Zog, or anyone else currentlyin the first team :(
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Fucking social media. I've gone for a quick crap, check out the net and I see this. I wish I took my book to the Tolkien now and not my phone!
-
He's deleted the tweets now.
-
Uh oh
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 35s36 seconds ago
it's not me with broke leg this time
That seems to be a very strange tweet.
-
So someone is fucked? Hope its not the last remnants of our defence either.
-
He's removed the tweets.
-
Christ I'm shitting myself.
-
Either we're keeping it under wraps or he's just accidentally created a needless panic
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Either we're keeping it under wraps or he's just accidentally created a needless panic
Why would he tweet that, though? I suspect he's realised nobody has actually heard about it and deleted appropriately.
-
Look at it logically - wouldn't he be training and therefore phoneless right now?
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Look at it logically - wouldn't he be training and therefore phoneless right now?
The account is definitely him, it is a verified account.
-
There always has to be something to screw up the mood just when you think it's all going really well.
-
There always has to be something to screw up the mood just when you think it's all going really well.
I thought that moment was Tony Adams.
-
Please please please no. Sure that guy is reliable.
https://twitter.com/omariqy
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Look at it logically - wouldn't he be training and therefore phoneless right now?
You would imagine that had there been a horrific leg break at training it would have been cancelled immediately
-
Oh FFS. Please say it's not true.
-
Please please please no. Sure that guy is reliable.
https://twitter.com/omariqy
It's a 'joke'.
-
Please please please no. Sure that guy is reliable.
https://twitter.com/omariqy
Further down the thread he says he is taking the pee.
-
Please please please no. Sure that guy is reliable.
https://twitter.com/omariqy
He says he's just fishing which presumably means he's making it up
-
fucking hell he said he's joking, I think?
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Please please please no. Sure that guy is reliable.
https://twitter.com/omariqy
Oh, dear.
-
fucking hell he said he's joking, I think?
Yes, he has just said.
What a tit.
-
On his Facebook it suggests it happened yesterday but not to one of our players (I think?)
https://www.facebook.com/liborkozakcz
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Sorry you can ban me for believing him if you want.
-
Fucking hilarious!
-
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 21s21 seconds ago
broke leg of young goalkeeper Siegirst. In training again.. No more words need
-
On his Facebook it suggests it happened yesterday but not to one of our players (I think?)
https://www.facebook.com/liborkozakcz
Thanks to the wonders of Google Translate he seems to be talking about a young goalkeeper.
-
Siegrist
-
It's siegrist
Horrible to say but I'm relieved (sorry for him of course)
-
fucking hell he said he's joking, I think?
Yes, he has just said.
What a tit.
Cant get twitter at work. Presume this bell-end posted Benteke's broken his leg? If to he should be tracked down & burnt at the stake!
-
First thought: thank fuck for that.
Second thought: Get well soon.
-
I feel absolutely horrendous but I'm a little bit relieved :(
-
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 2m2 minutes ago
broke leg of young goalkeeper Siegirst. In training again.. No more words need
-
Right, that's half an hour of work I've lost
-
First thought: thank fuck for that.
Second thought: Get well soon.
yeah my sentiments too. That made me feel sick.
-
Twitter: the scourge of modern society.
-
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 2m2 minutes ago
broke leg of young goalkeeper Siegirst. In training again.. No more words need
Get well soon Benji! FFS Kozak, DONT post stuff like that without a name - my blood pressure can't take it! :(
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First thought: thank fuck for that.
Second thought: Get well soon.
Third thought: Will somebody give that idiot who posted about it being Benteke a very good kicking.
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To be honest I'm hoping that Libor's initial quote was slightly lost in translation, because it didn't seem in great taste.
-
Libor Kozák @Libor_Kozak 21s21 seconds ago
broke leg of young goalkeeper Siegirst. In training again.. No more words need
Bad news for the young man and I hope he recovers quickly. Haven't heard much about him recently, anyone knoiw how he was progressing before his injury? I seem to remember him being in the Swiss squad for the Olympics, but haven't heard much since.
-
Good luck Benji.
-
To be honest I'm hoping that Libor's initial quote was slightly lost in translation, because it didn't seem in great taste.
In what way? I doubt he was trying to take the piss. He just said two broken legs in 1 and a half years in training.
-
Tim Sherwood sends staff member to Staples to buy 17 miles of bubble wrap.
-
Anyone think we might see Kozak tomorrow or is he definitely out?
-
Anyone think we might see Kozak tomorrow or is he definitely out?
Would love to see him back on the bench, Gabby to start & tekkers rested.
-
No rest for Benteke as he needs 4 tomorrow and 3 against Arsenal to reach 20 for the season.
-
No rest for Benteke as he needs 4 tomorrow and 3 against Arsenal to reach 20 for the season.
So let him rest and allow him to get 7 versus Arsenal.
-
Tim Sherwood sends staff member to Staples to buy 17 miles of bubble wrap.
That reminds me of a time our warehouse took delivery of a large consignment of bubble wrap. One of the lads asked me what he should do with it. I said " just pop it in the corner". We didn't see him for the rest of the day.
-
Anyone think we might see Kozak tomorrow or is he definitely out?
Would love to see him back on the bench, Gabby to start & tekkers rested.
Can't see him putting in an appearance tbh...except for the lap of appreciation thingy.
-
No rest for Benteke as he needs 4 tomorrow and 3 against Arsenal to reach 20 for the season.
So let him rest and allow him to get 7 versus Arsenal.
A "reverse Ted Drake".
-
No rest for Benteke as he needs 4 tomorrow and 3 against Arsenal to reach 20 for the season.
If he gets 4 tomorrow and 3 against Arsenal he will have 22 for the season.
He's currently on 15.
-
22? OK I am prepared to live with that!
-
Having Libor score 2 against Wolves last night is a massive boost. I can't see the point of signing Berbatov as back up to Adebayor. Kozak deserves to get the nod, and God knows he didn't do much wrong before his very unfortunate injury. I hope he gets what he deserves and starts against Bournemouth. He's earned it.
-
Couple of good goals last night but I must be in the minority as I'm not convinced by Kozak. Obvious sympathy for his injuries but he seems very slow not only in terms of pace, but also slow feet in terms of agility and controlling the ball particularly in tight areas. He also appears to be very clumsy..which isn't necessarily a bad thing as he does fall over a fair bit and could win quite a few penalties! he certainly deserves his chance but I wouldn't be opposed to signing a more dynamic forward option to compliment Ayew.
-
Can we change the title of this thread now?
-
it wasn't just his goals.
He worked incredibly hard. He dropped very deep to collect the ball quite a few times, and then set up attacks from the midfield area.
He is far more mobile and skillful than I remembered him being.
He certainly deserves a start at Bournemouth.
-
Well lets face it...he's the main man at the moment and its his shirt to lose, but I think he'll end up playing the cup games and find himself more on the bench as the season progresses and new signings settle in to the team. As I've said before, he's got a habit of scoring goals and thats not a bad habit to have so as long as that continues then he's doing his job.
-
Couple of good goals last night but I must be in the minority as I'm not convinced by Kozak. Obvious sympathy for his injuries but he seems very slow not only in terms of pace, but also slow feet in terms of agility and controlling the ball particularly in tight areas. He also appears to be very clumsy..which isn't necessarily a bad thing as he does fall over a fair bit and could win quite a few penalties! he certainly deserves his chance but I wouldn't be opposed to signing a more dynamic forward option to compliment Ayew.
I don't see that at all, he's not quick but he's quick enough, his touch is good enough and he's mentally sharp enough, the key is to work to his strengths, which isn't pinging long balls to his head for 90minutes.
-
"Libor Kozak Is Not Injured" sounds like the name of a really pretentious black and white central European film which wins lots of awards at highbrow festivals.
-
"Libor Kozak Is Not Injured" sounds like the name of a really pretentious black and white central European film which wins lots of awards at highbrow festivals.
;D
-
As good as his first goal was last night, he's very good at scoring one's like his second. He seemed to sneak into the box un-noticed. I really like him.
-
As good as his first goal was last night, he's very good at scoring one's like his second. He seemed to sneak into the box un-noticed. I really like him.
the dissenting voices on Kozak have gone very quiet. The form he is showing in pre-season is not unlike the form he showed before his injury. He is a far more intelligent player than some give him credit for. His movement is excellent and he uses his body well to make space for others and himself.
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I thought he was one of our most impressive players last night.
He is intelligent, for a start, something we don't have a lot of. He uses space really well - as mentioned above, he manages to ghost into positions pretty much unnoticed, and he also knows when to hold the ball up and look to bring others into play.
Watching Gabby last night was the absolute opposite. Lots of energy and pace, but really pretty much zero nous.
Kozak has been one of the preseason highlights for me.
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Maybe he'll never be REALLY popular though because let's face it, he's an ugly fucker!
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As good as his first goal was last night, he's very good at scoring one's like his second. He seemed to sneak into the box un-noticed. I really like him.
A proper strikers tap in. Which, great as he was for us, Benteke never seemed to do. Most of his goals seemed to be from beating someone in the air, a great shot or a bit of skill. Stealing in at the back post was never his style, sometimes frustratingly so.
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Maybe he'll never be REALLY popular though because let's face it, he's an ugly fucker!
He's not in keowns league
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Couple of good goals last night but I must be in the minority as I'm not convinced by Kozak. Obvious sympathy for his injuries but he seems very slow not only in terms of pace, but also slow feet in terms of agility and controlling the ball particularly in tight areas. He also appears to be very clumsy..which isn't necessarily a bad thing as he does fall over a fair bit and could win quite a few penalties! he certainly deserves his chance but I wouldn't be opposed to signing a more dynamic forward option to compliment Ayew.
Same here, I think I might have posted before that we should out him on a diet of Guiness and Balti pies, he's never going to be quick but we can sure make him heavier and stronger. Problem with him being muscled off the ball is that clearances will keep coming straight back at us. If we are going to play with a lone front man with one or two off then I think we need someone else.
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He doesn't have to be quick. He's deceptive enough to create goals out of half chances and these goals have earned us points out of very difficult matches that we may have lost (Man City/Norwich). He's never going to be running at defenders, but he knows where the goal is and where the ball is going to be.
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Id play him, I think he'll score plenty. Just need to get the right partner.
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I think he is quality, juuuuuust you wait.
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He's ace and when he scores it's like he's supported Villa all his life.
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I think he is quality, juuuuuust you wait.
Totally agree. Intelligent, strong & brave. If he stays fit I think he is going to have a great season.
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I think he's shown in his brief spells he is a natural goal scorer. And he never stops working. I hope he gets the chance he has worked hard for.
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I think he's great.
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He's not the most skilful player in the world, but I love Libor!
Took his two goals last night really well, but could have had a hat-trick v Walsall.
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The key to being successful is having different ways of setting the team up in attack. Kozak doesn't look as though he will ever be a target man that leads the line but going from a 4-2-3-1 to an attacking 4-3-3, he can play that central role.
For too long we have only had a Plan A and substitutions have been like for like, whether the player can play the role or not.
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I like him, unlucky not to get at least 3
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He's not the most skilful player in the world, but I love Libor!
Took his two goals last night really well, but could have had a hat-trick v Walsall.
To be fair his first goal last night was as skilful a goal as I've seen in a long time.
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He's not the most skilful player in the world, but I love Libor!
Took his two goals last night really well, but could have had a hat-trick v Walsall.
He scores goals. That's his skill.
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I haven't seen enough of Kozak to really have a strong opinion either way, but he does seem to get a few goals even when not looking particularly on top form, I think that's a good thing
The two players I'm not convinced about for the coming season are Sinclair and Okore,
I know the latter has a lot of admirers on here and that's fair enough,
he just looks a mistake waiting to happen for me, although he does follow up any bloopers with some good football but it can be to late by then
Sinclair had never impressed me since he signed, a couple of goals aside, although he is Maradona compared to N'zog
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He's not the most skilful player in the world, but I love Libor!
Took his two goals last night really well, but could have had a hat-trick v Walsall.
To be fair his first goal last night was as skilful a goal as I've seen in a long time.
His first was alright too.
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The two players I'm not convinced about for the coming season are Sinclair and Okore
I know the latter has a lot of admirers on here and that's fair enough,
he just looks a mistake waiting to happen for me, although he does follow up any bloopers with some good football but it can be to late by then
How many 22 year old defenders look completely error-proof though? He's over a year younger than Baker, three years younger than Bennett and Clark and only a year older than Donacien who is still basically seen as still a child.
At the moment he's good, in the future he could be great but if he is then it'll only though bringing him through well and using him properly.
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I haven't seen enough of Kozak to really have a strong opinion either way, but he does seem to get a few goals even when not looking particularly on top form, I think that's a good thing
The two players I'm not convinced about for the coming season are Sinclair and Okore,
I know the latter has a lot of admirers on here and that's fair enough,
he just looks a mistake waiting to happen for me, although he does follow up any bloopers with some good football but it can be to late by then
Sinclair had never impressed me since he signed, a couple of goals aside, although he is Maradona compared to N'zog
The only counter I'd offer on Okore is that he is very young for a central defender still and he's had 1 season at this level. Personally I've seen enough improvement in him to think that he will become a very good defender and what he really needs now is game time.
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Okore is one of the players we have to convince to sign a new contract. A good season for the club in 15/16 will help us to do this.
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Sinclair was shit last night, I still think he'll do OK
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Okore is one of the players we have to convince to sign a new contract. A good season for the club in 15/16 will help us to do this.
I don't think he's been outstanding. He's been good at times, very good sometimes and showed he is still learning the game in a few instances. I think Okore is in a very good position at his age, and he'll do well to get his spot from Richards when he comes back. We should be tying him down to a new deal but not out of any genuine fear of losing him to an elite side.
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I actually wonder if Sherwood rates Kozak? What must he think with us buying all these strikers?
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I actually wonder if Sherwood rates Kozak? What must he think with us buying all these strikers?
Maybe there's some question about his long term fitness? He has got a chunk of metal in his lower leg.
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I actually wonder if Sherwood rates Kozak? What must he think with us buying all these strikers?
Maybe there's some question about his long term fitness? He has got a chunk of metal in his lower leg.
Well, when we had Kozak for the last two seasons we also had Weimann and Benteke as part of our first team squad. It looks like we're replacing those two with Ayew and Adebayor.
It's not like his position has really changed.
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I actually wonder if Sherwood rates Kozak? What must he think with us buying all these strikers?
Which strikers have we signed?
[answer quickly otherwise I might look stupid - thanks]
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He has that strikers instinct , his 2nd goal last night being a prime example of this, anticipation and execution made to look natural.
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Kozak is currently our only big man option. I would guess that a big striker will be very much in Tim's thinking. Maybe not all the time, but certainly it's not something we'll leave behind. Again, I think Adebeyor coming in would be about covering bases. Kozak is coming back from a horrible injury. If Libor does well enough, Sherwood will rate him. He's looked sharp in pre-season. I personally really like Libor. He works hard. He's a very good finisher. He's really good at first time or one touch finishes. He finds space in the box. I actually fancy him to be the surprise package of this season. I don't think he'll start every game but I do fancy him to possibly (fitness permitting) become a first choice by the second half of the season.
Given we've lost Weimann, Helenius, Bent and Benteke off our books, I don't think signing two strikers (if Manu comes in) should signal that Kozak isn't rated. He'll have an important part to play.
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What past player would people compare him to?
From the descriptions he sounds a bit like Sheringham, an ability to drop deep, not a particularly good target man, slow... Is that accurate/fair?
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Micky Quinn?
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What past player would people compare him to?
From the descriptions he sounds a bit like Sheringham, an ability to drop deep, not a particularly good target man, slow... Is that accurate/fair?
Hes not unlike a taller Darren Bent, finds space in the box and get shots away but somewhat limited outside of the box.
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I haven't seen enough of Kozak to really have a strong opinion either way, but he does seem to get a few goals even when not looking particularly on top form, I think that's a good thing
The two players I'm not convinced about for the coming season are Sinclair and Okore,
I know the latter has a lot of admirers on here and that's fair enough,
he just looks a mistake waiting to happen for me, although he does follow up any bloopers with some good football but it can be to late by then
Sinclair had never impressed me since he signed, a couple of goals aside, although he is Maradona compared to N'zog
Okore was completely knackered at the end of last season really, look at how he was wincing early on in the cup final when he started getting into a jog.
The kid is quality and hopefully the operation has sorted him out.
Yeah I'm struggling to see where Sinclair fits into things now with all the new signings although he does seem to be starting most of the pre season games. Does seem to be a fixed club signing that Sherwood didn't really want.
With Libor he just has a good knack of getting on the end of things and scoring goals so blimey we need all the players we can capable of that this season so a must keep.
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I actually wonder if Sherwood rates Kozak? What must he think with us buying all these strikers?
Which strikers have we signed?
[answer quickly otherwise I might look stupid - thanks]
Ayew, I meant in terms of going for Addy, linked with Berbatov the guy from Blackburn, must be thinking what about me?
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What past player would people compare him to?
From the descriptions he sounds a bit like Sheringham, an ability to drop deep, not a particularly good target man, slow... Is that accurate/fair?
Hes not unlike a taller Darren Bent, finds space in the box and get shots away but somewhat limited outside of the box.
Did ok last night, I suppose we've not really seen enough of him yet
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Ayew Adebayor Grealish
Gabby Kozak Gil
What I expect our first choice attack to be with back up underneath.
It's worth remembering Tim has already changed the formation from initally 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and then the 4-3-2-1 which I think worked best for us so I can't see why next season will be just one formation so all those players will get chances e.g. if we go 4-4-2 in some games at home I'd imagine Gabby and Sinclair would come in.
Horses for courses, he'll make changes when required so Libor could come in and start games when Adebayor has his can't be arsed spell of 5 games at some point of the season.
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Ayew Adebayor Grealish
Gabby Kozak Gil
What I expect our first choice attack to be with back up underneath.
It's worth remembering Tim has already changed the formation from initally 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and then the 4-3-2-1 which I think worked best for us so I can't see why next season will be just one formation so all those players will get chances e.g. if we go 4-4-2 in some games at home I'd imagine Gabby and Sinclair would come in.
Horses for courses, he'll make changes when required so Libor could come in and start games when Adebayor has his can't be arsed spell of 5 games at some point of the season.
What about Sinclair?
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Theres definitely a place for Kozak in the squad but we'd be in trouble if he's our main striking option to replace Benteke...but I very much doubt that will be the case anyway. As mentioned above, TS will definitely be changing formations during the course of the season (even if not during games) so they will all get games.
One thing to remember about preseason though is that Kozak has pretty much been our only option, he needs game time and we haven't exactly played any games against testing opposition. In a couple of weeks time we'll find soon find out which of these players are good enough.
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Theres definitely a place for Kozak in the squad but we'd be in trouble if he's our main striking option to replace Benteke...but I very much doubt that will be the case anyway. As mentioned above, TS will definitely be changing formations during the course of the season (even if not during games) so they will all get games.
One thing to remember about preseason though is that Kozak has pretty much been our only option, he needs game time and we haven't exactly played any games against testing opposition. In a couple of weeks time we'll find soon find out which of these players are good enough.
we don't have to replace Benteke. We need to have other players that can collectively score more goals. Benteke scored 50% of the teams goals the past 3 seasons. That's not good at all and it means we relied on him way too much. There has to be much better distribution and our midfield and defenders also need to get in on the act.
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Theres definitely a place for Kozak in the squad but we'd be in trouble if he's our main striking option to replace Benteke...but I very much doubt that will be the case anyway. As mentioned above, TS will definitely be changing formations during the course of the season (even if not during games) so they will all get games.
One thing to remember about preseason though is that Kozak has pretty much been our only option, he needs game time and we haven't exactly played any games against testing opposition. In a couple of weeks time we'll find soon find out which of these players are good enough.
we don't have to replace Benteke. We need to have other players that can collectively score more goals. Benteke scored 50% of the teams goals the past 3 seasons. That's not good at all and it means we relied on him way too much. There has to be much better distribution and our midfield and defenders also need to get in on the act.
The problem wasn't that Benteke was scoring too large a proportion of our goals - it was that we didn't score enough goals, full stop. We absolutely do need to replace Benteke, as far as I can see, just as any team which sells their top scorer would like to replace him well.
We need to be getting another reliable striker and also more goals from elsewhere.
Go down the route of not attempting to replace Benteke on the basis of expecting the goals to come from elsewhere, and pretty soon we'll find ourselves relying on the likes of Gabby to weigh in with a few goals. I don't fancy that.
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Theres definitely a place for Kozak in the squad but we'd be in trouble if he's our main striking option to replace Benteke...but I very much doubt that will be the case anyway. As mentioned above, TS will definitely be changing formations during the course of the season (even if not during games) so they will all get games.
One thing to remember about preseason though is that Kozak has pretty much been our only option, he needs game time and we haven't exactly played any games against testing opposition. In a couple of weeks time we'll find soon find out which of these players are good enough.
we don't have to replace Benteke. We need to have other players that can collectively score more goals. Benteke scored 50% of the teams goals the past 3 seasons. That's not good at all and it means we relied on him way too much. There has to be much better distribution and our midfield and defenders also need to get in on the act.
The problem wasn't that Benteke was scoring too large a proportion of our goals - it was that we didn't score enough goals, full stop. We absolutely do need to replace Benteke, as far as I can see, just as any team which sells their top scorer would like to replace him well.
We need to be getting another reliable striker and also more goals from elsewhere.
Go down the route of not attempting to replace Benteke on the basis of expecting the goals to come from elsewhere, and pretty soon we'll find ourselves relying on the likes of Gabby to weigh in with a few goals. I don't fancy that.
getting a reliable striker isn't the same as replacing Benteke. Not like Benteke was scoring 25-30 a season. Replacing his goals would represent having someone score on average 12-15 goals a season over the next three years. Yes, we need to score more goals, from everywhere, and in doing so it will allow our main striker to have a bit more freedom to score. As it was it became the Benteke show, and when the opponent shut him down or the supply route we couldn't score at all. That has to change. We need to have greater options and threat in other areas of the pitch.
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If we sort out this Veretout deal and managed to pull off a deal for Adebayor and Michu too, then we would have a side with so many more players who are regular scorers but also creators of goals. It struck me that despite the people who said Ayew is not going to replace Benteke, he scored and created more goals and chances than his brother who people generally seem to think is a good signing at Swansea last season. Veretout scored and created more goals on both counts than our entire midfield last season in the league I think. Gueye playing holding midfield scored more too. Amavi from what I have seen so far is going to provide a lot more chances from the left than Richardson and Cissokho managed last season, so I think there is good reason to be optimistic that the players coming in are much more likely to contribute to the goal tally than us relying on that diagonal ball into Benteke and hoping to play from there. He was brilliant for us, but I hope we evolve out of his departure as a better team.
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An important thing to remember is that this will be TS first full season and he's very much started to dismantle the squad that has performed so poorly in recent years and laying the foundations to building his own team this summer. When he took over from Lambert he inherited a shambles of a team devoid of confidence and creativity, and had to get the team playing to its strengths to get results...which was basically Benteke. This also included leaving out players such as Gil on the basis that in a short space of time, he developed a style of play to get us over the line to avoid relegation. Target achieved with the added bonus of a couple of days out at Wembley.
There were a few games under TS where we played some of the best football we've seen down at Villa for a while, and the common belief that was that high tempo passing game was just too much to sustain at the end of the season with players looking dead on their feet and the results tailed off when we reverted to hitting long balls into the box for Benteke.
If these new signings have been made with the intention of implementing that high tempo passing game then there will be chances created and goals scored across the park as the style of play and the players required are simply more dynamic. I agree that we don't need to replace Benteke with a like for like player...what we need is for someone to replace the number of goals that Benteke scored. We know we need to score more from midfield and with the new additions to the squad theres no reason why a few of them can't add 5-10 goals each, however we still need at least one forward that will score 12-15 goals without having tactics so dependent on the strengths of any one player.
As I mentioned above, TS has already alluded to the fact that we'll vary formations and tactics (horses for courses) and I think we'll see more of the squad being used/rotated as the quality and competition for places improves, however we'll also soon start to see who will be our main goal threat once the players settle in and the team gels. I think we'll be more dynamic and versatile, but we do need one of them to step up with the number of goals that Benteke did score in addition to more players contributing...and at this stage, that player could be Kozak, Adebayor, Ayew or someone else.
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
We'll need the players who are staying to play a crucial role - Westwood and Clark for example
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I do think you have a point Matt, but speaking for myself I'm pleased to see the team being completely overhauled. Because it was absolutely dreadful and full of losers. As well as bringing in some much needed ability I suspect Sherwood is also removing the stink of defeatism too.
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
We'll need the players who are staying to play a crucial role - Westwood and Clark for example
This is the team that nearly got us relegated three times on the bounce. We needed to freshen things up.
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Exactly Clampy. You cannot just keep wall papering and hoping it will rectify the structural defect in the supporting wall of a home. Sometimes you need to take a hammer to it and start again.
I keep reading that "we have lost the spine", when the reality is we have lost three decent players, quite easily replaced and one world class centre forward who has carried everybody else for three years.
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
We'll need the players who are staying to play a crucial role - Westwood and Clark for example
This is the team that nearly got us relegated three times on the bounce. We needed to freshen things up.
Towards the end of Lambert's days, the stench of defeat and acceptance of shiteness that was emanating from the squad and the club was overwhelming. Quite apart from some players not being good enough, I think Sherwood has almost been forced to get rid of a good chunk of the squad, just to blend in some players who aren't conditioned into thinking getting shafted every weekend is how it is.
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Exactly Clampy. You cannot just keep wall papering and hoping it will rectify the structural defect in the supporting wall of a home. Sometimes you need to take a hammer to it and start again.
I keep reading that "we have lost the spine", when the reality is we have lost three decent players, quite easily replaced and one world class centre forward who has carried everybody else for three years.
Which is quite ironic when you consider that any number of displays over the last 3 years could be described as spineless.
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Exactly Clampy. You cannot just keep wall papering and hoping it will rectify the structural defect in the supporting wall of a home. Sometimes you need to take a hammer to it and start again.
I keep reading that "we have lost the spine", when the reality is we have lost three decent players, quite easily replaced and one world class centre forward who has carried everybody else for three years.
Which is quite ironic when you consider that any number of displays over the last 3 years could be described as spineless.
Exactly
Change was needed and the dead wood taken out
I actually think we will play better without Benteke - mainly because we will have to play a different game
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As sad as I am to see him go (regardless of where to), we could actually as a team be better off for it.
A comparatively large proportion of the squad who are not used to having an easy out of hoof it in his direction, abdicating responsibility for trying to build play, coupled with him not being there to hoof it towards forces us to change.
Of course the presence of Kozak and potentially Adebeyor could reintroduce the temptation, which would be a shame. Hopefully Sherwood will be clamping down on it when it's needless, there will always be times when it's the right thing to do - that's where having some footballing intelligence in the squad will hopefully help.
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Spot on VID
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
We'll need the players who are staying to play a crucial role - Westwood and Clark for example
This is the team that nearly got us relegated three times on the bounce. We needed to freshen things up.
Towards the end of Lambert's days, the stench of defeat and acceptance of shiteness that was emanating from the squad and the club was overwhelming. Quite apart from some players not being good enough, I think Sherwood has almost been forced to get rid of a good chunk of the squad, just to blend in some players who aren't conditioned into thinking getting shafted every weekend is how it is.
This reminds me of the summer BFR took over. He inherited a team that just avoided relegation and lost his most valuable player/main goalscorer in Platt. He also chose to ship out a fair few other established players and rebuilt the whole team.
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
Sherwood is completely dismantling a team that, by nearly everyone's account, would have been relegated without Delph and Benteke anyway. Nothing to lose, go for it.
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
Sherwood is completely dismantling a team that, by nearly everyone's account, would have been relegated without Delph and Benteke anyway. Nothing to lose, go for it.
Yup - there has been a malaise about the place and he looks to be trying to change it.
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
Sherwood is completely dismantling a team that, by nearly everyone's account, would have been relegated without Delph and Benteke anyway. Nothing to lose, go for it.
Great point - so yeah lets go for it with attacking players playing attacking football
Whatever next - no relegation battle?
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As sad as I am to see him go (regardless of where to), we could actually as a team be better off for it.
A comparatively large proportion of the squad who are not used to having an easy out of hoof it in his direction, abdicating responsibility for trying to build play, coupled with him not being there to hoof it towards forces us to change.
Of course the presence of Kozak and potentially Adebeyor could reintroduce the temptation, which would be a shame. Hopefully Sherwood will be clamping down on it when it's needless, there will always be times when it's the right thing to do - that's where having some footballing intelligence in the squad will hopefully help.
the style of play in pre-season would suggest that we are trying to play it on the floor more and looking to play it forwards, will make a nice change if we continue like that
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
Sherwood is completely dismantling a team that, by nearly everyone's account, would have been relegated without Delph and Benteke anyway. Nothing to lose, go for it.
Great point - so yeah lets go for it with attacking players playing attacking football
Whatever next - no relegation battle?
what I want to know is when will we break the magical 12 league goal mark this season?
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
Sherwood is completely dismantling a team that, by nearly everyone's account, would have been relegated without Delph and Benteke anyway. Nothing to lose, go for it.
Great point - so yeah lets go for it with attacking players playing attacking football
Whatever next - no relegation battle?
what I want to know is when will we break the magical 12 league goal mark this season?
Game 3 - after 7 against Bournemouth and 5 v United
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
Sherwood is completely dismantling a team that, by nearly everyone's account, would have been relegated without Delph and Benteke anyway. Nothing to lose, go for it.
That's absolutely spot on.
Dismantling a team is never without risks, but we'd be dismantling a team which has just delivered a 17th place finish.
It is like taking a decision over a sick animal.
Like a famous lion you have an irrepressible urge to kill your dog being so ill he's shitting and pissing everywhere and looking feeble, you might shoot him dead with a crossbow, skin and behead him take him to the vet and have him put to sleep.
And if we've lost the "spine" of our side, that's a spine which hast just finished as low as it is possible to do so without getting relegated.
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Said somewhere else, it's a bit rich complaining about taking the spine out of our side when we've spineless for most of the last 3 years,
*Open goal for jokes about that motherf****er that went up the M6*
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It's a very well completely dismantling the team but that can very easily go badly wrong
We'll need the players who are staying to play a crucial role - Westwood and Clark for example
This is the team that nearly got us relegated three times on the bounce. We needed to freshen things up.
Towards the end of Lambert's days, the stench of defeat and acceptance of shiteness that was emanating from the squad and the club was overwhelming. Quite apart from some players not being good enough, I think Sherwood has almost been forced to get rid of a good chunk of the squad, just to blend in some players who aren't conditioned into thinking getting shafted every weekend is how it is.
This reminds me of the summer BFR took over. He inherited a team that just avoided relegation and lost his most valuable player/main goalscorer in Platt. He also chose to ship out a fair few other established players and rebuilt the whole team.
Andy Gray was talking on the radio about this sometime last year.
He said a first they were going to ease in and make a couple of signings, but after a couple of weeks training Ron decided it needed major surgery.
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Yeah Ron was quoted saying we'd get relegated with this lot
Perhaps Tim took the same view (he'd have been right I think)
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Kozak is big but he's not really a target man. I hope if Timmeh gives him a chance, he'll play to Libor's strengths, which is to get him service in the box because he's got good movement and he's a good finisher. I hope we weed out the temptation to go long early, because it wouldn't suit Libor. It could work with Adebayor, but even he prefers it on the deck.
I expect us to keep the ball down though as it appears Sherwood is taking a broom to the midfield. (Thank McGrath).
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He must have felt great after the wolves game and be wondering what's going on now
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He must have felt great after the wolves game and be wondering what's going on now
Yeah, I expect he will be leaving before end of window either on loan or permanently. Professional football is a tough trade at times.
Before his injury, he really offered nothing for us bar his penalty box prowess. Couldn't hold the ball up and no pace. But love his attitude and putting the ball in the net is a handy habit to have.
As an impact sub I can see his value but not in a squad where we have Gestede, Abebayor and maybe Gabby competing for one central striker role. Robinson might get some chances next term too.
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He must have felt great after the wolves game and be wondering what's going on now
You'd hope that he understand that relying on a striker that's just come back from a bad injury isn't the way forward either. I hope he stays and is our version of Dzeko.
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Kozak is decent .
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I can't remember which top manager said it, but one of them a couple of seasons back said to have any chance of doing well in the Premier League you needed 4 top strikers, as with form, injury, formation and general fatigue over the season you will need all of them to chip in and score the goals. I think with Kozak, Adebayor, Gestede and Ayew we at least have 4 quite different centre forwards who can each play their part. Gestede and Adebayor are used to playing in 2, Ayew is more of a running on kind of player and Kozak looks a goalscorer to me, with movement and little pace but just a right place, right time type. I would have the lot if I were Sherwood and worry about their happiness next summer. If we are going to move forward, we have to have a squad to do so.
And we have Gabby.
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Yeah, I expect he will be leaving before end of window either on loan or permanently. Professional football is a tough trade at times.
I think he's shown enough preseason to earn at least another season to truly prove himself and I suspect TS would feel the same. Our striking options were looking very limited with just Kozak, Gabby and Robinson, so adding Ayew, Gestede and Adebayor gives us options and strength in depth. Robinson is the most likely to go out on loan for game time and experience.
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I'd be amazed if Kozak moved on - he's got plenty to prove following such a lonog time out.
FWIW, I've always been impressed when I've seen him play; he brings so much more than just being a big lump. He does a great job of bringing other players into the game and making space for midfield runners.
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Some Forest fans on twitter think he is going there on loan.
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Getting rid of Kozak would be a big mistake, he's a very useful player, can score goals and he is in possession of a functioning brain. Plus, his unfettered goal scoring celebrations are right out of the top draw.
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Some Forest fans on twitter think he is going there on loan.
As I've said on the transfer thread, it's probably a good idea to get him up to competitive match strength etc.
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I think i'd prefer Gabby to be loaned out than Kozak.
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I think i'd prefer Gabby to be loaned out than Kozak.
Good suggestion, but unlikely
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I hope not. He knows where the net is and besides other than at Blackburn, Gestede's goal record is nothing to shout about so that's a gamble in itself. I'd keep hold of him.
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I just wish Barclays had fixed him earlier.
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I just wish Barclays had fixed him earlier.
I Rate him as well but your comment is a bit derivative of ones I've made before ;)
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So does anyone know if he actually picked up a knock or was it purely for tactical reasons and was unlucky to make the match day squad?
Or is he off on loan as rumoured.
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a loan would be best for him to get regular games and boost his fitness but I'd hate to see him go out if someone else isn't coming in
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Strange there's been no information to come out about it.. I mean, for sitting out a year and a half the guy put plenty of the balls in the back of the net thus far to warrant a first-team place for a club that "can't score". When is the loan-out deadline?
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Following the amount of time he's missed, I think it's going to take more than a couple of goals and indifferent performances in friendlies before we can say he's back.
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Strange there's been no information to come out about it.. I mean, for sitting out a year and a half the guy put plenty of the balls in the back of the net thus far to warrant a first-team place for a club that "can't score". When is the loan-out deadline?
He could go out on loan to the championship for a month after the deadline due to the laughingly termed and much abused 'emergency loan' system couldn't he?
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What's this guy going to have to do to get some game time?
He's the forgotten man , no mention on here since August so are we just as bad?
I think he might be better suited to bringing other players in to play than say Ayew or Gestede
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Very much the forgotten man. If he is fit then he is due a game and fast. He showed a couple of seasons ago what he could do and would provide a good target for the wingers/midfielders to aim for.
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Had he shagged Sherwoods wife or something? I can't think of a valid reason for him not to be getting a look in when we seem so short of viable options up front.
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Had he shagged Sherwoods wife or something? I can't think of a valid reason for him not to be getting a look in when we seem so short of viable options up front.
But its no different than the way Lambert shut out Bent. Anytime you have a change in manager you have a change in ideas. Because Kozak was not a Sherwood signing and he doesn't know much about him then he is always going to go with his own players or ideas. The same way as Lambert was being too stuborn over Bent, Sherwood is being too stuborn with Kozak. Its just the nature of managers sadly.
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Probably doesn't help his cause that TS spent the best part of 12-15 mil on Gestede and Ayew so will play them ahead of him ...
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@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC 2-1 #BHAFC - GOAL - 90mins: Villa lead! Kinsella is brought down in the box, up steps Kozak to fire home from the spot. #BU21PL
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Probably doesn't help his cause that TS spent the best part of 12-15 mil on Gestede and Ayew so will play them ahead of him ...
Unfortunately, neither of them appear to be better players than Kozak.
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He's had so long out. It may genuinely be lack of readiness. But I'd put him on the bench ahead of Ayew at the moment. I don't think Tim will for obvious reasons.
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I mentioned after the Notts County match that when he came on, he changed the game. He was training before pre-season and scored 3 goals in the run in. I hope Sherwood is not doing the "he is not my player" syndrome I suspect he done with Gil. Then realising, he is just what the team needs ......
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I mentioned after the Notts County match that when he came on, he changed the game. He was training before pre-season and scored 3 goals in the run in. I hope Sherwood is not doing the "he is not my player" syndrome I suspect he done with Gil. Then realising, he is just what the team needs ......
I suspect he is . Bombing Gil out ?? Why ?? Now bombing Kozak out ??? Why ??
this better not turn into a vanity project for sherwood .
Ayew should be nowhere near the squad. Gestede is behind Kozak for me .
Let's see
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I mentioned after the Notts County match that when he came on, he changed the game. He was training before pre-season and scored 3 goals in the run in. I hope Sherwood is not doing the "he is not my player" syndrome I suspect he done with Gil. Then realising, he is just what the team needs ......
I suspect he is . Bombing Gil out ?? Why ?? Now bombing Kozak out ??? Why ??
this better not turn into a vanity project for sherwood .
Ayew should be nowhere near the squad. Gestede is behind Kozak for me .
Let's see
Bombing Gil out?
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Well yes. He did exactly that. Almost every Villa fan was asking why Gil was not getting game time after probably being our most creative player prior to Sherwoods appointment ?
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Well yes. He did exactly that. Almost every Villa fan was asking why Gil was not getting game time after probably being our most creative player prior to Sherwoods appointment ?
Wasn't Gil injured for a fair bit of the time after Sherwood came in. I know he dropped him initially after seeing him in the Stoke game.
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tbh I half-expected him to start on Sunday.
I think he would have given Morgan a tougher time than he had - a standard, solid defender was allowed to look like Beckenbauer at his finest.
Kozak makes life tough for defenders, Gabby does 2 or 3 times during a game when "on fire", no one else seems to close down or disrupt some pretty inept, average CBs playing for the likes of Leicester and Sunderland.
I hope we see him in the next week or so!
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Apparently TS left Gil out last season because he felt he wasn't the type of player we needed to get out of the relegation scrap we were trying to get out of, however this season he is definitely one that TS wants to utilise but he keeps picking up these niggling injuries.
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Hopefully now that Kozak has had a full match and scored he will start on Saturday. He has been out for a while but still has an impressive score rate .....
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If we need an outlet for someone to hold the ball up and bring others into play then Kozak is the best option ahead of Gabby, Gestede and Ayew. The downside to Kozak is that he's very slow and cumbersome...in a strange way though, his awkwardness is actually one of his strong points because defenders don't actually know whether he's trying to control or stop himself from falling over the ball half the time.
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He is slow in an out and out sprint. But is quick to react in the box. And if Traore is fit he will be at the end of the balls he will provide. With Gana-Traore-Kozak playing, I think we could be a very strong team .....
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I would have 4-2-3-1 formation with Gana and Sanchez/Westwood and 3 out of Sinclair, Traore, Grealish and Gil and Kozak upfront. But I am not the manager.
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Even with a pre season ,L K will still not be ready for a Premiership game,the very long time he has been missing through injury, means we willhave to wait some time, until he is up to speed .
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Kozak is - for me - exactly the seasoned striker that the team currently lacks.
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Kozak is - for me - exactly the seasoned striker that the team currently lacks.
IF TS wanted to bring a striker on in the Leicester game Kozak would have been the best choice...big and awkward and always makes the defenders work. The only time the Leicester back 4 looked troubled was when Gabby broke to set up our second.
I just hope we don't play into the hands of the Stripeys and Scum CBs by lumping it forward to...Gabby/Gestede/ANO...which we did far too much on Sunday and got absolutely nowhere.
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Kozak's gotta be in for a shout. Mind you I've been saying that since the pre season friendlies. It would say a lot about Sherwood if he doesn't get a look in.
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Kozak's gotta be in for a shout. Mind you I've been saying that since the pre season friendlies. It would say a lot about Sherwood if he doesn't get a look in.
He should get a shout, but the only thing it would say about Sherwood if he doesn't get selected, is that Sherwood has an opinion that differs!
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I like Kozak a lot. He was great when he came on against Notts County and like someone said, he's very instinctive in the box. The first 60 minutes in the next two games wouldn't hurt.
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I mentioned he was quick to react in the box Clampy. And with the supply from Traore-Grealish-Gil and Armavi he is exactly what we need right now. Gabby was not that bad against Leicester. But nowhere near good enough at this level ...... Vardy was the yardstick at what he "should" be doing ..
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I think he's a better player than Gustede at the moment, so he's got my vote.
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I mentioned he was quick to react in the box Clampy. And with the supply from Traore-Grealish-Gil and Armavi he is exactly what we need right now. Gabby was not that bad against Leicester. But nowhere near good enough at this level ...... Vardy was the yardstick at what he "should" be doing ..
Can't see Kozak starting anytime soon what with these quotes.
Sherwood “These next three games are what Gabby’s all about. He comes to life in these derby games. “No-one wants to win derby games more than Gabby. He’s a homegrown player.”
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It's took Sherwood months to realize if Gil is any good (We all knew he was) so I don't see Kozak getting a game, any time soon.
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It's took Sherwood months to realize if Gil is any good (We all knew he was) so I don't see Kozak getting a game, any time soon.
I thought Sherwood has said that he liked Gil from the off but he wasn't right for the relegation scrap we were in at the time?
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Kozak's gotta be in for a shout. Mind you I've been saying that since the pre season friendlies. It would say a lot about Sherwood if he doesn't get a look in.
He should get a shout, but the only thing it would say about Sherwood if he doesn't get selected, is that Sherwood has an opinion that differs!
And he's the manager, so the one opinion that matters.
We all have our opinions, but TS seems to see things differently to the fans
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What has he got to do to get a chance?
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Because by all accounts and reports (mainly from views from here), Kozak hasn't been playing particularly well in the U21 games he's played in and can't be doing much to impress in training either. He might get a place on the bench on Tuesday.
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Kozak wouldn't go on loan to Celtic and therefore Sherwood and Wilkins appear to be freezing him out.
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He may be poor in training. We know Sherwood likes those who train hard.
Others here have said he has not performed too well in the U21 games. I don't know how many he has played in though.
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Kozak wouldn't go on loan to Celtic and therefore Sherwood and Wilkins appear to be freezing him out.
What basis is there for that statement? I'll warrant not a shred of evidence.
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In most games he's played, at U21 and senior level, he's not done much. Other than put the ball in the net. On that basis alone he should be in contention.
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Throw him in tomorrow. He's intelligent, and would help the trickier players we have. Can't be worse than Gab and Gestede. Always looked good in a terrible team before his injury.
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There is no logical reason why he should not be given a chance ....tomorrow would be ideal as he would not be worse than anything else we have seen
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He's one of those players who is better when they're out the team. People are calling for him to play bit really he's just as average as the others. It's like when Reo-Coker wasn't playing, he suddenly became Patrick Vieira the way people went on about him.
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I thought he was decent before, I always reckoned he'd be good alongside Benteke, but we never seemed to get the chance to find out. If I recall correctly, his minutes per goal ratio stands up quite well. I'd like to see him given a chance. Tbh, he can't do much worse than whoever's played up top of late.
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He's one of those players who is better when they're out the team. People are calling for him to play bit really he's just as average as the others. It's like when Reo-Coker wasn't playing, he suddenly became Patrick Vieira the way people went on about him.
Of course he's getting better by not playing - it's always the case (like Gill)
The argument isn't that he's on a par with Benteke and will score 20 a season, it's more that he's capable of holding the ball up and bringing the attacking midfielders into play as well as scoring the odd goal or two. In other words, he'll do way more than Gabby, Ayew or Gestede have done to date.
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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-boss-tim-sherwood-10095512
Worrying.
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I agree with you oldhill. Kozak can do anything at least as well as Gabby, Ayew and Gestede but the big plus he brings is awareness in the box. He is no slower than Gestede, he is not as error prone as Gabby, his head is all in one place unlike Ayew. Why should one player get chance after chance after chance to prove himself but Kozak gets nothing. It seems pretty obvious to me that Sherwood wants his own signings to come good ahead of a player he inherited. And Gabby who he rates well above his current achievement level.
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Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood gives his thoughts on Libor Kozak as Villa's strikers remain goal-shy
Only Rudy Gestede has scored of Villa's recognised strikers this season - but Sherwood says Kozak is still behind them.
Libor Kozak is still way down the pecking order despite Aston Villa’s strikers bagging just one goal between them this season.
Boss Tim Sherwood confirmed that he favours Rudy Gestede, Gabby Agbonlahor, Jordan Ayew and makeshift forward Scott Sinclair ahead of the ex-Czech Republic international who has not featured for a single minute in the Premier League this term.
Kozak still travels to away games with the team and has made the matchday 18 in half of Villa’s top-flight games but he was again left out for the weekend defeat to rivals Albion.
“At the moment I favour the players in front of him,” said Sherwood.
“I will always have a striker on the bench.
“I had two on there (against Albion).
“Libor is still at the football club so he will be considered like everyone will be.
“Everyone who is here and has a squad number will be considered for the Premier League.”
Kozak is said to be training hard and determined to force his way into Sherwood’s plans.
Last week the 26-year-old scored for the U21s but that didn’t help his case as he had to watch from the sidelines.
Gestede is the only striker to have scored for Villa this season but the manager insists he isn’t worried.
“On Saturday I don’t think they got an awful lot of service to feed off so I couldn’t be critical of them and they worked very hard,” he said.
“All I can do is to ask them to work as hard as they do in training.
“We’re hoping it’ll just click and something will fall for them in front of goal.
“Am I worried? No. I would be more worried if we weren’t creating chances or working hard enough in training to put that right.”
So should we be worried that TS thinks that they didn't get enough service or worried that he thinks that we did create chances? Personally I'm more worried that he hopes that it will just click and something will fall for them in front of goal rather than have something that resembles tactics to make it happen in the first place.
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Hoping it'll just click ?! :o
Christ, how do we find these managers.
No shot in hell Gestede is a better option than Libor. No shot.
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So WHY when we can't buy a point let alone a GOAL has KOZAK been frozen out. WTF is going on at this club !!?? He should surely at least be on the BENCH ?!
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No fucking idea. The name Libor Kozak should be etched on Sherwood's tombstone. He turned down Celtic to stay with us too...
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Ridiculous treatment of him.
I agree he's no world beater but he proved under Lambert he could nick goals from limited chances so should be an option off the bench.
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Ridiculous treatment of him.
I agree he's no world beater but he proved under Lambert he could nick goals from limited chances so should be an option off the bench.
His hold up play is light years ahead of Gestede's. In the current system this should be a free pass...
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I'm beginning to think that Libor doesn't actually exist and that we've had a group hallucination that means we believe we've seen him play
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Until I saw Silhillvilla's post I had forgotten all about him. It's crazy that he's been put in the same bracket as N'Zogbia. He looked really sharp pre-season and we don't exactly have an abundance of goalscorers.
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He's one of those players who is better when they're out the team. People are calling for him to play bit really he's just as average as the others. It's like when Reo-Coker wasn't playing, he suddenly became Patrick Vieira the way people went on about him.
Other than the fact he's scored a few times when he has been picked. Most know he ain't a world beater but the bloke knows where the back of the net is.
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Have to say I am amazed that he has not been given a place on the bench at the very least. He appears to be someone who will score scrappy goals, any fecking goal would be much appreciated at the minute.
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He has movement which gives midfield players options. Rudy needs it much more on a plate.
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Libor upset the vain Mr Sherwood by refusing a loan to Celtic..So he's forgotten as far as Sherwood is concerned.
As simple as that.
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Libor upset the vain Mr Sherwood by refusing a loan to Celtic..So he's forgotten as far as Sherwood is concerned.
As simple as that.
Quite simply it has to be something like this, unless his gammy leg was stitched on back to front.
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If I was new manager I would be making three changes from the start. Drop Lescott for Clark, Replace Rudi with Kozak and Drop Westwood and give Veretout a regular role. Then keep working on it.
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Yep were getting relegated because of Sherwood's 3 inch penis.
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Yep were getting relegated because of Sherwood's 3 inch penis.
And we all thought that the stripeys' manager was Tiny Penis.
How ironic that such a little prick is making sure that we're well and truly fucked.
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If I was new manager I would be making three changes from the start. Drop Lescott for Clark, Replace Rudi with Kozak and Drop Westwood and give Veretout a regular role. Then keep working on it.
I see Veretout in a more advanced role though, a bit further forward. I'd play Sanchez in Westwood's place.
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If I was new manager I would be making three changes from the start. Drop Lescott for Clark, Replace Rudi with Kozak and Drop Westwood and give Veretout a regular role. Then keep working on it.
I see Veretout in a more advanced role though, a bit further forward. I'd play Sanchez in Westwood's place.
I've tried to see the positives in Westwood, but right now I'd dig Robertson and Walford's old training gear out and play a cone with a bib on it.
It would offer just as much protection to the back 4 and give increased tempo when we try and play out from the back.
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If I was new manager I would be making three changes from the start. Drop Lescott for Clark, Replace Rudi with Kozak and Drop Westwood and give Veretout a regular role. Then keep working on it.
I see Veretout in a more advanced role though, a bit further forward. I'd play Sanchez in Westwood's place.
Yes I would agree with you Clampy. Still haven't found out why Veretout didn't feature yesterday.
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How do players become 'professional' if they don't know how to pass /shoot ?
Drop Rudy, and use Kozak if you want a tall forward. Or use Sinclair for a little guy who can, on his day read the play etc and score.
And, yes, keyboard tactics are easy ;)
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Do you think there might be some transfer requests in January...
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could you repeat that again?
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could you repeat that again?
Not sure how that happened, but replaced the 2nd with a new pointless comment ???
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If I was new manager I would be making three changes from the start. Drop Lescott for Clark, Replace Rudi with Kozak and Drop Westwood and give Veretout a regular role. Then keep working on it.
I see Veretout in a more advanced role though, a bit further forward. I'd play Sanchez in Westwood's place.
Yes I would agree with you Clampy. Still haven't found out why Veretout didn't feature yesterday.
[/quote
Clark was injured and Westwood had quite a good game. Broke up play on several occasions .......
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Anyone think Kozak will start? Just asking as we were discussing why he doesn't play Gil and he starts him suddenly. The same with Ayew. If you are watching the boards for inspiration Timmy, just remember we aren't professional and paid a few 100k a week to do the job. Why don't you do the decent thing and resign.
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I feel for Kozak. Harsh treatment.
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Anyone think Kozak will start? Just asking as we were discussing why he doesn't play Gil and he starts him suddenly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Peter Andre and Bitty McLean start for us under this manager.
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Yep, although not showing it in all the pre season appearances, Libor still scored goals. TBH I was surprised when we went for Gestade at the time.
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Leaving Kozak to rot is a huge mistake one of many this manager has made.
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Kozak is similar in style to Gestede, a bit awkward with the ball at his feet but good in the air and ultimately know's where the back of the net is. In our current plight surely he's worth a punt for the next few games?
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Is he performing well for the U21's?
I've read a couple of posts on different threads where people are saying he's not doing too well.
Surely he's not helping himself if that's the case.
Don't get me wrong, I want him to get a chance and there's no time like the present but only if he can be arsed
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Is he performing well for the U21's?
I've read a couple of posts on different threads where people are saying he's not doing too well.
Surely he's not helping himself if that's the case.
Don't get me wrong, I want him to get a chance and there's no time like the present but only if he can be arsed
He's probably thinking what's the point.
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Is he performing well for the U21's?
I've read a couple of posts on different threads where people are saying he's not doing too well.
Surely he's not helping himself if that's the case.
Don't get me wrong, I want him to get a chance and there's no time like the present but only if he can be arsed
He's probably thinking what's the point.
If he is, he's no use to us
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What's the point in trying when you are paid tens of thousands of pounds per week? It's his job.
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Anyone think Kozak will start? Just asking as we were discussing why he doesn't play Gil and he starts him suddenly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Peter Andre and Bitty McLean start for us under this manager.
who is Bitty McLean?
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Anyone think Kozak will start? Just asking as we were discussing why he doesn't play Gil and he starts him suddenly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Peter Andre and Bitty McLean start for us under this manager.
Horses for courses pal. Bitty will start if it's raining, it's raining......
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One thing I really like about Kozak is that he's very good at anticipating the ball coming into the box. I'd put him back in for a few games personally. If anyone deserves another crack, he does.
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he's obviously pissed Tim off big time.
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From what i heard he's simply not impressed anyone in training or reserve matches. I'd never apologise for Sherwood as i think he's totally out of his depth, but to think he'd not play someone for any other reason than he doesn't think he's very good is a bit daft
Kozak never impressed me before his injury either to be honest
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Kozak is similar in style to Gestede, a bit awkward with the ball at his feet but good in the air and ultimately know's where the back of the net is. In our current plight surely he's worth a punt for the next few games?
I don't agree with that assessment. Kozak's movement off the ball is far superior to that of Gestede's, and the fact he can actually control the ball is a big upgrade. Even for being as tall as Gestede, he seemed to always try and earn his space and bring the ball down on his chest rather than flick it on to a defender. Libor plays off the last defender much better, and realizes that the space in behind the defense is valuable territory.
I fail to understand any reason as to why Sherwood persists with Rudy and refuses to even consider Libor. If Gestede was a years younger and still developing it would make sense, but that is not the case.
He always played well for us. Being banished to the reserves is a load of crap and not helping anybody.
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Kozak is similar in style to Gestede, a bit awkward with the ball at his feet but good in the air and ultimately know's where the back of the net is. In our current plight surely he's worth a punt for the next few games?
Kozak's footwork is almost Messi-esque compared to Gestede. I love what Gestede can do in the air, but I don't agree at all about his footwork. That and he's more intelligent with and without the ball, and as he showed in pre season he also has the ability to score goals from further out. I have no idea what has happened but it's a ludicrous situation that he isn't more involved especially given what he has gone through and how hard he has worked to get back to fitness.
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Kozak's exclusion from even the bench is puzzling for sure, especially after what appeared to be a good pre-season. :-\
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Bearing in mind our shots on target compared to our total shots this season is abysmal and suggests we struggle to convert the chances we do create, it's a complete mystery to me that Kozak has just been binned completely.
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Regarding the 'he's not looked good for the reserves' argument, I bet Gestede would look worse.
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I can honestly say I've never once been impressed with Kozak whenever I've seen him play. I last saw him against Forest in a pre season friendly just a couple of months ago, and he was just how I remembered him. He was shite.
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New managers like to play their signings, not the previous managers'.*
*Even if he denies he ever wanting to sign them and tells all his mates to tell the press that he's not shit, it's the new players that are the problem and that nasty man upstairs signed them.
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He's 26 and has 14 top level league goals. Saviour he ain't. We fucked up massively with the forward gambles in the summer.
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Anyone think Kozak will start? Just asking as we were discussing why he doesn't play Gil and he starts him suddenly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Peter Andre and Bitty McLean start for us under this manager.
who is Bitty McLean?
You'll find out on Saturday.
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I would go with Bitty out wide playing outside in and put the Insania chappy in the hole.
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From what i heard he's simply not impressed anyone in training or reserve matches. I'd never apologise for Sherwood as i think he's totally out of his depth, but to think he'd not play someone for any other reason than he doesn't think he's very good is a bit daft
Kozak never impressed me before his injury either to be honest
Never, ever underestimate this twat of a manager's fuckwitery and ability to make decisions that only go to serve him and his "false narrative".
Kozak out of the picture? No questions (in the wider media) about £6M on a roughly comparable striker in terms of style, but of inferior ability.
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Libor made a big mistake not going to Celtic. He'd be an instant legend up there.
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We need a campaign to get Kozak back involved. Right now it's a piss take he's been black balled
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Anyone think Kozak will start? Just asking as we were discussing why he doesn't play Gil and he starts him suddenly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Peter Andre and Bitty McLean start for us under this manager.
who is Bitty McLean?
You'll find out on Saturday.
I jjst ask everyone to read paulie's reply in so many different voices and it becomes brilliant. John Inman camping it up, Ice Cube in Boyz N The Hood, a dalek...
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Larry Duff, who watches most of the U21 matches and provides some excellent reports on the stickied thread reckons Libor has been far from impressive in that competition, and that Timah, for all his other faults, is always at the games.
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Unfortunately his time in England has been overshadowed by injury problems. He broke his leg in January and has struggled for first-team football since.
This summer however it looked like he might be on the comeback trail He scored three times in pre-season, impressing fans with his turnaround in fortunes.
Despite that he has still been unused by Tim Sherwood and it looks like he is on his way out of the club. The Birmingham Mail is now reporting that the Villa striker is no longer likely to be even the first reserve on matchdays any more - with that honour going to recently recalled Charles N'Zogbia.
For Kozak, this would surely represent the final nail in the coffin that is his Aston Villa career.
If there is any truth in this, then I really have no idea about Sherwood anymore.
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It is such a crying shame that Libor Kizak has become this seasons Carlos Gil. Why he's being ostracized is bewildering. Especially when he could be a very useful option and on the back of an excellent pre season. I know managers have their favourites and it massively fucks me off that Sherwood sees Gabby ahead of Kozak let alone his love affair with Westwood.
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We need a campaign to get Kozak back.
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Or Kozak could stop being shit for the reserves and play himself into contention.
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Or Kozak could stop being shit for the reserves and play himself into contention.
I think that argument is flawed. Top players rarely "produce" or bust a gut at that level. It's not a good comparator .
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He should have been shit for the first team, like Westwood and Agbonlahor. Guaranteed starting spot.
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How is it flawed? According to those that watch the reserves he is playing crap and doing absolutely nothing to deserve being included in the first team. Kozak also isn't a top player, he's a bloke that has played in one competitive first team game for nearly 2 years and that was against Notts Co. Even before his injury, when he was playing he looked decent and a useful addition to the squad but no more.
If he is playing crap because he can't be arsed, fuck him. We've had enough lazy bastards with crap attitudes around the first team. If he's trying and still playing crap then he still doesn't deserve to be picked. I like Kozak and dislike Sherwood, but if Kozak can't do it against mainly U21 players then i'm not surprised he isn't getting picked for the first team.
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He must be playing seriously shit and I mean my level shit if Charles no taste is going to be picked ahead of him.
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If it is because of poor training then in all fairness he deserves to be dropped. My issue with Sherwood here is especially given the lack of firepower that we have, we do not seem to have a coach or the manager himself, who can Kozak back to form. We're short enough as it is but they've given up on him. Yes, it is mostly the player's responsibility but you should know how to deal with experienced players in these situations and how you are going to get the best out of them. It's another massive fail just as it was when Lambert tried it.
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So you are assuming Sherwoods judgment in not selecting him is robust . Personally , I wouldn't trust sherwood or his team with anything football related.
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It is a bit of a mystery as to why he doesn't at least make the bench as he seemed to do okay pre season. I've seen him play twice and both times I thought he was abysmal, this was before his injury. Having said that I've seen Agbonlahor numerous times and he too has been abysmal and he seems to have no problem getting in the team.
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Whatever I think about Sherwood I would question his ability to make correct decisions in turning us around. What I wouldn't question is that he is not-playing Kozak for a reason. So what is the likely reason? For whatever reason kozak isn't producing in the reserves as well as Sherwood wants and they don't seem to have the type of relationship where player has the confidence of the manager and vice versa. That to me is the most likely scenario to any other.
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Remember Sherwood wanted to sign the poster boy for the 'looks like he couldn't give a toss modern day footballer'. Can just imagine how hard Adebayor would have worked if he had to play in the reserves to build up his fitness.
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The pre season wolves game Kozak was fine at putting the ball in the net. Not pretty elsewhere but it's all about scoring goals isn't it ?
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The pre season wolves game Kozak was fine at putting the ball in the net. Not pretty elsewhere but it's all about scoring goals isn't it ?
You've said elsewhere that you should exclude reserve games. Why now include pre-season friendlies?
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The pre season wolves game Kozak was fine at putting the ball in the net. Not pretty elsewhere but it's all about scoring goals isn't it ?
You've said elsewhere that you should exclude reserve games. Why now include pre-season friendlies?
Because preseason is full of hope and opportunity . Being shoved into the reserves and not even making the bench can be quite demoralising I'd imagine ??
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How many reserve games has N'zogbia featured in? I don't recall seeing his name mentioned anywhere and he's been brought back into the reckoning.
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The pre season wolves game Kozak was fine at putting the ball in the net. Not pretty elsewhere but it's all about scoring goals isn't it ?
You've said elsewhere that you should exclude reserve games. Why now include pre-season friendlies?
Because preseason is full of hope and opportunity . Being shoved into the reserves and not even making the bench can be quite demoralising I'd imagine ??
He's a footballer. throughout his career he will have been on the sidelines and in the reserves trying to get into the first team. Its not different now. He knows what he has to do. Even if he doesn't think he does, scoring goals in the reserves would certainly raise his expectations.
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Agree but regardless of all that we have a manger with limited experience and skill. It shows.
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So you are assuming Sherwoods judgment in not selecting him is robust . Personally , I wouldn't trust sherwood or his team with anything football related.
It's backed up by what the folks that watch the reserves are saying about him. I saw him at the Walsall friendly and he scored but looked no more than ok, he also didn't exactly shine against Notts Co. I'm all for kicking Sherwood when he deserves it, but there's so many valid reasons that I don't feel the need to make up one over Kozak. I'm pretty sure he's scored once for the reserves, a penalty. If he can't perform against U21 players at present then it's no wonder he's not in the first team.
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So you are assuming Sherwoods judgment in not selecting him is robust . Personally , I wouldn't trust sherwood or his team with anything football related.
It's backed up by what the folks that watch the reserves are saying about him. I saw him at the Walsall friendly and he scored but looked no more than ok, he also didn't exactly shine against Notts Co. I'm all for kicking Sherwood when he deserves it, but there's so many valid reasons that I don't feel the need to make up one over Kozak. I'm pretty sure he's scored once for the reserves, a penalty. If he can't perform against U21 players at present then it's no wonder he's not in the first team.
Agree to a degree PWS , but in our predicament I would expect Libor to at least be on the bench. We all know he isn't an elegant player but he has a habit of scoring. It's what we need and we don't have many options. To bomb squad him I think is wrong.
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I assume he plays regularly for the reserve team so how many goals has he scored?
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I assume he plays regularly for the reserve team so how many goals has he scored?
I'm not sure that will be an accurate barometric reading to be honest of where he can be first team wise
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Goalscorers score goals.
Libor is a striker and if he wants to be selected for the first team I expect him to be scoring by the bucketful at lower level.
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Goalscorers score goals.
Libor is a striker and if he wants to be selected for the first team I expect him to be scoring by the bucketful at lower level.
He's already ticked that box and it got overlooked
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I reckon a striker not scoring and looking crap against U21 players is quite a good guide as to whether he's ready for the first team. If it was just Sherwood saying it i'd be sceptical, but when regulars of watching the reserves are saying it, then it's harder to argue with. Personally i'd stick him on the bench, got fuck all to lose if we're behind with 15 to go with swapping a striker, or bringing a secon d one on, but for all I know he could be really stinking the place out in training.
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He did the business pre season then got himself bombed out. Perhaps there is a sub plot we aren't aware of
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I think you're over selling him a bit there Silhill, 1 against Walsall, 2 against Wolves. It's decent but not what i'd call doing the business.
And before someone says it, I know he scored against Fulham but that was a training match, half the time they are strolling around with virtually no tackles going in so I never care what we do in those. A player scoring a few or having a stinker, makes no odds to me as I just don't count them.
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I think you're over selling hima bit there Silhill, 1 against Walsall, 2 against Wolves. It's decent but not what i'd call doing the business.
And before someone says it, I know he scored against Fulham but that was a training match, half the time they are strolling around with virtually no tackles going in so I never care what we do in those. A player scoring a few or having a stinker, makes no odds to me as I just count them.
PWS I think you're spot on no questioning that, the only thing I'd say is 4 goals pre-season for us is pretty good going (we all know it's that bad). Kozak should surely be on the bench, the fact he's not is a concern
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I think you're over selling hima bit there Silhill, 1 against Walsall, 2 against Wolves. It's decent but not what i'd call doing the business.
And before someone says it, I know he scored against Fulham but that was a training match, half the time they are strolling around with virtually no tackles going in so I never care what we do in those. A player scoring a few or having a stinker, makes no odds to me as I just count them.
PWS I think you're spot on no questioning that, the only thing I'd say is 4 goals pre-season for us is pretty good going (we all know it's that bad). Kozak should surely be on the bench, the fact he's not is a concern
He's better than Gestede. Especially if we are going to be playing the ball to feet, something which is absolutely fucking pointless with Gestede.
Kozak has done alright for us when he has featured. He has scored goals. I appreciate Gestede has, too, but Kozak strikes me as a much more versatile option, he's an intelligent footballer who will do things like create space for himself and others.
Gestede is basically a battering ram who needs to get his head onto everything.
I appreciate not everyone will see Kozak that way, but for him to not even be in contention strikes me as weird.
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Thing is, we're all pretty much basing our views on the Kozak of 2 years ago. It's 22 months since he played a league game. Kozak of 22 months ago was better than Gestede, but is the current Kozak? Didn't look any better at Walsall or the Notts Co game. Doesn't seem any better at U21 level either.
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We'll never find out if he doesn't get a chance.
I'm not saying he should get a start (although the reason for those 22 months is his injury), but to not even get considered? Really? In the state we are in at the moment?
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To be honest , I reckon if you threw gestede and Ayew into a reserve game the outcome would become "classified" . I'm not sure it's a good measure either way on players signed as "first team"
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And it's very possible that after so long out that he's not the player he was. He's getting a chance in the reserves to show he's better than Gestede and has recovered from his injury, seems little to no sign of either so far. So it's hardly the biggest mystery that he's not featuring for the first team.
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To be honest , I reckon if you threw gestede and Ayew into a reserve game the outcome would become "classified" . I'm not sure it's a good measure either way on players signed as "first team"
And yet you think friendlies against lower league sides are?
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I think we'd all agree that a fit Kozak, and I was never really a fan, would be a better option for us than Gestede. You don't get to play for Milan for no reason, so there must be a player there.Sherwood has seemingly bombed him out for whatever reason we don't really know. It may be just because he's been poor in reserves games, it might be his training, they may have had words we just don't know. But, I'd have expected a manager who has one major + on his side is that he gets his forwards firing. He's got the chance to show us that is a real gift that he's got by getting Kozak fired. He's either not bothered or he's tried, failed, and decided to dump him.
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He played for Lazio, not Milan. I'd prefer he had a chance, but based on what i've seen of him this season and read from those that watch the reserves I can see why he hasn't had one yet.
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Ah, so he did ( no idea).
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To be honest , I reckon if you threw gestede and Ayew into a reserve game the outcome would become "classified" . I'm not sure it's a good measure either way on players signed as "first team"
And yet you think friendlies against lower league sides are?
I've already put my view forward on pre season vs reserve games . We are taking psychology now and a game over 6 inches,
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Hope and opportunity? That's it, that's the reason friendlies count but reserve games don't?
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this is all academic ; we don't have a forward on our books fit to lace Benteke's boots. And therein lies the problem.
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[size=78%]We are taking psychology now and a game over 6 inches, [/size]
Isn't that pretty average .... Or is it all in your head?
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Or Kozak could stop being shit for the reserves and play himself into contention.
I thought by being shit you would be in contention
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Or Kozak could stop being shit for the reserves and play himself into contention.
I thought by being shit you would be in contention manager
Fixed
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this is all academic ; we don't have a forward on our books fit to lace Benteke's boots. And therein lies the problem.
Agreed, in fact all of our strikers put together don't amount to one Benteke which is a HUGE problem
Gestede has a talent for scoring headed goals, so if played we should be focussing on playing a system that suits him, otherwise there's no point (it's not his fault, we knew what he was good at when we bought him) needs to be a 4-4-2 with wingers whipping balls into the box
Gabby's useless
Kozak was never as good as some are suggesting on here and he didn't have a great pre-season either like some suggest
Ayew, nobody has a bloody clue as we've never had the chance to see him given a run of games as a striker
Traore, absolutely no idea what his best position is yet
I'd go as far as saying it's the worst set of forwards in the PL right now
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this is all academic ; we don't have a forward on our books fit to lace Benteke's boots. And therein lies the problem.
Agreed, in fact all of our strikers put together don't amount to one Benteke which is a HUGE problem
Gestede has a talent for scoring headed goals, so if played we should be focussing on playing a system that suits him, otherwise there's no point (it's not his fault, we knew what he was good at when we bought him) needs to be a 4-4-2 with wingers whipping balls into the box
Gabby's useless
Kozak was never as good as some are suggesting on here and he didn't have a great pre-season either like some suggest
Ayew, nobody has a bloody clue as we've never had the chance to see him given a run of games as a striker
Traore, absolutely no idea what his best position is yet
I'd go as far as saying it's the worst set of forwards in the PL right now
When did we last have a forward,or anybody for that matter, who could whip the ball in? It must be Downing I suppose.
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When did we last have a forward,or anybody for that matter, who could whip the ball in? It must be Downing I suppose.
Lowton?
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Albrighton. Occasionally.
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When did we last have a forward,or anybody for that matter, who could whip the ball in? It must be Downing I suppose.
That's really scraping the barrel. Despite having that one decent season, crossing was never Downing's strength. He was great charging up the pitch with the ball but his crossing left a lot to be desired. I think he managed 5 assists all season.
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Bacuna second half of last season.
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Surely Libor must be getting a game soon now?
I can already see his smile from hearing todays news!
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The stone mason is carving Libor's name into TS's tombstone as I type...
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I wonder if KMac has included Libor in his squad to go to Southampton tonight, as I feel
He may get a recall soon at least to the bench, he is not the fastest but I remember when
He came on as substitute against Notts County and made a massive improvement on the game
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He is in the squad I think, at least the bastion of truth and love Twitter told me so.
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The SSN banner is telling us Kozak & N'Zog are in line for a call up
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N'Zogbia shouldn't be near the team, but happy if Libor gets a chance.
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Charles is there as the floral mascot
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Charles is there as the floral mascot
If we cover the cost of a replacement ball maybe one of the stewards could open the gates as Charles goes on one of his mazy runs. We could have him on a cross channel ferry before he looks up.
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If there's one position we don't lack players in, it's winger. Charles should have less chance of getting picked than I do.
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what does this guy have to do to get a game?
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At a guess Mr U he could try wearing a Laura Ashley print suit and Abernaza curly toe shoes. Keeps Charlie in contention.
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Good thinking Brian. Sartorial surrealism might be the way forward for Libor K. Or maybe a bushy beard and pirate ear rings.
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what does this guy have to do to get a game?
I think we're in danger of building this player up to something he actually isn't.
I've never been impressed with him. In fact I think he's another in a long line of Villa players who are out of their depth in e PL over the last 5 years.
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I've always liked him. He was just starting to get used to the league before he picked up his injury. I'd like to see him have a run, even if it's from the bench.
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I know he's scored the odd goal, but Christ he's always looked awful whenever I've seen him. Saying that though I'd still give him a run out because feck all else has worked so far.
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I thought he looked ok. He's was just getting used to the league and weighing in with the odd goal. I wonder how far along in his progress he would be had it not been for the injury?
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Didn't look worse than Gestede has during this season.
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Last night would have been an ideal opportunity to give him a run out. He might not be the answer, but other than Gestede, he's the only other out and out centre forward we have.
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He's probably a couple of games from triggering a payment of some description*
*wild speculation
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what does this guy have to do to get a game?
I think we're in danger of building this player up to something he actually isn't.
I've never been impressed with him. In fact I think he's another in a long line of Villa players who are out of their depth in e PL over the last 5 years.
I'm not so sure we're building him to something he's not.
Just a fair few people think he'd offer considerably more than Gestede in general play, and based on his pre-injury performances somewhat more intelligent in his ability to find space in the penalty area to give himself chances that don't just revolve around heading the ball from somewhere between the penalty spot and the 6 yard line.
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what does this guy have to do to get a game?
I think we're in danger of building this player up to something he actually isn't.
I've never been impressed with him. In fact I think he's another in a long line of Villa players who are out of their depth in e PL over the last 5 years.
I'm not so sure we're building him to something he's not.
Just a fair few people think he'd offer considerably more than Gestede in general play, and based on his pre-injury performances somewhat more intelligent in his ability to find space in the penalty area to give himself chances that don't just revolve around heading the ball from somewhere between the penalty spot and the 6 yard line.
Yep.
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I now have a mental image of Kozak turning out in full David Bowie Gene Genie mode, complete with eye patch etc. Even with one eye he'd probably be more effective than Rudy at the minute
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I have always liked Libor. Just about all his rustiness can be put down to fitness, game time and getting passed to in the first place. Yes he is slow but no slower than Gestede but it stands out that he is a goal threat. There is only one thing on his mind in and around the penalty box. Benteke apart we have not had a goal hungry player up front maybe since JPA.
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I guess we don't know how fit he is, how he is doing on the training pitch and in reserve games to make a judgement on whether he should be playing or not. Yes if he has regained full fitness he should be getting some game time to get his match fitness up and I'd agree he could be "no worse" but there must be some underlying reason that he's not even making the bench?
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Or perhaps some genius with authority at VP could take the view that the fans are sick to the back teeth with what they are seeing week after week and at least the sight of Libor on the pitch might lighten the gloom of inevitability, even if Kozak was rubbish at least we would have been given the chance to judge him ourselves not be spoon fed the manager's whimsicality.
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what does this guy have to do to get a game?
I think we're in danger of building this player up to something he actually isn't.
I've never been impressed with him. In fact I think he's another in a long line of Villa players who are out of their depth in e PL over the last 5 years.
Agree. From what I remember, pre-injury he tended to look generally poor in games but had the knack of scoring with surprising regularity, so a bit like Gestede.
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Van Basten he ain't, but what he does have is about 5 trillion more brain cells than Rudy Gestede who, when he's subbed, doesn't so much have to be called off the pitch as felled by a lumberjack.
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There is that. The irony is that we probably have midfielders who can score a few goals if they are playing around a central striker with good hold up play and a brain. I just don't think either rudy or libor is that man.
The more I think about it the more I think we wouldn't be in the shite and TS would still be here if nutjob adebayor had been playing instead of gestede these past few months.
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only if God was in when he was playing, which is too much of a risk. it's a no from me.
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Or perhaps some genius with authority at VP could take the view that the fans are sick to the back teeth with what they are seeing week after week and at least the sight of Libor on the pitch might lighten the gloom of inevitability, even if Kozak was rubbish at least we would have been given the chance to judge him ourselves not be spoon fed the manager's whimsicality.
Worst case is that he at least breaks the monotony by giving us someone new to describe as shit/useless/carthorse/insert own insult of choice.
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We need to face facts; Libor Kozak does not exist, he never did exist, he was just a mass hallucination.
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We need to face facts; Libor Kozak does not exist, he never did exist, he was just a mass hallucination.
Please let that mean that the last 2 years have also been a mass hallucination as well.
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The worst thing about Gestede is that he offers so little flexibility. He requires the whole team to be set up in a very specific way to play to his limited strengths. Hence TS's obsession with getting full backs up the pitch and the failure to get the midfield right despite having generally good players in that position. But even then it's not like he bangs them in, so we end up exposing weaknesses all over the pitch to accommodate one mediocre player.
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We need to face facts; Libor Kozak does not exist, he never did exist, he was just a mass hallucination.
Please let that mean that the last 2 years have also been a mass hallucination as well.
Just the two?
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He may be one of those players who gets better the longer he doesn't play, especially as Gestede seems limited to say the least, plus it's been so long since Kozak played. What I can remember from him was good hold up play, intelligence and movement. The three things we haven't had all bloody season. Throw him in on Monday, even if its only for novelty value.
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We need to face facts; Libor Kozak does not exist, he never did exist, he was just a mass hallucination.
Please let that mean that the last 2 years have also been a mass hallucination as well.
Just the two?
If we're only ascribing the hallucinations to the (non) existence of Kozak.
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We need to face facts; Libor Kozak does not exist, he never did exist, he was just a mass hallucination.
You'll find him, Ivo Stas and Mathieu Berson all stranded In The Land of the Lost Socks.
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with one hand clapping
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While Gharyib watches.
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Surely if he's never going to play for us again we should release him.
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There is that. The irony is that we probably have midfielders who can score a few goals if they are playing around a central striker with good hold up play and a brain. I just don't think either rudy or libor is that man.
The more I think about it the more I think we wouldn't be in the shite and TS would still be here if nutjob adebayor had been playing instead of gestede these past few months.
Getting the ball to the nut job would have been the problem...
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We need to face facts; Libor Kozak does not exist, he never did exist, he was just a mass hallucination.
Who on earth are you talking about? Were they a member of Tangerine Dream at one stage?
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Has anyone ever seen Kozak and Helenius in the same room at the same time. It's all a tax dodge I reckon.
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Has anyone ever seen Kozak and Helenius in the same room at the same time. It's all a tax dodge I reckon.
They released an album of Kraftwerk covers done in a folk style a few years ago. Sold well in France and Ireland but bombed elsewhere.
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Has anyone ever seen Kozak and Helenius in the same room at the same time. It's all a tax dodge I reckon.
They released an album of Kraftwerk covers done in a folk style a few years ago. Sold well in France and Ireland but bombed elsewhere.
Helenius paid tribute to cockless shock rockers L7 in a game against Spurs and it was held against him by the club, as nobody listens to shite like that anymore.
Bloody Europeans and their dated rock sensibilities.
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Has anyone ever seen Kozak and Helenius in the same room at the same time. It's all a tax dodge I reckon.
They released an album of Kraftwerk covers done in a folk style a few years ago. Sold well in France and Ireland but bombed elsewhere.
Helenius paid tribute to cockless shock rockers L7 in a game against Spurs and it was held against him by the club, as nobody listens to shite like that anymore.
Bloody Europeans and their dated rock sensibilities.
You don't know the half of it.
Now behave or I'll start posting Dizzy Miss Lizzy and Carpark North videos.
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Has anyone ever seen Kozak and Helenius in the same room at the same time. It's all a tax dodge I reckon.
They released an album of Kraftwerk covers done in a folk style a few years ago. Sold well in France and Ireland but bombed elsewhere.
Helenius paid tribute to cockless shock rockers L7 in a game against Spurs and it was held against him by the club, as nobody listens to shite like that anymore.
Bloody Europeans and their dated rock sensibilities.
You don't know the half of it.
Now behave or I'll start posting Dizzy Miss Lizzy and Carpark North videos.
Don't you mean Pussy Riot..? Especially after we all saw his underpants.
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Has anyone ever seen Kozak and Helenius in the same room at the same time. It's all a tax dodge I reckon.
They released an album of Kraftwerk covers done in a folk style a few years ago. Sold well in France and Ireland but bombed elsewhere.
Helenius paid tribute to cockless shock rockers L7 in a game against Spurs and it was held against him by the club, as nobody listens to shite like that anymore.
Bloody Europeans and their dated rock sensibilities.
You don't know the half of it.
Now behave or I'll start posting Dizzy Miss Lizzy and Carpark North videos.
Don't you mean Pussy Riot..? Especially after we all saw his underpants.
Very good.
How I missed this open goal I don't know.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/96/Captainunderpantscover.jpg)
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Kozak has spent quite a bit of time over here having treatment following his injury and one of my mates, who has a problem with his knee, has been for a few visits to the same doctor that's been treating him; he's also actually seen the player himself on one occasion. Apparently Kozak's leg is even stronger now than it was before the injury, which makes his complete exclusion even stranger.
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I wonder if we will ever see him on the pitch again.
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Maybe in the year 2045 as a Michael Jackson avatar sort of thing, in a show about mythical footballers
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I firmly believe that Villa were muscled out of too many challenges against a rampant Surs side
Starting with the first challenge with Clarke & Dembele which led to their first goal and put us under
Pressure straight away. The midfield and forwards seemed to be brushed aside easily. We should give Kozak the chance, I know he is not the fastest player but he would not be pushed off quite so
easily and I believe his touch and shooting is better than Gestede, here's Hoping Remi Will get him up to speed and give him a chance at least
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Everyone starts afresh now so it's up to him to get a place in the side. If Garde doesn't try him it will send out a clear message that there's something going on in training and maybe he's not applying himself as much as he should be.
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As both first team & reserves played on Monday night & he wasn't in either team are we to assume he was injured? Or was he in the 'squad' that went to Spurs?
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As both first team & reserves played on Monday night & he wasn't in either team are we to assume he was injured? Or was he in the 'squad' that went to Spurs?
No good asking me, I assumed he with fit ages ago and Sherwood just decided he didn't fancy him, and instead was going to go with the great depth of striking options he and signed........
Maybe Garde will taking a shining to him. He must know a good player when he sees one right!?
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I think Kozak is the lovechild of Ivo Stas and Bosko Balaban ... "it's a mystery..."
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If he's not on the bench on Saturday we'll know there's something going on with Kozak.
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If he's not on the bench on Saturday we'll know there's something going on with Kozak.
If he is on the bench we'll know he's a bit mental because we haven't got a game this Saturday!
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If he's not on the bench on Saturday we'll know there's something going on with Kozak.
If he is on the bench we'll know he's a bit mental because we haven't got a game this Saturday!
Ha, ha.
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good on him - it would show bags of optimism and commitment
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What would?
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What would?
I'm guessing turning up when we haven't got a game.
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I have done it at least three times and counting.
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If he's not on the bench on Saturday we'll know there's something going on with Kozak.
If he is on the bench we'll know he's a bit mental because we haven't got a game this Saturday!
He will be on a bench in Sutton Park by all accounts.
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unbelievably theres ttalk of Kozak going on loan to Small Heath doing the rounds on WM tonight.
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to be honest he aint going to get a game here so we may as well sod him off to someone else
however am i right in thinking that he doesnt have to go on loan if he doesnt want to?
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Perhaps Remi might get wrong insider information about him.
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to be honest he aint going to get a game here so we may as well sod him off to someone else
however am i right in thinking that he doesnt have to go on loan if he doesnt want to?
Didn't want to go on loan to Celtic and therefore didn't go.
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to be honest he aint going to get a game here so we may as well sod him off to someone else
however am i right in thinking that he doesnt have to go on loan if he doesnt want to?
Didn't want to go on loan to Celtic and therefore didn't go.
And who could blame him, what with the trams just about to start and the Queen due to open New Street Station with a new John Lewis.
At least if he goes for a few games with them down the road he doesn't have to lose out by moving from Birmingham.
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to be honest he aint going to get a game here so we may as well sod him off to someone else
however am i right in thinking that he doesnt have to go on loan if he doesnt want to?
Didn't want to go on loan to Celtic and therefore didn't go.
cant blame him for that, he signed a contract.
can he really be that much worse than gestede or gabby?
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Yeh I know let's do all we can to help them go up whilst we go the other way.
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to be honest he aint going to get a game here so we may as well sod him off to someone else
however am i right in thinking that he doesnt have to go on loan if he doesnt want to?
Didn't want to go on loan to Celtic and therefore didn't go.
The answer to your question is ...no!
cant blame him for that, he signed a contract.
can he really be that much worse than gestede or gabby?
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Surely if he needs match practice is that not what we have reserves for? If it's only for a month to get match sharp then fj e. They would love the fact they could help us get out of the shit by honing our striker. Or maybe he has a shit attitude in training and is not for us. We seemingly know so little about him
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It's generally been reported that Kozak has looked terrible in the u21's. If he's looking poor for the reserves and isn't getting a look in on match days it doesn't take a rocket scientist to suggest he isn't showing much in training either.
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For a team that is rooted to the bottom of the league, that is showing very little signs of an ability or nouse to turn things around, for a side that insists on playing Gabby when fit, even though he has more bookings/sendings off than goals in the last five years, for a side that has mustered two less goals collectively than Jamie Vardy has managed in the same timeframe, I'd say Kozak might be at least worth taking a look at wouldn't you?
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For a team that is rooted to the bottom of the league, that is showing very little signs of an ability or nouse to turn things around, for a side that insists on playing Gabby when fit, even though he has more bookings/sendings off than goals in the last five years, for a side that has mustered two less goals collectively than Jamie Vardy has managed in the same timeframe, I'd say Kozak might be at least worth taking a look at wouldn't you?
I agree with that but he had a very serious leg break and then a follow up problem that has kept him out for a lot longer than normal. 1st team football is a world away from training so I assume he is no where near fitness levels and we will never know how his break has effected him mentally.
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It looks like he's going to get an opportunity to impress according to the official site:
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~5162790,00.html
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Lets hope both go well and impress enough to push for a place in the squad - boy we need something
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For a team that is rooted to the bottom of the league, that is showing very little signs of an ability or nouse to turn things around, for a side that insists on playing Gabby when fit, even though he has more bookings/sendings off than goals in the last five years, for a side that has mustered two less goals collectively than Jamie Vardy has managed in the same timeframe, I'd say Kozak might be at least worth taking a look at wouldn't you?
I agree with that but he had a very serious leg break and then a follow up problem that has kept him out for a lot longer than normal. 1st team football is a world away from training so I assume he is no where near fitness levels and we will never know how his break has effected him mentally.
John Woodward who we bought from Stoke to replace the free scoring Tony Hateley in the sixties never managed to come back fully from a bad leg break. Lets hope Libor has more luck with his fitness.
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It looks like he's going to get an opportunity to impress according to the official site:
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~5162790,00.html
We won 5-2 against a Fleetwood development squad. According to their manager, Adama was on a different level. N'Zogbia played, as did Senderos. No mention of Libor.
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From the OS:
Adama Traore, Libor Kozak and Charles N'Zogbia all played 90 minutes as Villa ran out comfortable winners over Fleetwood Town in a behind-closed-doors match at Bodymoor Heath.
Defender Jores Okore also stepped up his return from a long-term knee injury while Philippe Senderos also featured for the full match.
U21 skipper Jordan Lyden put the hosts in control with two well-taken strikes from the edge of the penalty area.
Kieran Dunbar reduced the deficit before the break.
Adama Traore restored Villa's two-goal advantage before a penalty from Fleetwood's Vamara Sanogo made it 3-2.
In the end, the claret and blues' quality and experience shone through as goals from N'Zogbia and the impressive Traore secured a comprehensive win.
There was also a useful workout for midfielder Gary Gardner.
Villa: Bunn, Webb, Okore, Senderos, Kinsella, Traore, Lyden, Gardner, Hayes, N'Zogbia, Kozak.
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Lyden, Hayes and Webb ? Unfamilar with them three.
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The club's new solicitors.
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N'Zogbia's accountants.
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Lyden, Hayes and Webb ? Unfamilar with them three.
All famous in the 70s for reasons various.
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Yes! Yes! Yes! We've won a game Yes!
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excellent preparation for the de-buzzing of the Hornets
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Looks like Small Heath want him
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-striker-libor-kozak-10492432 (http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-striker-libor-kozak-10492432)
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he can't get near the first team squad so why not - it would free up some wages for someone in January
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my friend at work plays football manager on his breaks and actually asked me who Kozak was the other day. He scored in a 2-0 win for Villa vs Chelsea. Realistic!
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he can't get near the first team squad so why not - it would free up some wages for someone in January
I think loaning him to Blues is an horrendous idea. Can you imagine the outcry if he went there scoring goals to help them get promoted, whilst we struggled to score goals to try and stay up?
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If he's crap or not impressing in training games I don't see why we should be continuing to clamour for his inclusion. It's not like in the spring when we knew Gil was arguably the most skilful player on our books but not getting a look-in. Kozak's not played at the top level in nearly two years.
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he can't get near the first team squad so why not - it would free up some wages for someone in January
I think loaning him to Blues is an horrendous idea. Can you imagine the outcry if he went there scoring goals to help them get promoted, whilst we struggled to score goals to try and stay up?
I couldn't agree more. Awful idea! It should be a non-starter. There must be a host of other clubs who would love to have him?
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Fleetwood 2nd string and we still concede 2 ffs
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There must be a host of other clubs who would love to have him?
[/quote]
I wouldn't bank on that. Injured long term and can't make the bench for our shittest team in 30 years, championship/SPL is the best he is going to get
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to clarify I was supporting the idea of him moving on for the sake of his career if we are not going to play him. I was not advocating for him to move to the noses - although if they were to offer him the chance to play and no one else wanted him, why not?
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There must be a host of other clubs who would love to have him?
I wouldn't bank on that. Injured long term and can't make the bench for our shittest team in 30 years, championship/SPL is the best he is going to get
[/quote]
I agree a loan to a team in the Championship or SPL but that's still plenty of other clubs?
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There must be a host of other clubs who would love to have him?
I wouldn't bank on that. Injured long term and can't make the bench for our shittest team in 30 years, championship/SPL is the best he is going to get
I agree a loan to a team in the Championship or SPL but that's still plenty of other clubs?
[/quote]
he turned down celtic, its down to him wanting to move
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There must be a host of other clubs who would love to have him?
I wouldn't bank on that. Injured long term and can't make the bench for our shittest team in 30 years, championship/SPL is the best he is going to get
I agree a loan to a team in the Championship or SPL but that's still plenty of other clubs?
he turned down celtic, its down to him wanting to move
[/quote]
Yeah maybe he didn't fancy Celtic at the time and was confident in his own ability getting back in our team. Before his injury he could certainly do a job for us. I really hope he can start knocking on the door for selection.
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I think he would do very well at Rangers and turning down Celtic would give him instant legend status.
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Can't see there being a big queue of clubs after him based on the last two years. Why would they be ?
How shocking must he be looking in training / behind closed door matches to not even make our bench ?
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Can we sort out the quoting please
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He cannot be allowed to go to Small Heath. It would be potentially catastrophic. If it happens I will have lost all faith in the decision making of whoever is in charge of the serial buffoonery that is currently engulfing the place.
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It wouldn't surprise me if went on - loan to Blues. It would fit with the crap decision making at the club.
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Meaning Evil
Libor Kozak will remain an Aston Villa player after boss Remi Garde decided that the big man could still have a role to play at the club.
The striker, who was a target for Birmingham City, has yet to feature this season and was keen on a temporary move away before the loan window shut earlier today.
But when clubs came calling ahead of the 5pm cut-off, and Blues were not the only interested party, Villa decided against letting him leave.
Garde said: “No players left because I’ve got some players struggling to be fit again.
“I decided that nobody would leave but maybe they will in the next window.”
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His recent comments on Kozak aren't pleasing. I just don't get it. Here is a player that was doing quite well after he joined us. Showed promise, chipped in with some goals. Then he suffers a terrible injury followed by a crushing relapse. He fights back from all of that. Then this pre season he looks like a lot of that hard work has paid off and he might be ready to get back to first team action. Yet Sherwood doesn't pick him and we all think over the course of time it's simply because the manager is a buffoon. Now Garde doesn't pick because he isn't impressing him.
How does a player, still quite young, work so hard to get back not then put in the last bit of really hard graft to get back to first team action? What am I missing here?
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail ahead of the weekend’s trip to Southampton, manager Remi Garde insisted that the Czech striker is no better than his other forward options and needs to do more to even earn a place on the substitute bench.
“I can’t tell you details but he needs to be better,” Garde said of Kozak. “He won’t be involved this weekend, no. You know my job is to pick what I think the best players are. This is the way it is with Libor.
“I have the feeling for many reasons that he could not do better than we are doing at the moment. This is my feeling.
“I am not saying anything bad about Libor. He’s not the only one not to be included in the squad. I saw him playing with the reserves and then I decided.”
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It really could be as simple as he's not good enough following 2 years out. It happens.
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I was always surprised that Lambert bought him because he's very much a Darren Bent type of player. You won't see him in a game for a long time but he's capable of popping up with a goal. These days that type of player is a luxury that very few (if any now) can afford. Also consider how Bent turned out after his injuries (and those were far less severe than Kozak's).
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It really could be as simple as he's not good enough following 2 years out. It happens.
this
he cant make the bench even with us being as shit as we are. another player who greatly improved whilst injured. at least everything will be okay when gardner is fit.
in 2021
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It really could be as simple as he's not good enough following 2 years out. It happens.
this
he cant make the bench even with us being as shit as we are. another player who greatly improved whilst injured. at least everything will be okay when gardner is fit.
in 2021
Heard from a friend of a friend that he is bone idle. Did not work at his rehab and now he is fit is not working hard at training. Basically his attitude is one of the worst seen down VP and God knows we have had some doozies! The lad who told me is not a BS merchant and his source would have done a bit of backroom work with the Old Lions
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He's never going to do it anyway, he always looked like a cumbersome donkey to me, the sort of Striker you have whilst slumming around the bottom of the division. For £5m+ with his league record, it was a terrible signing on paper.
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It really could be as simple as he's not good enough following 2 years out. It happens.
this
he cant make the bench even with us being as shit as we are. another player who greatly improved whilst injured. at least everything will be okay when gardner is fit.
in 2021
Heard from a friend of a friend that he is bone idle. Did not work at his rehab and now he is fit is not working hard at training. Basically his attitude is one of the worst seen down VP and God knows we have had some doozies! The lad who told me is not a BS merchant and his source would have done a bit of backroom work with the Old Lions
i have heard that as well, he must be doing sod all in training not to make the bench
he needs to be loaned out (but if he doesnt want to then he doesnt have to) or just mutually settle his contract and fuck him off, he cant have that long left on it
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Why is he doing sod all? He dosen't strike me as a lazy player having seen him play. Can't help having been out so long not really getting a chance, it would probably demotivate most.
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I blame Clark.
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Why is he doing sod all? He dosen't strike me as a lazy player having seen him play. Can't help having been out so long not really getting a chance, it would probably demotivate most.
our shittest team in god knows how long and he cant even get on the bench and he is fit so what does that tell you?
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Lost his heart for the game. It can happen after a bad injury. If the injury is in the back of his mind, the 50:50's become 40:60 and you have lost that edge
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This guy cannot be worse than Gestede.
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This guy cannot be worse than Gestede.
Indeed. If I'm honest I'm pissed off that I'm not getting a game ahead of Gestede. That bloke simply cannot play football.
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This guy cannot be worse than Gestede.
The man cannot even point
Indeed. If I'm honest I'm pissed off that I'm not getting a game ahead of Gestede. That bloke simply cannot play football.
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It's alright,
Rudy goes off injured..... Leaves us one big striker whos fit left!
So if we can keep him fit in the reserves it leaves us being able to waste 90 minutes on carrying Gabby!
Typical Villa sense if you ask me!
On a serious note .....I fear we wont get to see him in first team action unless its a low league cup tie. Shame really!
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
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I'm sure even with a broken leg he's more mobile than Gestede!
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Benteke was our only avenue to goal last season, to replace him with a player useful if one dimensional from a lower division borders on incompetence. The one position we needed to cover well was left to chance and even though the defence is fragile i believe the reason we are in such dire straits is the belief by some that Gestede would be able to carry the attack. If we have a spine it breaks down when the ball
is in the opposition half.
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Benteke was our only avenue to goal last season, to replace him with a player useful if one dimensional from a lower division borders on incompetence. The one position we needed to cover well was left to chance and even though the defence is fragile i believe the reason we are in such dire straits is the belief by some that Gestede would be able to carry the attack. If we have a spine it breaks down when the ball
is in the opposition half.
And, lest we forget, it was Dim Tim who said that he'd been tracking Gestede for 4-5 years ...
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Frustrating that the Bitters managed to sign Rondon whilst we were securing Gestede's services.
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I will admit he is a danger in the air when he gets the perfect cross but on the floor he is worse than useless i would ask how many times did they watch him and why didn't they see what we all see.
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Gestede is honestly the worst player I've ever seen at Villa. His attempt at a one two with Veretout would have been laughably bad had it been a game on the school playground. From a professional footballer though, it was unbelievable. Kozak might be limited, but he simply can't be worse than Gestede. I'd rather have Heskey back, that's how poor Rudy is.
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Seeing Kozak as sub for the Notts County game, he looked fine. Held the ball up well and moved, yes, moved Rudy, looking for the next pass/cross.
He must be an absolute liability in training to be behind Gestede in the pecking order.
I was watching the analysis of the Watford strikers yesterday, always on the move , closing opponents down. We need that, desperately.
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I would place an industrial sized bin on the halfway line in place of Gustede. At least you could get proper one twos off it.
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Definitely. There'd be less waste, that's for sure.
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I still think we are maximising an insurance claim on Libor. Mind you I am still befuddled by watching Ashton under Lyne United play Sutton Coldfield in the teeth of a force ten gale. Ashton striker little but really hard, unfortunately 28. Sutton keeper big very fiery young lad. Won't stay in the Evo-Stik long.
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
Gestede and Gabby are shit but they get games.
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
Gestede and Gabby are shit but they get games.
I never saw him really start. I've seen him play every game he's played. His first touch is shit, ball control isnt up-to standard and he's too slow.
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
Gestede and Gabby are shit but they get games.
I never saw him really start. I've seen him play every game he's played. His first touch is shit, ball control isnt up-to standard and he's too slow.
t
A slightly better version than Rudy then
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
Gestede and Gabby are shit but they get games.
I never saw him really start. I've seen him play every game he's played. His first touch is shit, ball control isnt up-to standard and he's too slow.
t
A slightly better version than Rudy then
I dont rate Rudy, but I'd have him over Kozak in the team just because of his heading ability.
Actuallly, I would have either. I'd play Adama and Ayew upfront.
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Me too.
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I would place an industrial sized bin on the halfway line in place of Gustede. At least you could get proper one twos off it.
Funny, but true.
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And you could probably wheel one of those things faster than he can run.
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
Gestede and Gabby are shit but they get games.
I never saw him really start. I've seen him play every game he's played. His first touch is shit, ball control isnt up-to standard and he's too slow.
t
A slightly better version than Rudy then
I dont rate Rudy, but I'd have him over Kozak in the team just because of his heading ability.
Actuallly, I would have either. I'd play Adama and Ayew upfront.
me too
gestede must be a centre halves dream to play against
the turning circle of the qe2 and a great 4th touch
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I don't get this opinion hat he's good in the air, I was at Southampton yesterday and would be suprised if he managed to win 25% of the balls put up to him.
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He's not very good with long balls, suprisingly. Just has a stonking head on him when it's whipped in (matron!).
Too one dimensional.
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I don't get this opinion hat he's good in the air, I was at Southampton yesterday and would be suprised if he managed to win 25% of the balls put up to him.
I agree entirely with this.
He's decent at getting his head onto the ball when it is played into the box but in terms of winning aerial duels elsewhere on the pitch, he looks pretty shit to me.
He's one of the most one dimensional players I've ever seen.
I thought we'd dropped that "he only does one thing" thing with strikers when we fucked Bent off?
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I don't get this opinion hat he's good in the air, I was at Southampton yesterday and would be suprised if he managed to win 25% of the balls put up to him.
I agree entirely with this.
He's decent at getting his head onto the ball when it is played into the box but in terms of winning aerial duels elsewhere on the pitch, he looks pretty shit to me.
He's one of the most one dimensional players I've ever seen.
I thought we'd dropped that "he only does one thing" thing with when we fucked Bent off?
Gestede makes Bent seem well rounded. At least with Bent there was the chance he could score from further than 6 yards out and use his feet.
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I don't get this opinion hat he's good in the air, I was at Southampton yesterday and would be suprised if he managed to win 25% of the balls put up to him.
I agree entirely with this.
He's decent at getting his head onto the ball when it is played into the box but in terms of winning aerial duels elsewhere on the pitch, he looks pretty shit to me.
He's one of the most one dimensional players I've ever seen.
I thought we'd dropped that "he only does one thing" thing with when we fucked Bent off?
Gestede makes Bent seem well rounded. At least with Bent there was the chance he could score from further than 6 yards out and use his feet.
I'll never forget that one time vs Wigan during the TSM1 season when Bent controlled a long ball with his chest, flicked it from his right foot onto his left foot...and failed to beat Al-Habsi from about six yards. Still, Bergkamp-esque stuff. Of course, Gabby turned in his best impression of Ronaldo that day so I'm not sure if I imagined it or not.
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I don't get this opinion hat he's good in the air, I was at Southampton yesterday and would be suprised if he managed to win 25% of the balls put up to him.
I agree entirely with this.
He's decent at getting his head onto the ball when it is played into the box but in terms of winning aerial duels elsewhere on the pitch, he looks pretty shit to me.
He's one of the most one dimensional players I've ever seen.
I thought we'd dropped that "he only does one thing" thing with strikers when we fucked Bent off?
It's a strength issue, he's strong coming on to a ball but he's useless at using his strength to hold off a defender when he's standing still.
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He's obviously shit if 3 managers have left him out. Could be the injury finished him off.
Gestede and Gabby are shit but they get games.
I never saw him really start. I've seen him play every game he's played. His first touch is shit, ball control isnt up-to standard and he's too slow.
t
A slightly better version than Rudy then
I dont rate Rudy, but I'd have him over Kozak in the team just because of his heading ability.
Actuallly, I wouldn't have either. I'd play Adama and Ayew upfront.
me too
gestede must be a centre halves dream to play against
the turning circle of the qe2 and a great 4th touch
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I don't get this opinion hat he's good in the air, I was at Southampton yesterday and would be suprised if he managed to win 25% of the balls put up to him.
I agree entirely with this.
He's decent at getting his head onto the ball when it is played into the box but in terms of winning aerial duels elsewhere on the pitch, he looks pretty shit to me.
He's one of the most one dimensional players I've ever seen.
I thought we'd dropped that "he only does one thing" thing with strikers when we fucked Bent off?
It's a strength issue, he's strong coming on to a ball but he's useless at using his strength to hold off a defender when he's standing still.
Yes, there's a big difference coming onto the ball compared with the ball coming onto you.
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Gestede actually linked up well and won most that went in the air at Southampton, even knocking them on to Villa players.
He's too clumsy and lacks mobility though to play in this league.
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Gestede actually linked up well and won most that went in the air at Southampton, even knocking them on to Villa players.
He's too clumsy and lacks mobility though to play in this league.
Indeed. That fresh air shot was amateur.
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Gestede actually linked up well and won most that went in the air at Southampton, even knocking them on to Villa players.
He's too clumsy and lacks mobility though to play in this league.
Indeed. That fresh air shot was amateur.
I think that was the sort of ball that Kozak likes. That's the difference he would give us, as I think he'd put more chances like that away, whereas Gestede just cannot kick a football.
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to say kozak hasnt played competitively for two years and looked limited when he did im just pleased he has managed to improve so much :o
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He scored a nice goal tonight and hasn't done much else. He'd be a huge improvement on Gestede simply down to his control of the ball let alone anything else he brings to the side.
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Kozak actually scored 2 goals and...Matt Kendrick doesn't seem to agree with your opinion , apparently he had a good game .......Godzvilla!
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villas-libor-kozak-sends-10563849?
" Libor Kozak has been important to Villa defensively tonight too. Heading and booting away setpieces coming into the Villa box. Not seen Remi Garde tonight, but one of his coaches, Robert Duverne is here, so even if the gaffer isn’t here, hopefully he will get a positive report about the big Czech "
and..."Really nice goal, Kozak stretches out one of those telescopic legs of his to divert Lewis Kinsella’s whipped cross high into the net. It was a smart move, started by Ilori, before Lyden swept it out to the left. Good stuff, Villa ".
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At the moment Gestede does nothing and doesn't look like scoring.
I'd rather bring in Kozak because judging be pre-season and U-21's, though he doesn't effect games all that much, he finds himself space and looks like he might score. His hold up play whilst not fantastic is marginally better than Gestede and he works very hard too.
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Kozak or Gestede? No brainer! Garde is beginning to piss me off over his non - selection.
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Kozak actually scored 2 goals and...Matt Kendrick doesn't seem to agree with your opinion , apparently he had a good game .......Godzvilla!
You failed to note that I posted during the game and at the time he had only scored once. He hadn't done much at the time other than the goal. Yes he went on to have a decent game overall. Importantly he scored twice which is what he is good at. He has good movement in the box and with the right service he can score a few for us. If we are asking him to run around a lot outside then it's not going to happen. But him vs Gestede, it's Kozak every time for me.
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Actually, Garde might be doing the right thing, making players show in the U21s that they are fit and motivated, and hopefully then eligible for the squad, or even the starting 11. Tonight's result might suggest that it could have the desired effect on Kozak (there were some rumours that his application in rehab/training was a bit below the required level, but who could blame him if Sherwood made it clear to him that his own signing, Gestede would be his preferred striker?) - let's hope the same applies to Grealish.
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and with the right service he can score a few for us. If we are asking him to run around a lot outside then it's not going to happen
sounds exactly like Bent and now Gestede then. He's too limited to be a PL success story
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Kozak or Gestede? No brainer! Garde is beginning to piss me off over his non - selection.
During his injury lay off he's become a hell of a player. The only time I've seen him in the flesh so to speak was against Hull and he was terrible and also embarrassing in the way he kept throwing himself to the ground in an attempt to con the referee.
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Kozak or Gestede? No brainer! Garde is beginning to piss me off over his non - selection.
During his injury lay off he's become a hell of a player. The only time I've seen him in the flesh so to speak was against Hull and he was terrible and also embarrassing in the way he kept throwing himself to the ground in an attempt to con the referee.
what he said
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He's 26 with 14 top division goals in him.
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Kozak or Gestede? No brainer! Garde is beginning to piss me off over his non - selection.
During his injury lay off he's become a hell of a player. The only time I've seen him in the flesh so to speak was against Hull and he was terrible and also embarrassing in the way he kept throwing himself to the ground in an attempt to con the referee.
During his injury lay off what has become apparent to everyone isn't that he's Marco Van Basten but that he is better than the strikers that are currently ahead of him in the pecking order. We are tired of seeing Gabby or Gestede and would like to see Kozak given an opportunity. That's all.
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and with the right service he can score a few for us. If we are asking him to run around a lot outside then it's not going to happen
sounds exactly like Bent and now Gestede then. He's too limited to be a PL success story
not really. The question is in the penalty area who would I trust more to be smart enough to take advantage of opportunities? I'd have Kozak ahead of the other two. He doesn't have to run around to be PL forward. Until we have a better option he needs to provide us with some effectiveness in the final third when we do create chances as a team.
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Will this become RG's "magic midfield"* issue?
Is he so bad in training/reserves that he can't get a start over Rudy who now has nobody to provide crosses to him?
* Tim not playing Vertout - Sanchez - Gana
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now - how the fuck does useless Gestede get in front of Kozak? Also, play Adama ffs!!
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now - how the fuck does useless Gestede get in front of Kozak? Also, play Adama ffs!!
Speak for yourself, this fan isn't being pissed off by Remi. He's four games into a new job and I think he's got most decisions right. He's clearly phasing Adama in.
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now - how the fuck does useless Gestede get in front of Kozak? Also, play Adama ffs!!
I think Kozak should be at least on the bench personally, but Remi is not pissing me off either.
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now - how the fuck does useless Gestede get in front of Kozak? Also, play Adama ffs!!
<speechless>
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If Kozak isn't even on the bench given the trouble we are in there must be a very good reason for it. Therefore I wouldn't put him in just for the sake of it.
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now - how the fuck does useless Gestede get in front of Kozak? Also, play Adama ffs!!
Jesus Christ.
Talk about a short honeymoon period.
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He's never impressed me but we may as well just give him ago in the first team. You never know, and all that.
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Worth remembering, Kozak has started 8 league matches for us and scored 4 league goals.
I am under no illusions - he won't have become Gerd Muller reincarnated while he has been out, he's not a guarantee of anything, in fact.
But, given our two other striker options are Gabby and Gestede, I find it really hard to imagine a set of circumstances in which I wouldn't consider him a worthy contender for a place.
Maybe if he'd lost a limb, or insisted in playing in clogs - maybe, and even then I wouldn't rule it out.
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Worth remembering, Kozak has started 8 league matches for us and scored 4 league goals.
I am under no illusions - he won't have become Gerd Muller reincarnated while he has been out, he's not a guarantee of anything, in fact.
But, given our two other striker options are Gabby and Gestede, I find it really hard to imagine a set of circumstances in which I wouldn't consider him a worthy contender for a place.
Maybe if he'd lost a limb, or insisted in playing in clogs - maybe, and even then I wouldn't rule it out.
A relative of mine had a compound tibia/fibula fracture - also with a botched first operation - and having witnessed the subsequent slow and painful reconvalesence, I think it always would take Kozak a long time to regain not only his muscular strength/physical abilities, but also his confidence. Two years would seem about right, I think.
IMO, his game never depended that much on pace, strength or skill, but footballing intelligence and the ability to be at the right place at the right time, so he may still be a valuable player.
I believe Garde will replace players when it's obvious that there's someone better suited to the 1st 11, but I don't see him trying to change all at once between games, like the previous fuckwit incumbent. Garde did say after watching Kozak in a U21 game (in which he didn't score) that he didn't think Kozak offered anything more than the other strikers available to him. That may still change - two goals in the last U21 game, AFAIK.
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I am beginning to change my mind about Kozak- he looked a player so devoid of any confidence against Forest in the pre-season friendly I genuinely thought that his injury had potentially had a profound psychological effect on him (lots of P's there, sorry). I watched the latest U21 and he did look more a player winning aerial battles and going in for tackles but the quality of the opposition has to be taken into account.
We do not know if Kozak is taking longer to come to terms with, what was, a very nasty injury and the subsequent repair.For all we know he may have been asked not to be picked (hence the reluctance to go on loan) as he knows that he cannot cope with the pressure of a first team appearance. However, surely a run out for half an hour against Arsenal would be a good test - expectations are low so that it would be a good opportunity to see if he could compete without too much pressure. Although not the most gifted of footballers he does seem to have a happy knack of being in the right place at the right time when it comes to goalscoring.
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now - how the fuck does useless Gestede get in front of Kozak? Also, play Adama ffs!!
Is this a poorly executed pisstake?
Garde has had four games to come in and assess everyone.
He's given Kozak game time with the U-21s presumably for both match fitness and to have a look at whether he's got anything to offer.
Given that he'd played a few 45 minute sessions in preseason and a couple of U-21s matches in 2 years, it's understandable he's not starting. Get him some bench time and start bringing him on for 15-20 minutes at a time. Even if he was everything that the most optimistic of us hopes he is and would walk into the first XI no questions asked, I doubt that he'd be fit to start before Christmas.
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Garde pissing off the fans my arse. Anybody would think Villa fans were fickle after a comment like that.
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Worth remembering, Kozak has started 8 league matches for us and scored 4 league goals.
I am under no illusions - he won't have become Gerd Muller reincarnated while he has been out, he's not a guarantee of anything, in fact.
But, given our two other striker options are Gabby and Gestede, I find it really hard to imagine a set of circumstances in which I wouldn't consider him a worthy contender for a place.
Maybe if he'd lost a limb, or insisted in playing in clogs - maybe, and even then I wouldn't rule it out.
He could play in clogs covered in 50 pence pieces and he'd still control a ball better than Gestede.
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Cheers! For some reason I have that Brian and Michael tune whirring around my head now.
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BM
Celtic's assistant manager John Collins has admitted that Aston Villa striker Libor Kozak IS a target for the club.
We reported yesterday that Ronny Deila has made a personal check on the striker in Villa's U21 win over Derby County at Villa Park.
The Bhoys boss was in the Villa Park directors box to witness Kozak score twice in a hard-working performance.
He has been overlooked so far this season by Tim Sherwood and Remi Garde, and that hasn't gone without notice north of the border.
Collins said: "Ronny went down and had a look at the game and of course he [Kozak] scored a couple of goals but there's nothing imminent.
"We're looking to strengthen all over to be honest."
Celtic look set to return for the striker in January and his lack of opportunities at Villa will play a factor in his decision.
Kozak has played just 48 minutes of first team football this season - as a substitute in the Capital One Cup victory over Notts County in August.
Kozak joined Villa in September 2013, but lost around 18 months of his claret and blue career after breaking his leg in training.
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I would recommend muting the sound unless you are partial to a bit of the old Wolftyla x Chris Jay giving it the full Butt Naked Nasty Or Nah.
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I would recommend muting the sound unless you are partial to a bit of the old Wolftyla x Chris Jay giving it the full Butt Naked Nasty Or Nah.
He scored two perfectly good goals there.
But
I've never seen a Villa player score and look sooooooo pissed off.
C'mon Garde, give him a chance.
Before he goes to Celtic
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We can't be having all that getting on the end of crosses and scoring goals lark. Send him off to Scotland immediately
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He's has the look of a bloke who thinks that it doesn't matter what he dies, he's not going to be given a chance.
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He's has the look of a bloke who thinks that it doesn't matter what he dies, he's not going to be given a chance.
Yes. Maybe :'( :'(
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He's has the look of a bloke who thinks that it doesn't matter what he dies, he's not going to be given a chance.
Christ, Rudy freaking Gestede is ahead of him. He is a TERRIBLE excuse for a premier league footballer. Imagine coming to terms with that! We have two players that have a knack for goal that can play as a lone striker, Ayew and Kozak. No one else cannot tow the line.
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Not looking good for Kozak, according to Mat Kendrick.
Asked if he is prepared to let the 26-year-old frontman leave in January, Garde replied: “Maybe. We will see what the situation is with Libor. I need to speak with him.”
Garde hinted that Kozak’s brace and hard working performance for the under-21a was ‘not enough’ to challenge the club’s other attacking players.
“You know, probably, I’ve got lot of potential players in this position," added Garde.
“I’ve got eight or nine attacking players which is a very strong competition between all these players.
“The game you mentioned is an under 21 game. I’ve got a report from this game.
“It’s always good for a player to score goals and perform well, but sometimes it is not enough. I’m pleased Libor is training well and he’s playing with the under-21s with a good spirit.”
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They were both excellent goals. Adama looks a talent, doesn't he, jesus. Start the pair of them. Can it be worse than Gestede and Sinclair? No.
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It's bizarre. But maybe his overall contribution isn't enough and at PL level that might be even more detrimental to the side. But even so I cannot believe he doesn't offer more than Gestede. Garde needs to try something different and unless he is being directed not to consider Kozak I don't see why else he would be cast aside as obviously as he seems to be.
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He, or more to the point, his attitude must be shocking in training.
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“You know, probably, I’ve got lot of potential players in this position," added Garde.
“I’ve got eight or nine attacking players which is a very strong competition between all these players."
I am not sure the word "strong" is the correct one there.
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It's bizarre. But maybe his overall contribution isn't enough and at PL level that might be even more detrimental to the side. But even so I cannot believe he doesn't offer more than Gestede. Garde needs to try something different and unless he is being directed not to consider Kozak I don't see why else he would be cast aside as obviously as he seems to be.
The 2nd goal is the type that Gestede will never score, he just doesn't have the instincts in the box.
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They were both excellent goals. Adama looks a talent, doesn't he, jesus. Start the pair of them. Can it be worse than Gestede and Sinclair? No.
This
Brilliant crosses and excellent finishes. Just what the first team is missing at the moment.
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He's has the look of a bloke who thinks that it doesn't matter what he dies, he's not going to be given a chance.
The Spirit of Shankly lives on!
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It's bizarre. But maybe his overall contribution isn't enough and at PL level that might be even more detrimental to the side. But even so I cannot believe he doesn't offer more than Gestede. Garde needs to try something different and unless he is being directed not to consider Kozak I don't see why else he would be cast aside as obviously as he seems to be.
Almost as impressive was the way he chested a pass about 15 yards with more accuracy than Gestede can pass a dead ball.
The 2nd goal is the type that Gestede will never score, he just doesn't have the instincts in the box.
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have to say he looks properly pissed off in that clip
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I would be pissed off too if I wasn't even getting a sniff of a chance for the worst team in the league. At the very least he should have had a couple of 20-30 minute sub appearances in the league this season.
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Cheers! For some reason I have that Brian and Michael tune whirring around my head now.
Now he dons his clogs and he waits.
Outside the Villa Park Gates
And its a match he wants, a match for the Villlla.
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We can't be having all that getting on the end of crosses and scoring goals lark. Send him off to Scotland immediately
I agree. He looks every inch not a Villa player.
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They were both excellent goals. Adama looks a talent, doesn't he, jesus. Start the pair of them. Can it be worse than Gestede and Sinclair? No.
This
Brilliant crosses and excellent finishes. Just what the first team is missing at the moment.
Agreed.
If there is the tinyest glimmer of an understanding developing between that pair (Adama and Kozak), we need to develop it.
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To quote the infamous Brian Moore as the 6th goal went in against Everton all those years ago. 'It's astonishing this.'
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I just don't understand this at all. I certainly don't believe that Kozak has turned into the reincarnation of Pongo Waring, but I have seen Gestede lumbering around up front and he is diabolical. Seriously, he doesn't even look like a footballer he's that bad. The worst player I've seen at Villa in over 30 odd years. And when you condider the other option is Gabby, one thing you simply cannot say about our attacking options is that they're strong.
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After that clip i'd get him in, I've always liked him anyrode
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Like someone else has already said, his second goal was something none of our other others strikers can manage. He seems to know where the ball is going to be in the box. Bent was the same and his goals helped keep us up.
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I think he would score goals if we played him, he seems to have the knack of scoring without ever looking particularly brilliant - as opposed to Gestede and Gabby who both have a knack of not scoring any goals whilst looking like a sack of shit.
I don't for a second think he is the answer to replacing Benteke, but I can't believe he isn't good enough to at least be getting on the bench. Maybe he has a bad attitude in training.
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I just don't understand this at all. I certainly don't believe that Kozak has turned into the reincarnation of Pongo Waring, but I have seen Gestede lumbering around up front and he is diabolical. Seriously, he doesn't even look like a footballer he's that bad. The worst player I've seen at Villa in over 30 odd years. And when you condider the other option is Gabby, one thing you simply cannot say about our attacking options is that they're strong.
Gestede is this year's Garry Thompson.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this
And rightly so.
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Remi Garde is pissing off the fans now
Just seen this, don't be silly.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
After giving this post due consideration I feel safe in my argument that it's the work of a complete fantasist on a scale only previously recorded by a pool cleaner from Lanzagrotty.
The only games Gabby should be starting are Hide and Seek or Ludo
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
OK, now we know you're taking the piss.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games.
Don't worry that it, I reckon that if somebody who had been posting for years had suggested it then they'd be shot down as well.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
OK, now we know you're taking the piss.
If i'm honest, i'm not overly clued up on his social & family life other than knowing that his mom made a youtube video and is apparently a 'horse' according to away fans. I was hoping the game was for his kids because it wouldn't be a pretty sight seeing him attempt that.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
OK, now we know you're taking the piss.
If i'm honest, i'm not overly clued up on his social & family life other than knowing that his mom made a youtube video and is apparently a 'horse' according to away fans. I was hoping the game was for his kids because it wouldn't be a pretty sight seeing him attempt that.
Bored?
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I was tempted to say have the schools broken up early originally but didn't think that was the appropriate way to welcome a new poster. How many guesses are we allowed at what football team she or he supports?
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im a villa fan through & through but I was trying to be comical saying the moms a horse thing because she looked like a horse. obviously nobody got the joke.
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you're not footyskillz in disguise are you?
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you're not footyskillz in disguise are you?
I think that's a bit unfair on footyskillz.
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you're not footyskillz in disguise are you?
I think that's a bit unfair on footyskillz.
Very unfair.
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Like someone else has already said, his second goal was something none of our other others strikers can manage. He seems to know where the ball is going to be in the box. Bent was the same and his goals helped keep us up.
and yet no praise for the crosser of that wonderful ball as yet
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Like someone else has already said, his second goal was something none of our other others strikers can manage. He seems to know where the ball is going to be in the box. Bent was the same and his goals helped keep us up.
and yet no praise for the crosser of that wonderful ball as yet
It is a thread discussing the merits or otherwise of playing Kozak, particularly in relation to Gestede and Gabby.
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
Is that you Gabby? !
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Like someone else has already said, his second goal was something none of our other others strikers can manage. He seems to know where the ball is going to be in the box. Bent was the same and his goals helped keep us up.
and yet no praise for the crosser of that wonderful ball as yet
It is a thread discussing the merits or otherwise of playing Kozak, particularly in relation to Gestede and Gabby.
True, but without the delivery he doesn't score does he ?
The people I know who were at the U21 match said Kozak looked bang ordinary, but as I wasn't there myself i can't argue. But I felt the same at molineux pre season when he scored two but had me thinking he was the same old Championship level forward
He's just not prem standard to my eyes.
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Who was it who crossed for the second goal?
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
I think he gets a bit confused as to how many
He could play in jeans and cowboy boots and we wouldn't really notice any difference
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
What is it with Bluenoses obsessing with Gabby Agbonlahor? Is it because of the goals he's scored against them?
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As a new poster, I'll get shot down for this >:( but I think King Gabby should start most games. Simply because of his passion for the club, yes he supported Arsenal as a kid, but he now supports Villa and cares about us more than the others. He should start up front as loan striker.
I'd too would like to see him start up front as a loan striker. If any club is daft enough to take him on loan.
You know what I mean. I met him in GAME in bullring a few weeks back, he was buying Viva Pinata (Does he have kids? I don't know) and he was so nice, lovely bloke. Had on some awful jeans mind.
What is it with Bluenoses obsessing with Gabby Agbonlahor? Is it because of the goals he's scored against them?
'Stan' has got a Smethwick stench about him to me.
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Was it the spelling mistake that gave it away?
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Agreed. Smethwick.
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Was it the spelling mistake that gave it away?
Do you mean the apparently hilariously missing "i" in his name by any chance?
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Who was it who crossed for the second goal?
The young LB Kinsella
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Who was it who crossed for the second goal?
The young LB Kinsella
A left back you say?
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Who was it who crossed for the second goal?
The young LB Kinsella
A left back you say?
allegedly. With a name like Kinsella MON will have plans to play him at RB sometime in the near future thus ruining his career and potential with us.
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FFS give the bloke a chance. There are very few players who could say they have been treated poorly by the club but Kozak is becoming one of them.
Rotate him in at least.
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Looks like hes starting for the u21 today. So can't see him playing tomorrow. I thought he would get the bench.
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Decent article below on ESPN re Kozak (probably first in national media I've seen).
All very strange that he is not even getting on the bench in last few games, especially as Gestede seems to be very limited. Given situation at Villa, my guess is that the club have identified Kozak as one to get rid of because of wages.
espnfc.co.uk/club/aston-villa/362/blog/post/2749468/ libor-kozak-waiting-for-second-chance-at-aston-villa
"
Libor Kozak waiting for second chance at Aston Villa that may not come.
Libor Kozak uploaded a picture on his Instagram account on Dec. 5. It was an image of him, wearing the pale blue shirt of Lazio, arm raised in celebration after scoring for the Serie A club.
It was a picture from before his £5 million transfer to Aston Villa in the summer transfer window of 2013; before the double leg fracture which has completely stalled his career; and before he became unfortunate enough to be stranded somewhere between the fringes of the first team squad and the U21s. Villa host Arsenal on Sunday and the 26-year-old is likely to be uninvolved yet again.
Kozak doesn't post often on Instagram -- his previous image was from four weeks previous, toiling away in a fitness session -- and so the message provides a fascinating, if brief, glimpse into his psyche. He's a player who remains on the outside of the first team picture and, like many athletes, finds solace in remembering happier times when the going is tough.
The Czech striker is in his third season as a Villa player and he's played 14 times in the Premier League; only eight of those have been starts. Every Villa supporter knows his unfortunate story. He was signed by Paul Lambert, practically right on transfer deadline day, primarily as a back-up to Christian Benteke and though the squad seemed light in other areas -- notably attacking midfield -- within weeks he was proving his value.
He came off the bench to replace an injured Benteke at Norwich in September and scored the only goal of the game within two minutes. When the big Belgian was fit again, sometimes Lambert paired Kozak with him and further goals followed -- the second in a 2-0 win at Cardiff, one in an excellent 3-2 victory at Southampton. Just before Christmas 2013 came his fourth in a Villa shirt, scored in a 2-1 defeat at Stoke.
Libor Kozak Aston Villa
Libor Kozak's Villa career started full of promise, but it's been a nightmare for the Czech ever since.
Kozak played twice more before disaster struck -- a badly broken leg sustained in training. Comeback targets came and went, complications and further operations ensued. The 2014-15 season was devoted to rehabilitation; a season and a half completely wiped out. Yet he emerged from the darkest of periods to play a full part in the club's preseason programme this summer and with other strikers moving on -- not just Benteke but Andreas Weimann and Darren Bent too -- Kozak appeared to have a fresh chance.
In the build-up to the current season, then manager Tim Sherwood understandably strengthened his striking options by bringing in Jordan Ayew and Rudy Gestede, but with a move for Emmanuel Adebayor falling through and youngster Calum Robinson being loaned out there seemed to be opportunities for Kozak. That hasn't been the case. Despite showing up well in the summer friendlies -- scoring twice against Wolves the notable performance -- he hasn't played a single minute in the league this season. And his only senior appearance came as a late substitute in August's Capital One Cup match against Notts County.
Instead, Kozak has ploughed on, confined in the main to playing for the club's Under 21s. If anything, his current status at Villa is causing nothing but more confusion. He's playing regularly in these games, so he's obviously fit, and he's scoring goals, too -- a late equaliser against Blackburn at the end of November, and two against Derby on Monday. He also started in a recent 5-2 friendly win over Fleetwood alongside other senior players but whereas Jores Okore has since been brought back into the starting lineup and Adama Traore is regularly in the first team squad, Kozak appears no closer to a breakthrough.
At the same time, there was reportedly loan interest in him from Celtic in the summer and most recently from Birmingham City, but the player is still at Villa. If he's not wanted, there were options to allow him to move on. He's also taking up the centre-forward role in what is essentially the reserve team, a place which could go to a promising younger player. The point is, there does seem to be a plan for him. What that is, and when it will be executed, is not clear.
"I have the feeling for many reasons that he could not do better than we are doing at the moment," Villa manager Remi Garde told the Birmingham Mail recently, suggesting that Kozak's immediate prospects don't appear to be bright. Many supporters would question that opinion, though. The team is clearly struggling and obviously not blessed with prolific goalscorers. While Ayew is starting to thrive, Gestede is beginning to look out of his depth and Garde's reluctance (and Sherwood's reluctance before that) to even try Kozak is strange.
The Czech international is a difficult striker to categorise. Though he's 6-foot-2, he's not especially strong in the air -- not like Gestede, anyway -- and he's definitely not quick. But technically, he's quite tidy and his movement is superior to Gestede's. Kozak could work well alongside Ayew and he does seem to have that gift of being in the right place at the right time -- that goalscorer's instinct of sniffing out a chance. Villa desperately need someone with a prolific presence in the opposition penalty area.
He might leave in the January transfer window. Although, he may still be at the club, plugging away in the U21s, come the end of the season -- by which time Villa could be relegated and his contract will be weeks away from expiring. He may not be the answer to the club's goalscoring problems, but surely he deserves a decent opportunity at least? He's been patient enough and worked hard for it.
Whether Garde sees it the same way only time will tell. Jack Grealish, who played alongside Kozak in that U21 game, has been tipped to return to the squad for the fixture against Arsenal, but the double goalscorer will probably be on the outside looking in once again.
Kevin Hughes covered Premier League football at Match magazine and was later deputy editor of Sport. You can follow him on Twitter @KevHughesie.
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So yeah....
Certainly didn't see anything in tonights game to suggest Rudy is a harder worker then Libor
Other then maybe needs abit more real match fitness and not a reserves match.
Overall thought he done a good enough job for me tonight.
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Yep. Keep him in the side.
The reality is, short of a loan signing we'll not be getting a decent forward in. Libor for all his faults works bloody hard but he also has good movement in and around the box and an ability to get a chance away. He somehow got that shot away which almost caught Hennessey out, and the offside was very tight.
He's earned a run in the side and lets face it, Gestede also looks a completely dejected figure right now. It's probably not doing him any good to play him apart from anything else.
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His flick ons to Ayew worked 3 or 4 times, his movement was decent (especially for the off side chance) he put himself about and won headers in our box, he's not going to bang in 15 goals before the end if the season but he gives us much needed heart and work rate which brings others into play, he offers us so much more than Gestede, the shirt has to be his now.
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He moved. That's all we need to know when comparing him to Rudy. He's surely worth a run in the team now.
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Have to be honest and say I thought he was comfortably our worst player tonight, but he was still better than Rudy.
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We need a proper Striker.
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How come we know better than 4 Villa managers, that he should be playing?
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The Big K did well. FFS everyone it's his first proper games in ages.
Far far better than Gestede.
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The guy hasn't played for 2 years and he still looked miles better than Gestede. He deserves a few games now.
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How come we know better than 4 Villa managers, that he should be playing?
When Rudy is the alternative, play him as he knows how to kick a ball, and hold it up. Yes, not the best tall forward we have ever have, but he deserves the nod over Rudy, who might learn something.
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The guy hasn't played for 2 years and he still looked miles better than Gestede. He deserves a few games now.
I said that during the game. He needs a run of games because he did look a bit rusty but he looked so much more mobile than Gestede.
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The guy hasn't played for 2 years and he still looked miles better than Gestede. He deserves a few games now.
I said that during the game. He needs a run of games because he did look a bit rusty but he looked so much more mobile than Gestede.
Yes, and he's got a football brain, too, which makes a huge difference.
I know he was offside and fluffed it anyway, but Gestede wouldn't have had the brains to even try to get onto that lovely Westwood through ball.
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The guy hasn't played for 2 years and he still looked miles better than Gestede. He deserves a few games now.
I said that during the game. He needs a run of games because he did look a bit rusty but he looked so much more mobile than Gestede.
Yes, and he's got a football brain, too, which makes a huge difference.
I know he was offside and fluffed it anyway, but Gestede wouldn't have had the brains to even try to get onto that lovely Westwood through ball.
His movement on the chance that lead to the corner for our goal was good and if you watch the replay of the goal itself, when Hennessey drops it, if it comes forward, Libor is getting there ahead of any Palace players. He's got a poachers instinct. I've said it before but he's got a lot of similarities to Klose. Albeit he's the poor mans version.
Give him a run. Get him sharp and he could contribute goals. He may also exploit any space that Ayew creates with his skill.
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If we're not going to sign a striker we could do worse than going with him supplying ayew, with both up top.
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They looked a pair tonight for the first time this season
I was in awe of his fitness levels for a guy who has not started for 2 years. Garde please don't sell him!
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He's no Benteke, but he's a heck of a lot better than anyone else we have in the same position. As much as anything, by not playing he has been protected from the confidence vacuum that exists at Villa Park. Him, Ayew and Gil looked like a well balanced front three.
We have all heard so much about Kozak's rumoured bad attitude but it was hard to spot it today. His first game for years and he worked pretty chuffing hard as far as I could see. He helped out defensively and did plenty of closing down.
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We have all heard so much about Kozak's rumoured bad attitude
I don't think I have heard anybody question his attitude in all the time he's been at the club.
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Finally Kozak back and he's here to stay
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The guy hasn't played for 2 years and he still looked miles better than Gestede. He deserves a few games now.
I said that during the game. He needs a run of games because he did look a bit rusty but he looked so much more mobile than Gestede.
Yes, and he's got a football brain, too, which makes a huge difference.
I know he was offside and fluffed it anyway, but Gestede wouldn't have had the brains to even try to get onto that lovely Westwood through ball.
If that had been Gestede instead of Kozak, I don't think Westwood would have even bothered trying to play that pass.
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They looked a pair tonight for the first time this season
I was in awe of his fitness levels for a guy who has not started for 2 years. Garde please don't sell him!
I thought that there might have been the first glimmer of a partnership between Ayew and Kozak tonight as well.
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We have all heard so much about Kozak's rumoured bad attitude
I don't think I have heard anybody question his attitude in all the time he's been at the club.
Garde has hinted at commitment issues and rumours of his lack of willingness to work after his injury have been very much prevalent on this site over the course of the season. There has also been talk of him not impressing at all for the U21s. Unless I have imagined it all?
Kozak will never look incredible, even in the U21s, but he is a goalscorer and you could see he wanted to get into positions to score. Other players trusted him and tried to find him. He didn't have to be a world beater to make a big difference, I hope he stays.
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Have to be honest and say I thought he was comfortably our worst player tonight, but he was still better than Rudy.
Wow.
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Just read that it was Kozak's first league appearance for two years. Well I've never been a big fan but he looked decent tonight.
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Have to be honest and say I thought he was comfortably our worst player tonight, but he was still better than Rudy.
Wow.
In all fairness, name a player who played worse.
It's actually quite hard, but for all the right reasons. For once.
PWS's use of the word 'comfortably' might be a bit harsh, mind.
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Just read that it was Kozak's first league appearance for two years. Well I've never been a big fan but he looked decent tonight.
How refreshing was it to have a big man up front working so hard, not just up front but at the back too?
Remi Garde will be absolutely delighted with him. He showed today how a striker can impact a game, even when they're not given barely any opportunities to score. Although he did conjure up that one shot out of nowhere that the keeper managed to get down to.
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Yeah "comfortably" may be too harsh, but as OB says, that's for the right reasons. I'd definitely stick with him although if he's ready for two games in less than a week may be a factor.
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He's limited but what I like is he makes good runs off the ball, couple of times he was just offside, hopefully that's just a lack of match fitness so the timing is out but at least he moves as Rudy is simply statuesque.
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They looked a pair tonight for the first time this season
I was in awe of his fitness levels for a guy who has not started for 2 years. Garde please don't sell him!
I thought that there might have been the first glimmer of a partnership between Ayew and Kozak tonight as well.
I feel optimistic that these guys could make a good forward pairing if given the chance.
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After watching Gestede and Agbonlahor play statues, it's refreshing to see a striker making runs and trying to find space. Well done, Libor
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The offside one that he put wide anyway summed up everything that has been wrong up front all season. We have Veretout, Grealish, Gil and even Westwood who can all thread those passes between defenders for a well timed run and we've only got 1 striker in the club who's willing to make the runs and he's just got his first start. Like others I'm not saying Kozak is brilliant but I am saying that he actually has instincts to play up front and try to get into those gaps. He really should've been involved 8-10 games ago when it was clear that Gestede just doesn't fit with us.
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He looked a bit rusty as you'd expect after being out for so long but he was full of endeavor and - take note Rudy - movement. Hope Garde persists with him and Ayew up front.
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The offside one that he put wide anyway summed up everything that has been wrong up front all season. We have Veretout, Grealish, Gil and even Westwood who can all thread those passes between defenders for a well timed run and we've only got 1 striker in the club who's willing to make the runs and he's just got his first start. Like others I'm not saying Kozak is brilliant but I am saying that he actually has instincts to play up front and try to get into those gaps. He really should've been involved 8-10 games ago when it was clear that Gestede just doesn't fit with us.
it was encouraging movement, but he put the chance wide.
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Fair shout glasses. We're still talking about a striker who didn't score, and we had about 50 corners. It's just good to a striker do strikerish things after the horror of watching gabby and gestede lope around doing precisely fuck all for so long.
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The offside one that he put wide anyway summed up everything that has been wrong up front all season. We have Veretout, Grealish, Gil and even Westwood who can all thread those passes between defenders for a well timed run and we've only got 1 striker in the club who's willing to make the runs and he's just got his first start. Like others I'm not saying Kozak is brilliant but I am saying that he actually has instincts to play up front and try to get into those gaps. He really should've been involved 8-10 games ago when it was clear that Gestede just doesn't fit with us.
it was encouraging movement, but he put the chance wide.
but at least he got the chance, that's the point. Gestede doesn't get many chances and that's down to him as much as the rest of the team because he's predictable in the box, the absolute first requirement for a good striker is the ability to find space in the box, Benteke was a master at it which is why I was calling him a top striker in his first few games even though he was missing chances. Kozak isn't that good but he will pull into gaps and get shots away 3-4 times a game and once he gets a bit of confidence and shakes off the rust that will mean goals. On top of that it makes him much harder to mark so he draws other defenders to him which will make space for playing coming into the box, if Ayew, Gil and Veretout can get used to that and start gambling on it they can all profit as well. It's nothing groundbreaking and it doesn't make him anything special, but it does make him better than Gabby and Gestede who haven't got it in them.
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The offside one that he put wide anyway summed up everything that has been wrong up front all season. We have Veretout, Grealish, Gil and even Westwood who can all thread those passes between defenders for a well timed run and we've only got 1 striker in the club who's willing to make the runs and he's just got his first start. Like others I'm not saying Kozak is brilliant but I am saying that he actually has instincts to play up front and try to get into those gaps. He really should've been involved 8-10 games ago when it was clear that Gestede just doesn't fit with us.
Agreed ! AND
He was in on the lescott header goal looking for scraps in case ball didn't go over. Good to see goal getting instinct . Gabby would be tussling with the defender in an upper body strength competition and get in way of header at least lumbering libor looksvto follow in
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Couldn't agree more paul_e!
Kozak isn't the World's best, but he knows how to play as a striker and work a defence...imho Gestede doesn't know how to and Gabby can't be arsed or hides...Kozak takes up good positions - near and far post - runs away/across his defender, and always puts a challenge in/closes them down.
His performance against Man City a few seasons ago was a 10 out of 10 for me: nowhere near as talented as those marking him, but never gave them a minute's peace, ran himself and them ragged, so that when he went for that ball late in the game and missed it, so did they...and let Weimann in for the winner. That's a team player that is!
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Kozak won more in the air tonight than Gestede has all season.
Agreed that he lacked a little match sharpness and looked buggered after an hour, but those things will only changed with game time.
There's no way he should be dropped after his efforts tonight. In fact, we should start with the same starting XI on Saturday.
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Kozak would benefit from someone like Traore beating the full back and getting in early crosses. High or low, I think he has the intelligence of subtle movement that Gestede simply doesn't have. Shame Traore is injured and Grealish is still sick or out for whatever reason.
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Cant fault the work he put in
(http://c.files.bbci.co.uk/9BB1/production/_87675893_koz.png)
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35229763
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Cant fault the work he put in
(http://c.files.bbci.co.uk/9BB1/production/_87675893_koz.png)
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35229763
That alone makes him difficult to mark. You could sit in a deckchair smoking Gauloises to keep Gestede in your pocket.
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Kozak won more in the air tonight than Gestede has all season.
Agreed that he lacked a little match sharpness and looked buggered after an hour, but those things will only changed with game time.
There's no way he should be dropped after his efforts tonight. In fact, we should start with the same starting XI on Saturday.
Lacking match sharpness and looking buggered later on is probably a better description than I was thinking of. He looked slow and sluggish when dropping deep to collect and run with the ball but looked a handful in and around the area. With respect to Rudy you can tell who came from Blackburn and who came from Lazio.
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With respect to Rudy you can tell who came from Blackburn and who came from Lazio.
Good line that. I may nick it :)
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Just been reading the match report on the BBC website. They've a photo of the ball going over the line. Kozak is right there next it.
Like others have said. He may not be the best striker in the world, but he will get into the right positions and he will score you goals.
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He did well considering it was his first competitive game for a long time.
I still think we need someone sharper, someone with some movement.
He's certainly better than Gestede.
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I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.
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Kozak would benefit from someone like Traore beating the full back and getting in early crosses. High or low, I think he has the intelligence of subtle movement that Gestede simply doesn't have. Shame Traore is injured and Grealish is still sick or out for whatever reason.
Definitely.
Against Notts County we was playing intelligent football in and around the box, which initially made me want to see Sinclair play upfront as he benefited from it by scoring two tap ins (i think). Kozak came on and instantly got himself in a great position and hit the bar (or it was just tipped over, can't remember now). But then we didn't hear from him again.
This performance really did further highlight how terribly inept Gestede has been for us.
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Whilst Kozak plays on his toes Justead is on his heels and that for me is the difference
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Paul Lambeth said when he was here that goals would always come to Benteke, whereas Konak had to work for them, but would make them come.
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Great performance from Kozak. he wasn;'t man of the match (Ayew?) but considering he had not started a first team game in over 2 years, it was an admirable display.
He was probably getting the most positive chants from Villa fans throughout the game too....(some of it surely irony at him finally getting picked).
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Cant fault the work he put in
(http://c.files.bbci.co.uk/9BB1/production/_87675893_koz.png)
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35229763
That touch marked bottom right - that was when we were struggling to get the ball off (I think) Zaha.
Kozak ran three quarters the length of the pitch and won it off him.
You could see how hard he was working, he was absolutely drenched in sweat towards the end.
The whole performance was way more energetic and determined from the whole team, but especially (given his circumstances) Kozak. Excellent stuff.
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That and the chase that Ayew gave to win the ball back late in the second half. He ran all the way back into our own half to dispossess one of their players. Both forwards out in a great shift and did themselves proud. For me he's made it very difficult for Garde to change that pairing. And add in Kozak's movement and just overall desire after such a long lay off. Very impressive.
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I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.
My one criticism of Garde last night was that I thought he left Gil and Kozak on too long. It was clear with about 15 minutes to go that they were both shattered, yet he left them on and only took Gil off right at the end. Although Palace didn't really threaten during that time, I thought we lost momentum.
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The good thing about Kozak he can actually hold the ball up and bring into play the likes of Gil, Veretout and Ayew. Even though he has been out for a while his first touch was quite good and you could see the rest of the team know they will get the ball back to carry on the attack. I also noticed that most of the balls to Kozak were to his feet knowing they would get the touch back whereby to Gestede most of the balls were in the air which makes me think they had no trust in Gestede holding the ball up. Looking at the two offsides, firstly you would never see Gestede in those positions and get flagged offside, secondly when you have someone who is capable of running into the space like that it give the guys around him confidence to play the ball through, ok he was flagged, but it gives the opposition defenders something to think about knowing that one of our forwards will be running into the whole for the through ball, with Gestede this would never happen and the opposition defenders knew this which made their job easier. He looked very comfortable with the players around him last night and I'm sure he will improve with more game time.
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Great performance from Kozak. he wasn;'t man of the match (Ayew?) but considering he had not started a first team game in over 2 years, it was an admirable display.
He was probably getting the most positive chants from Villa fans throughout the game too....(some of it surely irony at him finally getting picked).
We've been singing his name at most games this season PJ, especially away games.
I like him.
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I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.
My one criticism of Garde last night was that I thought he left Gil and Kozak on too long. It was clear with about 15 minutes to go that they were both shattered, yet he left them on and only took Gil off right at the end. Although Palace didn't really threaten during that time, I thought we lost momentum.
I think it was simply the fact he didn't / doesn't trust the replacements. I know I don't
Richards, Clark, Gestede, Sinclair, Richardson - the who's who of fuckwits and small time Charlie's.
He can give Big K and Gill today off to recuperate and as long as our fitness/medics know what they are doing should allow them to be available for Saturday though I'd expect a different make up again for the team next Tuesday including some of the aforementioned playing against opposition befitting their current level.
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He did bloody well yesterday and it was good to see a centre forward work hard, show movement and just play with a bit of intelligence.
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Great performance from Kozak. he wasn;'t man of the match (Ayew?) but considering he had not started a first team game in over 2 years, it was an admirable display.
He was probably getting the most positive chants from Villa fans throughout the game too....(some of it surely irony at him finally getting picked).
We've been singing his name at most games this season PJ, especially away games.
I like him.
That's good to hear ps you showed up my lack of Villa game attendances there:)
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He did well and defo much better choice than Gestede but we badly need a proper centre forward.
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Worked hard but needs to improve his touch and positioning but as others have said offered us more than Gestede and hopefully his performance will improve with games.
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I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.
My one criticism of Garde last night was that I thought he left Gil and Kozak on too long. It was clear with about 15 minutes to go that they were both shattered, yet he left them on and only took Gil off right at the end. Although Palace didn't really threaten during that time, I thought we lost momentum.
I think it was simply the fact he didn't / doesn't trust the replacements. I know I don't
Richards, Clark, Gestede, Sinclair, Richardson - the who's who of fuckwits and small time Charlie's.
He can give Big K and Gill today off to recuperate and as long as our fitness/medics know what they are doing should allow them to be available for Saturday though I'd expect a different make up again for the team next Tuesday including some of the aforementioned playing against opposition befitting their current level.
Harsh on Sinclair and Clark in my opinion.
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Remi Garde on Libor Kozak's improvement.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/01/13/remi-garde-praises-aston-villa-striker-libor-kozaks-improvement/?
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Worked hard but needs to improve his touch and positioning but as others have said offered us more than Gestede and hopefully his performance will improve with games.
But this is the point: before his injury he had always demonstrated (well, to me certainly) a good touch and some instinct for goals-scoring. What he has needed since is a run in the team, and none of the pre is managers has wanted to just put him the team and let him find his mojo again.
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Remi Garde on Libor Kozak's improvement.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/01/13/remi-garde-praises-aston-villa-striker-libor-kozaks-improvement/?
The article mentions the rumour about the Blouses perhaps taking Libor on loan: we should loan them Gestede, with a view to a perm.
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Perm he already has. Ironing tongs maybe.
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13 battles won, 7 headers won, 3 tackles, 4 defensive clearances, very busy night for Kozak, earned his corn.
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Perm he already has. Ironing tongs maybe.
I had a feeling my use of the word might elicit a response not associated with signings. 😊
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He's superior to Gestede, for the simple reason that he clearly uses his brain more.
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I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.
My one criticism of Garde last night was that I thought he left Gil and Kozak on too long. It was clear with about 15 minutes to go that they were both shattered, yet he left them on and only took Gil off right at the end. Although Palace didn't really threaten during that time, I thought we lost momentum.
I think it was simply the fact he didn't / doesn't trust the replacements. I know I don't
Richards, Clark, Gestede, Sinclair, Richardson - the who's who of fuckwits and small time Charlie's.
He can give Big K and Gill today off to recuperate and as long as our fitness/medics know what they are doing should allow them to be available for Saturday though I'd expect a different make up again for the team next Tuesday including some of the aforementioned playing against opposition befitting their current level.
Harsh on Sinclair and Clark in my opinion.
Fair enough I see 2 players with 6 good months each at the Top Level out of a combined total of a dozen seasons.
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I think Clark especially has suffered from lack of management stability at the club.
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I think Kozak cost more than Gestede as well was it 7 and 6 mill respectively
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Cant fault the work he put in
(http://c.files.bbci.co.uk/9BB1/production/_87675893_koz.png)
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35229763
That touch marked bottom right - that was when we were struggling to get the ball off (I think) Zaha.
Kozak ran three quarters the length of the pitch and won it off him.
You could see how hard he was working, he was absolutely drenched in sweat towards the end.
The whole performance was way more energetic and determined from the whole team, but especially (given his circumstances) Kozak. Excellent stuff.
Impressive.
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Impressed with him last night
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I also think he'd be good next season when the inevitable happens.
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13 battles won, 7 headers won, 3 tackles, 4 defensive clearances, very busy night for Kozak, earned his corn.
Nice to have a centre forward who wins headers again. That's the weirdest thing about Gestede considering he's supposed to be so good in the air, he seems to win very few aerial battles.
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I also think he'd be good next season when the inevitable happens.
I think with his movement he would score a hell of a lot of goals in that division. Another one that we should not be looking to sell this month.
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He scored some good goals in preseason and for the under 21's all different type of goals , Gestede scores headers thats it.Kozak is not as big as Gestede yet is much better at flicking on headers and getting his body in the way and getting free kicks/holding ball up.
He makes runs off the ball Gestede simply does not have that in his game.When we had Amavi wipping balls in Gestede was a threat but since then he has been mostly useless.
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His first touch & passing at times wasn't the best, but he was a bloody nuisance which made space for Ayew & Gil in particular to exploit.
Anyone can mark a lighthouse like Gestede. I was made up when we signed him, but this level is a step too far for him.
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I think if the team is on top, getting the ball across the box a lot and playing with width, Gestede will be a handful. But we simply don't play that way.
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We need to play a certain way to accommodate Gestede. If that tactic doesn't work we're fucked because he has all the stability and control of a new born calf. Kozak gives us infinitely more options in how we play and his hold up play, while certainly not Benteke level at least allows others to buzz around him and make things happen.
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The other Kozak plus over Gestede is that Gestede's confidence is totally shot. He is nervous and uncertain in everything he does. He tries to run faster so he extends his stride instead of shortening it and that makes him even slower. Whereas Kozak on the other hand is bursting to get involved in the game however he can. Neither player in my opinion is Premiership striker quality but Kozak has a point to prove and that makes him the better option.
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it would be interesting to analyse a 3 second standing start sprint of those two.
For me Gusted would spend a second thinking "oh shit I better get going"
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it would be interesting to analyse a 3 second standing start sprint of those two.
For me Gusted would spend a second thinking "oh shit I better get going"
He showed a remarkable shift of speed to win the penalty against West Ham, I don't know where it came from. I agreed his confidence is gone altogether, he played well in the second half at Newcastle and throughout the West Ham game but didn't get a goal despite going close on a few occasions. Who knows, if he's scored he might have got his tail up a bit and been of more use, but for now he is a player of limited ability with absolutely no confidence so shouldn't be anywhere near the XI.
I think the whole team, aside from maybe Ayew and Veretout have just had their confidence pounded. Kozak and Cissokho haven't played at all during the disastrous run so there confidence remains in tact and that's good enough for the time being. Okore is working his way back to fitness and Lescott has found some form alongside him by the look of it, so we can only hope that these players start lifting the others and we can get some confidence back into the side as quickly as possible. Confidence that will withstand setbacks and poor results will be crucial.
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You are right oldtimer. Great players compensate for lack of physical speed by speed of thought. Peter Withe being a classic example.
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You are right oldtimer. Great players compensate for lack of physical speed by speed of thought. Peter Withe being a classic example.
The same reasoning would apply when Christophe Duggary played for Blues.
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I think if the team is on top, getting the ball across the box a lot and playing with width, Gestede will be a handful. But we simply don't play that way.
Getting balls across the area Kozak showed more movement on Tuesday than Gestede had all season. Not just holding play up and running in behind defenders, but actually attacking the near post when we get the ball to the byline.
If our midfielders attacked the box when we get crosses in we'd have probably won 2 or 3 nil on Tuesday.
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I think if the team is on top, getting the ball across the box a lot and playing with width, Gestede will be a handful. But we simply don't play that way.
Getting balls across the area Kozak showed more movement on Tuesday than Gestede had all season. Not just holding play up and running in behind defenders, but actually attacking the near post when we get the ball to the byline.
If our midfielders attacked the box when we get crosses in we'd have probably won 2 or 3 nil on Tuesday.
Totally agree with our last line there - we were screaming out for someone - anyone! - to run into the space on the edge of the box on at least three occasions - possibly not "blaze it over" Westwood though ;-)
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Where is Tonev when you really need him?
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If we don't sell him I reckon Libor could be an important player if he is played. He has pedigree, Lazio don't buy shit players, we spent a lot of money on him and he got a terrible injury just as he was settling in. I hope we keep him and he finds his mojo. Gestede is not a premiership player at the moment and his confidence is shot. Play Kozac and hopefully he will repay the club with some important goals.
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Where is Tonev when you really need him?
We have Westie for that Brian ;-)
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Where is Tonev when you really need him?
He was sent outside the ground to retrieve a ball from his last wayward shot. He's not been seen since.
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I think what Garde said about Kozak is to trying to motivate him to keep going.
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Finally the manager sees sense! Now let's play him from now till the end of the season, give him a chance to hit some form, and then whatever happens he maybe ready for next season.
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Finally the manager sees sense! Now let's play him from now till the end of the season, give him a chance to hit some form, and then whatever happens he maybe ready for next season.
I think he just ran out of patience with everything else he had at his disposal and turned to Kozak. If Gestede provided anything at all he'd be on the bench.
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I hope Kozak has more in the tank for another game today. I was impressed with him in the week.
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Hopefully his fitness is on an upward curve and we will see a 10% improvement on the last game.
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I really like kozak but I don't think he's anything like the answer.
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He's not. We seriously need a mobile forward too.
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He definitely needs a run in the side to build up his sharpness. He's finding the space in the box at least. We do need better but there's probably not a hope in hell of doing good business in this window without going the untried punt route. Austin for Southampton was a steal but given he's gone there was never a hope we'd get him. We'll struggle to attract decent Premiership quality forwards at the moment. We will need to look again in the summer for players who could do it in the Championship.
I thought Kozak and Rudy linked quite well, so that's an option if we want to go ugly. Our "number 10's" aren't really cutting it so I'd be tempted to slap the two big boys up front and shower them with crosses. Cissokho has been putting some half decent delivery in and Bacuna is capable of putting in good balls. Ayew is always beavering away and tears through the opposition defence a couple of times per game, even on a quiet day. When Troare gets back he's a good impact player to have.
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Kozak is mobile but lacks pace and his finishing with his feet isn't great at all, I remember his debut goal at Norwich, back pass to the keeper who parried it straight back to him.
Would still have him over Gestede but hopefully we get someone in who can work the 6 yard box as that's one thing Ayew can't or dosen't want to do, especially when he pretty much carries us going forward.
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Probably the worst display of ball control I've seen for years today. That said, the bugger puts effort it.Love him.
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Probably the worst display of ball control I've seen for years today. That said, the bugger puts effort it.Love him.
He made Gabby look like Dennis Bergkamp. He does run his nuts off though and despite being clumsy and a bit rubbish he's likeable.
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Kozak has hardly played in 2 years, so two games in 5 days was always going to be difficult and showed in the last half hour. Decent option, but don't want him and Gestede up front with the Tesco mob, will play into their hands. I would have took him off today and put Sinclair up front to see if he can be arsed to run as well as has pace as Gestede was winning all the headers
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His pace is the problem for me.
That said his work effort, and his willingness to try get into decent positions is top notch.
Again I saw him yesterday being the closest player to their keeper when it bounces.
Not the greatest striker but for me he offers a lot more then Rudy,
And I think for me i'd be starting with him.
Did find myself wishing for him to have some crosses coming into the box higher then knee height!
I am also bias cause I am a Kozak fan! ;)
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Kozak's inclusion has allowed us to play with a little more variety throughout the game. Gestede makes us play one way and it becomes incredibly predictable for the opposition. Bringing Gestede on against a tiring defence is effective but that's about the only exposure I would give him at PL level.
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Anyone heard the rumour he's broke his ankle?
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Fractured but not supposed to be too bad
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Mail are reporting he'll be out for a few weeks. Good job we bought a new stricker during the transfer window.
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Mail are reporting he'll be out for a few weeks. Good job we bought a new stricker during the transfer window.
We have geniuses running our club, geniuses!
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Mail are reporting he'll be out for a few weeks. Good job we bought a new stricker during the transfer window.
Great chance for Merve the Swerve to show the world his real talent!
;-)
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The poor bloke hasn't had much luck since he's been here has he?
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Only bad luck. Loads of it.
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Shame about Kozak, i think he is the Gary Gardner Mk 2
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
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Bad luck for the kid.
The question is, if this injury has been know about for say, a week, why the fuck did they not do EVERYTHING they possibly could to bring in some cover.
I cannot accept his that there isn't a half decent striker, available somewhere in Europe who would have come in for a few months, regardless of our predicament.
Silly me, its obvious why not, it would have cost the club moneyl
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So they knew about the fracture before the window closed and still didn't think it would be a good idea to sign a striker.
Lerner and his cronies really aren't fit for purpose.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
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Sellars might be a step closer to making an appearance soon, haven't seen him at all but it can't do any harm.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
It's amazing that we got such completely differing value from him and Benteke, two players that cost about the same.
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He was doing OK until he got injured in December 13, when they weren't lumping the ball to him lazily such as 0-0 at Hull in the October where they routinely smashed it long.
His injury record since then has been abysmal, and given they're all fractures of one kind or another it's not like you could argue this is something we or he could forsee.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
It's amazing that we got such completely differing value from him and Benteke, two players that cost about the same.
I think Benteke was 20 and had already had a couple of seasons where he'd hit double figures. Kozak was 23 and had hit only 10 top flight league goals in 3 years. Maybe the Europa goals he scored clouded our thinking, but on paper it's never a player you'd throw £6m at.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
It's amazing that we got such completely differing value from him and Benteke, two players that cost about the same.
I think Benteke was 20 and had already had a couple of seasons where he'd hit double figures. Kozak was 23 and had hit only 10 top flight league goals in 3 years. Maybe the Europa goals he scored clouded our thinking, but on paper it's never a player you'd throw £6m at.
Unless your the genius that is Paul Lambert.
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So Kozak out for a month, but Gestede back sooner (whoopy do).
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
I really haven't seen enough of him to judge him on his footballing, injury wise, it was a bad investment. I can't fault his attitude - I certainly wouldn't label the man a waste of space.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
Is the right answer.
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Maybe. He's certainly been a waste of money. So it's really just semantics.
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To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
sorry I don't agree...he has had some appalling injuries whilst he has been here, for £6million he was playing at Lazio I believe scoring a few goals in their League and the Europa cup games, he was in the Czech national side so for me £6million was good value at that time.
Shame about his injuries...
UTV
The Doc
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I think our current motley crew of "strikers" must be the most pathetic we've had since I started watching the Villa in 1988. Ayew excepted (and the jury's out on him still), they're all either permanently injured, fat, shit or a combination of all three.
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To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
sorry I don't agree...he has had some appalling injuries whilst he has been here, for £6million he was playing at Lazio I believe scoring a few goals in their League and the Europa cup games, he was in the Czech national side so for me £6million was good value at that time.
Shame about his injuries...
UTV
The Doc
'A few' being the right way to describe his goalscoring record, which is no better than Gabby's.
At what point does something that keeps happening stop being down to luck? Football history is littered with players who keep getting injured - Darren Anderton, Garry Gardener, Jermaine Jenas, Daniel Sturridge, etc, etc. Were they all unlucky or was their something in their physical makeup which just made them more subsceptible to injury? If the latter, could our medical team done anything differently to have picked this up before we paid £6m for him?
And regardless of whether it's down to luck or otherwise, I don't see how anyone can disagree that at the moment we've got very little for the £6m initial fee and however much we've paid since to him in wages.
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To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
sorry I don't agree...he has had some appalling injuries whilst he has been here, for £6million he was playing at Lazio I believe scoring a few goals in their League and the Europa cup games, he was in the Czech national side so for me £6million was good value at that time.
Shame about his injuries...
UTV
The Doc
He wasn't playing at Lazio though was he. He had the equivalent of 20 games over three seasons barely starting any and then was used in the Europa when they'd rest players.
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To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
sorry I don't agree...he has had some appalling injuries whilst he has been here, for £6million he was playing at Lazio I believe scoring a few goals in their League and the Europa cup games, he was in the Czech national side so for me £6million was good value at that time.
Shame about his injuries...
UTV
The Doc
'A few' being the right way to describe his goalscoring record, which is no better than Gabby's.
At what point does something that keeps happening stop being down to luck? Football history is littered with players who keep getting injured - Darren Anderton, Garry Gardener, Jermaine Jenas, Daniel Sturridge, etc, etc. Were they all unlucky or was their something in their physical makeup which just made them more subsceptible to injury? If the latter, could our medical team done anything differently to have picked this up before we paid £6m for him?
And regardless of whether it's down to luck or otherwise, I don't see how anyone can disagree that at the moment we've got very little for the £6m initial fee and however much we've paid since to him in wages.
Did he have injuries at Lazio?
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At what point does something that keeps happening stop being down to luck? Football history is littered with players who keep getting injured - Darren Anderton, Garry Gardener, Jermaine Jenas, Daniel Sturridge, etc, etc. Were they all unlucky or was their something in their physical makeup which just made them more subsceptible to injury? If the latter, could our medical team done anything differently to have picked this up before we paid £6m for him?
It depends on the injury. If somebody is out for a year with a broken leg and then they break the ankle on their other leg (no idea if this is the case with Kozak) then it's coincidence.
If somebody has a regular recurrence of a knee ligament or groin problem then it isn't.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
He's just made it back after 2 years of rehab and gets this? A broken leg and a broken ankle after scoring at a reasonable rate in his appearances before the broken leg and that's the only thing you've got to say?
We all know what you think of the club, the squad, the board, but give the guy a break. Christ I'm amazed you haven't found a reason to criticise the brickwork on the Holte yet.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
He's just made it back after 2 years of rehab and gets this? A broken leg and a broken ankle after scoring at a reasonable rate in his appearances before the broken leg and that's the only thing you've got to say?
We all know what you think of the club, the squad, the board, but give the guy a break. Christ I'm amazed you haven't found a reason to criticise the brickwork on the Holte yet.
I may be wrong but the first serious injury was a collision with Clark, the second layoff was due to a complication (was it reported possible medical negligence?) and the recent ankle injury was the result of being clobbered.
He's hardly Anderton/Sturridge.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
No, he's been unlucky with injuries.
To be fair he was never a £6m striker, we got our pants truly thumbed by that deal. Again.
It's amazing that we got such completely differing value from him and Benteke, two players that cost about the same.
I think Benteke was 20 and had already had a couple of seasons where he'd hit double figures. Kozak was 23 and had hit only 10 top flight league goals in 3 years. Maybe the Europa goals he scored clouded our thinking, but on paper it's never a player you'd throw £6m at.
Unless your the genius that is Paul Lambert.
This is unfair. When we first signed him he looked a promising player. I think he's the sort who makes an impact whether he scores or not. But since that first bit of that season, he has either been injuryed or out of favour with the manager at the time. He has only recently come back into the fold and I think is struggling a bit due to the support he gets from creative areas. We need to give him a proper chance. I think he could have a strong season next year.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
He's just made it back after 2 years of rehab and gets this? A broken leg and a broken ankle after scoring at a reasonable rate in his appearances before the broken leg and that's the only thing you've got to say?
We all know what you think of the club, the squad, the board, but give the guy a break. Christ I'm amazed you haven't found a reason to criticise the brickwork on the Holte yet.
I may be wrong but the first serious injury was a collision with Clark, the second layoff was due to a complication (was it reported possible medical negligence?) and the recent ankle injury was the result of being clobbered.
He's hardly Anderton/Sturridge.
How do you know he's been 'clobbered'? The broken leg was reported at the time as a fairly innocuous challenge by Clark. Kozak may just have bones that are more susceptible to damage. Or he might play in a way that makes it more likely he gets injured.
There's got to come a point when bad luck isn't the reason any more. Since 2006 he's managed just two seasons where he's played more than half his team's league games.
Don't get me wrong, I think he has offered us more than Gestede when he's been playing recently but that's hardly the most glowing of references. And despite that, he's still not done the main thing he's on the pitch for - scoring goals.
I'm disappointed he's injured but I don't think its going to make a blind bit of difference as to where we finish this year and I think it just adds more weight to the argument that we got stung when we paid £6m for him.
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He really has been an utter waste of space since he signed.
He's just made it back after 2 years of rehab and gets this? A broken leg and a broken ankle after scoring at a reasonable rate in his appearances before the broken leg and that's the only thing you've got to say?
We all know what you think of the club, the squad, the board, but give the guy a break. Christ I'm amazed you haven't found a reason to criticise the brickwork on the Holte yet.
I may be wrong but the first serious injury was a collision with Clark, the second layoff was due to a complication (was it reported possible medical negligence?) and the recent ankle injury was the result of being clobbered.
He's hardly Anderton/Sturridge.
How do you know he's been 'clobbered'? The broken leg was reported at the time as a fairly innocuous challenge by Clark. Kozak may just have bones that are more susceptible to damage. Or he might play in a way that makes it more likely he gets injured.
There's got to come a point when bad luck isn't the reason any more. Since 2006 he's managed just two seasons where he's played more than half his team's league games.
Don't get me wrong, I think he has offered us more than Gestede when he's been playing recently but that's hardly the most glowing of references. And despite that, he's still not done the main thing he's on the pitch for - scoring goals.
I'm disappointed he's injured but I don't think its going to make a blind bit of difference as to where we finish this year and I think it just adds more weight to the argument that we got stung when we paid £6m for him.
He was clobbered in the match in which he sustained his injury. You could see it was a heavy impact.
These things happen - although that's no use to the team.
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Did he not get the winner at Norwich and Southampton before the first injury?? If so, those 2 goals in the context of the season are worth the 5-6 million we paid just for the points they gained in us staying up.
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Would keep him next year, he'd score 10-15 down there if he stays fit.
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Did he not get the winner at Norwich and Southampton before the first injury?? If so, those 2 goals in the context of the season are worth the 5-6 million we paid just for the points they gained in us staying up.
He scored the winner at Norwich in September of that season and scored 1 of 3 in our win at Southampton at the start of December. We finished 5 points clear of relegation - to suggest those two goals, so early in the season, (and that if he wasn't playing we wouldn't have scored those goals anyway) were the reason we stayed up is insane!
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It is a contribution though, which when you strip it back is what you are reliant on.
He was injured in the December, but he contribution, points wise, was clearly important
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I have no idea what he has done but Kozak has just posted a photo of him in hospital. Here is the link to his facebook https://www.facebook.com/liborkozakcz/posts/526315570905500:0.
Either he is still under the influence of the anesthetic or the automatic translate part has gone wrong... Apparently it's something to do with a "snasel Lip"
Here you go :)
"Unfortunately I had to go through another "Word" well on levo kotniku mem. Fortunately nothing serious.. For a month and a half I should be ok! For the last two years and a half, I thank you, in the playground too fingered, came about representation... There were times when i snasel lip.. When Hur! Even after all this time.. Still exist, the people who believe in me totally... And that's exactly why I go... I'll be back and I will fight for me to repay all who trust in me, never wavering! ⚽️👊! Thank you"
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When Hur!
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Google translate comes up with this .....
"Unfortunately I had to undergo another "minor" surgery on my left ankle. Luckily nothing vazneho..za month and a half I should be ok ! Over the last two years and a half I have because of injury , has little to show on the pitch , came about representation ... There were times when I was suffering lip..kdy hur ! But even after such dobe..porad There are people who in my hundred percent believe in ... and that's exactly why we return ... I will return and I will fight so that I repay the confidence of all those who never doubted in me ! Thank you ⚽️👊"
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Middle name "Lucky"
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Ivo Stas for the new millennium.
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Did someone call..?
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Ben Hur never wavered. This guy is going to grab the winner in three midland derbies next season.
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Has anyone heard anything about Kozak recently ?
It would have been handy to have him on the bench last night to replace Rudy with 20 or so minutes to go
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He's either injured, again, or fully ensconced on the shit list with Veretout. Strange that neither has had a look in when more obvious wasters have been given a shot at redemption.
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He along with the other disappearing player Adama, came on the pitch for a full work out last night once the stadium was cleared. Not just a warm down but a full on session with all the other subs and a few kids
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He along with the other disappearing player Adama, came on the pitch for a full work out last night once the stadium was cleared. Not just a warm down but a full on session with all the other subs and a few kids
If Adama and Libor were fit enough to partake in that, it surprises me even more than one/both of the weren't on the bench.
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I heard he arrived late and was then omitted from the bench as punishment
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I forgot all about Libor until his name popped up on here this morning.
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RDM said he was injured before the Sheff Weds game.
Just looks to me like a player the management have decided needs a fresh start somewhere else with all the injuries he's had.
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I heard he arrived late and was then omitted from the bench as punishment
Which one? Libor or Adama ?
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Adama
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From our parking place in the Villa Village car park we can see them arrive. Kozak was the last one we saw and he arrived at around 6.30pm. Didn't see Adama at all (up until 6.45pm)
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If he gets fit then he seems to be a natural goal scorer does Libor, be interesting to see if he stays or leaves before the end of the window.
We did pay £7m or thereabouts so must be a bit of a player in there somewhere.
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He seems a likeable sort but up top we really lack pace to stretch defences. Kozak is the most immobile of all our options even at his best.
For the big lump up front option Gestede has more going for him. Always thought Kozak might be a handy option to have on the bench if we are looking to pinch a goal. If he can't arrange a move for himself then he should be integrated back into the squad.
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If he gets fit then he seems to be a natural goal scorer does Libor
What gives you that idea? In his top flight career he's scored 17 goals in more than 100 games. That's a worse record than Gabby.
He has talents but a natural goalscorer he ain't!
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I've only seen him twice in the flesh so to speak, both times he was useless.
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I hope it was more a case of he wasn't match fit today as he was woeful.
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He's never really been good enough, and what he had appears to have disappeared after his injury. I doubt he'll contribute much so its best that he's moved on and off the wage bill if theres any takers.
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I was genuinely shocked at how poor he was today, and given what we've witnessed in the last year, that's some achievement. He was so slow, ponderous and clearly unfit that he made Gestede look like a cross between Usain Bolt and Ronaldo when he came on. I actually felt sorry for him when he took that pass and mishit it to an opposition player two feet away. It was one of the poorest things I've seen since, erm, Okore's own goal last week. I've never really rated him, but he seems like an enthusiastic trier and his goal to game ratio was decent enough when he first arrived. The injuries have clearly taken their toll though, and I say he's finished as a player at this level. He was desperately poor, and on that performance he needs several weeks, if not months to get to anything like match fitness. All a bit sad really, as I get the feeling he's a decent lad.
He shouldn't have been anywhere near the squad, and I'd have moved Ayew up front, and shifted Bacuna into right midfield when Gestede went off.
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He makes Gestede look quick and mobile.
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I doubt George Weah's cousin played any worse than Kozak did today. I like him but today he really was bad.
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Kozak is getting blazed, but the bloke has been out with an horrific injury for years, not months.
Let's give the bloke a chance before we write him off.
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Kozak is getting blazed, but the bloke has been out with an horrific injury for years, not months.
Let's give the bloke a chance before we write him off.
He was playing for the first team earlier in the year. It's one thing to look off the pace after a layoff and another to look completely out of your depth like he did today. I really hope it was a lack of fitness but i'm far from convinced it's just that.
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Kozak is getting blazed, but the bloke has been out with an horrific injury for years, not months.
Let's give the bloke a chance before we write him off.
He was playing for the first team earlier in the year. It's one thing to look off the pace after a layoff and another to look completely out of your depth like he did today. I really hope it was a lack of fitness but i'm far from convinced it's just that.
I quite agree.
But, he hasn't figured in the first team squad for so long that we really can't judge him on today's performance. Had he come on for the last 20 mins or so, it may have been different, but he certainly isn't ready for 90, 75 or even 45 mins yet.
I still think though, that they there is an intelligent striker in there.
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Kozak is getting blazed, but the bloke has been out with an horrific injury for years, not months.
Let's give the bloke a chance before we write him off.
He was playing for the first team earlier in the year. It's one thing to look off the pace after a layoff and another to look completely out of your depth like he did today. I really hope it was a lack of fitness but i'm far from convinced it's just that.
I quite agree.
But, he hasn't figured in the first team squad for so long that we really can't judge him on today's performance. Had he come on for the last 20 mins or so, it may have been different, but he certainly isn't ready for 90, 75 or even 45 mins yet.
I still think though, that they there is an intelligent striker in there.
I think he only 75% fit and was used as bench warmer and wasmt expected to last . He wasn't much kipper today and looked league 2 level but case of rustiness and off pace. Looks like academy level matches for now . Looked completed lost and missed glorious headed chance. Welcome back libor
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It doesn't really matter how long he's been out, from the perspective purely of his fitness. He looked very unfit and unathletic; two pretty basic criteria for inclusion in the match day squad.
I'd guess he was in it because of pre-match concerns about Gestede's fitness. Hmm: in the event of bringing off Gestede, how about having different tactics, like using RHM instead?
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Shame for the lad that he's had so many injuries. Even so, even when fully fit, bang average.
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It doesn't really matter how long he's been out, from the perspective purely of his fitness. He looked very unfit and unathletic; two pretty basic criteria for inclusion in the match day squad.
I'd guess he was in it because of pre-match concerns about Gestede's fitness. Hmm: in the event of bringing off Gestede, how about having different tactics, like using RHM instead?
Yes, I think it was a big mistake by RDM, similar in a way to that made when Richards played and was captain. Of course he's on a steep learning curve at the moment, but a blind man could see that Kozak was totally unfit, and subbing the sub showed that RDM finally got it.
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It doesn't really matter how long he's been out, from the perspective purely of his fitness. He looked very unfit and unathletic; two pretty basic criteria for inclusion in the match day squad.
I'd guess he was in it because of pre-match concerns about Gestede's fitness. Hmm: in the event of bringing off Gestede, how about having different tactics, like using RHM instead?
Yes, I think it was a big mistake by RDM, similar in a way to that made when Richards played and was captain. Of course he's on a steep learning curve at the moment, but a blind man could see that Kozak was totally unfit, and subbing the sub showed that RDM finally got it.
I guess he was hoping he would be able to bring him on for a few minutes at the end to give him a run out as it is the only way to properly assess him.
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I really hope yesterday's performance dispels the feeling on here that Kodak is good.
He's a poor man's Tony Cascarino.
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I really hope yesterday's performance dispels the feeling on here that Kodak is good.
He's a poor man's Tony Cascarino.
I think it would be a photo finish between the two.
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Perhaps he gets pain from the multiple break and surgical rebreaking of his leg. Perhaps he is scared of doing it again. I know I would be. He is not the shadow of the player he was pre injury. He never was anything but slow but he knew where he had to get himself. Major injuries take a terrible toll on players. Gary Gardner for example.
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He needs match sharpness. So several games to get up to speed. But we can't afford to carry players. I thought the header he missed was really poor - hit the target and you score, only 6 yards out!
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Let's face it. He's finished
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Let's face it. He's finished
Sadly I believe you may be correct.
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I really hope yesterday's performance dispels the feeling on here that Kodak is good.
He's a poor man's Tony Cascarino.
I think it would be a photo finish between the two.
They are both that slow, you could monitor the finish with a brass etching!
*edit - noticed it was a Kodak / photo pun - bravo*
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Never thought I'd say it but we actually missed Gestede when he went off. Kozak looked like he was running in treacle, and I think Gestede would have scored that headed chance.
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It's sad. I liked Kozak when he first came in. He looked promising. He scored a few goals and looked fairly good as cover for Benteke. But that injury, and every subsequent injury set back has absolutely finished him at high level football. At his age I'm not sure he can get back to the level required. His confidence in front of goal looks shot too. Last season in his brief run in the team his finishing had gone to shit.
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Can't remember him winning any header yesterday apart from the one he should have scored from. When he came on he put us under pressure because the defender beat him to the ball and the ball was back in our half every time.
Not good enough, sadly.
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Never thought I'd say it but we actually missed Gestede when he went off. Kozak looked like he was running in treacle, and I think Gestede would have scored that headed chance.
Maybe but he missed two equally good chances on Tuesday night so he's capable of missing them as well. It does prove the need for another striker though.
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He looked like he'd spent time in Terry Waite's Beirut accommodation.
I thought it was Niles Crane when he jogged on.
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Well we did miss Gestede when he went off because he won practically everything in the air which then eases pressure on our defence. As soon as Kozak came on the ball was back in our own half every time we had a goal kick or clearance.
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Lot's wife has more movement than both Kozak and Rudy and I don't think McCormack will thrive until he has a pacey No 9 to play off. Footyskillz must have a recommendation?
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I've only seen him twice in the flesh so to speak, both times he was useless.
Don't like to quote myself but the two times I saw him were before the injury, can only imagine what he's like now.
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There was literally no spring in his jump and he's not a small bloke. He seemed very lead footed and simply a yard off the pace, if I'm being generous. The incisiveness he once had wasn't there and that has to be because of fitness and match sharpness.
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There was literally no spring in his jump and he's not a small bloke. He seemed very lead footed and simply a yard off the pace, if I'm being generous. The incisiveness he once had wasn't there and that has to be because of fitness and match sharpness.
You're spot on about his jumping. I said the same yesterday, it was like he had chewing gum on the sole of his boots because he barely got off the ground.
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There was literally no spring in his jump and he's not a small bloke. He seemed very lead footed and simply a yard off the pace, if I'm being generous. The incisiveness he once had wasn't there and that has to be because of fitness and match sharpness.
You're spot on about his jumping. I said the same yesterday, it was like he had chewing gum on the sole of his boots because he barely got off the ground.
He simply looked fu*ked as soon as he came on.
Is he doing extra training for the London Marathon or something?
I like the Kozak I've seen at times but he was very poor yesterday.
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I saw him score a nice goal for the under 23's last week so I was hopeful when he came on but I guess that shows the gulf between first team and reserve football.
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He's finished. Not nice but that's the reality of the situation to my eyes.
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I was amazed at how poor he was yesterday
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Surprised how easy he was moved off the ball, looks like he is fckued
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not good news for player or club then - how much longer does he have on his contract?
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He's in the final year of his contract.
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shame I liked him when he first arrived - maybe he should have taken the move north.
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He seems a likeable sort but up top we really lack pace to stretch defences. Kozak is the most immobile of all our options even at his best.
For the big lump up front option Gestede has more going for him. Always thought Kozak might be a handy option to have on the bench if we are looking to pinch a goal. If he can't arrange a move for himself then he should be integrated back into the squad.
Unfortunately after yesterday I'll have to take back even giving him a chance. He needs a long loan spell elsewhere to get back match fitness, on the evidence of yesterday it will be very much a lower league.
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No future sat Villa. No more passengers. Think Clark has finished him with that challenge.
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He seems a likeable sort but up top we really lack pace to stretch defences. Kozak is the most immobile of all our options even at his best.
For the big lump up front option Gestede has more going for him. Always thought Kozak might be a handy option to have on the bench if we are looking to pinch a goal. If he can't arrange a move for himself then he should be integrated back into the squad.
Unfortunately after yesterday I'll have to take back even giving him a chance. He needs a long loan spell elsewhere to get back match fitness, on the evidence of yesterday it will be very much a lower league.
You are right about him going out on loan. He will never get back to the level required by playing for the U21s. The right club in Div. 1 or 2 where he would get good game time between now and the New Year, might see him being useful back up for the end of season run in.
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Hat-trick for the U23s today. He continues to frustrate.
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Hat-trick for the U23s today. He continues to frustrate.
Or conversely maybe he's getting a bit of confidence and match fitness back.
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last year of his contract, not good enough and no one is going to buy him
pay him off and give someone who has a future at the club a chance
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As he is in the last year we have nothing to lose by keeping him.
No one will buy him; so chance our arm that, once fit, he's actually good. Afterwards he might sign a new contract, he might leave, all we have risked is 500k. That's peanuts nowadays.
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He's a lovely lad, 3 goals, let's keep him.
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What benefit in getting rid? He's not a huge earner and who knows , in a couple of months he might be fit enough to contribute.
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I am bored of waiting for him to come good. Another player who came here to see his career die.
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What benefit in getting rid? He's not a huge earner and who knows , in a couple of months he might be fit enough to contribute.
Agree. Might as well hold on to him now and see what happens until January.
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What benefit in getting rid? He's not a huge earner and who knows , in a couple of months he might be fit enough to contribute.
and then again he may not
him coming on and looking like a donkey is taking the chance of playing away from someone like the russian
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Like a few others have said, i'd keep him now until the end of his contract.
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Like a few others have said, i'd keep him now until the end of his contract.
And do what with him during that time?
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Like a few others have said, i'd keep him now until the end of his contract.
And do what with him during that time?
Well he converted three chances yesterday. He just might score a few for the first team hopefully.
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You can't but wish the bloke well after what happened, but i'll be surprised if he's ever quick enough to play at this level now
Might as well keep him around this season though as you never know who else we'll have left here come January and the ANC starts
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I don't know if he will ever do anything for the first team again but I do know people have been brutal about him. His injuries will have taken a toll so I'm not sure what's expected.
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In a much more minor way his position is a bit like Stan. He has gone through the mill and we should be a big enough club to allow him to try to come back. Obviously within sensible time limits.
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In a much more minor way his position is a bit like Stan. He has gone through the mill and we should be a big enough club to allow him to try to come back. Obviously within sensible time limits.
Absolutely spot on Brian. The blokes been absolutely battered since he arrived here. He deserves a chance to get fit and have another go.
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What's happened to Kozak? Seems to have dropped off the radar?
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I think the main reason is he's shit
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He still at the club?
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He represented the club at some school on a Villa in the Community type thing last week.
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He represented the club at some school on a Villa in the Community type thing last week.
Not bad work for 20 grand a week.
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I think the main reason is he's shit
The main reason is that he's had a career-altering injury, in my opinion.
Not the greatest footballer but he's also not the player he was before he was injured.
It's a pity for the club and player.
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How long left is his contract for Villa ?
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How long left is his contract for Villa ?
I think this is his final year.
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oh well, see ya
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Yes this is his last season. Unfortunately will have to go down as another big waste of money in terms of fee and wages over 4 years (although not all his fault due to bad luck with injuries).
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Still would not be surprised to see him get a chance, as Gestede aside he the only 'target man' type striker. Thought he looked pretty good before the injury, has had a good attitude, and has scored plenty in the reserves.
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We will need him come January when ACN kicks off. Will be left with Green for Adomah, RHM for Ayew and Kozak for Kodija / Gestede. Plus McCormack
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Still would not be surprised to see him get a chance, as Gestede aside he the only 'target man' type striker. Thought he looked pretty good before the injury, has had a good attitude, and has scored plenty in the reserves.
I don't think he is a target man. From what I've seen he's pretty crap in the air.
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Still would not be surprised to see him get a chance, as Gestede aside he the only 'target man' type striker. Thought he looked pretty good before the injury, has had a good attitude, and has scored plenty in the reserves.
I don't think he is a target man. From what I've seen he's pretty crap in the air.
You could level the same at Gestede.
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Still would not be surprised to see him get a chance, as Gestede aside he the only 'target man' type striker. Thought he looked pretty good before the injury, has had a good attitude, and has scored plenty in the reserves.
I don't think he is a target man. From what I've seen he's pretty crap in the air.
You could level the same at Gestede.
Don't be daft.
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Still would not be surprised to see him get a chance, as Gestede aside he the only 'target man' type striker. Thought he looked pretty good before the injury, has had a good attitude, and has scored plenty in the reserves.
I don't think he is a target man. From what I've seen he's pretty crap in the air.
You could level the same at Gestede.
Don't be daft.
He's right, Gestede wins the ball in the air but he's actually not very good at heading the ball unless it's a flat cross he can run onto, he gives the ball away a lot more often than he flicks it to a team mate. So he's less of a taret man than Kozak because we really can't play around Gestede, that's why we were so shit last season, we tried to use Gestede as if he was a Benteke-like pivot to play off. As I've said before if you compare the games Libor played with those that Rudy played I honestly believe that if you swapped around the number of performances they each had we have been in with a real fighting chance of staying up rather than embarrassing ourselves with a humiliatingly low number of points.
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Kozak might have been reasonable in his first season, but since then the injuries have finished him. His last outing was embarrassing.
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Kozak might have been reasonable in his first season, but since then the injuries have finished him. His last outing was embarrassing.
Very similar to Gestedes last outing then, where he was very poor to absolute shite.
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If he's still under contract and fit for selection, he deserves consideration, the same as any other player.
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Well down the pecking order now...Gabby will probably make an appearance before he does!
I think he's the same as Okore...showed promise before horrendous injuries and he just can't get fitness up to the level required.
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Kozak might have been reasonable in his first season, but since then the injuries have finished him. His last outing was embarrassing.
Very similar to Gestedes last outing then, where he was very poor to absolute shite.
As much as I like Kozak and sympathise, Rudy has useful qualities in this division.
Even this season, he's proved it.
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Kozak might have been reasonable in his first season, but since then the injuries have finished him. His last outing was embarrassing.
Very similar to Gestedes last outing then, where he was very poor to absolute shite.
As much as I like Kozak and sympathise, Rudy has useful qualities in this division.
Even this season, he's proved it.
Exactly. We're comparing someone who hasn't even scored 20 goals for a single club to someone who scored 20 goals in a season last time he was at this level, 9 of them with his head.
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Last time I saw Kozak play in the flesh was Derby away and he was woeful. He didn't look like a professional footballer, more like some half decent low level non league player being given a trial. It's a real shame as he looked pretty decent before Clark crocked him, certainly as backup to Benteke, but those injuries seem to have done for him and he's only 27.
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Where has he dissapeared to, not even playing for the under 23s lately
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I had forgotten he was still here!
I'm hoping Steve Bruce doesn't see him as the answer to our AFCON problems in January...
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Where has he dissapeared to, not even playing for the under 23s lately
You tease! I thought something had happened, like a transfer! Next thing you know, the Micah Richards thread will be revived...
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Last time I saw Kozak play in the flesh was Derby away and he was woeful. He didn't look like a professional footballer, more like some half decent low level non league player being given a trial. It's a real shame as he looked pretty decent before Clark crocked him, certainly as backup to Benteke, but those injuries seem to have done for him and he's only 27.
Yes, his last outing was woeful. As you say, he hardly resembled a footballer.
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Didn't he score two in the U23 game against Stoke. What was that, three weeks ago?
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SB said he needs a fresh start somewhere else and we'll let him leave in January. Actually direct quotes.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-update-striker-12262239
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Seems like he is going to Opava for a six month loan. We've supposedly denied it but he's been pictured there and confirmed it.
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Massive donkey, another terrible Lambert signing.
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Seems like he is going to Opava for a six month loan. We've supposedly denied it but he's been pictured there and confirmed it.
Didn't fancy eranu.
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Well he is going to be solely missed!
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Massive donkey, another terrible Lambert signing.
Not a terrible player at the time, but do think he was a terrible signing because of the other squad weaknesses and lack of money.
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Massive donkey, another terrible Lambert signing.
Not a terrible player at the time, but do think he was a terrible signing because of the other squad weaknesses and lack of money.
I honestly think that in all Lamberts time here he signed one decent player. I personally never enjoyed watching Kozak lumber around up front in the few games he did play in, he looked cumbersome and had an awful first touch. Not the kind of Striker I enjoy watching.
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Massive donkey, another terrible Lambert signing.
Not a terrible player at the time, but do think he was a terrible signing because of the other squad weaknesses and lack of money.
Scored a few goals but other than that I thought his all round play was abysmal. Another dreadful signing who won't be missed.
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Seven million pounds. Utter shite but hey, Lambert still thinks that he was given little money to spend.
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Even ten years ago his leg break was so bad that he would never have played again. He is a credit to his doctors and himself to even be trying to rebuild his career. He is now a very limited player but I wish him well whatever his future holds.
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Seems like he is going to Opava for a six month loan. We've supposedly denied it but he's been pictured there and confirmed it.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-transfer-news-libor
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Seven million pounds. Utter shite but hey, Lambert still thinks that he was given little money to spend.
That transfer window period was important in our doom. We were crying out for a Robert Huth/Dann centre back and he bought another forward.
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Even ten years ago his leg break was so bad that he would never have played again. He is a credit to his doctors and himself to even be trying to rebuild his career. He is now a very limited player but I wish him well whatever his future holds.
It was, apparently, a very similar break to one that ended Nilis' career.
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Seven million pounds. Utter shite but hey, Lambert still thinks that he was given little money to spend.
That transfer window period was important in our doom. We were crying out for a Robert Huth/Dann centre back and he bought another forward.
I disagree, we really needed a winger or 2 , the 433 with gabby and weimann either side of the beast worked but was limited by the inconsistency of those 2. No idea who was or wasn't available but some to do the job that Mahrez did for Leicester or Payet did for West Ham last year.
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A Christmas hoax by Kozak! Supposedly a Czech tradition.
Still training with us.
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A Christmas hoax on the 4th January? His timing is as poor as his first touch.
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How long is left on his contract?
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6 months.
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I don't know why we get worked up about this. He won't play for us again and really is just a fixed cost to the club that we can't do anything about. Of course it would be nice to use his wages elsewhere, but really they just need to be written off and we should move on.
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A strange player, he seemed a natural finisher but his all round game was pretty poor and he always looked physically weak. Showed what he was capable of with some fine goals in a game against the Tatters but other than that pretty much forgettable.
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Seven million pounds. Utter shite but hey, Lambert still thinks that he was given little money to spend.
That transfer window period was important in our doom.
A while back someone listed all of the players Lambert bought that Summer, Kozak, Bennett, El Ahmedi, Bowery etc. It just showed what a complete chancer he was, just one shit signing after another. Idiot!
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From a monetary and forward-thinking standpoint, I think his signing made sense - we were expecting to get only one more season from Benteke anyway, so spending 6.5 million euros on a replacement capable of scoring somewhere between 10 to 15 league goals in a season as the first-choice was fine (I mean, I'm pretty sure Steven Fletcher went for double that amount after managing a 12 goal season for Wolves), and letting him settle into English football without the added pressure of replacing Benteke was sensible.
The problem was at the time we also desperately needed a forward with real quality who could either play off Benteke or provide goalscoring from out wide, because even back then everyone pretty much agreed that neither Gabby nor Weimann were trustworthy just yet, and so they subsequently proved.
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How long is left on his contract?
Ends in the summer i think.
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A strange player, he seemed a natural finisher
spending 6.5 million euros on a replacement capable of scoring somewhere between 10 to 15 league goals in a season as the first-choice was fine
I still don't get why some people have this view of him . He has never, ever been a goal scorer. He's 27 years old and has only scored more than 10 in a season once, scoring 11 in the Czech 2nd division, which must be a similar standard to the Midlands Combination League.
It seems to stem from the fact he won the Europa league golden boot one year with Lazio but in the same season he made 20 domestic appearances and scored zero goals.
He makes Gabby look prolific.
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In one-on-ones he looked a player likely to score goals, I've not looked but his goals to game starts ratio cant be that bad can it?
I'd still get shot mind.
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It seems to stem from the fact he won the Europa league golden boot one year with Lazio but in the same season he made 20 domestic appearances and scored zero goals.
Anichebe had a similar sort of season early on at Everton. 4 in 9 in the UEFA Cup, looking like a real prospect. 1 in 27 in the league the same season.
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A strange player, he seemed a natural finisher
spending 6.5 million euros on a replacement capable of scoring somewhere between 10 to 15 league goals in a season as the first-choice was fine
I still don't get why some people have this view of him . He has never, ever been a goal scorer. He's 27 years old and has only scored more than 10 in a season once, scoring 11 in the Czech 2nd division, which must be a similar standard to the Midlands Combination League.
It seems to stem from the fact he won the Europa league golden boot one year with Lazio but in the same season he made 20 domestic appearances and scored zero goals.
He makes Gabby look prolific.
Europa League golden boot mightn't be anything too special, but nothing to sneer at (I had a quick look at who they were scored against - 7 of the 10 coming against Panathinaikos, Stuttgart, and Gladbach, so not exactly the backwaters of Europe). I was more referring to the fact that he did manage 4 goals in 14 league appearances for us, 6 of which were off the bench.) It's a small sample size, I know, but he could attack crosses, make a nuisance of himself against centre backs, and find space for himself in the box. Still kinda shit overall, mind, but having those three things alone gives you a good shot at reaching the fairly modest 1 in 3 ratio needed to hit double figures in the league.
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He's 27 and bad injuries aside has scored 14 goals in top flight football. A top level goal scorer he has never shown himself to be, we got ripped off at the price we paid purely on a few games in the Europa league.
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He's 27 and bad injuries aside has scored 14 goals in top flight football. A top level goal scorer he has never shown himself to be, we got ripped off at the price we paid purely on a few games in the Europa league.
At the money we paid, it was always going to be a gamble. Different country, different style of play, would playing more often improve him etc., all things that you do not know the outcome of when we buy players. We paid a similar amount for Benteke with a reputation that was hardly much better and he came off big time. The gamble didn't come off but you cannot say we were ripped off because it was a gamble.
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I never thought he looked terrible by any stretch of the imagination, he had bad injuries which set him back also. Various managers have overlooked him though, maybe because he's made of glass, maybe because he's an asshole around the place or maybe because they just don't rate him but I suppose they can't all be wrong.
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I never thought he looked terrible by any stretch of the imagination, he had bad injuries which set him back also. Various managers have overlooked him though, maybe because he's made of glass, maybe because he's an asshole around the place or maybe because they just don't rate him but I suppose they can't all be wrong.
Maybe, and this is my thinking, because he trains like he's frightened and they won't dare put him into a competitive match. He wouldn't be the first person to have the injuries and set backs he's had to have mental baggage from it. I liked him when he first arrived, I thought there was a decent player in there with good instincts in the box who could've done a good job alongside Benteke with a more creative player in behind but we never got to see it.
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Overpriced at 7m but looked like he might have something to offer when he first arrived but it was vintage Lamberk that he dropped Benteke for him.
He's finished as a player of any decent level now but has done remarkably well to come back from those injuries - good luck to him.
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I've seen all of his performances live. Hes always reminded me of a poor man's Tony Cascarino.
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I've seen all of his performances live. Hes always reminded me of a poor man's Tony Cascarino.
Praise indeed! That missed header in the san siro still haunts me!
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I thought he looked decent enough before the injury, he's been awful since it though. His performance at Derby is one of the worst i've ever seen by a professional footballer and I saw Balaban. It's how I imagine George Weah's 'cousin' looked that time for Southampton.
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I thought he looked decent enough before the injury, he's been awful since it though. His performance at Derby is one of the worst i've ever seen by a professional footballer and I saw Balaban. It's how I imagine George Weah's 'cousin' looked that time for Southampton.
George's cousin nearly scored, as I recall!
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From a monetary and forward-thinking standpoint, I think his signing made sense - we were expecting to get only one more season from Benteke anyway, so spending 6.5 million euros on a replacement capable of scoring somewhere between 10 to 15 league goals in a season as the first-choice was fine (I mean, I'm pretty sure Steven Fletcher went for double that amount after managing a 12 goal season for Wolves), and letting him settle into English football without the added pressure of replacing Benteke was sensible.
The problem was at the time we also desperately needed a forward with real quality who could either play off Benteke or provide goalscoring from out wide, because even back then everyone pretty much agreed that neither Gabby nor Weimann were trustworthy just yet, and so they subsequently proved.
Yeah that summer we were strongly linked to Kioyate who's now at Seville and Younes Belhanda who's playing a key role for Nice, both attacking midfielders which we needed more than another targetman striker.
I saw Kozak pretty much as everyone else...slow, cumbersome and technically mediocre but he did have the ability to anticipate and poach a few goals for us. Would've probably been a decent squad striker for us but you could see the injury ruined him when he came back and played a few games this time last year and this year the Derby game said enough.
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I thought he looked decent enough before the injury, he's been awful since it though. His performance at Derby is one of the worst i've ever seen by a professional footballer and I saw Balaban. It's how I imagine George Weah's 'cousin' looked that time for Southampton.
how bad was Balaban for us?
he did play for Croatia and had a reasonable record at international level
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I remember seeing him away at Southampton, just after they'd moved to the new ground (they had clapper thingys that night).
He got put through 1-on-1 and I just thought "go on Son, smash it in the net and you'll be off and running"
He didn't. And he never did.
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Only 'performance' I remember was prior to the injury against Hull. He was shocking and it was embarrassing the way he threw himself to the ground looking for free kicks, a couple of Hull players actually laughed at one stage.
edit. talking about Kozak not Balaban
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I can barely remember Balaban playing for us. Think he signed, played one or two games then vanished into legend.
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I can barely remember Balaban playing for us. Think he signed, played one or two games then vanished into legend.
I'll see your Balaban and raise you a Mathieu Berson
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I will see your Berson and raise you Carlton Cole.
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Balaban is probably one of the strangest signings in my time. Good record before and after us, utter gash for us. I saw every second he played for us either in person or live on tv and he was bad. My mate covered the reserves at the time and he said Balaban even looked out of his depth playing for the stiffs.
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I will see your Berson and raise you Carlton Cole.
I'll see your Carlton Cole and win with Tiago Ilori
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I see your Illori and raise you David Unsworth.
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I see your Illori and raise you David Unsworth.
Ha! I'd like to see you try and raise David Unsworth. He's pretty big....
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All those meals his wife said he had to be home to eat when she put them on the table.
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I see your Illori and raise you David Unsworth.
Didn't he always have to wear shorts around the house.
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Well I imagine so because he did not wear the trousers in that house.
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I see your Illori and raise you David Unsworth.
Ha! I'd like to see you try and raise David Unsworth. He's pretty big....
I actually saw one of the few games Unsworth played for us (friendlies that is) against Wycombe. I remember thinking at the time that he was going to be a very good signing. I may have been a tad wide of the mark...
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Well I imagine so because he did not wear the trousers in that house.
He did, Brian. However his wife decided what colour.
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Balaban is probably one of the strangest signings in my time. Good record before and after us, utter gash for us. I saw every second he played for us either in person or live on tv and he was bad. My mate covered the reserves at the time and he said Balaban even looked out of his depth playing for the stiffs.
It was just odd. What was the game where Gregory played him up front nect to Ginola, a European tie I think? Bizarre.
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I don't think it was Bizarre. Might have been Nazaire.
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Balaban is probably one of the strangest signings in my time. Good record before and after us, utter gash for us. I saw every second he played for us either in person or live on tv and he was bad. My mate covered the reserves at the time and he said Balaban even looked out of his depth playing for the stiffs.
It was just odd. What was the game where Gregory played him up front nect to Ginola, a European tie I think? Bizarre.
Varteks away.
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Wasn't that a war movie about the Battle of Britain?
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Sorry PWS. Just bored.
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I see your Illori and raise you David Unsworth.
I'll see your David Unsworth and raise you Adam Rachel.
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Rachael came on against Blackburn at Ewood Park when Oakes got sent off. Think it was Boxing Day 98.
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Rachael came on against Blackburn at Ewood Park when Oakes got sent off. Think it was Boxing Day 98.
A Tactics Tim last minute winner, I recall. And bloody freezing.
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I can barely remember Balaban playing for us. Think he signed, played one or two games then vanished into legend.
Two starts and seven as sub in nearly three seasons. Well over a million pounds per hour on the pitch, excluding wages, with no positive contribution.
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I was living in Belgium at the time, saw a lot of him playing for Bruges, after he had left us he looked really useful and scored quite a lot of goals, I therefore found his time with us quite bewildering.
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the details are lost in the foggy ruins of time now, but I did see him play once - an evening kick off definately and quite possibly a cup game I think. He was totally shite and made Dave Geddis look Real Madrid like.
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I see your Illori and raise you David Unsworth.
I'll see your David Unsworth and raise you Adam Rachel.
Najwan Ghrayib ... I win :)
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Rachael came on against Blackburn at Ewood Park when Oakes got sent off. Think it was Boxing Day 98.
Dermot Gallacher told me that Villa fans held it against him for years but that he never gave the sending off it was his lineman. I had no idea what he was talking about. Still, he liked to feel wanted I think.
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Never saw a cross word written about Najwan Ghrayhib.
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Never saw a cross word written about Najwan Ghrayhib.
He had water on the knee which scuppered his career.
When we signed him, then Villa scout Ross(?) McLaren said he was one of the best left full-backs he'd ever seen. We beat Spurs to his signature and as a kid I was always intrigued by him as I wanted poor Alan Wright to get a well-earned day off.
After that, I'm all out.
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Could he be our new signing? I feel for the guy after his leg break and other injury issues. I hope he's okay!
Wonder what's happening with him..???
Liborrrrrrrr????
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According to the Doctor we couldn't even give Kozak away in January with us offering to pay his wages.
Another dreadful waste and drain on our resources that finally expires contract wise this summer a mere four years after signing.
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He couldn't help getting injured but boy have we wasted some money the last few years.
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Surely we could claim on the insurance against Kodac as he wasn't a quarter of the player he was before the injury?
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Surely we could claim on the insurance against Kodac as he wasn't a quarter of the player he was before the injury?
If I recall correctly the photograph of his injury looked back in black and white, let alone in colour.
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He couldn't help getting injured but boy have we wasted some money the last few years.
Aint that the truth
Nothing will ever come close to 25 million on nzogbia
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He couldn't help getting injured but boy have we wasted some money the last few years.
Aint that the truth
Nothing will ever come close to 25 million on nzogbia
Hi, my name is Ross.
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I don't really understand why Kozak has been bombed out so much by multiple managers. He never looked too bad a player and certainly had the ability to do well at this level. I can only think it's attitude to training and maybe to team mates.
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I don't think his attitude has been in question more the whack his self-belief and ability has taken since his injury.
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I really liked the guy before his injury. But, in the one game he played at Derby this season he resembled a parks footballer.
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I really liked the guy before his injury. But, in the one game he played at Derby this season he resembled a parks footballer.
if he was that good at Derby, why hasn't he played since?
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I think the legacy of the injury that he had, and the incredibly bad luck he had afterwards have scarred him from ever playing again.
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Is he still here?
You'd think we'd just pay up the last few months and let him go.
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not one of we go again's finest moments...but then, what were?
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I really liked the guy before his injury. But, in the one game he played at Derby this season he resembled a parks footballer.
if he was that good at Derby, why hasn't he played since?
Ha ha, excellent!
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I think the poor bloke is the "victim" of medical and surgical advance. Even ten years ago he would have gone the same way as Luc Nilis. Fifty years ago he could well have gone the same way as Derek Dooley who had to have his leg amputated following a horrendous break.
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I really liked the guy before his injury. But, in the one game he played at Derby this season he resembled a parks footballer.
if he was that good at Derby, why hasn't he played since?
Ha ha, excellent!
I liked that one too.
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Out for the season following ankle surgery. With his contract up in the summer that's his Villa career over before it's even started.
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i genuinly forgot he existed.
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Christ, we don't half pick em.
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poor bloke, career must be pretty much over
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Confirmed that Libor will be leaving
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/libor-kozak-aston-villa-12990062
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Confirmed that Libor will be leaving
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/libor-kozak-aston-villa-12990062
What a dreadful webpage.
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I doubt he'll be inviting Ciaran Clark to his leaving do!
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I hate to see players careers ended through injury. Wish him well in the future.
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Confirmed that Libor will be leaving
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/libor-kozak-aston-villa-12990062
Still got his face staring at me from the Villa calendar for another 3 weeks though.
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Good luck for the future Libor.
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Good luck big man, hope things work out for you
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Good Luck Libor, you cut a forlorn figure on the post match lap of appreciation, walking on your own , no fellow team mates around you. Pretty sad to see your injury plagued career at Villa end this way, you've always conducted yourself well so I hope it works out for you wherever you end up next :)
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Good luck to him. Hope he can get a decent club and stay clear of injuries.
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Good luck Libor. You had one belter of a celebration. We all wish you had not had that terrible injury. Good luck son, hope you can get back into the game.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_T7eWhWAAEgOEy.png:small)
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Stephen Ireland, Stewart Downing, Fabian Delph et al, Please Note.
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Good luck Libor.
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Good guy. Good luck, Libor.
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Amidst all the "excitement" of transfer deadline day, I neglected to notice that Libor has become the latest Villa player to sign for Bari. They're currently in Serie B.
Good luck to him.
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Amidst all the "excitement" of transfer deadline day, I neglected to notice that Libor has become the latest Villa player to sign for Bari. They're currently in Serie B.
Good luck to him.
Aye. Good luck to him. Hope he does well.
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Good luck Libor. Wish you well.
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Yep... Shit luck here, all the best
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What a gent, best of luck Libor
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Same here.
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I think I'll now make Bari my 'second club'. All the best Libor. Hope our paths cross again in European competition in years to come.
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Villa to Bari third time round in three different decades.
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I'm surprised he's playing at any level, the injury appeared to have utterly ruined him.
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Good luck and best wishes Libor
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Amazed he's got a gig in Italy but the very best of luck to him.
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They're an odd club. Never won anything, mid-table in the second tier, stadium capacity nearly 60,000. If you thought we struggle to fill our ground...
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They're an odd club. Never won anything, mid-table in the second tier, stadium capacity nearly 60,000. If you thought we struggle to fill our ground...
Stadium rebuilt for the 1990 world cup, I imagine there was political pressure to hold games all around the country.
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Italy still use it for internationals on occasions. Well, against Scotland and Ireland in the last decade, not sure if much more than that.
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Libor has scored his first goal for Bari
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/02/10/aston-villa-injury-flop-libor-kozak-scores-first-goal-since-dece/
Apologies for the shit link. Great weekend all-round, well done big fella.
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Libor has scored his first goal for Bari
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/02/10/aston-villa-injury-flop-libor-kozak-scores-first-goal-since-dece/
Apologies for the shit link. Great weekend all-round, well done big fella.
The day gets better and better. Always had a soft spot for big Libor. Terrible luck with injuries. Best wishes to him.
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Yeah same here. Was doing o.k settling in 13/14 and then the terrible injury struck.
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Not only that, but he tweeted today....
https://twitter.com/Libor_Kozak/status/962654618969833472?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Em5%7Ctwgr%5Eemail%7Ctwcon%5E7046%7Ctwterm%5E0
Once a villain.......
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Good Man
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Not only that, but he tweeted today....
https://twitter.com/Libor_Kozak/status/962654618969833472?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Em5%7Ctwgr%5Eemail%7Ctwcon%5E7046%7Ctwterm%5E0
Once a villain.......
Judging by his twitter account he still thinks he is a Villa player!
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Good luck Libor.
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Not only that, but he tweeted today....
https://twitter.com/Libor_Kozak/status/962654618969833472?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Em5%7Ctwgr%5Eemail%7Ctwcon%5E7046%7Ctwterm%5E0
Once a villain.......
Brilliant!! So pleased for him. The love he's receiving on Twitter from Villa fans is ace.
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An interesting read when translated talks about Clarks' tackle which broke his leg and some manager with a monotonous tone presumably Lambert
https://www.bezfrazi.cz/nez-me-poslou-domu/
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His stats are shocking - 19 goals in 10 years!
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His stats are shocking - 19 goals in 10 years!
But still better than Bosko Balaban and Jordan Bowery.
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An interesting read when translated talks about Clarks' tackle which broke his leg and some manager with a monotonous tone presumably Lambert
https://www.bezfrazi.cz/nez-me-poslou-domu/
Safe to say he won't be inviting Ciaran Clark round for tea anytime soon!
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William Burroughs has a lot to answer for.
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I particularly enjoyed his comparison of the coaching in Italy with that he received at Villa. In Italy it was very complex and they spent hours on tactics. From the Villa manager
I got a tactical instruction instead: "Go ahead."
Almost a perfect translation.
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well, no amount of coaching in Italian, or any other language is going to turn the guy into a predatory striker.
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Blimey, have they translated his entire auto-biog? Made it as far as Clacker Clark and a few other fringe players slacking off and goofing around on Bodymoor on a New Year's Day.