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Author Topic: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing  (Read 7458 times)

Offline not3bad

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #15 on: April 11, 2011, 10:31:12 AM »
I think NRC would be invaluable in a 3 man midfield (4-3-3), however, if we're going to play 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2, with 2 wingers, i'm not sure he's quite good enough.

I think it's the other way round.  If we're playing with a three in the centre you can get away without a specialist holding player (although I'd always prefer one) by benefit of the extra man and them all working hard.  With only two in there I think an anchor man becomes invaluable.

And that's what NRC is - a midfield anchor man who's job is to stop the opposition playing.

Yeah I agree with this.  NRC is at his best when he protects the back 4.

Offline not3bad

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #16 on: April 11, 2011, 10:33:41 AM »
reckon NRC will go back to london in the summer whether we stay up or not.

That would make his most likely destination Fulham, which means I think he'd stay if we could find the right deal for all parties.

Offline KevinGage

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #17 on: April 11, 2011, 11:16:26 AM »
Fulham, QPR maybe Tottingham as an outside bet.

'arry has been keen admirer in the past, has tried to sign him at least twice.  I wouldn't be surprised to see them do something like sign NRC on a free and sell Palacios. I'm sure Levy would approve.

Offline Greg N'Ash

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #18 on: April 11, 2011, 11:04:36 PM »
reckon NRC will go back to london in the summer whether we stay up or not.

That would make his most likely destination Fulham, which means I think he'd stay if we could find the right deal for all parties.

He's going to look an attractive freebie for quite a few clubs. QPR are near enough up - they have a bit of money and being based in london could swing it. Saying that he'll probably end up 200 miles north of here

Offline UsualSuspect

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #19 on: April 12, 2011, 08:54:58 AM »
I would like NRC to stay, if decent money came in for Downing I'd probably take it.

he's had a good season but not a great one, I dont think we can say any player has had a great season based on our league position

Online kippaxvilla2

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #20 on: April 12, 2011, 09:10:35 AM »
Wasn't Downing quoted in the Meaning Evil recently as saying he would stay whether or not we were relegated.  I seem to remember admiring this stance.

Online kippaxvilla2

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #21 on: April 12, 2011, 09:12:22 AM »
As for NRC I would keep him.  And how his attitude must have changed.  This time 3 years ago he seemed to be accepting us as the best of the rest when none of the top 4 wanted him despite the hype.  I would imagine if he could swing a new contract he would be absolutely relieved and delighted.

Online Monty

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #22 on: April 12, 2011, 09:13:14 AM »
Wasn't Downing quoted in the Meaning Evil recently as saying he would stay whether or not we were relegated.  I seem to remember admiring this stance.

True or not, I'd like to point out at this stage that I love Stewart Downing. Not in that way, but still. Terrific, really terrific player who's been one of the few offerers of entertainment in this troubled season.


Online Monty

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #24 on: April 12, 2011, 09:29:23 AM »
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2011/04/02/stewart-downing-pledges-to-stay-at-aston-villa-97319-28445173/

Legend. I mean, if we go down (shudder) and Liverpool offer the required money, he'll be off, but if we don't go down he will still be here, and in any case he sounds really grateful and respectful to the club.

Offline not3bad

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #25 on: April 12, 2011, 09:33:47 AM »
Wasn't Downing quoted in the Meaning Evil recently as saying he would stay whether or not we were relegated.  I seem to remember admiring this stance.

Premier league player in loyalty shocker!  Fair play to him.

Online Pete3206

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #26 on: April 12, 2011, 09:45:50 AM »
Wasn't Downing quoted in the Meaning Evil recently as saying he would stay whether or not we were relegated.  I seem to remember admiring this stance.

Premier league player in loyalty shocker!  Fair play to him.

Except that Villa probably couldn't afford to keep him if we go down. And can you really see him sticking around if a Prem club came sniffing?

Online kippaxvilla2

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #27 on: April 12, 2011, 09:49:02 AM »
Call me naive but I actually believe him.

Offline Concrete John

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #28 on: April 12, 2011, 09:51:52 AM »
Middlesborough was his home toen club I think?  Certainly where he played his youth football and he would have more loyalty to them than us, yet when they went down he left.  That's not a criticism as it is the right move for them and him, just as it would be for us if the worst happens.

Great sentiment, but practically speaking he should be sold if we got relegated.

Offline WikiVilla

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Re: Houllier on Reo Coker and Downing
« Reply #29 on: April 12, 2011, 10:02:35 AM »
On the assumption we stay up, downing isn't going anywhere and we should offer NRC a new deal as to replace would be expensive unless fofana is coming in to play the anchor role ?

 


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