Downing to stay ! (I hope)

[MattW]

Those are really positive comments from the best player of the season coming at a time when there is a lot of negativity and uncertainty around the club. Captaincy to go with the new contract?

[john e]

its not cheered me up,
as i'm in a small minority that thinks he's vastly overated.

i watch him have one of his better games, where he does a few good things  and we maybe score from one of his crosses, but still only a just above average performance,
 then i come on here and read how he was Awesome this and Awesome that,  and Superb the other,   i just dont get it

i've seen some awesome players at Villa but he aint one of them

so i wont be bothered if he goes, not one bit, especially if he brings in some big money, but i cant see it, for all the talk of Liverpool wanting him, Dalglish wont spend big on the likes of Downing you can be sure of that

i know it goes against the grain, but thats the way i see it

[JUAN PABLO]

I agree with the above post , but I love a player that seems to love the club and hope he stays..  lets just get some better quality than the crap we have ..

[Shrek]

Downing has been quality this season, some people think if they don't play like Messi every week they are 'overrated'.

He has been by far our best player and does not have a big ego or an attitude.

If he extends his contract it will be a massive statement to our targets this summer along with having Bent here.

[VillaZogmariner]

He'll be our captain next season if Petrov leaves.

[Chipsticks]

He'll be our captain next season if Petrov leaves.

Personally I'd keep Stan at the club, as he seems to be a great influence on the team and young lads - but to make him secondary captain, with Downing as Captain.

[JUAN PABLO]

He'll be our captain next season if Petrov leaves.

Personally I'd keep Stan at the club, as he seems to be a great influence on the team and young lads - but to make him secondary captain, with Downing as Captain.

so he will last 30 mins instead of 60 ..

[Chipsticks]

He'll be our captain next season if Petrov leaves.

Personally I'd keep Stan at the club, as he seems to be a great influence on the team and young lads - but to make him secondary captain, with Downing as Captain.

so he will last 30 mins instead of 60 ..

Maybe just pay him for cup games or bring him on if we're defending a lead. But I'd definitely like to have him around for training and as a general influence of the younger lads.

[Mazrim]

Or just get some cash for him and buy somebody who will be Captain.

[hawkeye]

Downing has improved this season in terms of getting the ball, retaining  and carrying the ball, his end product is still woefull.

[Des Little]

Downing has been better this season I admit, but if he went it wouldn't be a huge drama, as it won't be with Ash.  Don't get me wrong, it would mean us having to find a decent winger to replace him, but I think N'Zogbia is that man. 

TBH I'm more bothered about getting the manager issue sorted asap before we talk about players.

[The Left Side]

Heis a bit of a wuss but has been our best player this year, it would have been very bad (and I guess it still could) if we lose him as well as A Young this summer.

[LeeB]

I don't agree that he's been our best player this year, and although I like him, there's something about him that I'm unconvinced about.

It's a bit vague, but he reminds of Carrick in that sense.

[Brend'Watkins]

I don't agree that he's been our best player this year, and although I like him, there's something about him that I'm unconvinced about.

It's a bit vague, but he reminds of Carrick in that sense.

You're on to something here.  As much as I've grown to like him there is that something about him that holds him back.  A bit like Barry was for us as well.  I just have the feeling that when the chips are down Downing isn't the sort of player who will roll his sleeves up and drag us out of a mess.  There's also the feeling I get that he could do more and often seems contented to have a 7 or 8 out of 10 game when with a bit more effort he could be a 9.

That aside he's still been our best player this season.

[UsualSuspect]

Captain