I watched a fair bit of Fulhams game at Stoke, Bent looked well off the pace, he lacked mobility, looked unfit and his touch was awful.
We'll do well to shift him.
MLS for that boy.
Unless we get a manager in who fancies giving him a place in the team at Villa?
I'd rather play Bowery than Bent at this point in time.I agree. Bowery needs a chance.
STRIKER Darren Bent has been relegated for the third time in his career - months after refusing to join Crystal Palace because he reportedly wanted to avoid another relegation battle.
Bent, 29, was heavily linked with a move to Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window.
Then-boss Ian Holloway was confident of landing the striker from Aston Villa, but he decided to join Fulham at the 11th hour - reportedly suggesting he didn't fancy a relegation battle.
Nine months on, and Fulham are heading for the Championship - with Bent having done little this season to help their cause - while Palace are sitting in the comfort of mid-table.
He's got to go totally over rated and an awful purchase at the time. The money blown on him and others is why we are where we are today. I can't believe he ever came close to playing for England
Leicester would be my guess. Doesn't have to move, first team football. A manager who is likely to set things up around him.
Reckon it'll be similar to Ireland. Loan until his contract runs out.
The reason he doesn't get to play more games is mainly because of his lack of work rate. The game has moved on now passed carrying passengers who's only trick is to goal hang and poach goals.
Yet there's the rub. When he's fully fit, on his game and interested he can be the difference between staying up and going down.
It's hard to understand why he has declined so dramatically but I would say going from first choice and receiving regular service to being a total waste under McLeishs dreadful tactics, to then being told he was captain and have it stripped away and then unceremoniously dumped out of the squad would have an effect on anyone's confidence.
As we'll be without Benteke for possibly the whole of 2014, and with only our lightweight backs ups Gabby, Weimann and Bowery we might as well keep him assuming we've got a new manager that will use him to his strengths
I don't see Kozak as the goal scoring answer either whenever he's expected back
The reason he doesn't get to play more games is mainly because of his lack of work rate. The game has moved on now passed carrying passengers who's only trick is to goal hang and poach goals.
Yet there's the rub. When he's fully fit, on his game and interested he can be the difference between staying up and going down.
It's hard to understand why he has declined so dramatically but I would say going from first choice and receiving regular service to being a total waste under McLeishs dreadful tactics, to then being told he was captain and have it stripped away and then unceremoniously dumped out of the squad would have an effect on anyone's confidence.
Don't forget his injury, he was six months off. He haven't had chance to play regularly ever since so I don't think he's managed to get enough game time to get his game up again.
Try Stoke again seeing as they took Ireland off us.A long time ago, but weren't Stoke the club that he slated on Tw*tter before moving to Sunderland?
He will go to Oz.
He will go to Oz.
The retirement home for ex Villa centre forwards
Ahead of Holt most certainly. We're without Benteke till around November, Kosak too might take time to get up to speed. Bent has experience, okay he's not the player he once was but will still do a job of sorts. We need him.
I'm not trying to re-write history, but I dont buy this "without him we'd have gone down" stuff.
We were bottom of the league when we drew 2-2 at Chelsea in January.
We were bottom of the league when we drew 2-2 at Chelsea in January.
We drew 3-3 and were 15th. We were 19th before the 1-1 draw at small heath a couple of weeks later. Then Bent signed with us out of the bottom 3 on GD.
League table when Bent signed (http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/premier-league/2010-2011/table/2011-01-16)
Surely the fact that he's done the square root of fuck all at Fulham tells us something?! Can't believe people still think he could do a job for us. He doesn't participate in the game and football can't tolerate players like that any more.
Surely the fact that he's done the square root of fuck all at Fulham tells us something?! Can't believe people still think he could do a job for us. He doesn't participate in the game and football can't tolerate players like that any more.
Surely the fact that he's done the square root of fuck all at Fulham tells us something?! Can't believe people still think he could do a job for us. He doesn't participate in the game and football can't tolerate players like that any more.
He won them a point with a last-gasp strike at Mould Trafford. Wouldn't you like him to do that for us?
Spot on
If we could merge Bent and Gabby together into one striker, then we'd have the answer, as they each have what the other lacks.
Spot on
If we could merge Bent and Gabby together into one striker, then we'd have the answer, as they each have what the other lacks.
I don't see Gabby as either lazy or not interested. He's a bit short on technical ability but he always puts a shift in as far as I can see.
Comfort Zone spring to mind
I don't see Gabby as either lazy or not interested. He's a bit short on technical ability but he always puts a shift in as far as I can see.
I dont think that has been the case this season - he may just have been carrying knocks - something he has ben prone to since he "bulked up"
Our talisman in the past has been disappointing for me - Liverpool away aside, when the injury jinx struck again.
We will need Bent come august, we are paying him may aswell use him for another 6 months.
I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.In Zogbias case, largely due to the fact I'm not sure Lambert has any idea how to use a player like that. He's probably as foreign to Lambo's thinking as Hleb was to McLeish at Birmingham.
I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.
I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.
Indeed. The longer someone has been out of the side the better they seem in retrospect to many people. Surprised nobody has been advocating a bid for Simon Dawkins.
I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.
I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.
Someones got to look after Mo Salifou. In his now emaciated state, he's got Dawkins doing the leg work at nights. I believe if you walk on the VP turf at a certain time in the dead of night you can sometimes see the ghost of Didier Agathe running (very slowly) across the pitch.I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.
Indeed. The longer someone has been out of the side the better they seem in retrospect to many people. Surprised nobody has been advocating a bid for Simon Dawkins.
I reckon Dawkins is probably still at BMH, hidden away in a shed by day, then at night he goes and scavenges for food in the canteen.
Probably our best fit striker. I'm guessing his goals to games ratio last season is better than Agbonlahors and Weimanns.He wasn't played out wide though, was he?
He was number 39 when he first joined.Give him the shirt and let's get Bent back
Nah, his pace has gone. Without that, he's not good enough to play in a Premier League team.A bit like Gabby.
Nah, his pace has gone. Without that, he's not good enough to play in a Premier League team.His pace wasn't his main attribute ever , he's always been more of a poacher who's instinct and anticipation got him goals
Nah, his pace has gone. Without that, he's not good enough to play in a Premier League team.His pace wasn't his main attribute ever , he's always been more of a poacher who's instinct and anticipation got him goals
I don't think he had a proper chance this season . In his last game of the season before (Wigan away) he scored a quality goal for us, an impressive reminder of what he can do
He'll be jobbing at somewhere like Peterborough in 12 months.If he doesn't follow Defoe to the US, then he will. But I think he'll probably get well paid in America and probably bang in about 30 goals a season for a couple of years.
I predict this wave of nostalgia for NZogbia and Hutton has a sell by date of approximately 90 minutes after they actually start a game for us.
Indeed. The longer someone has been out of the side the better they seem in retrospect to many people. Surprised nobody has been advocating a bid for Simon Dawkins.
I reckon Dawkins is probably still at BMH, hidden away in a shed by day, then at night he goes and scavenges for food in the canteen.
NUFC after Bent so could all be academic
Confirmed! Newcastle sign Bent!(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfTiTslCUAA14Ih.jpg:large)
3 goals in 24 league appearances this season, 3 in 16 last season. Sadly he's done for as a striker at this level I reckon.
1246 minutes on the pitch this season, + injury time.
815 last season, + injury time.
The striker, who has one year left on his Villa deal, has confirmed he will not be making his loan move to Fulham permanent so will return to the Midlands.
Villa boss Paul Lambert has no plans to play Bent next season, yet Lerner will have to pay his £60,000-a-week wages if he cannot find another club.
Bent spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage but their relegation from the Premier League has killed any chance of a further deal.
"I've enjoyed my time down here but obviously it hasn't gone well," said Bent.
3 goals in 24 league appearances this season, 3 in 16 last season. Sadly he's done for as a striker at this level I reckon.
But gabby does at least provide assists, stretch teams and pose a threat (albeit in patches of very good and very bad form). If bent isn't scoring he's literally doing nothing
I liked Bent when he joined and he basically kept our heads above water. I think the injury up at Wigan really set him back. Good luck to him because he hasn't really kicked up a fuss, and whether he stays with us or moves on, ill always have a little soft spot for him-simply because he helped us out and for his debut goal against City.Got to agree with this - what he did that first season should never be forgotten (not saying it has been, mind) and he's always seemed a fairly decent lad, so whatever happens, I'm glad he came and hope he can find something suitable in the future.
Confirmed! Newcastle sign Bent!(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfTiTslCUAA14Ih.jpg:large)
Bent's most effective when a team plays to his strengths. How will Lambert achieve this having released our current best crosser of the ball?
Bent's most effective when a team plays to his strengths. How will Lambert achieve this having released our current best crosser of the ball?
Bent's most effective when a team plays to his strengths. How will Lambert achieve this having released our current best crosser of the ball?
I know one thing for certain, i would rather have Bent to bring on from the bench than the likes of Bowery and Holt
Bent is behind Bowery for me. And if have him behind Holt too (hasnt Holt gone back though?)
Bent is behind Bowery for me. And if have him behind Holt too (hasnt Holt gone back though?)Bent behind Bowery ?? Seriously ?
Bent is behind Bowery for me. And if have him behind Holt too (hasnt Holt gone back though?)
just to clarify, was the dfinished shorthand for definitely finished? could be a bit harsh if so
What has he been accused of?just to clarify, was the dfinished shorthand for definitely finished? could be a bit harsh if so
Harsh? What he's been accused of is bloomin harsh! I wouldn't have him anywhere near my squad of players if there's an ounce of truth in it.
What has he been accused of?just to clarify, was the dfinished shorthand for definitely finished? could be a bit harsh if so
Harsh? What he's been accused of is bloomin harsh! I wouldn't have him anywhere near my squad of players if there's an ounce of truth in it.
What has he been accused of?just to clarify, was the dfinished shorthand for definitely finished? could be a bit harsh if so
Harsh? What he's been accused of is bloomin harsh! I wouldn't have him anywhere near my squad of players if there's an ounce of truth in it.
Don't expect to be presented with any evidence.
There's always an element of comical opinion on this site, behind Bowery? Behind Holt (fuck a duck!).
Bents record - 54 (9) appearances 21 goals for Aston Villa
He came in half way through a season, he's had 4 different managers if you include McAllister, he's had injuries, he's been in and out of the side under Lambert, he's played with some shite players around him (for most of the time anyway), and he has a goalscoring record like that.
Yes, he didn't look too good with Benteke as a pair and yes he probably earns a lot of money. He also had a poorish season at Fulham, but people really have that little regard for him.
Not sure what he's supposed to have done as per some of the comment above that are almost making him comparable to Rolf Harris, but i'm keen to hear the evidence.
Bowery has had 1 good 45 minutes for the club, please, if we are 1-0 down with 15 minutes left and a half chance falls to someone in the area I know who I'd rather have on the end of it.This. It became unfortunately clear in the final two games that Bowery just isn't good enough at this level. A good half against a half-arsed Hull, who gave him and Weimann a lot of time and space doesn't make him Prem standard. I hoped it was a sign he could kick on, but against decent opposition he was lost.
Bowery should not be playing for a club like ours, Chesterfield fans didn't even rate him.
Bent scored regularly for us when he had Young, Downing (ducks) and Gabby (on form) providing the openings for him.When he was scoring loads of goals for Charlton and Sunderland he didn't exactly have Zidane and Iniesta putting balls through for him either though.
I don't think we have anyone who can open up a defence or deliver a decent through ball anymore.
Do we know what he's accused of yet?
Bent couldn't even get into a poor Fulham team when they were lightweight upfront. He had all the incentive needed, still young enough and witha place at the World Cup on offer he should have bene fired up from the off. That he disappeared says a lot about his ability right now. He was rightly dropped last year and I can't see why or what those wanting to give him a chance are seeing now.
Bent better than gabby?!
Put together a highlight reel of contributions from the last season would answer that one
Gabby did more in 45 minutes at anfield than bent did all season
Personally I hope Newcastle/Fulham or somebody else loans him for the last year of his contract and pays all his salary.
We could then go and loan Lukaku for a year with the money saved.
Actually ideally I hope if we could loan Bent out we could and buy Lukaku and plan long term for him and Benteke to be our forward partnership.
I can but dream
I have no idea, but it sounds like a much better universe than this one. I wonder if we'd have Messi in our side too...Personally I hope Newcastle/Fulham or somebody else loans him for the last year of his contract and pays all his salary.
We could then go and loan Lukaku for a year with the money saved.
Actually ideally I hope if we could loan Bent out we could and buy Lukaku and plan long term for him and Benteke to be our forward partnership.
I can but dream
Lukaku has a contract with Chelsea and has just had a blinding season with fifth-placed Everton. In what universe would he sign for Villa?
Beggars can't be choosers and God knows we are beggars at the moment. Bent may have been in and out of the Fulham team last season, but he still managed more goals than Gabby and Weimenn. Anyone thinking we're going to pick anyone up even halfway decent in the transfer market, is seriously deluding themselves. So like it or lump it, it appears we need Bent next season. If he can get even 7 or 8 goals for us, it could be the difference between finishing 17th and 18th. Yes, that sounds sad, but can anyone really see us not being in a relegation fight again?
I am all in favour of all of us setting up a Villa fantasy team and "playing" it every week in a virtual match. Just imagine the match thread? "Messi just f*** off if you think just a hat trick every week will do"I have no idea, but it sounds like a much better universe than this one. I wonder if we'd have Messi in our side too...Personally I hope Newcastle/Fulham or somebody else loans him for the last year of his contract and pays all his salary.
We could then go and loan Lukaku for a year with the money saved.
Actually ideally I hope if we could loan Bent out we could and buy Lukaku and plan long term for him and Benteke to be our forward partnership.
I can but dream
Lukaku has a contract with Chelsea and has just had a blinding season with fifth-placed Everton. In what universe would he sign for Villa?
It's that parallel universe in which Villa went from the 3rd Division in the '70s to European Champions in '82 to dominate the World Stage for the last 32 years. Sir Graham owns the club, Gary Shaw has been our manager for the last 10 years, Brian Little is DoF, Paul McGrath (never hit the bottle) in charge of defensive duties, Allan Evans coaches with Dennis Mortimer, Sid's Academy is second to none (some things remain the same) and David Platt never became a moron and best of all Paul Birch is still with us.Personally I hope Newcastle/Fulham or somebody else loans him for the last year of his contract and pays all his salary.
We could then go and loan Lukaku for a year with the money saved.
Actually ideally I hope if we could loan Bent out we could and buy Lukaku and plan long term for him and Benteke to be our forward partnership.
I can but dream
Lukaku has a contract with Chelsea and has just had a blinding season with fifth-placed Everton. In what universe would he sign for Villa?