Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: N'ZMAV on October 23, 2010, 09:25:10 AM
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Gerard Houllier impressed with Nigel Reo-Coker. (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2193685,00.html?)
Nigel Reo-Coker heads into this afternoon's clash with Sunderland with a ringing endorsement from boss Gerard Houllier who believes the all-action midfielder has "blossomed" under his stewardship.
Reo-Coker has become a real rock in the centre since Houllier's arrival in the Villa Park hotseat, after cutting a peripheral figure in the previous campaign.
And the Villa boss has been thrilled with the shielding role he has been performing for the side in midfield.
He said: "I am trying to improve the collective aspect of the team at the moment.
"I am working on how far we can push the team playing the football we have been. Every manager has a philosophy and I am working on that at the moment.
"For instance, some players in this situation have revealed themselves.
"Nobody could argue the fact Nigel has changed. He has become a different player.
"I trust him - very much. He is doing a good job for the team.
"I am not asking him to score goals. I didn't blame him for missing the goal [against Chelsea]. It would have been more of a problem if it'd been one of my strikers.
"Nigel can do that though, as well. He proved it by being in that situation to score in the first place.
"But in the job he is doing, he seems to have blossomed.
"He has bought a lot to the team as the midfield shield for the defence. That's a fact."
Houllier revealed one of the key aspects of his philosophy is playing with freedom when in possession and working hard to win the ball back when not.
He believes that is starting to shine through.
He added: "I enjoy it every day. My staff and myself really get on well. We know the view, we know what we want to do.
"But I must give credit to the players. They have seemed to take on what we are doing.
"When we have the ball I want them to feel free. It's when you lose the ball that you need discipline, quick reaction, early defending and pressing.
"But when you have the ball I don't want a player thinking 'I am not allowed to cross the halfway line.'
"The main thing is making an entertaining game that players enjoy to play - and supporters enjoy watching.
"I am confident together the squad - the players and the staff - whatever the result, if we keeping working at it all the time at some stage it will pay off."
Houllier is adamant his players will be going all-out to win this afternoon at the Stadium of Light, insisting a "fighting, competitive spirit" is part of his football value system.
He added: "We go into every game to win it.
"I am sure the opposition have the same thought.
"I'd be surprised if one manager said to his players 'ok you can lose that game' - whether it's four-a-side, a friendly, any game.
"You've got to win. To be a fighter and a competitor is part of my values.
"Sunderland are a difficult side. I am looking forward to it. It's a test but every game is a test."
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I'm thrilled aswell I honestly think we would have won quite a few more points if he would have played regularly the last couple of seasons.
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Carry on the good work NRC.
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I have to agree with most of what he says about NRC there. I'm a pretty big fan of his and have always thought that, if used in a specific way, he could be a great asset to the team; fingers crossed, it seems to be working at the moment.
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What he said.
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I'm happy to admit I wasn't excited by his arrival originally but have been more than happy ever since. NRC never seems anything but committed and enthusiastic which is always great to see.
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His passing has also improved.
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It is a little too early to tell if this is any meaningful progression from manager or player, but it is a good sign that GH is talking up a player who previously under performed as he has done so far with Emile.
Can Nigel progress to the next level is the key. So far so good. He was definitely not outclassed against a team that had scored seven against us.
Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!
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I was always an advocate of putting NRC back in the team under Martin - not using him more was a mistake, IMO. You just need to understand his limitations and get him playing to his strengths and you've got a useful player on your hands.
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Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!
GH isn't a miracle worker. ??? ;D
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Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
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Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
Exactly.
Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw? Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength? NRC comes in.
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Maybe he can do the same with Sidwell!
GH isn't a miracle worker. ??? ;D
yes he is, could you have imagined everyone having their fingers crossed over Emile's fitness last season.
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Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
Exactly.
Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw? Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength? NRC comes in.
wasnt the player of the year the season before last stan petrov?
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Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
Exactly.
Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw? Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength? NRC comes in.
wasnt the player of the year the season before last stan petrov?
Yes, and he's a very good footballer. However that doesn't mean he should be untouchable and guaranteed a place, especially when NRC's energy was needed centrally.
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Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
Exactly.
Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw? Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength? NRC comes in.
wasnt the player of the year the season before last stan petrov?
Yes, and he's a very good footballer. However that doesn't mean he should be untouchable and guaranteed a place, especially when NRC's energy was needed centrally.
i was just responding to the comment about the last 2 seasons ending differently! season before last he was our best player! i also agree that no man should be untouchable.
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Yep,the last two seasons could've ended differently if NRC was put in with Milner at the expense of the tiring Petrov.
Exactly.
Playing a poorer side at home who are after a draw? Play Petrov.
Away and think you need more defensive strength? NRC comes in.
our away form last season was astonishing, we took only 2 points less than Chelsea, four points behind Man Utd and ahead of every other team. I think it's a stretch to imagine we would have done better with NRC in for Petrov.
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our away form last season was astonishing, we took only 2 points less than Chelsea, four points behind Man Utd and ahead of every other team. I think it's a stretch to imagine we would have done better with NRC in for Petrov.
That's very true.
Yet at times we looked a bit leggy centrally having him in there would have been an asset, especially during the 08/09 season when it was Barry and Petrov. Thinking about it, having Milner central gave us the legs last season, so this is probably an argument more for seasons before the 2nd half of 09/10.
Just because soemthing is working well does not mean it can't be improved.
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Also NRC and Petrov could have been alternated during the match. Most people would agree that Petrov's legs usually go around the 70 minute mark (before the new regime came in) so NRC coming on may have made a difference - or even starting with NRC and holding things tight then unleashing Petrov later on when we were looking to unlock them.
Who nows what might have happened - as far as I can recall we never had the opportunity to find out.
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Probably our best player again today. Only trouble is defensive midfielders don't win you many games in this league!
Still him and Sidwell (shock horror) actually looked a decent midfield partnership so I'd try to get NRC on a new deal a.s.a.p.
Petrov's days are numbered, he won't be a first 11 regular beyond this season imo.
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Another example to show just how much MON had lost it towards the end of his tenure. There were games last season that were crying out for NRC to come on and help secure things but he wasn't given a decent enough opportunity, but it was all our fault for applauding him when he warmed up!!
Good work by Houllier and team to invigorate some decent players who would have been sold if Judas hadn't done a runner.
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It was very obvious, day one, Houlliers first order of business would be to put Nigel in the side, in front of the back four. He's always had that sort of player, and Nige is the best we have to do that.
I don't even think it's a case of settling though, Nige can and I think will, prove to be a very important player for us over time.
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Another example to show just how much MON had lost it towards the end of his tenure. There were games last season that were crying out for NRC to come on and help secure things but he wasn't given a decent enough opportunity, but it was all our fault for applauding him when he warmed up!!
One of the most annoying things was the number of times we needed to do just that - shore things up and see out the game - when NRC would have been the obvious choice.
I really don't think he's a particularly talented player, he's a really poor passer of the ball, but he's a tenacious, energetic and awkward fucker who makes a right nuisance of himself at times, and sometimes that is exactly what you need in the middle.
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To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
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To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
Agreed that we should not have made changes to our general formation to suit NRC, the changes should have made because we faced the same problems game after game and MON did nothing to address that. The argument I make is that when we have a slender lead and come under pressure in the final minutes, the most pointless substitution (and MON's favourite) was Heskey for Carew and maintain 4-4-2 while being over run. Surely take off a non-performing striker (Heskey/Carew - which ever one was on the field) and stiffen up the midfield with somebody like NRC. To me that would have been basic common sense.
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To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
Agreed that we should not have made changes to our general formation to suit NRC, the changes should have made because we faced the same problems game after game and MON did nothing to address that. The argument I make is that when we have a slender lead and come under pressure in the final minutes, the most pointless substitution (and MON's favourite) was Heskey for Carew and maintain 4-4-2 while being over run. Surely take off a non-performing striker (Heskey/Carew - which ever one was on the field) and stiffen up the midfield with somebody like NRC. To me that would have been basic common sense.
It's one way of doing it but another school of thought is that by bringing on a fresh striker you pose more problems at the other end of the pitch and reliev the pressure in that way. I don't claim that either is always the right option but I would argue against idea one is common sense and the other isn't.
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Completely agree that NRC is suited to the formation we play. Provided Young is playing centrally, we don't need our central midfielders to be particularly creative. But I still think Delph should become a much better player. Playing them both would make opponents' lives a nightmare
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MON turned NRC into a player we would have let go for nothing.. Hes looking a very good player at the moment.. lets hope he continues..
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To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
That's bollocks Chris, as we'll soon see when we go 442 or 433. The difference is he's been told to play a vital role, focus on breaking up play and deliver the ball to our more creative players. You can do that and need it with any formation. Don't you think it's a bit strange since we've finally "switched to a different style of play" and decided to pass the ball, NRC has been our best player? The same NRC that couldn't pass to save his life.
Gary Mac and Sid Cowans deserve medals for what they've done with him, not to mention the money we'll probably save.
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MON turned NRC into a player we would have let go for nothing.. Hes looking a very good player at the moment.. lets hope he continues..
That still might happen as I'm pretty certain his contract expires at the end of the season. He definitely deserves a new deal, but again the player will be the one with the power and leverage so he could ask for silly wages if he wants.
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He maybe the Captain for the next game, too.
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To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
That's bollocks Chris, as we'll soon see when we go 442 or 433. The difference is he's been told to play a vital role, focus on breaking up play and deliver the ball to our more creative players. You can do that and need it with any formation. Don't you think it's a bit strange since we've finally "switched to a different style of play" and decided to pass the ball, NRC has been our best player? The same NRC that couldn't pass to save his life.
Gary Mac and Sid Cowans deserve medals for what they've done with him, not to mention the money we'll probably save.
He hasn't been our best player, you daft sod. He's done an effective job because he's done as he's told for a change and not tried to pretend he's better than he is. He creates zero, he'll never score but he does break up the play. In a 442 he'd be expected to contribute more and he just isn't up to the job.
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To my mind the reason that Reo Coker is looking better is that we've switched to a different style of play so that his limitations that are only to apparent when he's part of a 4-4-2 are minimised and his strengths are maximised. After he recovered from his injury at the end of last season I don't think it would have made much sense to try to change things just to find a place for him.
That's bollocks Chris, as we'll soon see when we go 442 or 433. The difference is he's been told to play a vital role, focus on breaking up play and deliver the ball to our more creative players. You can do that and need it with any formation. Don't you think it's a bit strange since we've finally "switched to a different style of play" and decided to pass the ball, NRC has been our best player? The same NRC that couldn't pass to save his life.
Gary Mac and Sid Cowans deserve medals for what they've done with him, not to mention the money we'll probably save.
He hasn't been our best player, you daft sod. He's done an effective job because he's done as he's told for a change and not tried to pretend he's better than he is. He creates zero, he'll never score but he does break up the play. In a 442 he'd be expected to contribute more and he just isn't up to the job.
If he hasn't been our best player since the arrival of GH, I'd like to know who has. Have you not noticed the Downing 'wimp' references have suddenly dried up, not because he's become a hard tackling midfielder but because of the work NRC has done, allowing Downing to get on with his main job. To say he creates nothing is also ridiculous. Sure, he's not the most creative player, we have plenty better but he still contibutes, at least in driving forward before passing on to the likes of Downing and Ashley. Don't be too disappointed if one day he scores.
As for him not being good enough to play in a 442, I can't how we can play without him, not if you want to keep Downing in the side. We know full well Downing struggles to get back and support Luke Young, at least with Reo in there, he'll provide some cover.
You're right that NRC "does what he's told (for a change)". It's it refreshing to have coaches that understand his and the team's strengths and weaknesses. To think that we'd paid £8m for a promising 22 year old and we were so close to letting him go for next to nothing, not to mention failing miserably to develop that raw talent. I hope one day you'll start appreciating it too. I some how doubt it though. You and Greg have too much in common. He's you in negative.
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In your consistent attempts to prove to the world that you're the great lost footballing coach you're obliged to try to over play his part and make out that somehow our management team have now cottoned on to something that only you were privy to. Problem is, it's bollocks. In a 442 his limitations are glaringly obvious but as long as we continue to play in this way then he'll do a fine job until we can upgrade to someone better who can do the donkey work that he does but also contribute a bit more when we're in possession.
If you are going to argue that he creates then can you give a few examples of his assists?
Downing is a better player this season because he's had a full pre season, just as most people predicted, and he's been our best player since Houllier arrived, closely followed by Heskey and Young (when played in the middle).
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In your consistent attempts to prove to the world that you're the great lost footballing coach you're obliged to try to over play his part and make out that somehow our management team have now cottoned on to something that only you were privy to. Problem is, it's bollocks.
Don't talk bollocks, Chris. Our new management team took less than a nano-second to see what we could all see was missing. Houllier came in and immediately put NRC in the middle. The big difference is, when you have coaches to explain the role you want a player to play, you see the results. It was something we sadly lacked under MON, who like your good self, gives little importance to tactics. Instead you blame NRC of not listening to the previous manager and coaches. And that is based on what evidence?
In a 442 his limitations are glaringly obvious but as long as we continue to play in this way then he'll do a fine job until we can upgrade to someone better who can do the donkey work that he does but also contribute a bit more when we're in possession.
Let's see what his limitations are now under GH in a 442. Everything before is history. Lions led by donkeys. NRC, like every player in the team, can be upgraded but I'd be interested to know who you would play today in the middle of a 442. Sidwell? Bannan? Downing?
If you are going to argue that he creates then can you give a few examples of his assists?
Downing is a better player this season because he's had a full pre season, just as most people predicted, and he's been our best player since Houllier arrived, closely followed by Heskey and Young (when played in the middle).
I'll have a look for you. It doesn't necessarily have to be an assist, just an important contribution to the play, something I'm sure he's done several times in the last few games.
Yes Downing has benefited from a full pre-season but I'd still argue that NRC has just edged him since Houllier has come in. Heskey has also greatly improved these last few games although how you can say Ashley is also up there, is beyond me. My guess is you just don't like NRC and no matter what he does, you'll just never forgive him.
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My guess is you just don't like NRC and no matter what he does, you'll just never forgive him.
It's not a question of liking or disliking, it's recognising hin for what he is; an average player but an above average athlete.
I'd be interested to know who you would play today in the middle of a 442. Sidwell? Bannan? Downing?
None of them, I wouldn't try it with the players we currently have. My initial point was that Reo Coker has benefited from the new system we've almost been obliged to play by the sale of Barry and failure to replace him. Not that I'm saying it's a bad thing as we clearly need to freshen things up. I don't think he's good enough for a 442 with teams with ambitions at the higher end of the league but might do a job for Blackburn.
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NRC isn't the greatest midfielder to grace VP
but we need his tigerish attitude and willingness to shield the defence
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Well that "average player" by your own admittance, is doing "a fine job" and long may it continue.
I'm not sure about "the sale of Barry and the failure to replace him". When we had Barry alongside Petrov, the opposition would waltz through the centre of the park at will, it was also an area that we never used, what with everything going out to Ashley on the wing. Teams can no longer do that, thanks mainly to NRC and we've certainly been using all areas of the pitch to attack, which is encouraging. The other thing is we are no longer 'bullied' in midfield, a term I recall you also using earlier this season. All this in part thanks to our "average player".
My concern now is with the loss of Petrov and the added responsibility for NRC. He really needs to stick to the plan, keep on doing what he's been doing so well and not decide to take on too much. Houllier has a major headache in reshaping the side without Stan and with those dirty bastards from down the road heading to Villa Park on Sunday, I for one will at least be happy we have NRC in the side.
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NRC is like having a new signing.
He's been very good, and his passing has improved.
I really hope GH & Gary Mc can have the same impression on Sidwells attittude & performance.
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Well that "average player" by your own admittance, is doing "a fine job" and long may it continue.
I'm not sure about "the sale of Barry and the failure to replace him". When we had Barry alongside Petrov, the opposition would waltz through the centre of the park at will, it was also an area that we never used, what with everything going out to Ashley on the wing. Teams can no longer do that, thanks mainly to NRC and we've certainly been using all areas of the pitch to attack, which is encouraging. The other thing is we are no longer 'bullied' in midfield, a term I recall you also using earlier this season. All this in part thanks to our "average player".
My concern now is with the loss of Petrov and the added responsibility for NRC. He really needs to stick to the plan, keep on doing what he's been doing so well and not decide to take on too much. Houllier has a major headache in reshaping the side without Stan and with those dirty bastards from down the road heading to Villa Park on Sunday, I for one will at least be happy we have NRC in the side.
Sorry, Mark, meant "the sale of Milner". His energy and talent allowed us to play 442 last season, I don't think we've got anyone to match that and I just don't see any combination of the central midfield players we have being right at the moment.
I mean average in what he can do with the ball, he's not a complete duffer but without his physical attributes it would not be good enough for a Premier League team.
I too worry about the loss of Petrov because coupled with the ineffectiveness of Ireland we're looking a little thin there. This is where managers earn their money and hopefully we can treat it as an opportunity rather than a problem.
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It was probably more to do with Bolton's suicidal tactics on the day but last season a midfield two of NRC and Sidwell in the centre played a big part in one of our best performances of the campaign.
NRC has been very good this season, even causing mayhem in the opposition third when he breaks forward. It's rare that a player primarily in the side to break up play can do that, but it's an asset he has. It hasn't been utilised properly in the past. Pretty much like NRC himself, in fact. He doesn't necessarily have to play the last pass in a move to justify his role in the side and changing the momentum in the way he can with those bursts forward can be just as crucial re: chance creation. If his passing was just a wee bit more incisive he'd be a £15-20 million player. As it is, he's still plenty good enough for us - and was last season too.
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How can anyone confuse "the sale of Barry" for "the sale of Milner"? Unless they are
A) insane,
B) under the influence of multiple illegal substances
or
C) have a bizarre form of dyslexia?
In jest, sirs, in jest.
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If his passing was just a wee bit more incisive he'd be a £15-20 million player.
KG, his passing has greatly improved as you can see below. The other interesting fact is the vast majority of his passes are forward, rather than sideways or back.What he does, he does very well:
Sunderland game: 23 passes...20 successful
Chelsea game: 24 passes...22 successful
Spurs game: 45 passes...39 successful
Wolves game: 23 passes...19 successful
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If his passing was just a wee bit more incisive he'd be a £15-20 million player.
KG, his passing has greatly improved as you can see below. The other interesting fact is the vast majority of his passes are forward, rather than sideways or back.What he does, he does very well:
Sunderland game: 23 passes...20 successful
Chelsea game: 24 passes...22 successful
Spurs game: 45 passes...39 successful
Wolves game: 23 passes...19 successful
I think the figures show that he doesn't make enough passes. SuHow can anyone confuse "the sale of Barry" for "the sale of Milner"? Unless they are
A) insane,
B) under the influence of multiple illegal substances
or
C) have a bizarre form of dyslexia?
In jest, sirs, in jest.
Right first time.
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How can anyone confuse "the sale of Barry" for "the sale of Milner"? Unless they are
A) insane,
B) under the influence of multiple illegal substances
C) have a bizarre form of dyslexia?
In defence of Chris, Prozac is not illegal and there's nothing wrong with his spelling.
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If his passing was just a wee bit more incisive he'd be a £15-20 million player.
KG, his passing has greatly improved as you can see below. The other interesting fact is the vast majority of his passes are forward, rather than sideways or back.What he does, he does very well:
Sunderland game: 23 passes...20 successful
Chelsea game: 24 passes...22 successful
Spurs game: 45 passes...39 successful
Wolves game: 23 passes...19 successful
I agree Mark.
His basic passing with an emphasis on retaining possession has improved.
I'm talking about the kind of pass, or delicate flick to a teammate in space when the opposition is stretched that would make him a £15-20 million player.
Think the charge v Everton at home, countless times v Stoke and Wolves. Even against Chelsea, if he didn't feel confident enough in taking the shot he could have held up play, drawn Cech out and slid the Fonz through.
That's what makes him so frustrating, he does so many things right and then sinks his own boat. Whether it's an awareness thing or lack of composure/ technical ability I'm not sure.
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Reo has been excellent for us this season, I hope he signs a new deal.
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He has "blossomed"? Fuck me! He sounds like a character out of Katherine Mansfield's "Her First Ball"
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To be captain in Petrov's absence, Dunne as vice-captain.
Massive vote of confidence from Houllier for him.
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In your consistent attempts to prove to the world that you're the great lost footballing coach you're obliged to try to over play his part and make out that somehow our management team have now cottoned on to something that only you were privy to. Problem is, it's bollocks. In a 442 his limitations are glaringly obvious but as long as we continue to play in this way then he'll do a fine job until we can upgrade to someone better who can do the donkey work that he does but also contribute a bit more when we're in possession.
If you are going to argue that he creates then can you give a few examples of his assists?
Downing is a better player this season because he's had a full pre season, just as most people predicted, and he's been our best player since Houllier arrived, closely followed by Heskey and Young (when played in the middle).
So we should accept the view of a bloke proved so wrong over O'Neill and discount even not allow any other viable opinion?
Coker's improvement has come about because he now has a manager who believes he can do a job well, plays him regularly and in a system that allows him the time to make the passes he's good at.
He's shown in the past he's plenty able to deliver the killing ball and run box to box effectively. Had he been one of Mon's startlets I'm sure you view Chris, would be totally different.
In Ireland we have the pass maker and another box to box player, if he ever gets his head right and it took Petrov 3 seasons with Mon backing him regardless.
9 games in is no time to start the playground bitching anyway no matter how desperate some may be, especially when you consider the shit Mon left on his swift exit.
Coker is doing well, Downing too, Luke Young, even Beye, have performed well enough too, its a pity Ashley, Carew, Dunne, Warnock can't match the improvement they and Heskey have shown, then perhaps they would have limited the O'Neill desertion even more.
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Reo has been excellent for us this season, I hope he signs a new deal.
Whilst I agree he's been very good in the four league games he's played so far, I would wait until Xmas before thinking about offering him a new deal. You never know, he might chin Houllier in the coming weeks and then what would we do with him.
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I see that he is going to be offered a new deal, so happy with that.
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In your consistent attempts to prove to the world that you're the great lost footballing coach you're obliged to try to over play his part and make out that somehow our management team have now cottoned on to something that only you were privy to. Problem is, it's bollocks. In a 442 his limitations are glaringly obvious but as long as we continue to play in this way then he'll do a fine job until we can upgrade to someone better who can do the donkey work that he does but also contribute a bit more when we're in possession.
If you are going to argue that he creates then can you give a few examples of his assists?
Downing is a better player this season because he's had a full pre season, just as most people predicted, and he's been our best player since Houllier arrived, closely followed by Heskey and Young (when played in the middle).
So we should accept the view of a bloke proved so wrong over O'Neill and discount even not allow any other viable opinion?
Coker's improvement has come about because he now has a manager who believes he can do a job well, plays him regularly and in a system that allows him the time to make the passes he's good at.
He's shown in the past he's plenty able to deliver the killing ball and run box to box effectively. Had he been one of Mon's startlets I'm sure you view Chris, would be totally different.
In Ireland we have the pass maker and another box to box player, if he ever gets his head right and it took Petrov 3 seasons with Mon backing him regardless.
9 games in is no time to start the playground bitching anyway no matter how desperate some may be, especially when you consider the shit Mon left on his swift exit.
Coker is doing well, Downing too, Luke Young, even Beye, have performed well enough too, its a pity Ashley, Carew, Dunne, Warnock can't match the improvement they and Heskey have shown, then perhaps they would have limited the O'Neill desertion even more.
Are you capable of making a post without referring to our previous manager? Every thread for you is just an opportunity to drag up the same dull arguments. Are you ill or just an objectionable fucker?
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I see that he is going to be offered a new deal, so happy with that.
Just seen that. I know some like Chris have their doubts about Reo but what comforts me is we have both Gary Mac and Sid working with him, both smart and experienced enough to decide whether Reo is worth keeping or not, plus how far he can develop. Whilst nothing is guarenteed, we only have to look at the endless number of posts that predicted John Robertson would teach Ashley and Milner how to cross a ball, to know that it doesn't always work out as you expect.
Reo has a lot of catching up to do but if he can continue to work at his game, we could end up saving ourselves a lot of money.
Very interesting comments from Houllier regarding NRC and new contracts which left me feeling Carew could be gone in January.
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He has "blossomed"? Fuck me! He sounds like a character out of Katherine Mansfield's "Her First Ball"
i havent read that, sounds like i dont want too!
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Houllier quoted in The Times today:
"We will try and keep him but if he wants to go, then he'll go elsewhere. His performances are getting better and better and he plays for the team, in a role where you have to be very unselfish and work hard.
"You improve if you've got a bit of talent, of course, but also if you work hard and keep focused, and also in an environment where you are trusted and you can play to your qualities.
"He has a bit of talent - otherwise he wouldn't have been the Under-21 captain - and he's an example for the team. He's got personality. He's a winner, he's a fighter, and I like that."
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All good things.
The ball is in his court now.
Whether he wants a new deal or to put himself in the shop window is entirely up to him and I won't knock him whichever direction he takes.
It could be argued that MON departing has removed the biggest obstacle to his career progressing at Villa and he should just sign on the dotted line. But another way to look at it is the next contract he signs will probably be the most important of his career - taking him up to the age of 29-30- and a large chunk of his time at Villa to date has been frustrating.
Whilst he seems to be flavour of the month with the Villa manager now -particularly with Stan out- will that change in Jan or next summer were he to commit?
He's always had a decent rapport with the fans, always given 100% when playing and I don't envisage that changing even if he does wind his contract down.