Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: ROBBO on February 02, 2012, 05:39:07 AM
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He has shown just what we have missed for so long, a good link man. He has great vision and his movement off the ball is the best we have, but what do we do after he's gone? As an experiment even if it stopped right now it would be seen as a success but after he's gone surely AM will have to structure the side differently, it could have a detrimental affect for the rest of the season.
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If I were Eck, I would be on at Lerner to pay the couple of million to keep him. Makes us tick.
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Would he stay? The easy life in California or mid-table in the West Midlands. I suppose it depends on where his head is.
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Leaving aside the obvious lifestyle benefits of SoCal over NoBir, would Keane stay for footballing reasons ?
Last night he appeared to be getting so wound up at the lack of movement ahead of him and the slowness of delivery behind him, that I wonder if he'd want to be part of this long term.
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Last night I thought Keane was the best player on the pitch. He totally controlled the whole game. We need to make an effort to keep him.
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Last night I thought Keane was the best player on the pitch. He totally controlled the whole game. We need to make an effort to keep him.
He's really surprised me. I thought he was well past it. He's actually still a very, very good player.
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But he can change that way of playing we have, last night it was noticable how the passing fizzed around to feet whilst we were still patient. He could also be the 'big fish' here.
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Last night I thought Keane was the best player on the pitch. He totally controlled the whole game. We need to make an effort to keep him.
He's really surprised me. I thought he was well past it. He's actually still a very, very good player.
Way too good for the MLS.
He's surely shut up the doubters.
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Stephen ireland if he was given a role in his right position showed he can play that link roll,he put the ball through to hutton to cross for the first goal and supplied the pass to petrov for nzog's goal.
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I think Keane is probably fed up with the Premier League where he is under constant scrutiny and criticism and probably prefers an easier life in LA. You could call it a lack of ambition but I can't see him joining us for longer unfortunately.
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Great to see a player who always wants the ball, we'll miss him. We have to hope in his absence someone will seize the opportunity to make that position their own instead.
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He's playing a different role now more of a midfield general who gets forward rather than an all out forward, it might appeal to him especially if you offered him the captaincy.
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California or Aston?
No Brainer...Aston
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Deserved his MOTM gong yesterday. Always looked for the ball and encouraged others to move and get more invovled. Was a true leader on the pitch something Petrov doesnt offer.Not sure how we will cope when he is gone as the others didnt seem on his wave length at all.
I was one who first thought he signing was pointless and thought he was passed it but i soon changed my mind before he even kicked a ball for us. Im glad we have him but a shmae its only short term. Lets hope he can help us get to the 40point mark before he leaves
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If he goes then I think Ireland should play in his position, or possibly Gardner.
It's his confidence that makes him what he is.
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Well, I was always in favour of the signing as I think he's a cracking player and always have. Probably a bit argumentative to say this, but if you go back 18 months people were slagging off the thought of signing him then as well!
When he goes, and I'd love it if we could work something out for the rest of the season, then Ireland should be playing more in his role and we bring another wide player in, probably Super Marc.
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He's surprised me too, even though I always liked him as a player, because I thought he was way past his best. I love the way he always wants the ball, is always shouting and organising, always looking for space, never hides and is willing to try things. Shame it's only a loan, he looks at home in a Villa shirt.
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Wouldn't be surprised at a summer move for him. Whether he'd want to give up life in LA is another matter though.
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I was wrong too, he's become a hugely important player to us after just a few games, brings others into play and looks to have loads of energy. We need to make the most of having him around by putting more points on the board.
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I wish we could sign him up really good player but I think he will go back to LA.
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Wouldn't be surprised at a summer move for him. Whether he'd want to give up life in LA is another matter though.
I'd actually be against that. Age will catch up to him eventually, so the big contract he'd want would not be worth it to the club.
Great loan signing, but a financial mistake as a permanent.
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I'd prefer if Robbie played a bit further up the pitch but he is a clever player always will be and his self belief will never be knocked.
He might stay, he seems to be enjoying it anyway. Keeping Mrs Keane in the midlands might be the issue though.
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I, and one or two others said at the time he'd give us a boost. That his spell at West Ham showed he wasn't washed up. It simply showed a bloke fed up of being shunted around to different teams because Harry had gone in a different direction. Imagine of all places ending up the cock threesome and Avram Grant at the tail end of your career. He has given us great tempo when we move forward, and he has the intelligence to find spaces that others don't see. Gabby, as much as we all love him will never be that player. He takes quick shots too which is practically alien to some of our players which in itself provides chances for others.
He isn't swapping a potential life in LA for Birmingham, and now that Beckham has re-signed there he knows he'll have a chance of anther MLS title, and a life in a beautiful part of the world.
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Clint Dempsey from Fulham would be nice similar type of player but 3 years younger
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Ireland is being pushed out wide at the moment, and he’s not as effective there as he is through the middle in my opinion. If N’Zogbia comes into a bit of form, as well as Albrighton (or Gabby), then Ireland ahead of petrov and clark would pose a significant attacking threat. While he's obviously added something positive to the team, I don't think we'll collapse when Keane heads back to LA.
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Life after Keane doesn't bare thinking about at the moment. He has made such a difference.
I was a little underwhelmed when he signed thinking it was 10 years too late. But my god! He has been excellent so far. Shows how glaringly obvious it is on where we are lacking. Not just his ability but his leadership.
I've grown to like Petrov over the last few years. Always works hard. He's a captain in that he leads by example. I feel we need a captain who dictates things more on the field which is what Keane is doing. I really wish we would keep him.
He compliments Ireland so well. The movement going forward is so much better. He is constantly looking for the ball, wanting it, then straight away is on the turn looking for the pass to unlock their defence and bringing other team mates into play.
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Is there a younger cheaper alternative available to Robbie Keane?
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I'd love if he was hear long-term.
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Dempsey would be a great signing and I'd love him to be at Villa.
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Personally I think this way will get the best from Keane before he runs out of gas, if he gives us 7 or 8 very good games, presuming he then returns to the colonies, we can take him again next year if he wants to, its worth remembering that its possible we are getting the best from Keane because he's fresh to the Premiership and he wants to get himself up there in contention for the International selection in the summer.
If we can get a good run of games from him before any potential flat spell (and all players do), good bit of business.
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Is there a younger cheaper alternative available to Robbie Keane?
I can't think of one in this country.
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Keane has shown in every game for us that he's different class to the rest of the squad. He definitely looked frustrated at times last night at the players around him.
In terms of getting him long-term, the one major factor no-one's mentioned is the wages. We've got a very clear strategy to reduce the wage bill of the team. The only reason Keane would have gone out to LA (just like the other major players who head out there at the end of their careers) was to get a big final contract to set him up for retirement. There's no way that I can see us matching the wages LA are paying him so unless he really wants to come back to the PL then why would he move? Even if he wanted to come back to the PL, he's shown he can play for better teams than us.
As nice as it would be, I can't see it happening. And that does leave me with a bit of fear for what will happen in March/April when he goes back and we have Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd (three of them away from home) in the space of five games!
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The fact he's not here to stay is really annoying, not only does he have much more in his locker than I thought, he actually looks like he wants it more than the majority of our older players.
With regards to his position, I really think from what I've seen of Ireland recently, he could fill that gap nicely. Some of Irelands touches and passes are sublime and he's growing in confidence week in week out. If we played Ireland behind Gabby and the Bentmeister General I think that would work pretty well, Gabby is wasted on the left.
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As nice as it would be, I can't see it happening. And that does leave me with a bit of fear for what will happen in March/April when he goes back and we have Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd (three of them away from home) in the space of five games!
I'm glad they're all away from home; we seem to play better away, as the expectation of delivering a good performance does not appear to weigh as much on the players, as it does at home.
Would love him to stay, but can see us soldering on without, (hopefully a few will have seen what can be achieved and will take over the mantle).
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Is there a younger cheaper alternative available to Robbie Keane?
I can't think of one in this country.
Dempsey is probably the closest
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or a certain South American player playing for Barcelona, but he probably cost more than Aston Villa.
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Is there a younger cheaper alternative available to Robbie Keane?
I can't think of one in this country.
Dempsey is probably the closest
Different type of player, IMO.
Keane is a deep striker who links play and brings others in and Dempsey is a midfielder who likes to get in the box. Best Villa comparison would be Dwight Yorke and David Platt.
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Wouldn't be surprised at a summer move for him. Whether he'd want to give up life in LA is another matter though.
I'd actually be against that. Age will catch up to him eventually, so the big contract he'd want would not be worth it to the club.
Great loan signing, but a financial mistake as a permanent.
I agree. I definitely would like to see the loan extended to the end of the season but a permanent deal doesn't strike me as the best move financially. We should have our scouts out looking for the next Robbie Keane.
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I agree. I definitely would like to see the loan extended to the end of the season but a permanent deal doesn't strike me as the best move financially. We should have our scouts out looking for the next Robbie Keane.
According to Mat Kendrick, an extension to Keane's deal is not going to happen becuase it cant so he will be gone come the end of this month
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
Carbone?
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We will miss him. He certainly is a quality player. I for one wanted him, especially when I realised he was only 31. I thought he was much older. The only worry I had was when someone who I can't remember on here saying they had seen him play in America and said his legs were shot.
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Hopefully we go back in for him. I've always been a Keane fan. He hasn't got the pace he had back in the day but he's a really clever player. He's one of those few strikers who has the vision and technical ability that he could play in midfield well too. But yes, when he floats in the whole he's a real threat. A bit like Zola in some ways. He's that kind of player who can think 2 steps ahead.
He does link well with Ireland. They're both technically gifted and can instinctively play off each other well. I think possibly when he goes, Ireland will push up and Bannan will slip into Irelands spot and hopefully those two can be an effective creative unit. The only problem is that Keane's goal threat would not be replaced.
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I wouldn't be surprised for this to be a regular thing and to see him back here next spring again except this time for longer, as soon as the transfer window opens (á la Donovan at Everton and Beckham at Milan).
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
Carbone?
Definitely my favourite.
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
Carbone?
Definitely my favourite.
If I remember rightly Carbone wasn't technically a loan. His contract at Sheffield Wed ran out at the end of that season and we bought out his contract and held his registration.
We got a great season out of him, mind.
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
Carbone?
Definitely my favourite.
If I remember rightly Carbone wasn't technically a loan. His contract at Sheffield Wed ran out at the end of that season and we bought out his contract and held his registration.
We got a great season out of him, mind.
You're right, S_H. Not a loan. But I loved his time at the club. Another player that moved between the lines of the opposition defence and midfield. Plus his hat-trick against Leeds was tremendous.
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I wouldn't be surprised for this to be a regular thing and to see him back here next spring again except this time for longer, as soon as the transfer window opens (á la Donovan at Everton and Beckham at Milan).
Trouble is a year is a long time for a 31 year old striker.
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The one thing that impresses me about Keane is that he isn't playing just to keep fit and stay injury free you can see that he really wants to play well and contribute. Must admit that while i was so so about him coming for such a short period he really has shown what a bit of quality can do.Can he play left back?
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For me, the most important thing about the loan is what our players learn from him. He really has been a catalyst to the way our midfield think and play. His influence seems to have rubbed off on several players, Petrov being the best example.
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What it demonstrates to me is the importance of desire.
Keane is not playing for money, he is playing for fitnesss for the Euros, for pride and personal achievement.
Petrov always has played for the pay-cheque, Dunne and Nzogbia similarly. Shay Given is the senior player who is the obvious exception in a positive sense.
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Petrov has always played for the pay cheque? How have you reached the conclusion that a player of ours for nearly six years - many of them as captain - has shown less commitment than a guy who's played four games for us (impressive though he's been)?
I wouldn't say Dunne - a near ever present since signing for us - and N'Zogbia can particularly be accused of not putting in the effort, but that verdict on Petrov staggers me.
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For me, the most important thing about the loan is what our players learn from him. He really has been a catalyst to the way our midfield think and play. His influence seems to have rubbed off on several players, Petrov being the best example.
You could see this on Sunday. At times he had the ball and looked around for a midfielder to pass to. There were generally none near enough for him to play an intelligent pass to. You could sense his frustration. Several times a "what the f***" look went across his face.
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He is a very good footballer, one we should have signed about 10 years ago.
The danger is that we will become reliant on him only to have to wave goodbye to soon.
Re. Petrov, he's not played for the pay cheque, he's always looked a very dedicated professional to me.
The answer to the question is - there is life after Keane, it's in the shape of Albrighton who must start to learn how to read a game better and to not be a one trick pony.
Life after Keane means we can stay in the Premier League, he is showing the ability to look, pass, move, shoot and hold the ball better than any player we have on a permanent contract.
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With the transfer window closed, do we have the 'option' to extend the loan longer?
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
Carbone?
Definitely my favourite.
If I remember rightly Carbone wasn't technically a loan. His contract at Sheffield Wed ran out at the end of that season and we bought out his contract and held his registration.
We got a great season out of him, mind.
You're right, S_H. Not a loan. But I loved his time at the club. Another player that moved between the lines of the opposition defence and midfield. Plus his hat-trick against Leeds was tremendous.
Damn right, what a day that was. VP was rocking, wasn't it like the recent Arsenal tie with us being 0-2 down? I was there but the memory aint what it was.
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He must be one of the best loan signings we've ever made.
Carbone?
Definitely my favourite.
If I remember rightly Carbone wasn't technically a loan. His contract at Sheffield Wed ran out at the end of that season and we bought out his contract and held his registration.
We got a great season out of him, mind.
You're right, S_H. Not a loan. But I loved his time at the club. Another player that moved between the lines of the opposition defence and midfield. Plus his hat-trick against Leeds was tremendous.
Damn right, what a day that was. VP was rocking, wasn't it like the recent Arsenal tie with us being 0-2 down? I was there but the memory aint what it was.
I think you're referring to the Collymore inspired comeback, with a broken Santa on the roof!
Just re read the original post and the reference was to Leeds..........sorryO
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With the transfer window closed, do we have the 'option' to extend the loan longer?
He's only here until the MLS season starts so the transfer window is largely irrelevant.
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Petrov always has played for the pay-cheque
Utterly wrong, as ever.
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Petrov always has played for the pay-cheque.
You have GOT to be kidding me??
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With the transfer window closed, do we have the 'option' to extend the loan longer?
He's only here until the MLS season starts so the transfer window is largely irrelevant.
But could we extend the deal he has if LA would allow it?
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Would be great to get Keane until the end of the season, and maybe look for someone who could do a similar job in the summer.
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With the transfer window closed, do we have the 'option' to extend the loan longer?
He's only here until the MLS season starts so the transfer window is largely irrelevant.
But could we extend the deal he has if LA would allow it?
Why would LA allow it though?
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Petrov always has played for the pay-cheque
Utterly wrong, as ever.
Too right. What a load of absolute bollocks. I actually find that offensive.
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Very wrong indeed. Petrov works his bollocks off playing for us. Until Keane came he was also probably our most technically gifted player too. I'd say adaptable too. He was not bought by MON to play the role he plays and he does it very well.
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I admit that there is scarce evidence so far but the Fonz might be able to play Keane's role. I mean this in the sense that he appears to find the spaces between the midfield and striker rather well.
A problem (other than his unknown ability) will be that this trequartista player needs to be a fulcrum for the team and I do not feel that the Fonz has got the cajoles to demand to be centre stage. He looks a bit too shy although this could quickly change if he got a bit of a run going (see Ireland for example).
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What it demonstrates to me is the importance of desire.
Keane is not playing for money, he is playing for fitnesss for the Euros, for pride and personal achievement.
Petrov always has played for the pay-cheque, Dunne and Nzogbia similarly. Shay Given is the senior player who is the obvious exception in a positive sense.
You seriously have not got a clue what you are talking about. Petrov is one of the most regular players making visits to Acorns, Community projects and various schemes instigated by Aston Villa. On the pitch he is arguably the most consistent player of the last two season ...........
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What it demonstrates to me is the importance of desire.
Keane is not playing for money, he is playing for fitnesss for the Euros, for pride and personal achievement.
Petrov always has played for the pay-cheque, Dunne and Nzogbia similarly. Shay Given is the senior player who is the obvious exception in a positive sense.
You seriously have not got a clue what you are talking about. Petrov is one of the most regular players making visits to Acorns, Community projects and various schemes instigated by Aston Villa. On the pitch he is arguably the most consistent player of the last two season ...........
3 seasons even.
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Regardless of his off the pitch efforts to say Petrov is only here to pick up his pay cheque is possibly one of the most ludicrous comments I have read on here. Doubt him as a player sure, but to question his commitment is crazy talk.
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I think Petrov can hold his head high when he eventually moves on. Always made a scapegoat in his early days with us, he has been an honest and hard working player who gives his all.
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Put it another way, I doubt the guy bleeds claret and blue but I wish every player picked up their pay cheque with such dedication, hard work and professionalism.
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Petrov has been Mr. Aston Villa since about the end of 2008. So committed and so under appreciated it's not funny.
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Petrov has been Mr. Aston Villa since about the end of 2008. So committed and so under appreciated it's not funny.
Agreed. He's 33, if he can't run for 90 minutes, full pelt anymore that doesn't mean he's lazy it's just the inevitable drop in stamina that comes at the tail end of every sportsmens career. But his attitude and commitment have always been first rate. Stan's a class act.
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I've never been a great fan of Petrov, but he gives his all and always has.
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Life after Keane; gonna suck.
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Can we keep him mum, can we, can we, huh? Please, I'll make sure I tidy my room every day.......
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He has been a revelation, and is almost talismanic the way he is fitting it together for us going forward. If not now, then in the summer after the Euros we should be back for him. He has 3 more seasons in him at this pace.
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Can we hide his passport? Pleaseeeeeeee
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Life after Keane...
...will be a struggle...
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Life with Keane.. kinda sucks and is a struggle..
Life after Keane.. oh dear god help us!
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Life after Keane is not worth thinking about.
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We need to keep him, and even make him captain. He'll be getting my vote for player of the season as well and he's not even played 3.5 games.
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He has been a revalation, I guess he is playing as well now as he has ever.
Its a bit like watching Sheringham in his pomp. He has adjusted his game to play to his strengths.
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A few journo's writing up our games have said that it's a travesty he's gone to the football retirement scrap heap of American soccer so soon. He's still got 2-3 years at least, until he should really be thinking of putting his feet up in the states.
I'd hope his ambition could be swayed into coming back to the Premier League, and hopefully with us. My worry would be that come the summer, a London club tempts him back dahhhnn saaaattttthh.
He's a class act though. If he came back to us longer term he could be our new Merson.
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It shows the rest of the squad up that a man who struggled to get in the Spurs and Liverpool teams makes our lot look half-hearted. Eck's subbing of Ireland and his post match interview shows he thinks the same.
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A few journo's writing up our games have said that it's a travesty he's gone to the football retirement scrap heap of American soccer so soon. He's still got 2-3 years at least, until he should really be thinking of putting his feet up in the states.
I'd hope his ambition could be swayed into coming back to the Premier League, and hopefully with us. My worry would be that come the summer, a London club tempts him back dahhhnn saaaattttthh.
He's a class act though. If he came back to us longer term he could be our new Merson.
At times Keane seemed about to explode with exacerbation at some of the poor play against Newcastle. Therefore, if he does fancy another stab at the PL longer term, who says he would want to be at struggling club.
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Arsenal seem to think they could get Henry to stay longer. We should be trying with keane.
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Is it just me that has noticed Keane offers absolutely nothing when we don't have the ball?
I know he has been great, I'm just trying to understand why Mcleish is singling out N'Zogbia and Ireland for not helping defend.
Ow and when Keane leaves we need Ireland and Gardner to step up.
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Is it just me that has noticed Keane offers absolutely nothing when we don't have the ball?
I don't agree.
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Let's put it this way. He seems more bothered than plenty of players that are full time.
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What I mean is, he is as effective as Bannan at tackling and defending.
I just wish he was here for the season and beyond.
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Trouble is, if he comes back next year, he'll probably get snatched up by feckin Chelsea or Man Ure on a 1 year contract. Just our luck.
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Keane is the intelligent link that we've been missing. The entire forward line and midfield benefits from his movement. I'm convinced that if we sort out the calamities that we suffer from when defending by moving out some of the liability players, or at least adding some much needed pace, we'll immediately be a much better team. There is evidence that in some parts of our game we are coming together. We are just continually undone by a lack of defensive discipline that will only be fixed through surgery.
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If anything, it will highlight the type of player that we need. Not the only position to fill but two or three strategic signings would go a long way to drawing the best out of the younger players. It is vital that Lerner accepts this.
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California or Aston?
No Brainer...Aston
F&&K that ! California !
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What I mean is, he is as effective as Bannan at tackling and defending.
And how effective are Van Persie and Aguero at tackling>
That's not what they're there for.
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The cretivity he offers is immense, would like to see Bannan take his position when he is off and not Gabby/Albrighton, Bent and N'Zogbia can provide the running and penetration, but we need two creators in Ireland and Bannan, to make up for Keane leaving, Ireland can tuck in centrally and Bannan drift in from out wide, may even see Ireland become more influential from a central area.
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The cretivity
Bit harsh that?
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Keane is the intelligent link that we've been missing. The entire forward line and midfield benefits from his movement. I'm convinced that if we sort out the calamities that we suffer from when defending by moving out some of the liability players, or at least adding some much needed pace, we'll immediately be a much better team. There is evidence that in some parts of our game we are coming together. We are just continually undone by a lack of defensive discipline that will only be fixed through surgery.
Fully agree. Not sure who said it or on what thread, but the point was made that Newcastle aren't much different than us player for player, yet play with more confidence. That comes from winnign games, which we won't do while letting in idiotic goals at the back. So start defending properly and you'll see the forwards play with a bit more freedom.
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Timothy Abraham has tweeted
#AVFC will make contact with LA Galaxy over an extension of Robbie Keanes loan spell.Keane himself is in favour but up to MLS side
**Prays*
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Hopefully it will be extended until 2015.
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At his age we need to be careful about too long a deal, but if available keeping him for the rest of this season is a no brainer.
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Timothy Abraham has tweeted
#AVFC will make contact with LA Galaxy over an extension of Robbie Keanes loan spell.Keane himself is in favour but up to MLS side
**Prays*
Yes please!
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I'd be surprised if LA Galaxy agree to this, they haven't in the past with Donovan.
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Aston Villa fail in bid to extend Robbie Keane stay
By Mat KendrickFeb 8 2012Add a comment Recommend
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Robbie Keane will definitely return to LA Galaxy after the match at Wigan on February 25 despite Aston Villa’s attempts to extend the loan.
Villa made tentative enquiries about keeping Keane beyond his six-week spell, but his parent club want him back ahead of their MLS campaign.
Keane has scored three goals in four starts and one substitute appearance, including a match-winning brace on his full debut at former club Wolves and a strike in last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle.
Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2012/02/08/aston-villa-fail-in-bid-to-extend-robbie-keane-stay-97319-30295078/#ixzz1lsUWg9u5
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Thought that might be the case.
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All I'm hoping from his brief spell here, is that the other players have learnt something about moving off the ball. If they have done, the experience will be invaluable.
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He has made all the difference. When does his contract with LA galaxy expire. He should be on the next available plane back after that! He has brought new life in amongst a dour bunch of dustbins. Offer him anything to return double quick!
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I would be offering them a couple of million in the summer to get him back here, he is worth the money.
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He's an intelligent player that has changed his game to suit his condition. Never really liked him as a striker, far too greedy and selfish but he really has surprised me not only with confidence, his ability to read the game but his drive to be involved and create. I don't see the point on signing him long term, his best yearsare behind him and he'd be looking for at least a three year contract on top pay. A younger version of him wouldn't go amiss though.
It really wouldn't surprise me if he ends up managing. Give it a few years and I wouldn't mind him back in that role. The bloke is a winner and has a very clever footballing head on him.
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He's an intelligent player that has changed his game to suit his condition. Never really liked him as a striker, far too greedy and selfish but he really has surprised me not only with confidence, his ability to read the game but his drive to be involved and create. I don't see the point on signing him long term, his best yearsare behind him and he'd be looking for at least a three year contract on top pay. A younger version of him wouldn't go amiss though.
It really wouldn't surprise me if he ends up managing. Give it a few years and I wouldn't mind him back in that role. The bloke is a winner and has a very clever footballing head on him.
Agreed I think in the long term we need a younger version of Keane.
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All I'm hoping from his brief spell here, is that the other players have learnt something about moving off the ball. If they have done, the experience will be invaluable.
This.
He has given our current crop a bit of a demo of how it's done.
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could jordan rhodes of huddersfield fill that role
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Humble pie is so tasty.
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Humble pie is so tasty.
Indeed. Did anyone predict we would be so disappointed to see him leave at the end of his loan spell, not to mind be hoping that L.A. Galaxy would agree to let him extend his stay ?
For a player that has infuriated me for so long watching him play for The Republic of Ireland, I'm incredibly surprised at the impact he has had .
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Beyond gutted he's going to be off soon.
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The people who trashed him before he arrived have seriously misjudged a quality player. His ability to create and motivate has been a breath of fresh air. Even Ireland who has shown a slight bit of promise. Is not in the same league. I am making no statements but remember on Sunday when protesting. Mcleish is the person who brought him here ? ......
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Keane is already a Villa legend! I don't want it to end at end of Feb!
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Given that he's hardly set the world on fire in the last four years, I wonder why he's done so well for us. I guess sometimes a club is just right for a player.
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Fire? He excited me at Arsenal! He can set us on fire, if given the service! Right player. Right time!
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Humble pie is so tasty.
Indeed. Did anyone predict we would be so disappointed to see him leave at the end of his loan spell, not to mind be hoping that L.A. Galaxy would agree to let him extend his stay ?
TBH I flagged it at the time. Sort of.
If I'm honest- like most- I feared/ expected that he'd just see this short period as a jolly up with his mates from the Irish squad.
But I did think that the other problem with such a short deal is that if he does well- and he has- it just torments us with what could have been.
That said, his brace against the Tatters and his involvement in pretty much all of our goals recently might be vital come the end of the season points wise. So it was a deal worth doing whichever way you care to look at it.
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has done very well and has proved many wrong including myself.
However I'm looking to the future and not putting my hopes on an aging end of career player to save us. Even the title thread "Life after Keane" is sadly desperate.
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Don't allude to the 'Mr fit as a butcher's dog' DG of the broken ribs!. Keane is a star. We are sadly lacking in that department! Jesus H..He has given us hope! don't decry the man! He does not have to continue playing for us. Wahts is he earning at LAG? Do they wnat him back so urgently because he has done so well on his holidays?
Andy Lochhead and Peter Broadbent came to us in the latter days of their career as did Derek Dougan; it is part of Villa history..none will be forgotten. Fucking Ron wylie..It is what the Villa do. It is our legacy.
Do not lose inspiration and experience now!
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McLeish hasn't ruled out buying Keane in the summer following a refusal to extend the loan period from Galaxy.
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He's done very well but I wouldn't want him on a deal of longer than a year from the summer.
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He's done very well but I wouldn't want him on a deal of longer than a year from the summer.
I think a one year contract would be just right for us and for him.
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He's done very well but I wouldn't want him on a deal of longer than a year from the summer.
I think a one year contract would be just right for us and for him.
I think it would be right for us, I'm not sure for him though I'm pretty sure he's got longer at LA Galaxy.
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He has 2 seasons in his legs as a minumum.
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He has 2 seasons in his legs as a minumum.
Too right. Quality player, I wish he was staying another 2 years.
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Looking at the comments from Eck today, I would say he will be in for him in the summer. Sign him towards the end of the summer and he will have done most of the season at LA won't he?
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If Claudine wants to be in LA, thats where they'll stay.
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Do you really think he'd be chomping at the bit to sign for us with all the negativity around the place? Nah thought so, probably can't wait to get out of here!
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After seeing the way he reacted against Newcastle when Petrov failed to give him a simple ball to feet when he was stood less than 20 yards away with no defenders obstructing the path of the pass I'd say he's counting down to his return flight.
I must say that I was completely underwhelmed when hearing about him coming in but his presence has really indicated just how much we miss a player that can move into that area of the pitch between opposing defence and midfield and drag players out of position. Some finisher, too. He will be sorely missed and I wouldn't have imagined myself saying that a couple of months ago.
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He has done very well. A lot of the other players could learn from him in the amount of passion, enthusiasm that he shows on the pitch. It is refreshing to see a player look like he gives a sh*t. It also highlights how desperate we are for a decent link man that can play in the hole. Can Ireland do that for us once Keane has gone back to LA? The jury is out.
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Given that he's hardly set the world on fire in the last four years, I wonder why he's done so well for us. I guess sometimes a club is just right for a player.
Makes you wonder why Gregory quibbled over half a million quid
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Also makes you wonder why one of the reasons given for MON having lost it by many posters was that he wanted to sign Keane
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Given that he's hardly set the world on fire in the last four years, I wonder why he's done so well for us. I guess sometimes a club is just right for a player.
Makes you wonder why Gregory quibbled over half a million quid
Was that Gregory or HDE?
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Sir Doug.
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Unless Gregory was covering up for Ellis, he did say in his book that it was him who did'nt think he was worth the extra £500k.
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No it wasn't, it was Gregory.
According to Gregory, anyway.
(edit - as above)
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Gregory clearly stated he did not think Keane was worth the extra £500,000. It appears Doug would of paid it. Quite ironic its that difference that has brought him back ......
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I have t read the thread, but I think Keane is doing well for us because he isn't being asked to play as an out n out striker, but a link up man to Bent, which suits his game. Only problem is we miss Ireland's energy and defending by not having him central.
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Also makes you wonder why one of the reasons given for MON having lost it by many posters was that he wanted to sign Keane
for right back
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Keane has done well for us in his spell but it has shown up how crap we have been in midfield this season.
At times he has stood there with his hands up crying out for the ball and at others times stood there with his hands on his head in disbelief with our approach play.
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You could argue that he's already player of the season.
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Unless Gregory was covering up for Ellis, he did say in his book that it was him who did'nt think he was worth the extra £500k.
What a mistake that was. I remember being gutted at the time. I was only twelve but I'd seen enough of Keane with Irish youth teams to know we should have bought him.
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On bbc 5 live commentary they said he would be available for the next game also. Is this not the case?
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An alternative view but perhaps we'll be better off when he goes? We have only won one game since he's been here, and Ireland is like a fish out of water with him in the team, and McL is obliged to play him. We were going in the right direction before he came. Ireland has been our bright star this season, and perhaps the sooner he gets back into a position where he feels comfortable we might start winning games again. After all, he is on the permanent playing staff and Keane for better or worse is off. Again, it's just an alternative view, but perhaps one worth considering?
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He goes back after Wigan dosen't he?
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An alternative view but perhaps we'll be better off when he goes? We have only won one game since he's been here, and Ireland is like a fish out of water with him in the team, and McL is obliged to play him. We were going in the right direction before he came. Ireland has been our bright star this season, and perhaps the sooner he gets back into a position where he feels comfortable we might start winning games again. After all, he is on the permanent playing staff and Keane for better or worse is off. Again, it's just an alternative view, but perhaps one worth considering?
I agree with this and although I have to eat a huge piece of humble pie as I did think he was a journeyman after a quick buck which he was not.
He really did look yesterday like his legs were absolutely shot and physically would only be an impact player off the bench long term.Him going back to the USA could well help the team as Ireland could be pushed back in the middle off of the wing where he is less effective.
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Good post Jimmy Smash.
I also hope the team learn from his leadership and movement. Someone in the attacking third needs to step up and start orchestrating our play rather just going through the motions. Strangely I think Gabby might be the man.
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Good post Jimmy Smash.
I also hope the team learn from his leadership and movement. Someone in the attacking third needs to step up and start orchestrating our play rather just going through the motions. Strangely I think Gabby might be the man.
I don't think Gabby has the footballing brain to do that, but Ireland does!
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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4132754/LA-Galaxy-news-Robbie-Keane-tempted-by-Premier-League-return.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4132754/LA-Galaxy-news-Robbie-Keane-tempted-by-Premier-League-return.html)
Apparently he's homesick and wants to come back.
When ever we have had the option/chance to sign up a player who's been a success as a loan we ignore, eg Carbone. I wont be holding my breath as his wage demands will be too high, unless this is the bg signing Eck has said he wants in the summer
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Heskey will be gone with his wages , so I would have him back . I wasnt Keane at first but hes been ace.
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I wanted the loan deal and have always been a fan, but financially I think a permanent deal probably wouldn't make sense.
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I wanted the loan deal and have always been a fan, but financially I think a permanent deal probably wouldn't make sense.
Nor me. Another loan next year would be great as he provides an injection of passion and ideas at a time when the players are (potentially) getting tired and complacent. However I do not think he has the legs for an entire season and whilst he's been great the total cost to sign him would be too much for me.
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Keane will be getting my player of the year vote.
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Is it not worth seeing what happens for the rest of the season?
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Probably not no.
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Difficult one.
Based on his current form he's well worth a permanent deal.
But he'll be 32 in the summer, and will most likely require a lengthy deal to make it worth his while and turn his back on LA. Hard to imagine he'd be a Heskey or Beye style waste of money, true. But I'd still be reticent to commit to a long term deal for a player of that age having been burned before. Maybe someone like Fletcher at Wolves would be a better long term investment.
I have been impressed with his movement and willingness to receive the ball though, he looks like a leader compared to our current lot. How much of that is adrenaline, the spring in the step most players feel when they first arrive at a club (but usually soon fades in our case) is hard to quantify.
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I am not so sure that we will necessarily see a downturn in fortunes either. Keane is clearly still a good player, but we have the same problem with him that Benitez had, how to accommodate him within a formation that works for us.
He has not been a midfielder, more a deep lying striker.
Picking him has not just meant shoving Ireland out to the right. Clark has had to move forward from where he did so well just in front of the back four to compenaste for the fact that we only had 2 in central midfield, and has not looked the same player.
I felt for Gardner against Man City. Several times he had the ball at his feet with two or three City players hounding him and not a Villa player in sight. Part of that was down to the fact that we had two spectators up front rather than the customary one. The presence of Heskey alone did not make us play as badly as that.
I doubt Keane has really had much impact on our points total. What he arguably gained against Wolves (maybe we would have beaten them with ease even with Frimpong on the pitch had we played 3 in midfield) we may well have dropped against others since because of the imbalance.
Maybe the real value of the loan is that it has illustrated how short our senior players are when it comes to application and true leadership. If Keane had the legs for it I'd be happy for us to buy him and play him as a genuine midfielder, but I doubt he has.
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I'd love him back. He could be our own Sheringham. Someone who can impact games, even if from the bench. He won't play 40 games a year, but we could get plenty from him and he offers creativity.
Perhaps too, in the summer, if we're lucky, a better manager might be here who'd find a system that would incorporate Keane and still leave us with a competitive midfield. We just need better organisation full stop.
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Robbie is saying that he leaves clubs where he does not fit in. He is happy to return to America but wants a move back to the PL. He fits in here! He says he left clubs, quickly, where he didn't fit. Once he makes up his mind he sticks to it..quote. He does not say he will return to us though!
Make him feel the force at the Wigan game. You fit in Robbie! You fit in. Come back a fully committed team member, Please.