Robert Pires

[Toronto Villa]

I was incredibly disappointed with him today. The game has passed him by. It looked a decent addition at a time that the window was closed and our physio's room resembled a reenactment of war time England. Today proved that his head might be there (and I'd even argue that to be honest), but the body most certainly isn't.

[hawkeye]

its a very strange recruitment he was given a run out today and had no impact, i can understand the idea of having a player that can provide a cameo of holding posession and picking out passses but he dosent seem to be able to do that, a waste of space

[PaulTheVillan]

I really think Pires needs to fuck off.

[Risso]

I was incredibly disappointed with him today. The game has passed him by. It looked a decent addition at a time that the window was closed and our physio's room resembled a reenactment of war time England. Today proved that his head might be there (and I'd even argue that to be honest), but the body most certainly isn't.

Just couldn't understand the reasoning behind starting him today.  He's been dreadful every time he's come on, and he was woeful in the last match he started.  Ireland couldn't contribute anything less, yet he's nowhere near the squad and Pires is starting.  It's madness.

[Brend'Watkins]

It is total madness.  Against a poor Sheff U side, why bother? 

Houlllier should just hold his hands up and say "I got this one wrong".  Then he should show him the door. 

[Lizz]

From today's Daily Express [can hardly believe I've looked at that site, shame on me]. Robert Pires stares into abyss

[CJ]

Couldn't believe it when it was announced he was starting today, and his performance would have made Sidders look world class.  Absolutely useless. 

I'd get rid now. Adds nothing to the squad especially now we've got bodies back from injury

[ROBBO]

I guess until we'd seen him play it was impossible to say whether it would work out. Havn't been impressed on any occassion but it's only til the end of the season.

[hawkeye]

I was incredibly disappointed with him today. The game has passed him by. It looked a decent addition at a time that the window was closed and our physio's room resembled a reenactment of war time England. Today proved that his head might be there (and I'd even argue that to be honest), but the body most certainly isn't.

Just couldn't understand the reasoning behind starting him today.  He's been dreadful every time he's come on, and he was woeful in the last match he started.  Ireland couldn't contribute anything less, yet he's nowhere near the squad and Pires is starting.  It's madness.

you just keep hopeing that the penny eventually drops with Huoulier, play Albrighton on th right, play Gabby up front , play young on the left wing and forget Pires

[gervilla]

If Pires was any farther off the pace it would be time to call in the coroner.

[TonyD]

He runs like his footy boots don't fit OR  his footy boots are full of drawing pins OR he is injured OR he is not fit enough ( I am 6 years older than him and can run faster!!)

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Think he was embarrasing today. And the fact he has been gobbing off, just makes it more cringe worthy. Goodbye Roburr ................

[TheSandman]

Houllier: More to come from playmaker Pires

I used to be good y'know

By Paul Brown

Gerard Houllier insists there's much more to come from Robert Pires as he gets used to a faster and more physical Barclays Premier League.

Pires joined Villa from Villareal after four-and-a-half years away from the top-flight.

Manager Houllier says the changes in that time have been marked but believes Pires is now finding his feet in claret and blue.

Pires started in his first game at Villa - against former club Arsenal - but has struggled to command a first XI spot since.

Houllier admits he rushed the 37-year-old into action too soon but insists Villa will "need" him as the season progresses.

The former Gunners ace looked the part in the FA Cup clash with Sheffield United and Houllier thinks there'll be more where that came from.

He said: "In fairness when Robert came and when I played him, probably I played him a bit too early.

"I admit that because it took him about three or four weeks to step up. Now he's getting better.

"He admitted as well that the pace and the physicality of the game has gone up. He's got to put up with that.

"He was better in training. We'll need him sometimes to keep the ball. We'll need him."

Houllier also admitted it was proper that the players went to salute the travelling claret and blue army at the end of the game.

The gaffer described the supporters as "fantastic" as they cheered their team from first minute to last in the gruelling encounter at Bramall Lane.

He added: "It was fantastic, particularly when we were defending. They were great for the players.

"What we want is the fans behind the players, that's what we want. Every manager wants that. I was also pleased that the players went to greet them."

Watch Pires try to unlock the door against high-flying Manchester City - click here.

Argggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!

[DBTW]

Personally, i thought Pires was superb at Sheffield, always showing for the ball, making great runs and when he was on the pitch the football was good to watch.

[Risso]

Non-league Crawley Town were after him weren't they?  I'd suggest that that was more his current level.