The Gabby Appreciation Thread - Update: 4 year deal

[PaulTheVillan]

Big Gabby fan but I was really disappointed with his contribution since Bent was injured.

His poor second half of the season meant it was easy to forget how good he was from August- Xmas when he was comfortably our best player imo.

He's always been a player who's blown hot and cold throughout his career but it's vital we at least get him back into double figures next season.

I disagree, too inconsistent for me and not a natural finisher, i would be quite happy to see him move on and invest the money on a better striker.

Exactly how I feel.

[Mazrim]

I want to see Gabby have a chance to truly prove himself under the next manager and if he doesn't bust his bollocks to make that happen then its probably best he leaves.
But Gabby getting back to his best is very important to us for all sorts of reasons. He should be a lethal weapon and we've invested a lot of money in his contract to this end.

I dont know what makes him tick but he's too relaxed for my liking. He should be on the shoulder of the defenders, blowing them away and making darting runs before putting the chances away. I believe he is still capable of this but it seems the right manager has to coax it from him.
He has to do it next season or he'll be down the pecking order.

[not3bad]

After the last two seasons I'd like to see Gabby play again in a stable environment under a manager that plays football the right way and gets the chance to build something at Villa.  It's clear his head wasn't in the right place in the second half of last season.

[JD]

I want to see Gabby have a chance to truly prove himself under the next manager and if he doesn't bust his bollocks to make that happen then its probably best he leaves.
But Gabby getting back to his best is very important to us for all sorts of reasons. He should be a lethal weapon and we've invested a lot of money in his contract to this end.

I dont know what makes him tick but he's too relaxed for my liking. He should be on the shoulder of the defenders, blowing them away and making darting runs before putting the chances away. I believe he is still capable of this but it seems the right manager has to coax it from him.
He has to do it next season or he'll be down the pecking order.

Totally agree Maz. Next season will be make or break for his Villa career.

[Brend'Watkins]

There has to be competition for every place in our team. As it is, if Gabby is fit he plays regardless of form.  That's not the way it should be.   

[Meanwood Villa]

Despite starting last season well his frankly abysmal showings in the second half of the season mean my over-riding feeling is of another season wasted. That's 2 in a row now. Another one and he and we can't complain if he's booted out. I say this as a Gabby fan, it's time for him to step up again.

[JUAN PABLO]

Went backwards soon as he was given captaincy .

[themossman]

Funny that not long ago we were talking about the dilemma of having to pick between him and a fit darren bent in the lone striker role. That's gabby though, sublime to ridiculous in the blink of an eye. I'm doubtful that he has got a full season of staying on form and scoring consistently in him.

[N'ZMAV]

Gabby has had enough chances to prove himself, but he just cannot do it consistently throughout a season. He goes for matches without even looking like scoring a goal. I'd sell him, he won't improve. He had a good start to the season, and a massive chance to push on when Bent was injured, the chance to be the main man again... he couldn't take it. Sell.

[N'ZMAV]

He also needs to lose soem bloody weight, It's ok bulking up to be strong, but he's gone fat.

[PeterWithesShin]

I love Gabby but his regular months out of form every season do my head in. His form last season from about mid November onwards was shockingly bad. He had the chance to step into Bent's boots and failed completely. It says it all when for the last few months of the season i'd have had Heskey's name on the team sheet before his.

Needs to show he can still do it next season or it's time to get rid IMO. At 26 next year it's time he stopped only turning up for a few months a season. The frustrating thing is that for those few months he's everything you want from him.

[lovejoy]

When the going gets tough you need your key men to step forward, he stepped back.

Sell.

[N'ZMAV]

Gabby the Captain..... That huddle before the one game last season.... class.... Imagine Gabby doing the talking in a huddle? No-one would have a clue what he was mumbling on about...

[Chrisupnorth]

He's a thick (and I don't mean his build) one trick pony!  Hasn't progressed at all in the past few seasons and doesn't have the intelligence, instinctive movement or finish of a truly great striker.  Agree with those who say that our recent lack of attacking options has done nothing but massage his over bloated ego.  It's a no for me.

[JJ-AV]

He had a cracking start to last season though and got back into the England squad. He was supposedly going to play for England and then got injured again.

He can still do it, he just became disillusioned under McLeish presumably. He had a terrible season under Houllier but he scored vital goals and who wouldn't struggle under a manager who clearly doesn't rate you?

Considering the wonders Lambert has done with forwards who've spent their careers bumbling about in the lower leagues, if we do appoint him I'm sure he'll work wonders with Gabby.