Ciaran Clark - now gone

[LeeB]

Clark is certainly a more cultured player than Baker (he looks like he reads the Guardian too but that's not what I mean). Perhaps he could be a sweeper. Anyone seen one of them since 1992?

I occupied the position on occasion last season, but it was in the Sutton & District Division 4.

[paul_e]

Clark is certainly a more cultured player than Baker (he looks like he reads the Guardian too but that's not what I mean). Perhaps he could be a sweeper. Anyone seen one of them since 1992?

The role has moved forward in front of the defence now.  Pirlo, for example, would've been a sweeper 20-30 years ago, but now plays as a defensive midfielder instead, doing exactly the same job.  I think the English idea of what a sweeper is and the continental idea (where it was actually used a lot) is totally different.  It's basically a free role in defence, where you can wander around the pitch looking for work, which is why players like Gullit moved back there when they got older, it just gives a bit more space to be a creative influence.

[brontebilly]

Combine them both and you would have a decent player. Both very short in certain areas. Baker for me is just too poor on the ball and I don't think that is something he will improve at this stage of his career. He is possibly the worst player on the ball in the first team squad, takes going when the likes of Lichaj and Herd are involved. Bit of a poor mans Phil Jones tearing into everything but positionally suspect.

Clark has had a horrid time of late. But getting stronger is something that can be developed. His lack of pace can't be improved upon so he will have to improve a lot at reading the game. I'd have more hope for him but a centre half in the EPL can't really be physically weak and slow. He needed to bulk up over the last couple of summers.

To be honest considering the huge flaws both of them have having been at the club since they were kids, it doesn't say too much for the standard of coaching they have received in the academy.

[SoccerHQ]

Clark always reminds me a lot of Phil Jones who started off in central defence at Blackburn but was soon moved to defensive midfield and fullback where he's continued in Manchester.

Could see Clark end up somewhere, after watching him 20 + times this season, I think he'll have more of a Ridgwell type career at premier league level rather than a Cahill type career e.g not quite good enough at centre half but decent enough in other positions.

[SamTheMouse]

Clark always reminds me a lot of Phil Jones who started off in central defence at Blackburn but was soon moved to defensive midfield and fullback where he's continued in Manchester.

Could see Clark end up somewhere, after watching him 20 + times this season, I think he'll have more of a Ridgwell type career at premier league level rather than a Cahill type career e.g not quite good enough at centre half but decent enough in other positions.

I can't see Clark playing in midfield. His first touch is f*cking atrocious. It's like watching an orang utan try to trap a beach ball.

[SoccerHQ]

He has had some good games in that position though, Chelsea away last season springs to mind and also Wolves when he got moved there.

Bit slow so needs a dynamic player alongside him.

[tomd2103]

My main concern with Clark in midfield last season was that all his passes were either backwards or sideways.  It may have just been a confidence issue or McLeish may have instructed him to play that way, but he didn't offer too much in possession.

[neo_Villan]

Just read he is getting a new contract. Was kinda hoping that he would be offloaded really. Just not good enough and clearly doesn't seem to realise that his best position is in midfield.

[villa for life]

Does loyalty work both ways? Can we chastise players for a lack of loyalty when they go on to pastures new whilst at the same time talk about trying to offload players who are still young and learning...

[Ozzjim]

Considering centre backs don't mature until 27 plus, and he has had to be the senior partner most of the season due to Vlaar being out when Clark has been fit, I think he has done ok. He is a good footballer, and at times has played really well. QPR home and Reading away he made some pretty vital tackles and challenges and I thought he looked like he was up for the fight. Deserves time and patience. As does Baker. They should be supplemented by a new man in for Dunne though, that is both more experienced and better. It is the only position I would say experience is as important as ability in who we sign, but I do hope we can get someone with a bit of quality, experience and still hungry to perform.

[neo_Villan]

Does loyalty work both ways? Can we chastise players for a lack of loyalty when they go on to pastures new whilst at the same time talk about trying to offload players who are still young and learning...

I don't really see why people seem to reserve more patience for Clark then they do for the likes of Bannan, Albrighton, Herd and Fonz who are all the same age. Why is it acceptable to say the aforementioned aren't good enough while Clark is still 'young and learning'?

[villa for life]

I think it is ok...I just think it's ironic when supporters get really bitter when the tables are turned and players like Milner and Barry move on

[neo_Villan]

It is the only position I would say experience is as important as ability in who we sign, but I do hope we can get someone with a bit of quality, experience and still hungry to perform.

I'm not sure about that. I think now he has a season under his belt, Vlaar will be our 'experienced' centre-half. What is important now isn't age but finding a new CB who will complement Vlaar. Clark doesn't do this at all since they are too similar. Baker does too an extent but the problem is the lack of pace between them which makes it difficult for them to deal with pacy players or runs in behind them (as was seen in the Liverpool home game). Baker is still good to have of course as he is ideal in more physical games (i.e. Stoke away). The same cannot be said about Clark who is lightweight and error prone. He is a midfielder and should stop fooling himself into thinking he can make it as a half-decent CB.

[Ian.]

Does loyalty work both ways? Can we chastise players for a lack of loyalty when they go on to pastures new whilst at the same time talk about trying to offload players who are still young and learning...

I don't really see why people seem to reserve more patience for Clark then they do for the likes of Bannan, Albrighton, Herd and Fonz who are all the same age. Why is it acceptable to say the aforementioned aren't good enough while Clark is still 'young and learning'?

Maybe because they think they see better player within Clark than the others you mentioned?

[Ian.]

Considering centre backs don't mature until 27 plus, and he has had to be the senior partner most of the season due to Vlaar being out when Clark has been fit, I think he has done ok. He is a good footballer, and at times has played really well. QPR home and Reading away he made some pretty vital tackles and challenges and I thought he looked like he was up for the fight. Deserves time and patience. As does Baker. They should be supplemented by a new man in for Dunne though, that is both more experienced and better. It is the only position I would say experience is as important as ability in who we sign, but I do hope we can get someone with a bit of quality, experience and still hungry to perform.

That sums up my thoughts on Clark and also agree I would love to see someone come to Villa with that little bit of experience and quality. If only we could find the next unwanted cast off like we did with McGrath.