Ciaran Clark - now gone

[Nicko89]

has been excellent this season, my vote for villas player of the season

[brontebilly]

A big blow but thank god it happened now than before vlaar and baker were back

Probably player of the season?

Would have to be a strong candidate.  I think playing the majority of the season alongside a defensively sound left back (Cissokho) has helped him a lot.

Id agree on Clark for player of the year. Hutton would be up there too. We dont have anyone else who has been consistent during the season to be honest.

Id disagree on Cissokho being sound on any attribute, got steadily worse to genuinely awful as the season progressed.

[Toronto Villa]

Interesting how things come about. Baker was being talked about like Clark earlier in the season prior to his injury. Lost his place through no real fault and now for the same reason he gets back in. Being left sided its him ahead of Okore. Good luck big man. Real shame about Clark of course as he has been quite outstanding of late.

[PaulWinch again]

Interesting how things come about. Baker was being talked about like Clark earlier in the season prior to his injury. Lost his place through no real fault and now for the same reason he gets back in. Being left sided its him ahead of Okore. Good luck big man. Real shame about Clark of course as he has been quite outstanding of late.

I think Clark is a much better player than Baker, but I take your point.

[Mellin]

Baker put in arguably our defensive performance of the season at Anfield. Here's to a repeat.

[Chipsticks]

The official club twitter has said today that Clark is definitely out for the rest of the season, such a shame - without a doubt our player of the season for me.

On a positive note, they've said Senderos will be in the squad for the Man City game.

https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/591217330350379008

[class-of-82]

For me Clark has been immense for us this season. A young guy who has never given less than 100% every match and so much thrust onto his young shoulders but he has come through it all.
i posted  in the team talk thread "ciaran you came into this season a boy you will end it a man and that's down to you and know one else"

[Matt C]

Most improved player of the year award winner, definitely.

[OCD]

Most people had given up on him when he made a cameo away to West Ham and nearly gave Carroll a penalty at the end. He's been solid ever since.

[peter w]

This season? Its funny how it works out because up until he went off Baker was looking very good. then Clark comes in and has performed well all season. Who'd have thought that all these relegation battles have made players of them both?

[tom jennings III]

It is weird how Baker and Clark have at times both had looked awful/fantastic at times in the last couple of seasons and have both suffered both from a variety of injuries just when they're looking settled but also from poor managerial decisions. It must be so frustrating for them both and for Clark in particular now if he is out until the summer. I think he is already a good player and hopefully can continue to improve to a standard where he is in the Villa team of the next few seasons while we're challenging for more trophies and European football.

[KevinGage]

Says something now that with him being out, I actually think we'll miss him.

Has been much better this season, more dominant in the air and generally carries himself like a centre half.

I wasn't one of those who wanted to get rid, centre half more than any other position depends so much on experience. Though oddly, his composure on the ball and passing - the main qualities he displayed when he initially broke through- have regressed somewhat.

[N'ZMAV]

Baker is far too in jury prone, as is Vlaar & Senderos.

[Dante Lavelli]

Clark, Vlaar, Baker and Okore could be top half centre backs.  Not bad for a combined sum of about eight million quid, especially compared to Lovren, mangala and numerous other expensive average players.

[OCD]

Baker is far too in jury prone, as is Vlaar & Senderos.

Senderos had one injury so I'm not sure saying he's prone to injury is correct. Baker's had reoccurred and Vlaar's keeps recurring so prone is fair in their cases.