Aston Villa: Barry Bannan steps forward as dressing room shirks responsibilityPENALTY scorer Barry Bannan has boldly volunteered to become Villa’s designated taker – responsibility taker, that is.Bannan’s success from the spot for his first Premier League goal in Sunday’s draw at Queens Park Rangers underlined the young Scot’s willingness to stand up and be counted.It is an example his claret and blue colleagues would do well to follow during the formative stages of Alex McLeish’s tenure and beyond, instead of passing the buck as proficiently as Bannan passes the ball.It’s not only the 21-year-old’s nerve from 12 yards which puts some of his more experienced team-mates to shame. Bannan has been just as mature on the spot as from the spot, becoming the voice of the Villa dressing room during the sticky, but not disastrous start.‘Wee Baz’ was the only player to speak publicly after the respectively pathetic and patchy performances against Bolton in the Carling Cup and QPR in the Premier League last week. It is a task he has accepted with good manners, honesty and humility.While most of the Villa players went missing following, as well as during, the cup exit, Bannan, one of the better players against the Trotters, fronted up to deliver an apology on behalf of the dressing room.Bannan also swallowed his disappointment to speak eloquently and with authority after the draw at Loftus Road last weekend, his excitement at scoring tempered by his anguish at Villa’s late concession.McLeish is crying out for this type of desire from his players to put themselves forward and take responsibility on the pitch and around the football club as he gets to grips with the pressures of managing Villa.If McLeish is to be in the firing line – and let’s face it, he most certainly is – then it would be helpful if Villa’s senior pros also put their heads above the parapet to share the flak occasionally during and after depressing defeats or draws, rather than only surfacing to revel in the glory of rare victories.In Stiliyan Petrov’s defence, the captain – and Bannan’s mentor and role model – can usually be relied upon to be held to account win, lose or draw, but there aren’t too many of his clubmates, young Barry aside, prepared to do likewise.Fans will be astonished that it took a stinging reminder from McLeish on Sunday evening to point out that Premier League footballers should be inspired rather than inhibited by playing this great game.Perhaps it’s because previously they’ve been far too happy to play the blame game instead. In recent weeks, Villa’s stars have been lining up to criticise Gerard Houllier for all of last season’s ills, conveniently forgetting the parts they had to play in a 2009-10 campaign to forget.There’s no doubt the French fall guy is significantly culpable for the fall-outs which prompted the club’s fall from grace last season, but it takes two to tangle.It’s a bit like Bannan laying at the former manager’s door the liability for everything from a mis-hit shot to failing his driving test.He won’t do it.Bannan believes he personally could have done more during his breakthrough season with the senior squad, and accepts that any shortcomings were his fault rather than Houllier’s.Equally he knows his standards must stay high if he is to enjoy a prolonged run in the first team this term and accepts he will only have himself to blame if his performance level dips and he loses his place.Oh for more similarly self aware professional football players.If McLeish is to avoid joining his predecessor counting his compensation in the foreseeable future, then his players need to pull their fingers out rather than point them accusingly at the latest scapegoat in the dugout.The manager picks the team and sets out the system and, as at every club, debates over his choices of personnel, philosophy and formation will rumble on indefinitely.So they should until McLeish hits upon a successful formula for entertaining winning football.But believe it or not, the manager doesn’t tell his players to go out and perform abysmally.It was interesting to hear the new boss admit his players seemed gripped by fear during their latest first half no-show on Sunday.This is a problem of Villa’s own making. Any setbacks will be magnified ten-fold because of who their manager is, where he’s come from and the blue blots on his copybook.This was the risk the club were running when, with open-eyes and open-minds, they chose to appoint McLeish.Yet, the players cannot, must not, use the Eck factor as an excuse for under-performing to the embarrassing level against Bolton and in the first half at QPR.They should be proud and professional enough to do their jobs, regardless of the high-scrutiny sideshow which has rolled into town from across the Second City.Chances are Darren Bent will be back on penalty duty when Villa return to action against Wigan at Villa Park this weekend. But when it comes to taking responsibility Barry Bannan’s should not be the only hand in the air from now on.
Perhaps it’s because previously they’ve been far too happy to play the blame game instead. In recent weeks, Villa’s stars have been lining up to criticise Gerard Houllier for all of last season’s ills, conveniently forgetting the parts they had to play in a 2009-10 campaign to forget.
He is a good prospect just needs to stay away from the nightlife in Brum.
Needs to be kept in the team and have a run of games,along with Petrov has best football brain in the team.
I read the article earlier and thought it was a change from the normal bland drivel.
Quote from: garyshawsknee on September 27, 2011, 04:23:07 PMNeeds to be kept in the team and have a run of games,along with Petrov has best football brain in the team.Shame Petrov is too slow to keep up with his brain.Bannan should be first midfielder on the team sheet.
Bannan reminds me so much of Gordon Cowans - if he can be half the player he was, he will still be cracking for us. He is going to be big this season, just hope that does't mean he will be off to Manure at the end of it.
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