Herd: perfect MF partner for Petrov?

[ozzjim]

Fair play to him, Petrov and McLeish for their ability and willingness to give him a chance there. Petrov has moved roles really well since the start of the season, moving forward more and becoming more effective for us as the best and most calm passer of the ball we have further up the pitch, while Herd has the legs Petrov has clearly lost to cover behind him. Like an old school action man.

He reminds me a bit of Steve Watson for some reason. Maybe a bit better. But similar.

[pauliewalnuts]

Both Herd and Petrov were fantastic today. I can't remember the last time Petrov played that well for us.

[Irish villain]

He's been a real pleasant surprise I must say. What I like about him is his big heart for the cause.

[VillaSpen]

Just watched the 90 minute coverage and was very happy with his performance today. Didn't tire too badly, neat and tidy in possession and seemed to hold his position very well throughout. Promising.

[Dave]

As said above, the good bits of Reo-Coker without the bad bits.

[Dante Lavelli]

I do not remember Herd's name being touted as a potential player very often compared to say the Fonz and Albrighton.  Has he literally come from relatively no where or is it that he plays in less noticeable positions?

[Dave Cooper please]

I do not remember Herd's name being touted as a potential player very often compared to say the Fonz and Albrighton.  Has he literally come from relatively no where or is it that he plays in less noticeable positions?

He did not stand out in the reserves or Academy squads but always got picked and got new contracts. I suppose he was the type of player rarely appreciated by the fans but always appreciated by the manager who could see the contribution he made. A slow burner!"

[Matt Collins]

Didn't he have a fairly serious injury at one point?

Sometimes players come up on the side track. Still not convinced he'll make it but his energy is proving really useful.

The problem is that - as Martinez argues in the Observer today - the reserve league is so woefully inadequate and poor at preparing players for the first time that you can never really tell who's ready and who's not.

Surely someone like Gardner would be better off on loan than playing in the reserves?

[Des Little]

Herd's workrate enables Petrov to push on and have a bigger impact on games....I think Stan is a much better player than many give him credit for, and hopefully we'll see more of it now.

[Eigentor]

Herd's workrate enables Petrov to push on and have a bigger impact on games....I think Stan is a much better player than many give him credit for, and hopefully we'll see more of it now.

Agreed. Petrov is still a very decent Premier League midfielder, but he needs an engine beside him to be at his best. Playing alongside Delph he was just part of a midfield two who was constantly overrun by the opposition, and thus he looked poor.

[N'ZMAV]

Herd's workrate enables Petrov to push on and have a bigger impact on games....I think Stan is a much better player than many give him credit for, and hopefully we'll see more of it now.

This is the first time Petrov has been played in a more forward role. He impressed me yesterday.

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

Didn't he have a fairly serious injury at one point?

Sometimes players come up on the side track. Still not convinced he'll make it but his energy is proving really useful.

The problem is that - as Martinez argues in the Observer today - the reserve league is so woefully inadequate and poor at preparing players for the first time that you can never really tell who's ready and who's not.

Surely someone like Gardner would be better off on loan than playing in the reserves?

Gardener is missing a lot of reserve games but playing in the Nextgen competition and also England U21's. He will not go on loan whilst they're still in Nextgen.

[Surrey Villain]

Didn't he have a fairly serious injury at one point?

Sometimes players come up on the side track. Still not convinced he'll make it but his energy is proving really useful.

The problem is that - as Martinez argues in the Observer today - the reserve league is so woefully inadequate and poor at preparing players for the first time that you can never really tell who's ready and who's not.

Surely someone like Gardner would be better off on loan than playing in the reserves?

I would say he HAS made it Matt.

[Ger Regan]

What, like Hogg last year?

[PeterWithesShin]

I think it's a bit early to say he's made it. I'm sure a lot of us thought Luke Moore, Albrighton, Clark etc had made it. He's looked good in a few games but I think we should be wary of going too overboard as we have done in the past.