Gary Gardner - including loan to Coventry

[Matt Collins]

He needs to play first team footy, whether its for us or out on loan. If we're going to carry on playing 442, or at least 2 central midfielders, then I think he's behind Petrov, Delph, Herd and Jenas.

I could see him being asked to fill in on the right mind.

But overall, I'd stick him out on loan pretty sharpish, let him get a few games. Not a half season loan like we did last season though.

I also have a nagging doubt that part of Gardner's prowess may be down to simply having developed earlier than his contemporaries. He simply seems bigger, stronger, more athletic than his contemporaries. That's no bad thing, but it won't give him a great advantage forever. Does he have the quick feet and passing range to be a top class midfielder? His brother certainly doesn't!

Let's see if he can do it in the rough and tumble of the championship. Bannan and Fonz couldn't. That's a concern, though it may be the type of player they are. A 6'2" midfielder who gets up and down should suit it down to the ground.

[Mazrim]

People expecting Craig Gardner MK2, forget it.
Craig is a decent player but comparing him to Gary is like Apples and Star Destroyers.
Being a big strong lad is a bonus but his game isnt based on it and it's not the reason he is so dominant at his level. It's because of his appreciation of the game and raw ability. He's a natural footballer.
He very much reminds me of a young Gerrard and he could be to us what he was/is to Liverpool. The sort of player you can build a team around. A leader by example. He clearly loves the club too.

[spirit of 82]

Gone to coventry on a loan until jan 3rd.   WHY??
He must be a better option than Heskey or,Hutton.There is a need to protect players ,but how are we
going to find out if he is good enough now?
Personally i would play Herd at RB and put Gardner in with Jenas,Petrov and NZog.

But then again i am not fan of negative football like our manager seems to be.

[VillaAlways]

If he had to go out on loan I was hoping for a better club than bloody struggling Coventry

[VillaAlways]

I didn't realise Coventry had the best academy in the country 
http://www.skybluestalk.co.uk/threads/12864-Gardner-In

[Damo70]

I'm glad he's gone to Coventry. He can stay wherever he is currently living and get some championship experience after impressing with the youngsters, the reserves and England. If he has a good spell though he needs to be given a chance as soon as he gets back, while his form and confidence is high.

[N'ZMAV]

I'm glad he's gone to Coventry. He can stay wherever he is currently living and get some championship experience after impressing with the youngsters, the reserves and England. If he has a good spell though he needs to be given a chance as soon as he gets back, while his form and confidence is high.

Agreed. Couldn't have summed it up better myself.

[Risso]

People expecting Craig Gardner MK2, forget it.
Craig is a decent player but comparing him to Gary is like Apples and Star Destroyers.
Being a big strong lad is a bonus but his game isnt based on it and it's not the reason he is so dominant at his level. It's because of his appreciation of the game and raw ability. He's a natural footballer.
He very much reminds me of a young Gerrard and he could be to us what he was/is to Liverpool. The sort of player you can build a team around. A leader by example. He clearly loves the club too.

Hopefull that's not a Craig Gardner style love for the club either!

[N'ZMAV]

I wonder how much we'll get for Gary Gardner in a couple of years....

[Iago]

Why? I thought Peter Grant was building GG up to be involved with the first team very soon.

[Risso]

Sending him to Coventry just when he's really doing well and would probably benefit from being around the first team is a strange one.  Still, what do I know.  I wouldn't have played Hutton at right midfield so clearly know nowt about football.

[VillaAlways]

Why? I thought Peter Grant was building GG up to be involved with the first team very soon.

Januarys not far away I suppose.Maybe they don't want to throw him in with this tough run of games coming up

[Iago]

Why? I thought Peter Grant was building GG up to be involved with the first team very soon.

Januarys not far away I suppose.Maybe they don't want to throw him in with this tough run of games coming up

I suppose, but he is on fire at the moment.

[Holy Trinity]

i mean seriously all the fans would love to see him get 5 mins in a villa shirt before being packed off on loan, and COV OF ALL PLACES!!! i for 1 am very disappointed by this as the only hope that remained was that some kids would step up and raise our spirits, imho another giniger bollox cock up

[Mazrim]

I am really struggling to understand what is going on at the club lately. It's just one mindfuck after another.