Darren Bent

[Concrete John]

The top clubs can get a player that will give them Bent's goal return, but also a lot more in terms of all round game, such as creating his own chances.  So if not to one of them, then who outside that elite has the money to do it?  Can't see him going bakc to Sunderland, even if it would be funny to see the meltdown on here is MON signed him for someone else, so Newcastle is the only possible realistic candidate, IMO.

[Legion]

I'll amend and reset the poll.

[Rick_avfc]

I'll amend and reset the poll.

Thanks

[JUAN PABLO]

thats better . I wasted 5 mins of my life trying to work the last poll out   

[Shrek]

Its utter madness wanting rid of Bent. A forward who scores goals is exactly what you need when the rest of your team has no idea.

Messi would look a prick on his own up front at Villa Park

It's this blindness that drives me mad.

We are a completely different team when Bent isnt playing.

Petrov gets the ball and gives it to Ireland who then passes to Gabby (playing up front) who either turns the defender and runs, holds the ball up or passes it back or out wide.

Now replace Gabby with Bent, what does Ireland do? Bent is never an option thus constantly creating pressure on ourselves.

It's no exaggeration to say, it's like we've been playing with 10 men while Bent is playing. It's also no coincidence that we have looked a completely different team without Bent.

There has to be a reason why Bent has never got a move to a top club with his record.

[Concrete John]

Maybe the answer is to play two up front then?  When we did that at Bolton it pushed the wingers wide and was probably the best we've looked going forward all season.

[Rick_avfc]

Maybe the answer is to play two up front then?  When we did that at Bolton it pushed the wingers wide and was probably the best we've looked going forward all season.

I said that just before kick off yesterday when I saw the line up.  When he changed it to 4-4-2 and introduced MA, we suddenly looked a little more livelier.  Gabby and Bent need to be playing up top with each other not Gabby out on the wing.

[darren woolley]

We must keep him what we need to do is give him better service then the goals will come.

[Concrete John]

Thing that gets me is Bent made his name playing upfront on his own at Charlton and scored (I think!) 20 a season in the process.  Anyone remember how they played/set up to get that out of him?

[Nastylee]

I think for Bent to woek it needs Ireland in the team as he's the only midfielder capable of carrying the  ball forward and playing nice passes. However, this means one of N'Zogbia, Gabby or Albrighton cannot play and I don't see Ireland in a 4-4-2. Tricky one this!

[Rick_avfc]

You're right, this is a tricky one.  Has Ireland been tried in a 4-4-2 system?

[Concrete John]

I think for Bent to woek it needs Ireland in the team as he's the only midfielder capable of carrying the  ball forward and playing nice passes. However, this means one of N'Zogbia, Gabby or Albrighton cannot play and I don't see Ireland in a 4-4-2. Tricky one this!

Although they play deeper than Ireland, both Petrov and Clark can do that.  Anyway, I think the key to getting the best out of Bent is the wingers.  For the first time this season we had two playing well and delivering away at Bolton and although he didn't score, Bent had numerous chances.

The issue comes when we need the extra midfielder against the better sides.

[john e]

Stay. With a bit of luck,the next manager whoever he may be might have some idea how to play to his strengths.

Steve Bruce got the best out of him, maybe he's the answer ?                     

                                                                                                 

[N'ZMAV]

Bent needs a strike partner and 2 wingers that actually cross the ball. Simple as that.

[N'ZMAV]

Thing that gets me is Bent made his name playing upfront on his own at Charlton and scored (I think!) 20 a season in the process.  Anyone remember how they played/set up to get that out of him?

Didn't he play with Di Canio, Marcus Bent or Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink? My memory is toss.