Darren Bent

[Villafirst]

I've total respect for Lambert in sticking to his beliefs but I can't say I agree with the decision.

PL is an idiot - He'll drag us into the Championship!

[PeterWithesShin]

Wrong thread!

[cdward]

If he is played, he risks being injured, and will not be a valuable asset in January. He is obviously going, the question is, who is making this decision Lambert or Lerner?

[supertom]

Bents been a long way from his sharpest this season. His finishing hasn't been up to his normal standard either. He's had a few chances where on form he'd have been more decisive but he's not looked right. I agree with PL that he's not done enough to warrant a starting spot, but we're facing a side in Reading who could suffer against Bents movement when they begin tiring. He should be on the bench.

I don't think there's any great conspiracy I just think perhaps Bent should show a bit more application. We're not privvy to what happens in training or the dressing room. Maybe he's not showing enough, who knows. I don't think Randy's actually even involved enough to put enough thought into keeping Bent out the side as he's sellable. That's probably a bit too astute for Randy in all honesty.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I've total respect for Lambert in sticking to his beliefs but I can't say I agree with the decision.

It's now starting to look like stubbornness to the detriment of the team.

[Drummond]

There must already be a deal agreed to take him elsewhere.

If Benteke keeps scoring I don't care.

[frank black]

The problem is he needs a good team around him, to do all the work. He puts the ball in the back of the net. He has a team of lightweight kids who are learning their trade so to speak. Lambert doesn't think he works hard enough IMO. I can see that, but he will continue to score when he moves to a more complete team in Jan. I don't want to see him go, but his face don't fit and we haven't got the players to carry him anymore.

[Dave]

I'd be fascinated to hear the reasons of the 22 people (at the time of posting) who wouldn't even want him on the bench.

I can understand the logic of those who wouldn't want him starting (although I disagree with them), but I genuinely can't imagine there was anyone in the stadium on 78 minutes tonight who was glad that he wasn't an option to bring on.

[OzVilla]

Can't believe that he's not even involved - just don't understand at all.

I like Lambert, I don't blame him for our current position at all but quite frankly this is just madness.

[Irish villain]

He should be in the match-day squad.

[sirlordbaltimore]

I think it's time for Lambert to stop the bullshit and just be honest. The rumour that suggests we're not playing him as the add ons clause will kick in to the tune of a few million sounds extremely plausible, and frankly if true then i'm appalled

I'm not sure what Bent has done to deserve this kind of treatment

[pauliewalnuts]

I'd be fascinated to hear the reasons of the 22 people (at the time of posting) who wouldn't even want him on the bench.

I can understand the logic of those who wouldn't want him starting (although I disagree with them), but I genuinely can't imagine there was anyone in the stadium on 78 minutes tonight who was glad that he wasn't an option to bring on.

That's exactly my stance on it, too.

[pauliewalnuts]

I think it's time for Lambert to stop the bullshit and just be honest. The rumour that suggests we're not playing him as the add ons clause will kick in to the tune of a few million sounds extremely plausible, and frankly if true then i'm appalled

The most depressing thing in all that is the fact that, regardless of whether it is actually true or not, it is all so totally plausible.

[hawkeye]

The thing is, no one on here knows anything- you are just making it up.

[Steve kirk]

He should if fit always be in the squad, no matter how Lambert feels about him he is more use to us on the bench than sat in the stand, I just dont get it, ok if the manager wants to sell him in Jan thats fine but make use of him till that moment arrives.