Darren Bent

[NeilH]

From Todays Guardian.
Darren Bent: 22 questions about Aston Villa's record signing.

My favourite is...

Q We're only asking what the punters are talking about.

PL Listen, I totally respect what you're doing and what your questions are. All I can do is give you an honest answer. If I was going to lie to you, honestly I would lie. I ain't lying. I'm telling you the truth.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/nov/28/darren-bent-aston-villa

That interview makes me cringe. We could do with some media training for Lambert. If you are going to lie or evade, at least do it with some skill. And to repeatedly state you are not lying will only convince people you are almost certainly lying.

It's not an interview. The 22 questions are a collection from different journalists.

I don't want the manager of Villa to be 'media trained'.  I want a hard as nails, tactically aware, honest achiever.   Fuck the 'media'. 

Screw the damn media. I couldn't care less if he's seen as evasive and not media-friendly. Better that than rent-a-quote Redknapp.

[Steve R]

...
Young and Downing were only responsible for 5 assists. Neither were "very good wingers" in that short period after Bent joined. Ashley was like a headless chicken and Downing, whilst brilliant at breaking forward with the ball, actually produced very little.

One thing I will say, Houllier knew exactly how to get the type of service Bent thrives on.

Thanks for that stat Mark. Every time I've seen mention of Young and Downing's departures denying Bent service I have wondered. I don't remember them supplying him with an endless stream of crosses but had no idea where to look 'assists' up.

I suspect one of the 5 may even have been on Bent's debut when a shot from Young in a central position was parried by Hart into Bent's path.

[Ron Manager]

The press don't have it in for us. We're a big club who could be relegated. That always draws attention.

I'm not just talking about this season. Bit before my time, dunno about you, but i've heard plenty of Villa fans talk about our league and subsequent European cup winning season and say the press/ media were against us. That'd be when Ron Saunders, another perceived dour character was at the helm.

Ron didnt like the press or the TV people and adopted a siege mentality. Looks like Lambert is following this way of thinking.

But there is one major difference between the two of them. Ron employed a skillful raiding winger Tony Morley but Lambert thinks thats old fashioned. Ron also employed a midfield.

Know what Lambert should do as Randy usually wakes up just before the Jan window and could give him some money. Have a go for  Frank Lampard. Think about it, capable of scoring goals..and does. Can drive through the middle of the park like Mortimer did. Quite capable of being captain and would have the respect of our younger players. Give him a two year contract and let him deal with the press which he is very good at and who knows we could stay up.

Because if  Randy lets Bent go to QPR and doesnt deal with the ramifications of that action we are are going to lose a hell of a lot of money
and get no respect from anyone in the future.

[LeeB]

The press don't have it in for us. We're a big club who could be relegated. That always draws attention.

I'm not just talking about this season. Bit before my time, dunno about you, but i've heard plenty of Villa fans talk about our league and subsequent European cup winning season and say the press/ media were against us. That'd be when Ron Saunders, another perceived dour character was at the helm.

Ron didnt like the press or the TV people and adopted a siege mentality. Looks like Lambert is following this way of thinking.

But there is one major difference between the two of them. Ron employed a skillful raiding winger Tony Morley but Lambert thinks thats old fashioned. Ron also employed a midfield.

Know what Lambert should do as Randy usually wakes up just before the Jan window and could give him some money. Have a go for  Frank Lampard. Think about it, capable of scoring goals..and does. Can drive through the middle of the park like Mortimer did. Quite capable of being captain and would have the respect of our younger players. Give him a two year contract and let him deal with the press which he is very good at and who knows we could stay up.

Because if  Randy lets Bent go to QPR and doesnt deal with the ramifications of that action we are are going to lose a hell of a lot of money
and get no respect from anyone in the future.

There's another major difference too, namely that Ron hasn't managed for nearly 30 years.

I wonder if there were Villa fans in the late seventies giving him grief for not going with five up top.

[Risso]

...
Young and Downing were only responsible for 5 assists. Neither were "very good wingers" in that short period after Bent joined. Ashley was like a headless chicken and Downing, whilst brilliant at breaking forward with the ball, actually produced very little.

One thing I will say, Houllier knew exactly how to get the type of service Bent thrives on.

Thanks for that stat Mark. Every time I've seen mention of Young and Downing's departures denying Bent service I have wondered. I don't remember them supplying him with an endless stream of crosses but had no idea where to look 'assists' up.

I suspect one of the 5 may even have been on Bent's debut when a shot from Young in a central position was parried by Hart into Bent's path.

The point is though that both Young and Downing were very good attacking players for us, so looking up direct assists doesn't tell the whole story.  It's possible they set up another player to play the final ball in, or just created space for other players by drawing defenders out of position.  Whatever, it cannot be denied that we were a far better team with them in it.

[Steve R]

Quick look at Wiki says:
....
13th - Charlton - 18 goals in 36 games
19th - Charlton - 13 goals in 32 games (IIRC he captained the side this season too)
11th - Tottenham - 6 in 27
8th - Tottenham - 12 in 33
13th - Sunderland - 24 in 38
...

As mister-e pointed out earlier, it's surprising that since leaving Ipswich that Bent has played barely more than 2 season for a club before moving on.

What also struck me was that with the exception of Spurs, at each club his first season goals per game ratio is very high, but has subsequently fallen away.

The breakdown for Sunderland is first season 24 from 38 followed by 8 from 20; at VP 9 from 16, 9 from 22 and now 2 from 9.

Maybe Lambert is being kicked for the wrong thing. He should have sold him in the summer.

[QBVILLA]

Quick look at Wiki says:
....
13th - Charlton - 18 goals in 36 games
19th - Charlton - 13 goals in 32 games (IIRC he captained the side this season too)
11th - Tottenham - 6 in 27
8th - Tottenham - 12 in 33
13th - Sunderland - 24 in 38
...

As mister-e pointed out earlier, it's surprising that since leaving Ipswich that Bent has played barely more than 2 season for a club before moving on.

What also struck me was that with the exception of Spurs, at each club his first season goals per game ratio is very high, but has subsequently fallen away.

The breakdown for Sunderland is first season 24 from 38 followed by 8 from 20; at VP 9 from 16, 9 from 22 and now 2 from 9.

Maybe Lambert is being kicked for the wrong thing. He should have sold him in the summer.

Those second season stats are still nigh on 1 in 2. there aren't many in the division who can rival that.

[lovejoy]

I'm bored of this speculation already. If you're going to sell him just don't sell him to a relegation rival.

[Risso]

It's an excellent record whichever way you dress it up.  He should at least be on the bench, simple as that.

[Ron Manager]

The press don't have it in for us. We're a big club who could be relegated. That always draws attention.

I'm not just talking about this season. Bit before my time, dunno about you, but i've heard plenty of Villa fans talk about our league and subsequent European cup winning season and say the press/ media were against us. That'd be when Ron Saunders, another perceived dour character was at the helm.

Ron didnt like the press or the TV people and adopted a siege mentality. Looks like Lambert is following this way of thinking.

But there is one major difference between the two of them. Ron employed a skillful raiding winger Tony Morley but Lambert thinks thats old fashioned. Ron also employed a midfield.

Know what Lambert should do as Randy usually wakes up just before the Jan window and could give him some money. Have a go for  Frank Lampard. Think about it, capable of scoring goals..and does. Can drive through the middle of the park like Mortimer did. Quite capable of being captain and would have the respect of our younger players. Give him a two year contract and let him deal with the press which he is very good at and who knows we could stay up.

Because if  Randy lets Bent go to QPR and doesnt deal with the ramifications of that action we are are going to lose a hell of a lot of money
and get no respect from anyone in the future.

There's another major difference too, namely that Ron hasn't managed for nearly 30 years.

I wonder if there were Villa fans in the late seventies giving him grief for not going with five up top.

Not that I can recall. Perhaps others can.
Dont you like wingers then Lee?

[LeeB]

I love wingers Ron, but I love vinyl too, and my love isn't saving either of them.

[QBVILLA]

It's an excellent record whichever way you dress it up.  He should at least be on the bench, simple as that.

I'm amazed there is any argument against him being in the 18. The opinion that Bent and Benteke can't play together is one that i don't agree with but can see it being a valid argument. However, I can't fathom how anyone can confidently say that Bent isn't our best option to replace Benteke should he tire/get injured/have a mare.

[PaulWinch again]

It's an excellent record whichever way you dress it up.  He should at least be on the bench, simple as that.

Yep and there's no logical argument to counter that.

[Ron Manager]

Vinyl provides a superior audio experience Lee . At least on my Princess Rockola it does!

Wingers provide a pleasant viewing experience for the discerning client.

Perhaps Mr Lambert thinks we are "Living in the Past"

[LeeB]

Vinyl provides a superior audio experience Lee . At least on my Princess Rockola it does!

Wingers provide a pleasant viewing experience for the discerning client.

Perhaps Mr Lambert thinks we are "Living in the Past"

Perhaps we are? Our recent performances, the set up of successful teams would suggest that.