Concrete Ron

[PeterWithesShin]

Darren Bent and Enda Stevens have both been released by Villa.

Bent and Stevens are at the end of their claret and blue contracts and are now on free transfers.

Bent joined in January 2011 in a record-breaking deal from Sunderland.

He scored on his debut against Manchester City in an enthralling 1-0 victory at Villa Park.

Bent went on an inspired run of form at the beginning of his claret and blue career, including goals at the Emirates in a 2-0 win for Villa - and he also netted in games against Manchester United, Bolton and Everton to guide the club to a ninth-place finish.

He completed the term as joint top scorer with nine goals in 16 Barclays Premier League appearances, despite only joining in the New Year transfer window.

Even though he missed the last three months of the season due to injury, striker Bent still did well in the 2011-12 term.

He once again found himself at the top of the club's scoring charts, finishing the season with 10 in 25 appearances.

Bent didn't feature much under Paul Lambert - as the then boss brought in Christian Benteke, who generally partnered the likes of Gabby Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann.

He spent the previous season on loan at both Brighton and Derby County.

In total, Bent scored 25 goals in 72 appearances.

Stevens joined Villa from Shamrock Rovers in January 2012.

The deal to sign Stevens was agreed back in August 2011, but the Republic of Ireland U21 starlet remained with the League of Ireland champions to participate in their Europa League campaign.

One of former manager Alex McLeish's first signings, Stevens collected nine appearances in total in claret and blue - including starting against Man Utd in November 2012 in the absence of Joe Bennett and Eric Lichaj.

During his time with us, he spent time on loan at Notts County, Doncaster and Northampton.

U21 players Graham Burke, Alfie Crooks, Craig Hill, Brad Lewis, Isaac Nehemie, Daniel O'Brien, Thomas Strain and Courtney Wildin have also been released alongside academy youngsters Dylan Forth, Harry Lewis and Ryan Strain.

Villa have offered a new contract to Ron Vlaar, whose previous deal expires at the end of this month.

Chris Herd, whose contract also expires at the end of this month, will be monitored during pre-season by Tim Sherwood after completing his injury rehabilitation over the summer.

[Risso]

I hope it's pay as you play for Ron, with rebates for mistakes made.

[PeterWithe]

I thought Graham Burke was tipped to go on to big things.

[Toronto Villa]

I like Vlaar but as much as we have seen what he can be capable of we are almost better just moving on now and getting in a couple of new, quality mid 20's CB's that will be more reliable health-wise at the very least.

[UK Redsox]

Signing the Spongey one to an extended deal is probably way cheaper than buying a replacement.

however, all Villa's central defenders are a bit injury prone, so the chances of there ever being a regular partnership are slim

[footyskillz]

Vlaar staying would be a statement of intent. The various clubs interested are cautious to his. Injury record. Newcastle, Sunderland, Everton in prem may take on with  man u , spurs,  southampton looking at other options first but not ruled out. There also string interest abroad which cant be ruled out from Greece, Portugal Germany, Italy. Annd Netherlands . Vlaar got a big decision to make but there's no doubt avfc would like him to sign and would be tough replacing

[mr underhill]

exemplary grammatical wok there mate

[KRS]

Well we've made him an offer...it will be interesting to see if he accepts or declines whats on the table.

[PaulWinch again]

I'd like him to stay. Three reason's, symbolically him signing would show that high profile player's aren't rushing to get away. Secondly he gets a lot of stick over injuries, but he has made 88 appearances for the club and that's not terrible. Finally he can be pretty good. He makes mistakes, but I think his overall level is better than where we finished in the league. We shouldn't be hoping he leaves.

[mr underhill]

apparently he thinks he can 'go higher' than us. Bye bye then Ron

[Diablo]

apparently he thinks he can 'go higher' than us. Bye bye then Ron

When and where has he said this?

[john e]

apparently he thinks he can 'go higher' than us. Bye bye then Ron

So that's every other club in last seasons prem that wasn't relegated

[N'ZMAV]

If he tried to go higher his knee would give way. The con.

[PeterWithesShin]

apparently he thinks he can 'go higher' than us. Bye bye then Ron

When and where has he said this?

A quick Google came up with this

Ron Vlaar has today been offered a new contract with Villa, but he has told Voetbal International that he wants to maximise his career, in the belief he can go one step higher.

The Dutch centre-back said: “I have in consideration [a new deal], I think about it. I want to maximize my career and think I can go a step higher. I will look at it [before deciding].”

[dave.woodhall]

apparently he thinks he can 'go higher' than us. Bye bye then Ron

When and where has he said this?

A quick Google came up with this

Ron Vlaar has today been offered a new contract with Villa, but he has told Voetbal International that he wants to maximise his career, in the belief he can go one step higher.

The Dutch centre-back said: “I have in consideration [a new deal], I think about it. I want to maximize my career and think I can go a step higher. I will look at it [before deciding].”

Which could mean he thinks he can play better.