GoodBye and Goodluck Eric

[villa kicks]

Eric lichaj out of contract is to be released. I hope he can do a Guzan and be signed later in summer! If not good bye and good luck Eric! Always put an effort either at right or left back! I remember the time you matched Bale for pace and shackled him. All the best !

[dave.woodhall]

I'm surprised he's being released because he was good enough to be cover on either side and I don't think we've got any up & coming youngsters who could take that place in the squad. Good luck to him, though.

[Ad@m]

I'm surprised by this too.  I thought he'd be a useful squad player but I guess he is 24 and isn't likely to get significantly better from here.

[PeterWithesShin]

I liked him, not the greatest but put the effort in. A useful squad player, but at his age he really needs to be playing regular football. Good luck Eric.

[curiousorange]

That is a surprise, actually. I couldn't ever see him being much more than cover, but loads of players are happy with just being cover. All the best to him.

[tomd2103]

I wish him well, but think it is the right decision. We need better options in the squad if we are to move forward. 

[Chipsticks]

I too am suprised. Not to mention he had a long throw on him which could have been useful for Benteke... I can see him flourishing in the championship.

Best of luck Eric, I'll always remain indebted to you for allowing me to go mental to the point of tears in the Holte at your assist and subsequent equaliser here:

[Ad@m]

By the way, have you got a source for this?  There's nothing on Pravda.

[Pete3206]

Shame. I liked him

[dave.woodhall]

Mat of the Mail said it on Twitter.

www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-allowing-darren-bent-4003591

[PeterWithesShin]

Found this from an Irish supporters group.

Mat Kendrick reporting this evening that Darren Bent will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer comes in. Eric Lichaj, Andy Marshall and Simon Dawkins are to be released. Mixed feelings on that news. I like Bent. 25 goals in 52 starts is an excellent record but it's clear he won't get much playing time in our current system. Feel sorry for Lichaj too. Reliable and decent back-up but Lambert obviously has plans for that position.

[eamonn]

Really good professional. Did a job more often than not in a position that wasn't his favoured one. Likeable character too judging from the odd interview I've seen on Pravda. Should get a decent club coming in for him (wasn't he on-loan at Leeds last season? Maybe even same time as Delph).
I'll never understand his surname but I will miss my Dad saying "Lee-high to a grasshopper?" whenever his name cropped-up.

[villa kicks]

He can replace Bardsley at sunderland. Di canio would like someone with his attitude keep definitely an athletes life! Certainly would make that team   

[Ozzjim]

Best of luck. May well have been a mutual thing as he is too old to bench warm now realistically. Hope he makes it somewhere else.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Good luck Eric. Good squad contributor and I always liked his attitude. Probably mutual, he probably wants first team football somewhere and we have told him that is unlikely.