New Four Year Deal for Gabby

[Isa]

How does playing well for only like a third of the time indicate any particular desire? When Gabby isn't playing well, he may as well not even be on the pitch, something that cannot be said of a player that gives his all every game.

[supertom]

How does playing well for only like a third of the time indicate any particular desire? When Gabby isn't playing well, he may as well not even be on the pitch, something that cannot be said of a player that gives his all every game.

More often than not, even if he's not playing well he'll still put the yards in, by the same token Benteke was out of sorts earlier this season and didn't expend much energy at all. At this current point too, even if he's not in form or playing well he's still better off on the pitch than Tonev for example. Whatever we think about the state of our squad options, the fact remains that Gabby has played most games when he's been fit and able, since he first broke into the team. Regardless of what that might say about alternatives, it also suggest that he's always been popular with the managers at the club. The only person who really seemed to find a way of playing where Gabby wasn't a first choice, was Houllier in his last 5 months at the club.

Gabby's like any player though, sometimes they have a bad run and need a spell out so they can (hopefully) come back stronger. He almost never gets that, with the exception of niggling injuries. He's got through a lot of mileage for a player who's still only 27.

He certainly should deliver more frequently, but he's still one of our best players and I don't see that changing in the next couple of years.

[ClaretAndBlueBlood]

sorry Tom - I understand a lot of what you say and agree to a certain extent but I just don't see where Gabby puts the hard work in. If he did I could be a lot more forgiving of his lack of ability.

[supertom]

sorry Tom - I understand a lot of what you say and agree to a certain extent but I just don't see where Gabby puts the hard work in. If he did I could be a lot more forgiving of his lack of ability.

We'll have to agree to disagree on this one sir. I've never had a problem with his work rate. I do think at times he does get sent out on an empty tank though. Managers here never seem to rest Gabby, or drop him which I think doesn't always help him. Possibly Houllier was the only one, but again, in part it comes down to options.

What I will point to though is a comparison to the Moores and Delfouneso. Those three had more natural ability than Gabby, but the player who's lasted 8 years at this club and in the top flight is Gabby. I do think he's improved in many aspects of his game over the years but he's still essentially a sprinter who turned to football. I think he's worked incredibly hard, probably in the same way Heskey did to have such a long career in the top flight. Gabby's all round game is better than it was 8 years ago. He's never gonna have Bergkamps touch or Shearers finishing of course. I do think though, as Houllier spotted a few years back, his increased body strength has shaved off some of his pace. I also think age and more and more niggling injuries in the last few years also mean that he doesn't go on as many surging sprints every game as he could 3-4 years ago.

I dunno that's my view. I just think it takes a lot of hard work for a player who was as raw and rough around the edges as Gabby, to forge out such a long career in the top flight. It's not purely because he's lightening quick. Pacey players are almost a dime a dozen these days and many come and go before disappearing to obscurity because there's nothing with it.

[Simon Ward]

Can I just say I have always been a big fan of Gabby but I just think his value to the team has diminished over the last two years and his goal return supports that. I think therefore that a four year deal is over the top.

[rob_bridge]

Can I just say I have always been a big fan of Gabby but I just think his value to the team has diminished over the last two years and his goal return supports that. I think therefore that a four year deal is over the top.

Yes pretty much my feeling. A good player 5-6 years ago but objectively has been on the decline since 2011.

2 years with a pay cut with an option of on a 3rd.

I honestly think we have seen the best of him and he doesn't have ability to modify his game and play a different role.

There isn't a club of those who will defnitely finish above us this season who would want him.

[Stu]

Four year deal?

What has Gabby ever done for us?

[silhillvilla]

Very happy he's staying for his career
Lifer

[Isa]

Fair enough Supertom. I'll also have to agree to disagree

[Matt C]

I wish he'd score more goals.

But he's integral to us and we need him.

[Richard E]

Can I just say I have always been a big fan of Gabby but I just think his value to the team has diminished over the last two years and his goal return supports that. I think therefore that a four year deal is over the top.

Yes pretty much my feeling. A good player 5-6 years ago but objectively has been on the decline since 2011.

2 years with a pay cut with an option of on a 3rd.

I honestly think we have seen the best of him and he doesn't have ability to modify his game and play a different role.

There isn't a club of those who will defnitely finish above us this season who would want him.

I think this hits the nail on the head for me. I appreciate that was one game but watching him against Stoke that it hit me that I did not see what he actually brings to the team now.   

[martin o`who??]

A player who definitely divides opinion, a friend of mine insists theres a reason why he`s a one club man - and it`s nothing to do with loyalty. Personally, i would baulk at a four year contract, maybe a one year roller based on goals scored as i`ve always felt Gab has under achieved on the conversion front. either way he`s as good as we`ve got at the moment given the inconsistencies of Weimann and CB.

[supertom]

Lets see this thread again on saturday afternoon after his hattrick at Old Trafford!

[Steve67]

Half the time he looks like he can't be bothered. He has put in some very poor performances this season. So, true to form, poor performances get rewarded with a new contract.

[Mister E]

Half the time he looks like he can't be bothered. He has put in some very poor performances this season. So, true to form, poor performances get rewarded with a new contract.

We don't know what the deal is so it's crazy trying to judge it. However, as Lambert removes much of the older playing staff it's great that he's got someone there who has the Villa heritage and experience in the squad. I hope that Gabby is being utilised to bring on the younger new boys in the squad.
Most successful squads have 'lifers' in them; someone to carry forward the club's traditions and stories.
We should welcome this, and then be as equally as demanding of Gabby - and even more so - than we have been previously; 'cos he still needs to justify his squad number from a playing perspective.