Darren Bent - so what now?

[LeeB]

NUFC after Bent so could all be academic

Is he their Steve Bull?

[citizenDJ]

Confirmed! Newcastle sign Bent!

Spoiler for Hiden:

[adrenachrome]

Confirmed! Newcastle sign Bent!

Spoiler for Hiden:

It's a cracker!

[eamonn]

3 goals in 24 league appearances this season, 3 in 16 last season. Sadly he's done for as a striker at this level I reckon.

'ave an 'eart  and give him the benefit of a goals to mins ratio. The bugger was probably brought on as sub in most of those you mention.

[PeterWithesShin]

1246 minutes on the pitch this season, + injury time.
815 last season, + injury time.

[adrenachrome]

1246 minutes on the pitch this season, + injury time.
815 last season, + injury time.

That ain't working, that's the way the do it.

[adrenachrome]

From the Express. Look forward to shots of him shopping in Cambridge while we are playing. As long he is is enjoying it, we can't really complain.

The striker, who has one year left on his Villa deal, has confirmed he will not be making his loan move to Fulham permanent so will return to the Midlands.

Villa boss Paul Lambert has no plans to play Bent next season, yet Lerner will have to pay his £60,000-a-week wages if he cannot find another club.

Bent spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage but their relegation from the Premier League has killed any chance of a further deal.

"I've enjoyed my time down here but obviously it hasn't gone well," said Bent.

[Axl Rose]

I liked Bent when he joined and he basically kept our heads above water. I think the injury up at Wigan really set him back. Good luck to him because he hasn't really kicked up a fuss, and whether he stays with us or moves on, ill always have a little soft spot for him-simply because he helped us out and for his debut goal against City.

[nick harper]

3 goals in 24 league appearances this season, 3 in 16 last season. Sadly he's done for as a striker at this level I reckon.

About the same ratio as Agbonlahor in the last two seasons. He's done at this level aswell.

[Matt Collins]

But gabby does at least provide assists, stretch teams and pose a threat (albeit in patches of very good and very bad form). If bent isn't scoring he's literally doing nothing

[DrGonzo]

Club mascot.  I'm not sure who Hercules is at the moment but if Bent has to be on the wage bill he might as well suit up, and let's face it he'd at least get on the pitch every week.

[nick harper]

But gabby does at least provide assists, stretch teams and pose a threat (albeit in patches of very good and very bad form). If bent isn't scoring he's literally doing nothing

Nowhere near often enough though Matt for a player whose supposed to be a talisman for us. He's been coasting for too long and too many niggling injuries. At 28, he really needs to lift his game.

As for Bent, only the clean slate of a new manager would give us a chance of getting anymore out of him. Same for Hutton, Given and probably N'Zogbia.

[john e]

Didn't Bent have a load of women/girl problems, and caused a lot of unrest in the dressing room

Allegedly

[tim]

I liked Bent when he joined and he basically kept our heads above water. I think the injury up at Wigan really set him back. Good luck to him because he hasn't really kicked up a fuss, and whether he stays with us or moves on, ill always have a little soft spot for him-simply because he helped us out and for his debut goal against City.

Got to agree with this - what he did that first season should never be forgotten (not saying it has been, mind) and he's always seemed a fairly decent lad, so whatever happens, I'm glad he came and hope he can find something suitable in the future.

[tim]

Confirmed! Newcastle sign Bent!

Spoiler for Hiden:

He he... liked that, I did.