Mansfield Town v Aston Villa all singing and dancing thread

[Hillbilly]

If the 9 outfielders behind him can keep possession effectively, then there's a place for Darren Bent. We've got to work very hard on our ball retention this pre-season. If we're going to employ a number 10 role in some games then a poacher like Bent could thrive.
Bent will get his chance early doors and if he gets off to a good start in those pre-Benteke days, then he could well have a strong season. I'd like to see Bent get another stab here.

I recall an interview with Benteke saying that his prefer role is some sort of secondary striker. He scores goals, he helps the main striker scores goals, all good. It's pretty clear he's what was missing for Belgium at the WC (and us) for those purposes. Who knows - Bent and Benteke could work a treat. To hedge my bets, it could be a total waste of time.

[Matt Collins]

Pleased to see Bent back in the side tonight. As others have said, I'd take him being anonymous and getting a couple of goals every week.

But there's a reason why this type of striker is fading from football - they just don't contribute enough

Patterns do change however. If we start to see more 352 for example, then it's more possible to carry a goal hanger. You really can't afford it with one up top and the benteke experience proved that really well

[Malandro]

hard to get much from that game (especially as I left my specs in the car)

I was told several times by a thick Mansfield woman that villa's number 7 is shite -opinion made when he was off balance for one shot in the first half.
I thought Okore looked very composed - a few tricks and also can pass the ball when under pressure.


Darren Bent may be a figure of abuse for some people, but if used correctly, still has the ability to score plenty of goals. I hope he stays.
Richardson looked decent.

I couldn't see Joe Cole very well, but from a distance I thought he looked a bit porky - is that right?

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

..... looked very composed......
I couldn't see Joe Cole very well, but from a distance I thought he looked a bit porky - is that right?

Cole Porker ?

[Olneythelonely]

If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.

[Simon Ward]

Hutton looked a porker!

OR at least as fat as me!

[OasisVillain]

Did the players in last years bomb squad wear last years numbers or have they got something more sensible now?

[Malandro]

If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.

Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy

[SashasGrandad]

Did the players in last years bomb squad wear last years numbers or have they got something more sensible now?

They wore 20 somethings rather than 40 somethings

Hutton 21, NZog 28? Bent 19? I think

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.

Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy

They are all fat bastards. We may as well sign Mr Creosote and put him in goal

[LeeB]

If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.

Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy

They are all fat bastards. We may as well sign Mr Creosote and put him in goal

It's a cunning plan to leave less space on the pitch for the opposition. Should have kept hold of Dunne though, lack of foresight there.

[supertom]

I'm hoping once they've shifted the holiday beer and barbecue weight our squad will look a lot more svelt by the time we're kicking off against Stoke. I would also imagine that Roy Keane chasing them round the training pitch will be good incentive.

Karim looked in by far the best condition of anyone and actually looked quite quick in comparison to some. He looks after himself and I imagine being teetotal and very disciplined helps greatly. No beer gut to shift.

[UK Redsox]

Did the players in last years bomb squad wear last years numbers or have they got something more sensible now?

They wore 20 somethings rather than 40 somethings

Hutton 21, NZog 28? Bent 19? I think

Sounds right. Those are the lowest squad numbers available.

Since the Gladiator wore 9 last season, will one of Bent, Kozak or Tekkers get it for 2014/15

I'm thinking probably Kozak


Villa must be the only club that could take the number 2 off a player deemed surplus to requirements and give it to someone even worse.

[Clampy]

Blues were meant to play them tomorrow and it's been cancelled due to 'safety concerns'.

[pauliewalnuts]

If Joe Cole was porky, I'm in serious trouble.

Just seen a pic of him from last night - still think he looks a bit flabby considering he's a small guy

Have to say, I found myself thinking the same last night, he looked a bit overweight to me.