Club that cannot stop scoring lets yesterday's man go forth.

[The Left Side]

I'd be surprised if he got another deal but then again stranger things have happened.

[Toronto Villa]

If we are going to play with two wingers then Bent might not be a bad bet to have around at the club. It would be as bizarre a turnaround as you could imagine. But then again what exactly is bizarre at Villa anymore?

[ciggiesnbeer]

I like Darren and everything, but a new deal for a 31 year old striker? If he is really willing to take such a massive pay cut to play for us then fair play to him, but I suspect he will get a better deal and more playtime if he signs up for Derby.

[somec]

I wonder did we end up paying any of the add on on top of the initial 18 million?

[Dave]

I think the only circumstances in which I would offer him a new deal is if we go down. As he's showing, he's perfectly decent at that level. Two year contract with a decent pay-rise in the second season if we've been promoted.

Even if he's only on £20k per week, I don't see what he really offers in the Premier League anymore, either starting or from the bench.

edit: I do agree with Brian though, he seems like a thoroughly decent guy. The right player, two years too late.

[SoccerHQ]

I got the feeling if there had been a recall clause in his deal, Sherwood would've brought him back.

This new deal thing I wouldn't bother as I think he's finished at this level and probably would be best for him having a fresh start somewhere else.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Some pretty plain speaking in that article.
No surprises, but fascinating to hear it from the horse's wotsit....

[Dave]

I wonder did we end up paying any of the add on on top of the initial 18 million?

Given where we were in the table when he signed, I bet one of the add-ons would have been for staying up. I can't imagine any others would have been met though.

[Tony Erdington]

was good, but supply is what he needs.

not with this Villa

[OCD]

I got the feeling if there had been a recall clause in his deal, Sherwood would've brought him back.

No doubt in my mind. He's one that Sherwood will know and probably thinks he can get a lot more from. There's a lot of games where we should be able to play with 2 up top and there could be more with a better midfield. The determining factors could be whether Derby go up (and inevitably, whether we stay up) and on agreeing a new contract that reflects reality.

As for stranger things happening, I present exhibit A - Alan Hutton.

[Toronto Villa]

Followed by N'Zogbia, Charles. If Sherwood can get him firing anything is possible I suppose.

[Ron Manager]

If we are not successful in staying where the money is  Benty would be a very useful signing for us in the Championship for about one season if his wage demands come down a lot. If we stay up it depends on the new owners and possibly the new team management.

Long way to go yet.

[Damo70]

I can see him going to the MLS.

[curiousorange]

I think Sherwood is clear sighted enough to want Bent as an option rather than label him as the solution. That said, I'd be amazed if he was offered a new deal. Should we stay up, I wouldn't have thought he'd start the rebuilding job with Darren Bent as the alternative to Benteke.

[spangley1812]

Bent scores from the penalty spot to make it 1 - 1 v Watford