Micah Richards - Released

[Steve67]

I wanted Bacuna gone. Time to get on with the job at hand now.

[purpletrousers]

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/explained-reasons-aston-villa-blocked-11857885

Explained: The reasons why Aston Villa blocked a move for Micah Richards

Despite interest from the Premier League this summer, Micah Richards remains at Villa
 
Aston Villa blocked a deadline day move for Micah Richards because they see him as a valuable part of their promotion push this season.

The 28-year-old was open to offers after a disappointing debut campaign at the club and would have considered a return back to the Premier League.

Sunderland and Hull City were both keen on Richards and West Ham made a late effort to take the former England international on loan only to see their approach knocked back.

Turkish side Besiktas also registered an interest but the ex-Manchester City man didn’t fancy relocating to Istanbul.

So why were Villa so determined to keep hold of a player who hasn’t played a single minute of Championship football?

Well, contrary to the conclusion that some Villa fans have drawn up, Richards is actually a good character to have around the place.

Last season he was the captain and those leadership qualities are present every day even if he's not featuring.

And with his commuting buddy, Joleon Lescott, leaving this summer alongside fellow defenders Ciaran Clark, Jores Okore and Jose Angel Crespo, boss Roberto Di Matteo didn’t want to leave himself short on numbers.

While his performances last season fell behind his previously-set high standards, Richards remained a vocal presence in the dressing room.

And despite not appearing in the league this season his work ethic has not dropped. His uplifting banter also keeps Bodymoor Heath a happy place.

Granted, he’s no longer a first-choice player.

Tommy Elphick, James Chester and Nathan Baker are all ahead of him in the pecking order at centre-back while competition is also rife on the right-side of defence with Ritchie De Laet, Alan Hutton and Leandro Bacuna all vying for places.

It’s likely that Richards will only feature if injuries or suspensions occur. A serious drop in form from the above could also present him with an opportunity to shine.

Deep down he’ll be hurting and there’s no doubt his pride has been knocked somewhat in recent times.

Eighteen months ago he was playing top-flight football with Fiorentina yet now he can’t get a game in England’s second tier.

If called upon this season he will be there to do a job, though.

And that’s why Di Matteo decided it would be better to keep him around, at least until the next transfer window.

[Witton Warrior]

"Deep down he'll be hurting" - not as much as we are!
While pragmatism may overcome sentiment here and we need the bodies it is pretty poor that we didn't get someone eels in to cover his position and ship him out

[wittonwarrior]

He is one of many reasons we are in our current state.  More interested in arguments on the pitch than kicking or heading the ball.  He remains a disgrace

[Mister E]

"Deep down he'll be hurting" - not as much as we are!
While pragmatism may overcome sentiment here and we need the bodies it is pretty poor that we didn't get someone eels in to cover his position and ship him out

He's too musselcular

[sid1964]

Another one, I will never forgive or forget the way he behaved and acted last season

If I was in charge he would have been gone!

[CJ]

His performance at Luton hardly reflected an outstanding work ethic, and offering fans out and dividing the dressing room is now known as 'uplifting banter'. Deep down he'll be hurting, like us, because he's still here.

[eamonn]

Can competition be "rife" ?

[markeeeebeeee2005]

That looks like it was written either directly by the club or Micah (if the silly fucker could write).

[pauliewalnuts]

The bloke is fucking clueless AND a chancer.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

January can't come soon enough to get rid of the clown.

[Nelly]

I see your nicey-nicey propaganda piece and raise you one Santa video, a season of poor performances and arguments with supporters. It's hard to have any faith that he might somehow repent of being a twat.

What sort of reaction is he going to get at Villa Park? Should have let him go. He's the embodiment of everything that went so wrong at Villa last year.

[Witton Warrior]

"Deep down he'll be hurting" - not as much as we are!
While pragmatism may overcome sentiment here and we need the bodies it is pretty poor that we didn't get someone eels in to cover his position and ship him out

He's too musselcular

;-)

[somec]

Uplifting banter?

Do me a favour!

[LeeB]

Uplifting banter?

Do me a favour!

My bantz is top, top drawer and I'm a free agent.

I'm also unquestionably a better right back than him.