Gabby

[Lastfootstamper]

He's been responsible for some of the most brilliant Villa moments of the 21st century.

As a striker, he's managed the sum total of 30 league goals in the seven-and-nearly-a-half seasons since MON left, in only one of those netting more than half a dozen.

When we needed a cheerleader, he faded into the chorus.

If I went back in time a decade and told myself that in ten years I'd not give a toss about whether he played for us again, I'd probably tell myself to stop talking bollocks, but that's where I am, and it makes me feel sad.

Does nobody want to be a hero any more?

[JD]

He's been responsible for some of the most brilliant Villa moments of the 21st century.

As a striker, he's managed the sum total of 30 league goals in the seven-and-nearly-a-half seasons since MON left, in only one of those netting more than half a dozen.

When we needed a cheerleader, he faded into the chorus.

If I went back in time a decade and told myself that in ten years I'd not give a toss about whether he played for us again, I'd probably tell myself to stop talking bollocks, but that's where I am, and it makes me feel sad.

Does nobody want to be a hero any more?

That is a brilliant statement Lastfootstamper and about sums it up for me as well.

[Villa Lew]

We must be getting near the time his signs his next 4 year contract!

[adrenachrome]

Despite what the haters say whenever he’s played these last couple of injury prone seasons he’s given his all and has contributed. He’s an asset when fit, and I hope he’s back in the squad ASAP.

Your wife’s trifle won’t have any sherry in it this Christmas, you’ve clearly drank it all. I disagree with at least four of your  assertions and you only wrote two sentences!

Sherry would not explain this outlandish phenomenon. Cognac might just suffice.

[ciggiesnbeer]

He's been responsible for some of the most brilliant Villa moments of the 21st century.

As a striker, he's managed the sum total of 30 league goals in the seven-and-nearly-a-half seasons since MON left, in only one of those netting more than half a dozen.

When we needed a cheerleader, he faded into the chorus.

If I went back in time a decade and told myself that in ten years I'd not give a toss about whether he played for us again, I'd probably tell myself to stop talking bollocks, but that's where I am, and it makes me feel sad.

Does nobody want to be a hero any more?

If he had 10% of John Terry's commitment to his craft he could of been so much more. Sad is the right word. I am not mad at him, just.. really sad.

[Damo70]

He was a good player in a good Villa side but his career trajectory went hand in hand with our Premier League trajectory. He stopped being worth keeping a fair while back. We should thank him for the goals and memories against Small Heath and wish him good luck luck earning a living playing elsewhere. My guesses would be league one or India.

[wittonwarrior]

Thanks but no thanks - yesterday's man.  We  need to get him out of our systems.  He is no longer a viable option.

[brontebilly]

Reckon he will retire in the summer, football has been a long way down his list of priorities for years

[Tayls_7]

Reckon he will retire in the summer, football has been a long way down his list of priorities for years

That's wonderful and jolly decent of him to let us know. Best of luck Gabby and thanks for the memories of the handful of goals and semi decent performances you gave us over an inordinate period of time.

P.S Per chance can you be arsed to attempt to justify the rock star wages you're still being paid by perhaps shedding enough weight to possibly tum out for us before the season's end?

[LukeJames]

He's been responsible for some of the most brilliant Villa moments of the 21st century.

As a striker, he's managed the sum total of 30 league goals in the seven-and-nearly-a-half seasons since MON left, in only one of those netting more than half a dozen.

Old Trafford and the late 1-0 at Small Heath are probably the best two celebrations I've been involved in, Old Trafford was chaos when he scored, I ended up slipping on a programme in the aftermath. At small heath I knocked my dads glasses off his head, ended up around 15 rows further forward, finally made my way back up the stairs to find my dad looking for his glasses.

He should of gone a good few years back and forever had a bit of a cult status.

[sickbeggar]

You'd think after this many years even Gabby's most enthusiastic supporter would have given up on him but they say its the hope that kills you. 14 goals in 5 years, 8 years since he scored double figures, fuck knows how long he's been arse for. We've had muscly gabby, lazy gabby, fat gabby, bobybuilder gabby, the only thing they have in common is none of them can get a game. Putting aside the suspect temperament, my own opinion is he's never been the same since that pre-season under i think MON where he came back looking like he was training for a heavyweight boxing match. After that he lost his edge, a lot of pace and he's never been able to shift that extra weight or apparently hone a physique that looks like a footballers since. He's never been a clever footballer or skillfull enough to adapt his game to a different role so i really don't see what he's going to bring to the party presently except block potentially better players.

[adrenachrome]

You'd think after this many years even Gabby's most enthusiastic supporter would have given up on him but they say its the hope that kills you. 14 goals in 5 years, 8 years since he scored double figures, fuck knows how long he's been arse for. We've had muscly gabby, lazy gabby, fat gabby, bobybuilder gabby, the only thing they have in common is none of them can get a game. Putting aside the suspect temperament, my own opinion is he's never been the same since that pre-season under i think MON where he came back looking like he was training for a heavyweight boxing match. After that he lost his edge, a lot of pace and he's never been able to shift that extra weight or apparently hone a physique that looks like a footballers since. He's never been a clever footballer or skillfull enough to adapt his game to a different role so i really don't see what he's going to bring to the party presently except block potentially better players.

I would say that is pretty close to something like the truth, and it is ironical that the Gabster stated at the time of his bodybuilding phase that he was fed up of being thrown around by one John Terry and that Vidic chap. He was apparently inspired by Juan Pablo Angel who followed the same course of action and with similar results.

MoN was not best pleased by many accounts, but by that stage Gabby was beyond pleasing anybody other than himself having been told to run around like a demented dervish while Darren Bent sauntered casually around.
 

[Bad English]

I'll always remember Ashley Young* giving him a motivational tap on the shoulder before kick off and Agbonlahor looking around to see who it was as Young had moved forward a foot or two.

*He's in my wankbank for the late winner at Everton.

[old man villa fan]

Flabby was exciting and was dangerous but that was a long time ago. He has done nothing during the course of his current contract so why he should be considered for a new one, I don't know.

I was all for negotiating a play-off when we were relegated. One goal against Blues does not justify not doing it. If we are serious about promotion, he should be nowhere near the squad.

[Ads]

I think he has plenty to offer at this level when fit and motivated. He's just suffered quite badly of late with injuries.

Somebody yesterday to work the channels was what we needed instead of the utterly moronic firing it into Davis to recycle the ball time and time again.