Conor Hourihane - thanks and farewell

[West Derby Villan]

I've been very critical of Conor, but I have to say this contract is deserved. Something changed in him after getting subbed against Albion at home, back before our winning run. He stopped getting bullied off the ball, was quicker into the tackle and generally braver on the ball. He started being a bit more positive. Of course, all of this is easier in a team that's winning, but he deserves a lot of credit for turning it around.

I actually think he'll be much more valuable to us next season than he has been. He's perfect to bring on for the last 20 minutes if you need a goal, and with better (and bigger!) players to aim at, or win free kicks, I can see him having a great minute to goals/assists ratio. I just hope we won't need him to start many matches, as I think he may well get overrun against stronger and quicker opposition.

Yeah the Albion substitution definitely had a positive effect on him

[OCD]

Looks like he'll have to contend with greater competition for places too as well as playing at a higher level.

[Hillbilly]

Hourihane’s performance in the Minnesota friendly seems to have flown under the radar. I thought he was very neat and tidy, playing a fairly deep role. Always there for pass, didn’t seem to lose the ball and broke up play. It probably gave the rest of the midfield and the full backs a bit of licence to fanny around a bit. When BB was on, the style became more direct. Without reading too much into into it, I wonder if we saw plan A and plan B?

[London Villan]

The reaction from the crowd that day probably hit a nerve. He ambled off, after a pretty anonymous performance and got some stick. But fair play he didn’t sulk, he upped his game and has become a better player since.

[frank black]

Maybe it was his recently acquired nickname that really pissed him off and got him going. Whoever thought of it  👏🏼 But it was harsh.

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

I doubt a grown man or woman will take responsibility for  the nickname you refer to. Conor's form has got nothing to do with stick he may have got from fans. The lad is a good professional who has his strengths and constantly works on his weaknesses. Obviously good coaching, which is now happening at the Villa, helps all players.

[GarTomas]

Never been his biggest fan but also would like him to prove me wrong.

Certainly a good squad option to take into this season.

[john e]

i like him and his attitude he is a good professional but sadly he's not going to be good enough in the premier league to hold down a regular starting place imo

[kieron]

I think he might surprise a few people.

[hipkiss92]

I've been very critical of Conor, but I have to say this contract is deserved. Something changed in him after getting subbed against Albion at home, back before our winning run. He stopped getting bullied off the ball, was quicker into the tackle and generally braver on the ball. He started being a bit more positive. Of course, all of this is easier in a team that's winning, but he deserves a lot of credit for turning it around.

I actually think he'll be much more valuable to us next season than he has been. He's perfect to bring on for the last 20 minutes if you need a goal, and with better (and bigger!) players to aim at, or win free kicks, I can see him having a great minute to goals/assists ratio. I just hope we won't need him to start many matches, as I think he may well get overrun against stronger and quicker opposition.

His performance in the first leg of the play-offs against Baggies should be the standard for this season, changed the game when he came on for Whelan.

[Hookeysmith]

In this league scoring opportunities will be significantly reduced compared to the championship so with the likes of Jack hopefully getting a few free licks around the box it will be invaluable to have someone with Conor's dead ball ability

[garyshawsknee]

I thought he had a strong finish to the season, and while he would probably struggle against players in City and Liverpools midfield, we're not gonna be playing them every week and there are a fair few average teams in the league ( Westwood has become a competent PL midfielder ) so I think he will become a very important part of the squad.

[Border villan]

In this league scoring opportunities will be significantly reduced compared to the championship so with the likes of Jack hopefully getting a few free licks around the box it will be invaluable to have someone with Conor's dead ball ability

Lucky Jack. I have never had a free lick around the box.

[mattjpa]

bravo. love a nice Friday chuckle

[Hookeysmith]

Damn fat fingers on phone key pad