Ross Barkley

[LeeB]

The manager is doing what managers do, protecting his players in public.

Behind closed doors I would hope it's being pointed out that we expect a lot more.

[Mister E]

What worried me most was not the lack of fitness or apparent effort; more the simple passes from him that went badly astray. There's really no excuse for that from a supposed ball player.

[olaftab]

Villa's Premier League results this season:

With Barclay;

W 6
D 1
L 7

Without Barkley;

W 5
D 2
L 2

Well if with Barkley data was pandemic figures we will have to go into total lockdown.

[eamonn]

In fairness to him, he single-handedly won us four points with his brilliant winners against Leicester and Saints.

[villa `cross the mersey]

I hope Smith's comments are just him defending a player, because if not they're a bit concerning:

"It's a long way off the mark to say things aren't working out for him," Smith reiterated, with the reporter suggesting things aren't quite going to plan for the England hopeful. "He had just been substituted after 73 full minutes.

"His numbers have been really good in terms of his output on the pitch and we have to remember he's been out for six or seven weeks with a hamstring injury and then had to play games to recapture that fitness because we haven't been able to train."

In terms of output he's been dreadful, and he's played 8 games now since being injured, and if anything he's getting worse. We also haven't had a mid week game in nearly 3 weeks, so the "not training" excuse is wearing a bit thin.

Those comments from Smith are a bit worrying ......Barkley seems to have some influence on his inclusion in the starting line up ......I do hope Smith is not being stubborn in respect of this particular player - would not be better to play Sanson (our player) for 70 mins and introduce Barkley for the last 20 - which is when he insists he is at his best (a strange statement declaring he is at his best playing against tired players - which I guess sums him up) 

[eamonn]

Did you ever bump into Ross, while out walking the dog, Clive ?

[dave shelley]

Did you ever bump into Ross, while out walking the dog, Clive ?

If he did then it's likely Barklay would have missed the next few games with injury.

[richtheholtender]

I have noticed that the 9 for 5.99 at KFC has coincided with Ross poor fitness and disappearance on the pitch

[ColonelBarkley]

I have noticed that the 9 for 5.99 at KFC has coincided with Ross poor fitness and disappearance on the pitch

Games up. You’ve caught me. Better take advantage - last day today 🍗🍗

[Drummond]

I hope Smith's comments are just him defending a player, because if not they're a bit concerning:

"It's a long way off the mark to say things aren't working out for him," Smith reiterated, with the reporter suggesting things aren't quite going to plan for the England hopeful. "He had just been substituted after 73 full minutes.

"His numbers have been really good in terms of his output on the pitch and we have to remember he's been out for six or seven weeks with a hamstring injury and then had to play games to recapture that fitness because we haven't been able to train."

In terms of output he's been dreadful, and he's played 8 games now since being injured, and if anything he's getting worse. We also haven't had a mid week game in nearly 3 weeks, so the "not training" excuse is wearing a bit thin.

Those comments from Smith are a bit worrying ......Barkley seems to have some influence on his inclusion in the starting line up ......I do hope Smith is not being stubborn in respect of this particular player - would not be better to play Sanson (our player) for 70 mins and introduce Barkley for the last 20 - which is when he insists he is at his best (a strange statement declaring he is at his best playing against tired players - which I guess sums him up)

No they're not. What manager would publicly shame his players and still hold people's respect?

If, and it's a big if, Barkley gets up to speed, he could be brilliant for us. He's shown it already, however, can he do it consistently. I don't blame Smith for trying with him, though I'd also drop him to the bench for Saturday and bring him on later, if he can do damage in the last 15, then bring him on then!

[JUAN PABLO]

Barkley is ok for the Villa side of last season but he will not be good enough for the Villa side of next season .  Lets hope we buy someone else .       Unfit, grumpy or whatever his problem is , he needs to be benched.

[Risso]

Socks over the knees.  Unless you're Thierry Henry, and even then it's only just acceptable, GTFO.

[Drummond]

Socks over the knees.  Unless you're Thierry Henry, and even then it's only just acceptable, GTFO.

Maybe he's trying to impress Terry.

[eamonn]

Doesn't Bert pull up his socks to the extent that there's little of his long legs to ogle?

[LeeB]

Doesn't Bert pull up his socks to the extent that there's little of his long legs to ogle?

It's ok for Bert, it's part of the ensemble. Everything he does is delightful, even his shanked clearances are elegant.