Leon Bailey

[Brend'Watkins]

Bailey of a few years ago. Glad to see he’s got his act together as this squad doesn’t accept shirkers.

[aj2k77]

It's probably done him no harm going out and remembering how things are at other clubs with other coaches and players and then returning to the home Emery has created.

[eye digress]

Very on board for the first half of the season to be Buendia's redemption arc and the second half to be Bailey's.

Thinking which other players who flattered to deceive that we could bring back - Stan the Man, anyone?

[Olof's Beard]

I was a bit sad to see the unenthused and event mocking responses to Leon's return this season. It's worth us all watching the 'every goal from 23-24' video once in a while to remember just how incredible he was that season. Last season's collapse in form was one of the most stark I can remember and he must be a complex, fragile character. But looking lean, trusting his body and coming into a performing side, maybe he can get near his best form again. It would be wonderful for him and for us.

[villadelph]

Leon is the man. Please stay healthy and appreciate your chance.

[Percy McCarthy]

His Villa team-mates seem very happy to have him back, judging by their Insta posts.

[PhilVill]

Very good cameo in the second half. Hoping that continues to the end of the season, he could (will) be vital. If so, I think that'll be the end of Guessand at VP

[Tayls_7]

The energy in his performance would suggest he's pleased to be back. I'm pleased, you're pleased. We're all pleased.

I hope he chooses the same drink in the last chance saloon as Little Emi.

[DrGonzo]

He'll probably only drink Baileys

[Mellin]

His Villa team-mates seem very happy to have him back, judging by their Insta posts.

The squad seem very good at consciously rallying around players they think could feel distant or uninvolved. Remember feeling the early celebrations with Duran felt intentional. Bailey will absolutely categorically need that to perform at his best.

A happy environment is a productive one.

[Toronto Villa]

Leon Bailey: “I can’t describe the feeling, it’s amazing to be back. I’ve missed this place a lot, I genuinely did.

“The fans have been so welcoming, players, staff, everybody. I’m really grateful and happy to be back.”

[Brend'Watkins]

Earn that recall Leon, earn it.

[KevinGage]

I was a bit sad to see the unenthused and event mocking responses to Leon's return this season. It's worth us all watching the 'every goal from 23-24' video once in a while to remember just how incredible he was that season. Last season's collapse in form was one of the most stark I can remember and he must be a complex, fragile character. But looking lean, trusting his body and coming into a performing side, maybe he can get near his best form again. It would be wonderful for him and for us.

Also worth mentioning that he played the last quarter of the season with a heavily strapped up knee and prob shouldn't have been playing at all.

But did, to get us over the line for 4th.

The rest of his time with us indicates he has a low pain threshold (which was on display a little too often last year, in all honesty).

So even more impressive.

I do wonder if playing through the pain barrier back then has led to him losing a bit of his zip.

[Mellin]

Earn that recall Leon, earn it.

Saving Private Bailey?

All I'll say is name me ten better seasons from the last thirty years, by any Villa player, that were better than Bailey in 23/24. It might be possible, but you'll struggle. If we get him fit and happy then the top five is done and that title challenge might carry until the end of the season.

[eye digress]

Earn that recall Leon, earn it.

Saving Private Bailey?

All I'll say is name me ten better seasons from the last thirty years, by any Villa player, that were better than Bailey in 23/24. It might be possible, but you'll struggle. If we get him fit and happy then the top five is done and that title challenge might carry until the end of the season.

It was more like a half or a third of a season his purple patch, wasn't it? Something like from the Citeh home game in December through to... what, late March-ish?

I mean, he was really good when he was good. But saying he had a great 23/24 season sounds like over-egging the pudding to me.

I'd take that purple patch right now though, obvs!