ChesterDad

You make some good points ( I do challenge having Gobby in that line up mind) . I am not really having a dig at Ollie’s goal returns to be honest - My question is more about his ability to make the ball stick in the heat of the moment. I felt the service into him last night was pretty poor really - but this just further highlights the need for good technique and hold up play in those rare moments. This is what probably makes the difference between a goal scoring opportunity being manufactured or a team mate being brought into the mix. Ollie offers so much however in other areas that it feels harsh to single him out - but I do feel that we do need a striker who can improve our attacking threat and compliment and/or replace Ollie in certain situations, such as last night .

It’s a difficult one imo - Ollie is a good player, of this there is little doubt - but is he the striker to propel us into the next level? Look none of us want to be that guy who says no - but I do have questions in my own mind as to his technique and hold up ability. He seems like a genuine guy and his contribution cannot be underplayed. I would love to see Hee - Chan from Wolves bought in to support Ollie, I think this combination covers all aspects of the game.

Well said - I don’t think we needed him tbh, but that was not his fault. He has always seemed the model pro to me

Totally agree - I believe there is a good player in there, just waiting to burst out. I would be happy to see him in a starting role tonight

The ability is not in question imo - you may well be right about attitude

Not for me.

No thank you - Broja is miles off it imo. When the dust settles on their respective careers I expect Duran will have achieved significantly more imo

I get where you are going and do not disagree either. The only question is whether or not it’s with us?

I wouldn’t even say that - potentially absolutely

I wouldn’t say plenty tbh - I would say enough to suggest he has a good future ahead of him. The ball is firmly in his court, pardon the pun.

I recall a while back ( maybe on here? ) that he is highly rated across Europe, so maybe we signed him purely on potential, beating others to his signature ? Maybe this is what Chelsea and West Ham are still thinking about, because let’s be honest, has his form warranted a move to another prem league club? I don’t think it has tbh, and who knows - maybe we beat both clubs to his signature, and because they see he is not getting games, they feel it’s worth testing the water And for the record - I like him and want him to stay with us. I would just add wind your neck in and learn from an elite coach and maybe you’ll reach your destination that much sooner

I’d love to know how you arrived at this conclusion ?

Thanks TRO - I’m pretty sure Cantello did one of our players - possibly Ray Graydon at the Hawthorns? But back on thread - I am very much into entertainment along with results naturally - hence my attachment to Bertie. Like you - I have pretty much seen us win everything bar the FA Cup, and my favourite Villa team of all time is Big Rons, which some might think is surprising given I saw us win the title & European cup. I know that JG loved the club, I just couldn’t enjoy his football, which seemed to me was not to lose first and foremost and this soured my view of his overall tenure at the club. Things might well have been very different had he been allowed to sign Robbie Keane

I don’t disagree with those who say that Doug was holding us back, the Robbie Keane saga being a case in point - however rightfully or wrongly my overall memory of Gregory is sitting in the Witton lane feeling totally underwhelmed

This is a very good assessment of his tenure although I do believe you are being very kind to him. I have nothing against JG and believe he is a villan - just didn’t like his playing style

I was just bored by his football tbh - which given his character is somewhat surprising. I believe Doug bought him back simply based upon the fact, that after he left for Wycombe - our fortunes dipped ?

I thought he was awful TRO - completely bored me to tears, his first thought was do not lose. I guess footie is all about opinions Alex’s injury was dreadful - truly great player, never shirked a challenge and could see a pass. I can’t recall which Sandwell towner did this, was it Cantello or that carthorse Brown?

The last thing you can call Bertie is this. He is a footballing magician and the most naturally gifted footballer in our squad imo. Yes he is inconsistent ( par for the course with wingers) but a joy to watch on his day. I would like him to stay - but equally a talent like Bertie, should be in someone’s starting 11.

Totally agree with you - Look how Tielemans was written off, now we are thinking this guy needs to start.

This must be another wind up - surely

I really like him and do think he is good enough for the prem. What surprised me is that Unai bought him back into the fold initially but then shipped him back out again, almost as quick. Now for Unai to bring him back - tells me that he knew that he could play - but what happened thereafter ?

Absolutely terrible footballer - but seemed like a decent guy

Would not put Gobby in my top 50 - awful footballer, with an even worse attitude. He is the only person who thought he was any good. IMO

Look Ginny is entitled to today imo - having a good season and everyone has the odd poor game

I think we have really missed him - I am surprised that some think he was way off it today. He was bound to be rusty. But football is all about opinions - to which we are all entitled