TrentVilla Posted November 21, 2011 Moderator Share Posted November 21, 2011 Personally I'm not actually convinced that McLeish has done all that much with Gabby. Gabby has improved every season he has been with us with one exception, the season under Houllier. It has long been very obvious that Gabby works harder to improve than most and despite how he at times comes across he is smart enough to understand he needs to work at his game and does in fact learn from the coaching he receives. Has he improved this season compared to last season? No question. To me though that says far more about Houllier and how he managed/utilised Gabby than it says about McLeish. That isn't a critism of McLeish, I credit him with using Gabby in the right position and using his strengths but that is about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Gabby wasn't as good last season but injuries played a part too, not just Houllier. He was practically injured almost the entire season up until November. And to be honest I think McLeish may be one of the reason's why Gabby's playing so well. People are/were blaming poor forms of players on Houllier last season so I don't really see why McLeish can't be praised for certain players' good form? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadoftrinity Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Personally I'm not actually convinced that McLeish has done all that much with Gabby. Gabby has improved every season he has been with us with one exception, the season under Houllier. It has long been very obvious that Gabby works harder to improve than most and despite how he at times comes across he is smart enough to understand he needs to work at his game and does in fact learn from the coaching he receives. Has he improved this season compared to last season? No question. To me though that says far more about Houllier and how he managed/utilised Gabby than it says about McLeish. That isn't a critism of McLeish, I credit him with using Gabby in the right position and using his strengths but that is about it. I think McLeish has given him confidence, but it's mainly down to Gabby, also, by the looks of it, Young/Downing leaving could be the making of Gabby as he seems to want to step up and be the main man for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidlewis Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Personally I'm not actually convinced that McLeish has done all that much with Gabby. Gabby has improved every season he has been with us with one exception, the season under Houllier. It has long been very obvious that Gabby works harder to improve than most and despite how he at times comes across he is smart enough to understand he needs to work at his game and does in fact learn from the coaching he receives. Has he improved this season compared to last season? No question. To me though that says far more about Houllier and how he managed/utilised Gabby than it says about McLeish. That isn't a critism of McLeish, I credit him with using Gabby in the right position and using his strengths but that is about it. I think McLeish has given him confidence, but it's mainly down to Gabby, also, by the looks of it, Young/Downing leaving could be the making of Gabby as he seems to want to step up and be the main man for us. Gabby is saying to us (to quote Simple Minds) "Don't you, forget about me" and he is proving that by assisting and scoring and terrorising full backs. I would pit him against Bale to be honest, on form he would cancel bale out if he can push forward a lot. Plus isn't assou panacotta their left back? Gabby would own him,. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VillaChris Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Gabby needs to be loved and valued, MON certainly did that with him, only dropped him once to the bench when fit (at Stoke in his last season) in his four seasons in charge and I'd say he's one of the first names on the teamsheet under McLeish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zatman Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Personally I'm not actually convinced that McLeish has done all that much with Gabby. Gabby has improved every season he has been with us with one exception, the season under Houllier. think McLeish faith in him has boosted his confidence, sometimes thats all a player needs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shillzz Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 In fairness to McLeish, he's got Gabby playing well in the forward role as well as the striker role. Even under Oneill, he rarely played particularly well when asked to play a wider role, but he has been consistently amazing this year regardless of where he's played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juanpabloangel18 Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 what a lad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beasley14 Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 He's been great this year, and he does love the club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDrums Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 Lovely ball into the box for for our first goal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jat_r Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 I would be gutted if we were to lose Bent, Albrighton, Bannan or Clark but I would be devastated if we ever lost Gabby. A remarkable player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 Future Villa captain? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Czechlad Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 Future Villa captain? Maybe in a couple of years. He is a great guy on the pitch and off. The guys love him but right now Petrov, Dunne, and Given are the leaders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jat_r Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 I loved recently when he spent the day at the children's hospital. He went on his own accord and I read somewhere that he donated a 6 figure sum to the hospital too. What a guy. Proud to have him at our club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CI Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 He's an absolute credit to the club I hope he spends his entire career with us Legend material Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_John_10 Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 There are lots of reasons why i was happy houllier went. Reading gabby's comments about probably leaving is the main one. Losing gabby would hurt more than any of the players we've lost over the years. Would be as bad as when yorke left IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mantis Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 There are lots of reasons why i was happy houllier went. Reading gabby's comments about probably leaving is the main one.I swear that's like the fifth time you've said that. We get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CI Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 Yeah that shows just how out of touch with football and Aston Villa GED actually was Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overdubber Posted December 11, 2011 Share Posted December 11, 2011 Gabby may not be the best player ever, but he is ours, and well competent at what he does. His dedication is something to behold in the current era of footballers. Priceless. Am also actually glad he is a fringe natioinal player at best, as it is clear that he plays for us, not for the cash, fame or fortune involved in the modern game. We need more players with his attitude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overdubber Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 He's an absolute credit to the club I hope he spends his entire career with us Legend material Should he play against Chelsea on Tuesday, it will be his 200th PL game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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