Dale Stephens

[MattBackHome]

We have missed him, and his Hammondesque quiet sturdy impact on the midfield.

 

[Monkey Man]

I'm struggling to remember his performances with any accuracy but from memory he seemed confident and positive in his play, though he and another player (Ince?) appeared to be trying to do the same job at times. I got the impression that Stephens wanted to run the midfield. To which I say: good. Somebody has to.

 

[fleet]

Not sure he was the best in the team last season, but reasonably sure he could be this season! As long as he isn't made to play left back, which easily could happen!!!

 

[Albion Robster]

Once Stephens is back we need to send Gardner back pronto.
Probably one of the most overrated youngsters I've seen for a while. Maybe he gives more when he plays for his own club.

 

[FRYG]

Realistically Stephens will take 4-10 games to get back to the pace of competitive football even once he is fully fit. I am looking forward to having him back though once he seemed to settle last season he put in some much improving performances.

 

[BensGrandad]

Once Stephens is back we need to send Gardner back pronto.
Probably one of the most overrated youngsters I've seen for a while. Maybe he gives more when he plays for his own club.

The Villa fans want Gardner back and in their team as they rate him highly.

 

[MattBackHome]

I reckon Stephens offers a decent range of passing, a good instinct to be in the right place at the right time and the ability to try and dictate the pace of the game. Come back quickly please, Dale.

 

[Mowgli37]

Without proclaiming him the messiah, we really need Stephens back. Just take a look at the highlights of Leicester away to see his range of passing. His finish vs Blackpool at home wasn't too shabby either.

 

[TheBigUnit]

The Villa fans want Gardner back and in their team as they rate him highly.

Gardener = ineffective

The best midfield we could field on Monday (29th 2014 Fulham vs BHAFC) is Ince, Holla, JFC.

 

[fat old seagull]

Sorry I wasn't in the dressing room after the game, nor am I physic physio!

With respect, I'm not at all sure why you attempted to answer the question then. It was how is his injury progressing, not how successful he will be when he returns.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Gardener = ineffective

The best midfield we could field on Monday (29th 2014 Fulham vs BHAFC) is Ince, Holla, JFC.

Definitely - Gardner, is one of the worst midfielders we've had since the move to The Amex. For me, his workrate is not dissimilar to Ryan Harley.

 

[Rich Suvner]

Definitely - Gardner, is one of the worst midfielders we've had since the move to The Amex. For me, his workrate is not dissimilar to Ryan Harley.

I don't rate him but wow that's a low blow!

 

[LamieRobertson]

Definitely - Gardner, is one of the worst midfielders we've had since the move to The Amex. For me, his workrate is not dissimilar to Ryan Harley.

Really? Not from what i see......as regards to Stephens might be back at the end of January according to the guy i sat next to yesterday...he chatted to Stephens at the Xmas party.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Really? Not from what i see......as regards to Stephens might be back at the end of January according to the guy i sat next to yesterday...he chatted to Stephens at the Xmas party.

That's good news.

In terms of my comment, Gardner doesn't care, opposition players run past him as he ambles back. For me our midfield is undoubtedly one of the reasons we are so poor, and he is a main contributor along with JFC, although in his case, he was better yesterday.

Just the same as Harley, but a marginally better player on the ball.

 

[formerdutchmarine]

With respect, I'm not at all sure why you attempted to answer the question then. It was how is his injury progressing, not how successful he will be when he returns.[/QUOTE


He is training again now - was out on the Amex pitch shortly after 1pm yesterday doing light jogging

 

[glasfryn]

hope he is back soon and brings a fit Crofty with him

 

[Mowgli37]

hope he is back soon and brings a fit Crofty with him

I think the initial report said Crofts was out for the season unfortunately

 

[maltaseagull]

Gardener = ineffective

The best midfield we could field on Monday (29th 2014 Fulham vs BHAFC) is Ince, Holla, JFC.

Agree, as JFC is clearly a much better player further upfield. Not sure if we are allowed to start without Gardener though.

 

[glasfryn]

I think the initial report said Crofts was out for the season unfortunately

damn I thought it might have been earlier, we miss him

 

[portslade seagull]

The Villa fans want Gardner back and in their team as they rate him highly.

They must be mixing him up with his brother