He scores, he signs, he stays, writes Stuart Pollitt.
At least that is how Albion fans hoped the Zoltan Gera story would unfold – starting with his penalty at just before 2pm yesterday.
But Wayne Hennessey threw a spanner in the works on the “scores” part and it remains to be seen if the Hungarian will sign a new contract and stay at Albion.
For the majority of this largely elegant and skilful derby, Gera demonstrated the range of passing, mystical footwork and sheer energy that have made him such a popular figure.
During a 10 minute spell in the first half Albion – prompted largely by Gera – were so fluid that the poor gold and black shirts simply could not get close to the ball, let alone the players, running off it in all directions.
There’s little doubt most occupying the packed Hawthorns stands want Zoltan to sign a new contract.
There’s no issue that Tony Mowbray wants him to stay – albeit on the manager’s terms.
Terms which ensure Gera will not play every game as Mowbray rotates his enviable collection of midfielders.
It wasn’t always like this. Playing under Gary Megson and then Bryan Robson he was often the lone beacon of thrilling skill in a mass of honest grafters.
In a team of Geoff Horsfields and Ronnie Wallworks, Gera was the one player who could rise above the largely unattractive football with a daring run, slick feet or a crafty pass.
As the ‘Great Escape’ went from impossible to improbable and eventually to reality, Gera was often the talisman.
It was Gera who started the whole thing off, with the desire to reach an overhit pass against Birmingham City.
Gera turned a goal kick into a corner, which turned into a goal, which turned into a win and ultimately provided the springboard for survival.
But good as that period was, that is as good as it has got for the Hawthorns’ Hungarian.
The following season, injuries prevented him hitting the heights as Albion succumbed to relegation.
The change of management appeared ready made for him yet since Mowbray took over Gera has been a sporadic starter.
Worse still he has seen his title of creator in chief shift, first to Jason Koumas, then to Filipe Teixeira, via Robert Koren, James Morrison and even Chris Brunt.
Indeed, under Mowbray there is no creator-in-chief, instead the whole pitch is littered with artists.
Barely a workhorse can be found. Even Leon Barnett – a centre back – illustrated the Mowbray philosophy when faced with a long ball in the opening minutes against Wolves, he brought it down with ease and passed coolly sideways.
But Gera clearly feels he should be on the teamsheet every week – and Mowbray does not.
The player more than hinted recently in an interview in Hungary that he would be packing his bags when his contract expires unless he was a regular starter.
Is Albion’s cupboard so well stocked that they can allow Gera to walk off into the sunset next summer?
Surely, it’s nothing a little love – and a few regular starts – can’t fix.
14 Comments
gera hahahahaaha great pen
Gera is a great player and as stated above USED to be the skill factor in a team of workhorses - similar to Sneekers when Meggo took over.
But Gers didn’t run the show on sunday - texeira did. Tex was the player providing the skill, the deft pass, the flick or the run.. and Brunt was also working his socks off out wide, taking men on and putting balls into the box. Gera was PART of a very good midfield (lets not forget Jonno who was outstanding and Koren who although quieter on sunday has been a revelation).
I agree that we all want Gera to sign up - but TM has a policy which ALL players must agree to - including Zoltan. It will be the same where ever he goes. I think he will wait to see where we are come May and then make his decision.
A SPOT of trouble methinks.
David Bartley, Tipton.
I have read your article on Gera and wonder if you went to the same game as me. He had an average (at best) game against Wolves and I have discounted the penalty miss. He flits in and out of games and frequently gives away possession. It’s a long time since he kept that ball in play and earned that corner.
NO ROOM FOR BIG TIME CHARLIES AT THE BAGGIES THESE DAYS, AND THATS GOOD
God you must all be hoping he don’t sign!!!
Gera not a bad player,terrible season last year,and didn;t want to know until we had Wembley in our sights.If he stays he stays if he goes he goes,so what.We haven;t missed the other 2 so called superstars,both already in a relagation dog fight.
seems you lot are all prem class you certaintly didnt show that
i personally was disopointed with taxiera and brunt on sunday
leon barnett i was impressed with and hoefkens
the spot of bother joke made me laugh
8 - on the wolves pages you accuse me of posting rubbish and to return to my own pages, which I have done. But who do I find on here posting garbage… yes its the chump with hate in his name.
If you can’t admit that Texiera had a great game on sunday then you don’t understand football.
May i suggest you take your hate (as shown in your name) pull up ya hoody and go back to hanging around the shops.
Oh, and the fact that David Mensa Boy bartley (tipton) makes you laugh just about sums you up.
ite happy baggie, wt append to the 4-0 thrashin all u boing fans promised us?
I posted on friday that is was going to be a close game, and that what it was. Wolves are a far better unit at the back than last year. BUT lets get a few things right, have wolves really started to believe they are that far behind us in terms of football that they celebrate furiously at the final wistle just because they never lost. Dingles have some self regard i was embarresed for you. Also what happend to “Freddie is going to get us”. Major disapointment. And knightly must be the most over rated player in the division, he bottles it every time he see’s robbo.
P.s Gera if he goes he goes
To all you dog eared in-breeds, stuck in the past illusion that you are a big club…..wake up!!!!
It’s the twenty first century, Bully and Wright are gone and you are a middle of the championship teaam at best!
You’ve a bunch of never has beens and never will be’s for a team, situated in the ugliest city in England and your biggest supporter summed up the whole sorry mess that is wolverhampton wanderers , by selling them for a tenner!!!!
The only reason you aren’t languishing in the relegation zone is that your manager (too good for you) is somehow managing to drag a few results out of your pile of your bunch of second rates.
But soon even he will get fed up of the booing and go and work for a football team instead.
So I suggest you leave us Baggies fans to talk about football and you back to your holes.
11.
are you writing in English? or Dingle?