Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Writing on the wall for Roman Bednar
Saturday 20th August 2011, 11:29AM BST.
Roman Bednar
Roy Hodgson today admitted Roman Bednar could leave Albion this month after losing his No 9 shirt.
Shane Long, the £4.5million Irishman who marked his debut with a goal against Manchester United last week, asked for his favourite shirt number when he joined from Reading.
And head coach Hodgson granted his wish, leaving former No.9 Bednar reduced to the No.43 shirt with his future at The Hawthorns uncertain.
Albion activated a one-year option in Bednar’s contract despite him ending last season in Turkey with MKE Ankaragucu, but the move was designed primarily to protect the Czech forward’s transfer value.
“It’s unfortunate when you have to take a number from a player who has been at the club,” said Hodgson.
“But you must remember Roman has not been at the club during my time. He has just returned to the club.”
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i’ll be a bit sad to see him go. always had a lot of time for the bloke
a point at chelsea later please
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I can see this from both perspectives. The No.9 shirt is a coverted shirt at any club. Bednar has been our No.9 for some time and maybe been No.9 when others could also stake a claim. We subsequently have played a lot of games without a No.9 (or No.10 for that matter). Roy wants a visible No.9 and the lad asked for it. He has no obligation to Bednar (a man he hardly knows) and is probably looking to move him on in any case.
It is however a little harsh on Roman, who has played well for us over the years. Him and Ish were integeral parts to our gradual rise over the last 10 years. He has been a great servent to the club and I for one will always remember him and Ish fondly for what they have done for us. They got us out of the Championship a few times and stayed loyal when we went back down.
I would probably have promised Long the shirt when Bednar has moved on i.e next year or if sold, but thats just because I feel a sense of duty to the man for what he has done in the past. Good luck for the future Roman and thanks.
Boing Boing
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i think roman will be a great addition to any team in the end of the day its a jersey get over it roman
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Let’s face it he has never been more than a good championship player and whilst I wish him well I think our aspirations have gone beyond his capability, and that is a good thing. Now let’s focus on getting something at the bridge if we can
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I feel so sorry for Roman as I did Ishmael, Both integral members of the gradually improving Baggies squad. Neither of them have had a long enough crack at the Premiership but Roy knows his stuff and Shane is a further step up hopefully. We arent Man City so there had to be sacrifices. Good Luck Roman and Ishmael we will miss your presence
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5 – dont feel sorry for these players, they will get on with life as we do, ish is doing well at leicester, this boy will do well, who ever pays him
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