Clean slate for Ireland and Warnock

Clean slate for Ireland and Warnock

There is indeed scepticism over the news that the club may be investing in one last major player this summer. However, don`t let the lack of arrivals fool you as Alex McLeish`s fresh breath of optimism has seemingly oozed its way through the changing rooms at Bodymoor Heath and with it, gave added impetus to those who were out in the cold last season.

Two of the bigger names are undoubtedly Stephen Ireland and Stephen Warnock. Both were left reeling under the tenure of Gerard Houllier last season as they fell out of favour under the Frenchman. Needless to say both players had their issues with the manager for various reasons.

Now with a new man in place, McLeish has indicated his desire to utilise both in his plans in the forthcoming campaign. The gaffer highlighted their progress in training and has been impressed by what he has seen:

“I’ve seen terrific application on the training ground and really good quality from guys like Stephen Warnock and Stephen Ireland, for instance, who never really made as much of a contribution as you would expect.’

Ireland`s arrival to the club was not exactly well mannered having been made as a makeweight in the departure of James Milner. He felt his previous employers Manchester City had shown him a lack of respect by shoving him out of the exit door as Eastlands. He failed to recapture the form he shown from the 2008/2009 campaign as the club continued to lure world-class talent with their mega war chest and ultimately pushed Ireland further down the pecking order.

His attributes are indeed vast, but having been thrown straight into first team matters in the harrowing 6-0 defeat away at Newcastle United last August, his credibility did not get off to the best of starts with the Villa faithful. Houllier failed to find his best position. He even operated him as a second striker in the Carling Cup against Burnley which he lambasted afterwards as a mistake. His injury problems and lack of cohesion with the manager limited his first team prospects and was shipped off on loan to Newcastle, who ironically he made his debut against. With a sense of déjà-vu, bad luck once again hindered him in the North-East as he only made two appearances there due to his lack of fitness.

Nevertheless, even though he is not overly popular with the fans at present, there is no doubt he can change all that with a new manger looking to get the best out of him. With Ashley Young and Stewart Downing seeking pastures new, there is a place up for grabs if the player applies his capabilities to the maximum. He participated in last night`s 3-1 win over Walsall, operating just behind Darren Bent with supporting cast either side on the wings – Marc Albrighton and Emile Heskey. His match was cut short with a slight niggle but his inclusion indicates McLeish`s desire to utilise him in the attacking forefront.

As for Stephen Warnock, a Villa regular up until Christmas where his disastrous display at Manchester City more or less ended his campaign and was subsequently frozen out by Houllier. Warnock had been a dependable figure the previous campaign and started off sprightly under the Frenchman last September. His form however began to dip in the winter, as it did for the majority of the first-team squad. Warnock feels he was made a scapegoat by Houllier who opted to field the likes of Luke Young, Fabian Delph and young Nathan Baker ahead of him. It looked for all the world that his future would lie elsewhere prior to the arrival of McLeish but his implementation has aided the step up in Warnock`s game and has thoroughly impressed in pre-season.

Darren Bent told AVTV during the unveiling of the new home kit on Tuesday that Warnock had been “flying in training” and no doubt his work ethic had certainly paid off as he was included in the first eleven at the Bescot Stadium. He was instrumental in the first-half, involved in numerous attacks and showcasing the capabilities that made him untouchable in his debut campaign. His attitude has to be applauded and if it continues at this rate then the club has a player on its hands for the foreseeable future.

Time will tell but it is pretty evident that the arrival of the manager and his backroom staff has given the players a lift after the indifferent exploits of last season. Ireland was named Manchester City`s player of the year not too long ago and Warnock was on the fringes of the England set-up. No doubt they have ability but confidence and belief is a massive part in a player`s makeup. With it now seeping throughout the pores of both, it can only benefit Villa this season.

Ross Mackiewicz