Darius Vassell – Hero or Villain!?

Villa captain Gareth Barry has stuck up for former Villa striker Darius Vassell saying the player didn’t want to leave.

Vassell was a Brummie born Villa fan who left during David O’Leary’s reign. Even after he left he has shown where his heart is by signing a petition against Racism at Villa. In the occupation column he just wrote ‘Villa fan’.

Hopefully he’ll get a decent reception tonight, although with the Villa fans history of poor receptions to former Villa players, I doubt it.

Barry told the official site: ‘Darius will enjoy coming back, because he’s a big Villa fan, his family are and probably a lot of his friends. He haunted us a few times last season, so we’ve got to be on our guard for him this time. His season has been a bit indifferent because of injuries, but he’s slowly got himself involved and he’ll be looking to play at Villa Park.’

‘I think moving away was probably a big decision for him and Darius was probably a little upset when he was eventually told he’d be moving on. I’m not sure of the details, but I’d be surprised if he asked to leave the club. It was a bit of a shock for Darius and it probably took him a while to get used to things. So yes Darius was upset, but he’s at a big club in Manchester City and he’s enjoying his football, so he’s moved on.’

So will Vassell get a good reception from you tonight?