Should we be happy or sad? Talk of Darren Bent mentioning that he believes there is potential in transferring the strikeforce of him and Gabby Agbonlahor to the international should fill us all with pride.

Until, of course, we realise just what happened every time a Villa player got called up to England in the past. Yes, they left.

Now whilst I’m not saying that it means anything about a transfer being planned, so don’t worry Mr McLeish there’s no need to answer a question about it in a press conference, Villa do have both a great record and a poor record when it comes to England internationals. Great at producing them, poor at keeping hold of them.

Think of the England team at present. At one point or another, we had half of that team playing for Villa. Milner, Downing, Barry, Ashley Young, as well as current strikeforce Bent and Agbonlahor. All six of those could be in an England shirt in one game no problem, and the fact they came through our club is a positive.

Fear and Pride

Well, partially at least. The problem with Villa is, for one reason or another, these players see the club as something of a stepping stone. With the exception of Gareth Barry, pretty much every other past player gave Villa a chance, but then moved on when the club couldn’t match their ambition.

Shouts of “Mercenary” are often launched at both Gareth Barry and James Milner but, in a totally objective manner, and disregarding the wages for a second, both players moved to a team with more potential for winning things, even if they don’t play as many minutes as with Villa.

Ashley Young got a dream move to the biggest club in the country and this is why, in my opinion, many of us, myself included, wished him nothing but good luck with his career at United. Some suggested that he was playing badly, not putting in enough effort, and has magically become a different player under Sir Alex. The reality is slightly more saddening. The reality is that at United, Ashley Young can’t be double marked because of the quality across the pitch. At Villa, Young was a star. At United, he is just another squad member.

The last former player, Stewart Downing, is often greeted and treated in a totally different manner. If either Barry or Milner were to be considered mercenaries, Downing was considered a traitor. Villa knew in Gareth Barry, that they had a player who had wanted out for a number of years, and who gave loyal service. Milner, whilst lacking the length of career at Villa of Barry, is still seen as someone the fans would welcome back with open arms.

Loyalty – Fans Think Differently

Downing, however, seems likely to be greeted by boos and jeers when he returns to Villa Park in a Liverpool jersey. Villa fans have often joked that they wouldn’t be too bothered if Stiliyan Petrov made it second time lucky and broke Downing’s leg again in a tackle. Whilst I wouldn’t wish such a thing on any player, it certainly illustrates just how strongly fans can feel about those who are perceived as traitors.

If ever there was a player who could be perceived as the antithesis of someone like Downing, it is Agbonlahor. Birmingham born and bred, when Gabby points to the badge on scoring like he did against Norwich, the lad means something different to the average player. He isn’t doing it to curry favour with the fans of the club as a fake show of support for the club, he does it because Gabby loves the club.

Having been at Villa since the age of 8, it is quite astonishing to think that Gabby has spent 17 years at Villa. Agbonlahor is still only 25, and considering the amount of time he has been around the club, sometimes many consider him to be older.

For me, Gabby is the epitome of Villa. If I was Randy Lerner, I’d be giving the lad a great big repayment of money in lieu of Gabby’s commitment to Villa. In my eyes, Agbonlahor says more to be about my club than any board member, chief executive, or manager has in any recent time.

So whilst the lad has a fair time left on his contract, now is the time to show him some respect. He’s firing on all cylinders and is, to date at least, Villa player of the season.

Villa have lost a number of England players to other clubs in recent years. Let’s make sure Gabby never becomes one who leaves Villa Park for another destination.

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