A number of Aston Villa fans have been having their say on Dean Smith’s comments regarding midfielder Ross Barkley.
Barkley arrived on loan from Chelsea at the start of the season but has badly fallen out of favour under Smith in recent months, despite Jack Grealish’s injury problems.
Up until the end of February, when fit, the 27-year-old was a regular starter. However, Barkley has been left out of Smith’s last eight Premier League starting line ups, having to make do with a place on the bench, even with the club missing star man Grealish in a position one might expect Barkley to fill.
This has led to speculation over a potential permanent deal now being off the table. Smith was asked about Barkley following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday, to which he said:
“He’s got another two years left on his contract at Chelsea and that’s not been discussed at all.”
Villa fans react
Those rather blunt comments were shared on Twitter by @AVFC_News on Thursday lunchtime.
This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with some speculating if there are problems off the pitch at Villa Park.
"Is there a problem in the dressing room at the moment because their was certainly a problem with Big T and Ross last night for all too see."
"Something's not right within the club Smith has a big job on his hands coming up in the summer!! As Barkley not alone, you could class another 4/5 players that have been dog for us!!!"
"Plague and avoid spring to mind. He’s just not a good fit for us"
"He just appears to be coasting out the rest of the season with us with minimal effort it’s sad to see as he has such potential"
"Thank the high heavens there is a god"
"That's a very polite way of saying no way Jose"
In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at Purslow's ESL comments, find out more here.