Jack’s hero and Villan to old fans
JACK GREALISH needs to steel himself when he makes his return to Villa Park next week.
The £100million Manchester City signing will have to be ready for a mixed reaction when he heads back to the
West Midlands to face his boyhood club.
Grealish, 26, was spotted as a six-year-old and came through the ranks before blossoming into a Premier League and England star. He also protected the club when he insisted on a £100m release clause in his final contract.
But that was triggered this summer by City boss Pep Guardiola, breaking Grealish’s 18-year association.
Jonathan Fear, of the Vital Villa website, said: “You’re never sure with returning players. For instance, James Milner got a great reception.
“Yet Gareth Barry, who gave 10 years’ great service, didn’t.
“So, I’m not sure. I think he’s split the fans. I wouldn’t be surprised if some applauded.
Judgement
“I wouldn’t be surprised either if some jeered him.
“He did say last year, ‘My city, my club, my home’, on Twitter after signing his new contract – and promptly left.
“That’s probably coloured the judgement of a few.”
Dave Woodhall, of the Heroes and Villans website, said: “He would have been more warmly received had it been earlier in the season.
“A lot of fans would have said, ‘Oh well, good luck to him’, when the bid was made and the release clause was triggered.
“But I don’t think he’s done himself any favours since then.
“Whatever happens, his reception won’t be as bad as Fabian Delph’s - who said one week that he was staying and the next he was off.
“Jack’s certainly not being viewed like that.”
And Fear reckons there is now a growing belief that Villa got the better end of the deal.
He added: “It was a stunning amount of money for him.
“He’s got fantastic ability – but he should contribute more in terms of goals and assists.”