Aston Villa are ready to offer Ciaran Clark a new contract after interest from West Brom. Clark has been a prominent figure in Villa’s backline since the end of 2014. Clark had a wobble 2014/15 pre-season but after injuries to Vlaar and Senderos, Clark stepped up and secured his spot at the back 4. Even under Sherwood, Clark has featured during the Premier League season and often partnered new signing Micah Richards in the back during pre-season football. Clark has become one of the best leaders on the pitch and his determination and tough tackling attitude has made him a fan’s favourite at the back.
Villa have been with talks throughout the summer with Clark but indications are that Villa will look to accelerate these talks and try to commit Clark to a new contract some this week, prior to the beginning of the new Premier League season. Aston Villa have recently tied Nathan Baker to a new 4-year deal.
Clark’s contract expires at the end of the 2015/16 season and for many Villa fans this would be Villa’s best business this summer. For the past few seasons I always expected more from Clark, he was often a little shaky and I was adamant that playing as defensive midfielder (as he did under Houllier) was his best position. Last season he proved me wrong, he formed a great partnership with Okore and also played well together with Vlaar. Clark is set to start the Premier League season partnering new signing Richards.
The defence lacked leadership last season, made worse by an ever-changing line-up. If the team captain is not in the back four [and IMO the best captains are defenders] then the defence needs its own leader. Vlaar was never the right man for the job – Clark is. IMO he should be the team captain also. I am not at all convinced by Richards that he can concentrate on his own game and still find time to order the other 3 around.
In a nutshell offer him the armband and a new deal PDQ.