Friedel To Get 40 Contract?

Gerard Houllier has confirmed that Brad Friedel will be offered an extension to his contract and will have ample opportunity to turn out for Villa as he passes 40 years of age.

In a quoted interview covered by the Daily Mail Houllier confirmed that Brad would be offered a deal at the end of the season that would see him join a very select few players who have played in the Premiership aged 40.

In comments no doubt designed to put to bed the baseless rumours when Houllier joined that he couldn't (enter your own) Brad Friedel and he'd be shipped out by the Frenchman faster than his countrymen go on strike when faced with 'austerity measures', Houllie said:

'Brad will be offered something, definitely yes. I think he is doing a very good job, we need to deal with his situation. When a player hits 30 you have to look at things, but he is a good professional.'

His performances this season that have seen plenty of fantastic saves, let alone his (and I think all Villans are agreed here) Man of the Match performance against Burnley on Wednesday clearly show that he's capable of still doing a damn good job for us, and have certainly helped Houllier's thoughts here.

Many remain torn on whether Guzan can step up, but whilst Big Brad doesn't let us down - don't fix it if it's not broken.

It can't be an excuse to not forward plan, but stability certainly helps.

Vital Villa on:

Vital Villa on:

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.