Four More Years

There you have it. The good news.

It's been a good few days for the Stevenage Two.

Ashley Young has signed a new four year deal, tying him to the club until 2012.

I would not like to speculate on exactly what that means to the financiers.

You could probably guess that he's right up there with the Gareth Barry's, Martin Laursen's and John Carew's of the dressing room now.

There is no denying his ability. He is fast, can deliver the best dead ball in the Premiership and has a trick or two.

But be warned. With extra money comes extra responsibility.

Not all that Young touches turns to gold. Too inconsistent, too prone to take a tumble, too prone to sulk, too light-weight when a defender sticks to his backside.....some of these arguments ring true. Although not all the time.

Without Young Villa can look toothless.

Player of the Month for September and a member of the team of the season last year as named by his fellow pros, Young certainly divides opinion. Fabio Capello obviously feels he needs time.

One thing's for sure. The black-gloved one will have to play a lot better than at Newcastle last night if he is to earn his new rich pickings.