Pic - Gilbert showing how to use his tackle properlyThis time last year, Arsenal's Kerrea Gilbert joined Cardiff City on a season's loan, having impressed against City an a Highbury FA Cup clash the previous season.
As City were running away at the top of the table, the diminutive Gilbert was identified as one of the key reasons. What he lacked in height was certainly compensated by his defending, passing and rampaging forward charges which made him a stand-out and essential player.
Then October 2006, the wheels started coming off Gilbert's and City's season. With Michael Chopra suspended and inadequate cover (Luigi Glombard I ask you - so bad he was removed at half-time to save him and us from further embarrassment), Cardiff lost 1-0, the agony made worse by Kerrea Gilbert landing himself a stupid red card in injury time as he lost his head ... I don't think he's found it again yet.
Whilst suspended, Gilbert got injured and it was announced he was absent until Christmas and then sighting of him were fewer than a good looking girl in Kiwi's. Rumours started emerging about homesickness and personal problems, manager Dave Jones belated confirming they existed long after City fans had heard stories through the grapevine that is the internet. He was hardly seen again in a City shirt and when he was, it was nowhere near the intensity and passion that City fans saw before. His passion was rumoured to be displayed elsewhere.
A player who promised so much drifted back to North London almost unnoticed and certainly with his tail between his legs. Now comes news of another drop down the football ladder as Arsene Wenger has brought in more defenders who are now ahead of him in the pecking order, Gilbert has gone on a 6 month loan, this time to League One Sarfend.
Can only hope it works out for him as there's a quality player of high potential who, right now, seems to be slipping away not getting to where, perhaps, he should be.
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