The fable of Fabian

Can the career of a multi-million pound player ever be said to be sad?

Sure, there are moments in all our lives, whatever our backgrounds and circumstances that elicit well deserved sympathy.

Some even painful regret.

Spare a thought then for Fabian Delph.

A few games in the lower leagues with Leeds before joining Villa at 19 and going on to make 136, at times, barnstorming appearances.

If our temporary demise post 2015 was chastening then what of Delph’s own fall?

The player himself has always promised to spill the beans on his highly controversial about turn and departure for Abu Dhabi FC.

Waiting for his retirement seems like the perfect time to reveal who the chief instigator was.

The cast will make interesting reading and the snake may be reborn as a quite different animal. But, regardless, where Villa tumbled into the Championship, Delph tumbled in his career.

Of course a pretty pay packet and watching your team mates win trophies, as well as picking up the occasional squad medal, might be enough for some.

But 57 League games for his new club in four seasons, less than a quarter of their games played over the period, and often as a temporary, utility solution, can hardly said to match the prospects of the daring, raw teenager that eventually blossomed at Villa.

But if that was a disappointment, then his next move, to one of the weakest teams, and squads in the Premier League, was a nadir. Featuring just 35 times before being released after 3 pointless seasons sums up how much a once praised footballer can throw it all away with one silly decision.

This is said without bitterness or blame, after all for every Stewart Downing there is a James Milner, but the next time a talented player has his head turned, the Villa should tell them the tale of Fabian Delph. It may just save their career.