Aston Villa: Snubbed Again, Darren Bent Reportedly Storms Out of Villa Park

The future is looking bleak for Darren Bent at Aston Villa.

Bent, who became Aston Villa's record signing less than two years ago, was left on the bench again Tuesday night for Villa's home Premier League match against Reading. According to The Telegraph's John Percy, Bent "stormed out" of Villa Park following the snub, only to return briefly before kickoff.

"

Jordan Bowery, a £500,000 signing from Chesterfield, has been named ahead of him again, with Bent being left out for the second successive game.

"

"

It is the latest setback for Bent, who has not started a game since October, and is heading for an almost inevitable exit in the January transfer window.

"

Bent, 28, joined Aston Villa from Sunderland in January 2011 for a reported £24 million, a club record for Villa (via The Guardian). He scored nine times in 16 league appearances in the latter half of the 2010-11 season, then added nine more goals in 22 league appearances last season.

First-year Villa manager, Paul Lambert, named Bent captain in July, while Stiliyan Petrov continued his fight with acute leukemia (via Daily Mail). Bent lost the armband in September, with Lambert saying the demotion would help Bent rediscover his form and perhaps regain a spot on the England national team (via ESPN FC).

Bent, who has four goals in 13 caps for England, made his most recent international appearance Nov. 15, 2011, in a 1-0 England victory over Sweden at Wembley Stadium. He entered as a 69th-minute substitute and did not score.

Bent's most recent Premier League appearance was Oct. 27, at home to Norwich. His last league goal came Sept. 30 at home to West Bromwich Albion.

In nine total league appearances (six starts), Bent has scored twice this season, with no assists.

So, readers, is this the end for Bent at Villa? Vote in the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Follow @MikeCummings37