Written by Damian Tuesday, 26 January 2010 10:19
The transfer window shuts in six days and it hasn't exactly been a lively one. When you look at the transfers that have happened you tend to see the word 'loan' next to a players name more than a figure. There is an increasing trend to also see the world 'undisclosed' but you are not seeing many of those this month either.
Why do I mention the dreaded transfer window though? Well, I mention it because we actually don't know if anything is going to happen or not. The manager has given us both answers and a new third one, that surprised a few, although it remains debatable as to exactly what it means.
The first answer was that he wasn't looking at bringing anyone in and then it changed to maybe looking at one or two. Then, to top it all off, it was suggested, not confirmed I'd like to add, that the manager might have to sell before he can buy.
Add to that, we've got The Clowns from the circus down the road publishing news on their website that they've as good as signed Craig Gardner, but it doesn't appear to have happened yet and I did love their line; 'the club he has supported since he was a boy' - rubbish clown propaganda.
But, with six days to go, I'd like to see a player come in and I think the reason Martin O'Neill hasn't allowed the deal for Gardner to go through is because he is waiting on filling the position first. You see, I think Martin O'Neill has a whiteboard in his office with names on and I think that he knows exactly how many players he wants on that whiteboard and if Gardner goes, he wants a replacement on the board first.
Player Prediction
So, my prediction for this transfer window is we will only bring in for what we let go.
You see, I've heard on a few occasions from different people that Martin O'Neill really does like Nathan Delfouneso and thinks he has all the attributes to make it in the Premier League, so while a few want a striker, a proven goal scorer, I don't think we are going to see a striker come in and with the speculation that Gardner is about to join The Clowns, my only conclusion is that O'Neill won't let him go until he has a replacement.
I'd like to be wrong. I'd like to think we were on the verge of bringing in that Robbie Keane type player, but I don;t think it is going to happen in January. I think it will happen in the summer though and I think we are going to have a busy summer.
So, the point of this post; well, there is nothing else today. There is Carling Cup ticket news from the club, but I'm not going to copy and paste when all you have to do is click here to get all the information you need and with the only other news that Harewood has hurt his foot and that Nottingham Forest are in discussions with the club over extending the load deal for Nick Shorey - I just wanted to make a prediction.
On that, I'm going to hit refresh on the club website to see if they have a surprise for us. I'd love one, but at the end of the day, if something was going to happen, we would have heard something by now, wouldn't we?
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PAUL WARREN
said:
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... only as i've got used to being disappointed in the jan window, so rather none than another heskey |
VillaNick
said:
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... For the 1st time ever, I'm really not that bothered if we sign anyone or not. We have a number of fringe players that would feel like new signings anyway. If they get a game that is... |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... villanick - agree, rather fonz, delph and marky mark had more game time. Unless mon has that "BIG" name signing up his sleeve, which I doubt. |
Damian
said:
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... like i've said - i only expect a replacement for garnenr now but i'd love it if o'neill didin't find it and he stayed after the clowns jumped the gun with their news story - o'neill doesn't like things like that happening. remember defour? |
Darragh McGeown
said:
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... I'm with VillaNick - I won't be too perplexed if we don't sign anyone. Just a quick question with regards the 'busy summer' you predict Damo. Will the World Cup help or hinder our activities in the market? I'm hoping that all the big clubs will go after the stars of the tournment and we pick up a serious bargin... |
VillaNick
said:
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...villanick - agree, rather fonz, delph and marky mark had more game time. Unless mon has that "BIG" name signing up his sleeve, which I doubt. Yeah, would be amazing but unlikley. I want to see more of those 3 with more of Davies & NRC as well. |
the dirty economist
said:
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... why would we be signing a gardner replacement for a few £m it would be a bit pointless as hes hardly played |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... I'd love to see Craigs name on the white board filled with his brother Gary's, sounds like an absolute star in the making, but I can't say I've ever seen him play. Scoring tons for the reserves and apparently a much better prospect than his big bro. Can't see anything happening this window unless someone offers us silly money for Heskey/Reo or Sidwell first and to be honest they are not worth Silly money so we'll probably just stick with what we have. I do think however that we could comfortably let Shorey/Salifou/Osbourne/Sidwell/Harewood go freeing up lots of wages and allowing us to invest in 1 good signing. |
nath888
said:
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... Well we should have the cash for gardner soon so thats money in the pot but harewoods injury has put a spanner in the works regarding selling him. So think it will be a case of putting together the 3 mill and whatever randy's preperd to front for a new player. That is if we get one. I'd probably say wait til the summer when theres far more options. |
Zidave
said:
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... Well we aren't going to be signing any blockbuster 11m striker. And in terms of fringer players what more can we ask for with L. Young, Carew, Delph, Davies, Albrighton, Delfouneso, Clark, Guzan waiting for a spot... seems like all bright prospects or solid subs to me? Unless we are replacing a first team player, I'm not really that bothered. We already have a host of talent on our bench. That said a few injuries with them. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Blackburn are after Gudjohnson on loan. I think he'd be a very useful player to have at the club for the rest of the season. |
peter haworth
said:
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... Looks like Warnock will miss the game tomorrow and we do not have a left back replacement in the squad!!!!!!!!! Suppose Luke Young will LB which means we will be stuck with Carlos playing out of position AGAIN at RB. A weakness the Gunners will exploit to the full. |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... god another boring jan transfer window be glad when its all over we had the chance to off load some dead wood and didnt take it, i cant blame randy saying sell before we buy who would want to pay players great money for doing nothing, i can understand fring players and back up players but some dont even play for the reserve side when not playing the first team so whats the point in them taking the dollar, still not long now till its all over and i expect one in just to keep us happy |
Andy Rock
said:
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... Damian, why do you expect a replacement for Gardner, a player who never plays? We already have Petrov, Milner, Delph, Reo Coker and Sidwell contesting two central midfield places. I think we need O'Neill to fully utilise his squad and get Albrighton, Reo Coker and Delph really pushing for places and Sidwell back to the player that ripped us apart for Reading a few seasons ago and who Mourinhio signed for Chelsea. |
VillaNick
said:
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...ak_27 said: I think he would be a great addition, but you know what MON is like. It's not just about ability, the personality that fits-in seems to be as big a part of O'Neill's transfer policy as the player himself. I'm sure thats why Harewood is out of favour because a few players were not too keen on him apparantly. Upsetting the karma and all that jazz..... |
Damian
said:
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... Andy Rock i think it is about numbers. i think o'neill wants to have a set number of players available to him - it is only a hunch |
doubledown9
said:
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... Rock Steady The only bargains to be had in a World Cup / Euro tournament year are bought prior to the tournament. Arsenal getting Rosicky (sp?) for 6mil spring rapidly to mind. |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... andy i dont think damo ment a replacement for gardner more on the lines of one in one out |
Damian
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... KIDDERVILLA you are right - i'm not saying another player to do the exact same thing as gardner - it is about numbers - or that is my hunch anyway |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... proberbly a left back would make sence i still think he thinks storey not up to it, i never seen mart turn round on any interview and say anything about storey, so paper talk i reckon |
sazavfc
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... for flip sake people, heskey has been brilliant the last 10 games so lay off the guy. and btw damian craig gardner is actually a blue nose unfortunatly  |
tubbydunne
said:
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... The economic downturn has affected football as well. It's heartening to see reality bite the game. The industry is conducted in a bubble seemingly oblivious to whats going on in the world around it. I hope the downturn hits football hard and brings people involved in it back to reality. The wages being payed to players are grotesque and wrong, when an average footballer who is only a squad player can make more in a couple of months than the president of the USA does in a year something is radically wrong. Hopefully the downturn will bring people to their senses. The only team in the Prem that can spend crazy money at the moment are Man City but they are not driving the market crazy because nobody else has money to spend so their is no activity save for a few loan signings. Our squad is ticking along nicely, there is alterations that could be made, like cutting the deadwood loose and making the way for two quality signings. This sounds reasonable but I can't see many clubs stumping up cash for the likes of Osbourne, Shorey, Reo Coker, Sidwell, Harewood. Championship teams would snap them up on loan but as for anyone actually paying money, I don't think there is much money around, so that rules out quality signings. So things to stay as they are on the player front for this window and probably the next. |
GPalmer
said:
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... If we do sign anyone, it'll be on the last day as usual. If he rates Delfouneso that highly I suppose a new striker's even less likely, but I wish he'd give the kid a run in the side so we can see what he's seeing. Our strikers aren't scoring enough so why not give him a go? |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... saz couldnt agree more he has come good for us and can do a job for us but we dont need two of the same playing playing the same roll, wouldnt you like a forward that goes out scores a couple of goals puts the game out of reach then thats the time to bring on heskey or carew makes sence all round just to kill the game off |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... Only transfer i can see happening in this window is either a left back as cover or getting shorey back until the summer. You never know, MON might be sealing a loan deal for Huntelaar and a herd of flying pigs. On a serious note, I wouldn't be averse to a swap deal with big john and ryan babel. He's talentent, quick, and full of potential. MON could be the man to unlock what the FSW has eroded. I'd also like to take a punt on Boyd, not sure if he'd cut it but having a poacher like that training with gabby and the fonz might help their development. I'd really like to see Downing play alongside gabby. Think he could be dangerous and become the link up player we all seem to want. When we signed him MON said he could play that role, so maybe he'll let him try. |
John Samuels
said:
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...I'm sure thats why Harewood is out of favour because a few players were not too keen on him apparantly. Upsetting the karma and all that jazz..... I'd say that Harewood is a perfect example of the sort of player mon buys. A bit of talent, but hasn't produced recently. A big heart. A hard worker. What you see is what you get. Never has a bad word to say about anything. I believe he isn't playing because he just isn't good enough. Gabby, Heskey, Carew and Fonz are all better than him. Signed as emergency cover on a modest fee he was one who might have recreated that season he had with West Ham, but I think we can all now see that was a fluke. That said, I like to see a player appreciate his shirt and Marlon is a top professional with a great attitude. A pity it didn't work for him at Villa and i'm a bit gutted for him with this injury. It would have been nice to see him get a new club and some first team football. I think he deserves it for his hard work and patience.  |
tubbydunne
said:
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... I can't understand why people are in such a rush to get the Fonz in the team. He is only 18 and he is being brought into Premiership football in a very protected and sensible way by his manager. Villa have the luxury of having his talent available and being able to nurture it. At the moment we have Heskey, Gabby and Carew available so we don't have to throw the Fonz in a the deep end and but the burden of expecting goals week in week out on his shoulders. It's a great position to be in |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... tubby its like the lunutics running the asylum look at yesterday the team owing the most money turning round and saying we will offer you 150 k a week just to keep him, with all there troubles and they go and make it worse untill the f/a turns round and says enough is enough but can you really see that happening not me coz at of it comes them lining there own pokets (sad really ) |
John Samuels
said:
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... Gudjohnsen would be a backward step in my opinion. I think we'll see no activity this window, several fringe departures in the summer and probably some outrageous transfer saga for Ash or Milner or something stupid like that. One or two players in during the summer and much more game time for Marc, Fonz and Fabien. In respect to Gardner, his replacement is already at the club. The game time that Delph has had has almost certainly resulted in the sidelining of Gardner and his subsequent transfer. Osbourne, Harewood Carew and Salifou to follow in the summer. One Striker in and possibly another creative midfielder. I'm thinking possibly another winger or an off the shoulder type attacking player. I say this because I think with Milner in the middle we could do with someone who can deputise on the wing as well as play at the top of a midfield or behind a striker. We have three wingers with the absence of Milner. I'd take Kenwyne Jones and Joe Cole please Martin.  |
tubbydunne
said:
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... KIDDERVILLA I just can't understand it, what you said is just one example of many of how crazy it has all got. Something has to give, but one thing is for sure and I suppose it is only human nature, but certain people will keep lining their pockets until the industry is bleed dry and then walk off into the sunset. |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... the thing is why has it took 3 years to find out that harwood is not good enough when it took the bar codes 3 months to find out i know players take time to settle like heskey and the pet but 3 years now and getting worse,juan would you moan when picking up 35k a week i would walk round whistling dixie all week saying nothing just in case some one notices me  |
SuperVillan
said:
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... In my opinion, the midfield is where we need a little more strength. If you look at good teams of recent times, for example Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea etc. They all had/have a midfielder in the mould of Viera/Keane/Makalele. This gives the midfield the strength to play with only 4, and allowing 2 up front. Its a shame but at the moment in my opinion we don't really have a midfielder thats strong enough to do this (although some potentially), so we have to play 5 in midfield, which limits us to 1 up front. In my opinion, we are crying out for a big, strong central midfielder built like a brick sh*t house, especially with our attacking talents in midfield. As much as I love Petrov, he does sometimes need a partner in his holding role, and I do feel sometimes that he could offer more as an attacking option (which was his position when we purchased him) whith his skill, passing and shooting ability. Although these big, strong players are hard to find! |
tubbydunne
said:
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... SuperVillan I think you are spot on and I have been saying for a while that a player in the mould you have described is our most pressing need |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... tubby i think nothing will be done untill one of the big boys go under, then it will be who would of thought it the likes of poor pompy can go under and start again in the lower leagues and it be they brought it on them selfs poor sods won the fa cup and its brought them nothing but trouble |
carl
said:
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... i'd take Tom Huddlestone... just booked my tickets for the Fulham and Spurs away games (being a London based villa fan these were musts) what are peoples plans before these games pub wise!? |
SuperVillan
said:
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... Thanks tubbydunne. I believe that sort of player could be what really pushes the team on. Especially in must win matches when we need a little something extra. |
GPalmer
said:
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...At the moment we have Heskey, Gabby and Carew available so we don't have to throw the Fonz in a the deep end and but the burden of expecting goals week in week out on his shoulders. None of them are scoring! (Not in the League anyway.) If Fonz is good enough he's old enough - look at Rooney, Owen or old Gary Shaw. Sometimes being young, keen & arrogant works in your favour. I wouldn't expect goals every week off a new guy like him, but it would be nice if the other three could manage it! Failing to score at home against Liverpool & West Ham is reason enough to give him a chance. If your knife is blunt and you've got a nice new sharp one in the drawer, why not use it? |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... SuperVillan & tubbydunne I'm not convinced. Both petrov and delph can break up play and put their foot in, as could barry. We are solid defensively, even our wingers and forwards get back back and defend as a team. What we were missing was creative and attacking passer, fabragras like. I say were missing becuse Milner seems to be doing the business on that front now. I would say the biggest need is a support striker to link up play and a poacher to get us 20 + goals a season. |
Christian
said:
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... CarlpalmerAVFC, I've got my tickets for Fulham away too- going via Villa Travel Coach I'm not sure what time we'll get to Putney, but I'm definitely heading to the Half Moon pub for a quick one. It's not too far from the ground and it's got a whole load of history attached to it. |
tubbydunne
said:
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... Kidder I would like to blame Melted Welly Head for all Pompey's woes, probably unfair, but I would like to blame him anyway. I hate the bast**d and when he neglects his job at Spurs to concentrate on his tax evasion charges, I hope they drop down the Prem table like a stone. Then I hope Spurs replace Harry with his son and he leads them triumphantly to the Championship. lol |
carl
said:
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... i'll be heading down to Putters about midday, get a good few hour session in, takin the new Mrs to her first ever game, so hope its gonna be a great atmosphere, she knows the villa come above her in my priorities, so ive told her its, bacon sarnies to start, can on the train, all day build up, and ive just sent her the link to footychants villa page, so she can read the words and learn the tunes! i expect fulle ffort if she's in the away end! |
Christian
said:
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... I'll look out for the fella next to the woman with a bacon sandwich and a sheet of lyrics... |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... i would take a couple of spuds players but know in my mind they will not sell to us . i think the only one we might get is bentley just to get rid of him, but i would take him becuse mon would sort is head out and at the end of the day he can still be the player he was at blackburn , and like him or not the lad has got pure class which i think would go down well at the villa with mart looking after him and after all he went through the ranks with the under 21s with downing and even milner |
John Samuels
said:
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... Merryman, I've mentioned him before, but I don't know whether he has the technical ability to link up in the manner we need. He'd work better as a straight swap for Carew and play him right up the middle as a target who can shoot from range and run the channels. A bit like a bigger, stronger, slower Gabby. I however would prefer Kenwyne for that role. In my opinion, we are crying out for a big, strong central midfielder built like a brick sh*t house, especially with our attacking talents in midfield. i was having this conversation the other with a friend. We need a world class influential midfield player to complement the attacking play of Milner. Either Milner IS this player or we need to find one. It might be too much to ask for Delph to develop that quickly. I think he'll take a couple of years. I can see why MoN keeps looking at Bentley, Schneijder, Joe Cole, Veloso etc. He wants a player that can play in the midfield and provide a bit of a spark. Having someone more creative would allow Milner to sit deeper and take over Petrov's role long term as well as getting forward. I think our team with the exception of signings will eventually look like this: -----------Guzan------------ Cuellar-Davies-Dunne-Warnock Downing--Milner-Delph--Young ---Agbonlahor-Delfouneso---- I think we'll have a new RB eventually and that Davies will get back in the side. Milner will sit deeper and pull the strings while Delph will have licence to get forward more. Milner has enough legs and drive to get up and down the pitch much better than Petrov and has everything in his locker to play there. He can tackle, he can pass, he can cover, he can shoot. Delph looks to be the more attacking of the two and both are two footed! Awesome. I think it's fair to say that given his age that Petrov is going to have to start toning it down soon because his position is quite physically demanding. Other players that have only got a season or two left are Beye, Heskey, Friedel & L. Young. Luke has had his fair share of injuries and was never the quickest. If we had someone capable of overlapping the same way Warnock does on the left we'd be twice as dangerous at countering. Sagna anyone?? |
Christian
said:
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... Zulus bar any good Carl? Just reading and, apparently, many of the bars near the ground are strictly home support only. |
David E
said:
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... It's pretty much been said, but for the first time in years, Villa has a squad with real strength in depth, and plenty of young talent with real potential also looking to make the step up. We don't need quantity any more, but real quality, players that can instantly merit a place in the first eleven and add an incisive edge up front and real flair and guile to an industrious midfield. I hope that MON's next step is to spend any future transfer budget on one or two top quality additions each year (an Arshavin rather than a Heskey!),whilst slowly easing out the Salifous and the Harewoods. I don't think there's any real point in bringing in more players who aren't any better than what we already have,and MON might well look to giving the likes of The Fonz, Albrighton and Delph more playing time to see if they really can make the grade. Actually attracting the likes of a van de Vaart or a Joe Cole (never mind a Torres or a Drogba) is another story, of course, especially at this time of year, which makes me join the ranks of those who think that any substantial activity in the market before the summer at the earliest is very unlikely. |
tubbydunne
said:
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... MerryMan I know that Petrov can do a job as a holding midfielder, so can Coker. Not sure about Delph haven't seen enough of him(but have it in my head that he is a more attack minded player and seems to be tiny). Anyway they can do a job but what we want is someone that can dominate this area. An athlete with a physical presence that is going to own the area in front of the back four and be able to pick out a pass. This type of player is lacking from our squad. I think we are top heavy with attacking players, look at our regular first eleven, we have A. Young, Downing, Milner, Gabby and Heskey and waiting in the wings you have Albrighton, Delph, Fonz and Carew. I think if we had a beast of a holding player our attacking players would be able to concentrate more on attack. |
carl
said:
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... im talking to a guy who has been to the last 3 away games at fulham and he said that the pub nearest to putney bridge station is strictly away only! but its always RAMMED! so hard to get drinks... |
Christian
said:
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... Apparently, going into Hammersmith is a good idea. The Puzzle Pub (about 10 mins from ground) is a nice, big pub for away fans. But that's going by what someone posted on 606 about 3 years ago! |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
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... juan that sounds good to me i still think the only one we could get is bentley who has got it but needs someone to bring it out in him and mart is that man , tubby could not agree with you more and the dodgy chairman and the dodgy one they have got there now, all a bunch of low down crooks, thank god for mart and randy they might be a bit slow sometimes but what you see is what you get |
THOMAS PRYCE
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... just a thought forgot to add kicking k the genral i sulute him as well 3 gems all going about the task in the right way and put the villa back were they belong and sooner the better, it takes time to build a side and we are going in the right direction bring in the young lads which is happening , never forget it took man u four years to get the best out of that young side but i think villa are half way there, |
Gavin Merriman
said:
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... Tubbydunne Yeah, i do see where your coming from. I'm not sure they have to be big though, some of the best defensive mids haven't been giants (makelele, dunga, keane). NRC looks really solid when defending, my only reservation is his pass completion and ball retention. An area that Petrov really excels in, he is outstanding at retaining possession for the team. I agree a Viera type player that can defend and pass would really improve us. However I'd still place a creative forward or real goal scorer above them as a priority. |
Eamon McElwee
said:
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... cant see us making any moves this window and i honestly dont mind if we dont...its hard to get the players you want in the winter window and no point bringing in stopgaps(unless on loan deals) who arent considered part of the bigger picture...in the summer we need a clearout of the deadwood and players not getting regular footy...osbourne, shorey, gardner, sidwell, salifou, reo, harewood - that little lot could earn us 15-20m+ and would be significant(when added to whatever surplus randy makes available) funds to get in some quality in the summer...its been a case the last few years of quantity over quality due to squad size but we've improved here with younger players coming through and to be fair o'neill has added quality also just on a tighter budget...think warnock(apart from ash cole is there a better LB in england) or Dunne (wouldnt swap him for Terry, Ferdinand) but thats oneill in a nutshell - he'll never spend 15m on a single player - he'll get 3 for that money and theyll improve and play their hearts out for him |
Eamon McElwee
said:
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... i would have included heskey above but hes been excellent recently so it would be a bit harsh...carew looks more likely to leave although i love Big John and would be sad to see him go - but we do need a striker (at least one) so its either heskey/carew if not both gone in the summer also |
Eamon McElwee
said:
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... ohh what is up with me 2day...i cant seem to think staright...bouma must go also in the summer...i know, i know - hes been unlucky with injury but a permanently injured player is no good to the cause (harsh but true) and his wages could be used elsewhere |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
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... I'm sorry if Everton and Spurs are both in for Huntelaar, why wouldn't we be? He would be perfect in our team and for me he would be the missing link. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Zulus bar any good Carl Thats a bad name for a pub hosting our support before a game |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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...James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini said: I'm sorry if Everton and Spurs are both in for Huntelaar, why wouldn't we be?Because not only is James Collins the Ginger Paolo Maldini, but Nathan Delfouneso is the New, Black, Brummy, Huntelaar. Who need the old one ? |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... JPA surely MON has learned the importance of playing an out and out RB in that position. Sorry but if we do go to that back 4 we will start conceeding more and creating less. Cullar is not a RB and Davies is the currently the weakest (by a good bit) of our CB options. Trouble is MON will probably go that route just to keep certain players happy and we will suffer as a result. Luke Young is a far better RB tne Cular will ever be. So is Beye for that matter. And Cullar is currently a far far better CB then Davies is. |
beh
said:
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... If petrov is outof the Arsenal game, how de we play it ? I think Arsenal are the only team we`re our 4-4-2 looks shaky. With Petrov out, ball retention drops off further - big problem against a flying Arsenal. I`m pleased mon goes 4-4-2, it says he trusts the defence and we`re after goals, it`s ballsy, it`s paying off and should only get better. BUT... 4-4-2 against Arsenal, without Petrov, with them playing near there max ? I can only see us dropping deeper and deeper and missing our mr tidy, we won`t be able to get hold of the ball for long enough. The thought of Sidwell or NRC in a straight swap for Petrov does n`t fill me with confidence and Delph might be out of his depth ( too soon for a game like this, unless 4-5-1 ). I think we`re heading for shades of 12 months ago - with this game. If we get in the Champs league, at least this type of game will be a good education. |
John Samuels
said:
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...Luke Young is a far better RB tne Cular will ever be. So is Beye for that matter. And Cullar is currently a far far better CB then Davies is. ak, i'm not talking about playing that team now. I'm talking more about the midfield and in a season or so's time. Luke Young is thirty and not the best at overlapping. I agree that Cuellar is a better CB than a RB but I don't agree that Davies is the worst CB we have. I think he might prove to be one of the best we ever had in time. So we differ on that subject. Sorry but if we do go to that back 4 we will start conceeding more and creating less.we scored six with Cuellar at right back. Are you saying that Cuellar is a valuable attacking option at CB? I misunderstand. When Davies and Cuellar were playing together they both looked a bit suspect for whatever reason. Alongside Laursen Davies looked much better and had Cuellar been injured and Davies playing for the last four months I have no doubt your argument would be back to front. Sure Davies injury coincided with a good upturn in defensive form. Funnily enough it coincided with the signing of Richard Dunne who has replaced Laursen and looks like he could make any other defender look good next to him. beh, if you see my post above I think Delph is our attacking midfielder and Milner will eventually drop deeper and Marshall the midfield. He can pass, tackle, dribble and is excellent at tracking back. He will be our Roy Keane and Delph will be our Paul Scholes, Ash will be Giggs and Downing will be Beckham. Now we just need our Cantona. |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... Slight aside, but i found the following article interesting. It's the Peterborough chairman basically ripping into everybody at the club, especially Darren Ferguson. I'm glad we don't have their problems. http://www.theposh.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10427~1943993,00.html |
robb david
said:
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... For the Arsenal game the fact that many of us have to face is that if we play a 442 and try and play good football against them we will lose. They are the best footballing side in england and if you try and out pass them their is only one result, 3 points arsenal. We need to do what we did last year, let the play infront of a deep back four, frustrate them and get after them with a five man midfield. Then hit long balls, or hit them on the break in an attempt to score. This is the only way we can win, it wont be pretty but i would fancy three points if we do that. If we try and play round them, it will look good, but will ultimatly end in a loss and 3 points to the arse |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... How many have we conceeded since Cullar went to RB? I don't remember him being involved in any of the goals we scored on that night. If you can't see the effect playing Cullar at RB (now or in the future) will have on the team then i just give up trying to educate you. Sure Davies injury coincided with a good upturn in defensive form. Funnily enough it coincided with the signing of Richard Dunne who has replaced Laursen and looks like he could make any other defender look good next to him Yes but Cullar playing there with him is a huge part of why we are now so solid. Regarding Davies i just don't see it in him. I don't believe in coincidence's and like i have said the moment went off injured we looked stronger at the back. Fully fit or inj he is currently an average defender and no more. Maybe he will develop into a top defender. You belive that but i just don't. I think in Ciaran Clarke we have a defender who has far more potential then Davies. He has impressed me more in the short time he has had on the pitch. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... Sorry meant to add that i do like the prospect of a CM of Delph and Milner. And we do lack that tallisman up front who can do that bit ofmagic on his own to win games. That will be the tough one to find as chances are MON will have to go shopping outside of the British isle’s to find him. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Badger ive seen him interviewed before. He is a w****r who would really prefer to be the manager rather then the chairman. A self made millionaire who thinks he is a god. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
 |
... Saw this, Nigel Kennedy would be proud. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/mu...song.html? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Badger ive seen him interviewed before. He is a w****r who would really prefer to be the manager rather then the chairman. A self made millionaire who thinks he is a god. I thought the same, tbh. But I thought the article was interesting in that it gives a bit of insight as to what goes on. Here's another example. It's melted welly face talking about Keane and other players; "He's got a great attitude," Redknapp said. "Yesterday he came in and he was fantastic, he's good around the place. He doesn't sulk when he's not playing. I'd love to know who he's referring to. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Badger, Oh look, we have a manager who has achieved two straight promotions with modest investment and has a nothing club like Peterborough in the Championship. I know, lets give him six games and then sack him! Idiots. I hope he gets Preston promoted...Wellbeck on loan is genius. ak, I t's like old times. We'll have to wait and see about Davies. As for my statement about Cuellar you miss the point a little, I was merely saying that it didn't really impact our attacking options in a negative way, but maybe not in a particularly positive way either. He was driving forward second half though, probably why we conceded two late on. As for educationg me, don't bother I know everything  I think Milner and Delph is the future of our midfield. Between tehm they have everything. Just hope Delph is capable of doing it consistently from a young age as I don't think Petrov is gonna last much longer. He looks like one we might have to wrap in cotton wool, what with this ongoing achilles problem and his age.  |
John Samuels
said:
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...As for educationg me, don't bother I know everything Apart from how to spell educating. |
John Samuels
said:
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...I'd love to know who he's referring to. Someone British given it's a mate of Redknapp, at a struggling club maybe with a few foreigners hence the prima donna stuff. I fancy Phil Brown, Steve Bruce or Sam Allardyce. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...Apart from how to spell educating I had it spelled wrong as well in my post until i did a spell check. Regarding Cullar to RB i just think we are weakening 2 area's at the same time doing this. He is as good a CB there is in the PL this year. Thats why the likes of Real and other top clubs are watching him. You move him from there and to a position where he will do a job defensively (no more then Young would in that position) but where his poor ability on the ball really hinders the balance and drive of the team. So we are weaker in the centre of defense and weaker at RB also so what exactly is the point of such a move? The sad thing is i fear the next RB we will see will be your mate Davies. Just hope Delph is capable of doing it consistently from a young age as I don't think Petrov is gonna last much longer The way he took that goal on Sat was top notch. It was a touch of class really. Hopefully he can start making an impact from here on in. I think he is similar to Diarra. Same size and hopefully the same ability on the ball. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...I know, lets give him six games and then sack him! I don't think they sacked him for that. My impression was that he was being very underhanded. That article says he'd tried to engineer his way out a few times. And that he'd been tapping up some of the Peterborough players without permission. But I could be reading it wrong. I fancy Phil Brown, Steve Bruce or Sam Allardyce. That was my immediate thought, that it would be someone British and MON crossed my mind. I don't see him being in that position though. He'd soon straighten them out, I'd have thought. Having thought who MWF might be talking to, I'd go with Bruce. Anyway, carry on your debate with ak. It's all interesting stuff |
George Templeton
said:
 |
... On another post some folks said that Warnock won't be available. Well if that's the case as much as I hate it if MON has to play Luke Young at LB then he has to. But for the love of all thing sholy, DO NOT play Cuellar at RB. I'd rather see Sunday Monday Habib Beye at RB and Cuellar at CB with Dunne. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... ak, Delph's goal was fantastic. Composed, confident and a sign of what is to come from the youngster. I think he is going to be a huge player for us. He is tenacious and deceptively strong so you'd think he could really do a job sooner rather than later despite being a short arse.. I really thikn Milner would relish being the main man in CM and sitting a little deeper than he has been. He gets up and down well and those two could share the burden quite easily if they can build up an understanding. It'll be interesting to see were Davies fits long term, but I can only really see him as a CB, the competition back there should see a very strong pairing whoever is picked. Funnily enough imo the only CB we have who I feel could go out and do a good job at FB is Collins. I don't know what you think, but he is better on the ball than either of them and his distribution and positioning is very good indeed. I suggested it the other day to a friend. Not sure he'll ever play there while Cuellar has so many games experience in that position tho. |
carl
said:
|
... i didnt manage to catch the game on saturday as i was playing for my team. does any1 have a link for highlights? |
John Samuels
said:
|
... carlpalmeravfc, Check yesterdays post mate, there were a couple of brief highlight links to see the goals. |
Chris Harper
said:
 |
...He said: “Fabian will be a player. There is old adage that if you are good enough you are old enough. I can see him making really decent progress and if we play three in the middle of the field then he has as much chance as anyone else. Interesting from Mr O'Neill. If he has as much chance as anyone, please bring him on instead of Sidwell in the not too distant future. Thank you sir Martin |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Badger, A really good signing for them considering what the lad puts in to a game. Versatile and committed. I hope he plays his way in to being a regulr. He could do very well there. UNfortunately I think we have moved past the period where he's make our team. The purchase of the promising fabien Delph and the succesful integration of Milner put paid to any chance he had really. Good luck to him and I'll keep an eye out for the kid. It's a good move in terms of location and first team opportunity as he can play in a few positions thanks to MoN. Just wish it wasn't the clowns. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... These arrogant frog-like gooners, what would you do with them eh? http://www.arsenalnewsreview.c...enal+News +Review) |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...A really good signing for them considering what the lad puts in to a game. Versatile and committed. I hope he plays his way in to being a regulr. He could do very well there. UNfortunately I think we have moved past the period where he's make our team. The purchase of the promising fabien Delph and the succesful integration of Milner put paid to any chance he had really. That's the worry for me. Mind you while Agent Ridge has been doing well, he hasn't done anything special has he? The angry smilie was meant to be a sad one, in that I never like to see our players go to the scum. It's a shame he couldn't make it and I wish him all the best. I quite fancy the idea of another OG at VP though |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... He must be desperate for first team football to go to them. Going from top of the range facilities like bodymoor and a lovely stadium, to a scummy club like that? Its like Vinnie Jones swapping his $800 cashmere socks with my Matalan ones! |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...Funnily enough imo the only CB we have who I feel could go out and do a good job at FB is Collins. I don't know what you think, but he is better on the ball than either of them and his distribution and positioning is very good indeed. I suggested it the other day to a friend. Not sure he'll ever play there while Cuellar has so many games experience in that position tho Was thinking the same earlier today. But i think his lack of pace probably would stop him playing there. Either way its Young or Beye for me in that position. I can understand the very odd occasion like Blackburn away where the extra height in the defence would be an advantage but outside of that we need to be playing proper full backs in their correct positions. Even playing Young at left back tomorrow night is going to have negative effect on the balance of the side going forward. |
john doyle
said:
 |
... if he aint gona get a goalscorer then he must play the fonz never mind being only 18 he is class you could see that on sat good first touch not like gabby or big john if he playey every game he will score 5 in 7 is better than all the rest put together he must also play 2 proper full backs and carlos and gunne in the middel i like the comment to play collins at full back at least he can pass the ball but only if the rest are injured young is the best english right back in the prem thats why englang want him to change his mind and play for them he is diffrent grade to the clown who liverpool have he cannot defend delph looks good needs playing but please not sidwell he is just not good enough get rid with the rest of the dead wood if warnock is out bring back shory for cover at least he has been playing in a winning side they dont want to pay for him bring him back |
avfcbob
said:
 |
... The hotels booked , the tickets will be booked tomorrow (27/01/10) wembley, wembley, were the famous Aston Villa and were going to wembley UTV |
Cian Donaghy
said:
 |
... lads anyone know is the match is on tv at all tomorrow. so will it be streamed??? |
villa@wembley
said:
 |
... We should have gone all out to sign Darren Bent this transfer window but won't sign anyone now still need a good back up midfield Delph was crap first half against Brighton but great second and as for Sidwell he has no role in our team to deep when we are attacking and to high up when we are defending just never seems bothered to me p.s I always use a website called Iraqgoals to watch football show most league games have to put up with foregin pundits but can be quite funny is free to watch |
Martin4PM
said:
 |
... I think we have missed out on Miccoli. Looks like he is going to Rangers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabrizio_Miccoli |
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