Written by Damian Wednesday, 06 May 2009 12:17
They call this the business end of the season and right about now our business is now positioned right at the very end of the High Street where the traffic is either walking past to get to the big shops or walking past going home after spending all the cash.
However, while our season is not technically over, we do know exactly where we are going to finish and what we have gotten out of it and it's not actually that bad, in fact, now I've had time to look back, which I'd normally do in the summer, it was a fairly satisfying season, despite the horrible dip in form, if we take where we finish the season.
But, while the season isn't technically over, it is really, so we have rumours to look forward to and we have two new ones today.
First up is Marseille central defender Gael Givet, currently on loan at Blackburn Rovers. Rumour has it the French team want £4mn. for him and if for £4mn. we get a defender close to as good as Martin Laursen, then it's a steal, but is he close to that good? I doubt it.
The next new rumour for today was found on SkySports and it's all about the French born, Turkish international Mevlut Erdinc, who currently plays for FC Sochaux in Ligue 1 in France.
I've got to be honest, I don't know much about him but according to his Wikipedia page, he's scored 27 goals in 55 appearances and yes, he is a striker.
I have no doubt we'll see more rumours tomorrow, but for today, that is your lot. I'm off to watch a film.
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Christian
said:
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... We're linked with West Brom's Olsson too. My baggies' workmate thinks very, very highly of him and said their season collapsed when he got injured. But I'm not a fan of buying relegated team's players (remember Phillips, McCant and Sorensen??). Obafemi Martin's would be an exception to my rule- and Downing... Anyone see on the O/S that Fonz has been likened to Henry by a French magazine?? Let's hope so  |
RayK
said:
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... is DoL scouting for us these days as they both sound like Mathieu Berson type signings to me |
Kiwivillan
said:
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... Anyone see on the O/S that Fonz has been likened to Henry by a French magazine?? Let's hope so What magazine was this? The French version of High Times? |
taglor
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... I am NOT NOT NOT even bothering getting excited about signings this summer until they are on the dotted line, I have wasted good time, energy and patience too many times. Krulak, don't you start adding to the fire ok? |
Christian
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... I've just googled High Times!!! Very good  What the O/S failed to say was that the magazine also compared Harewood to David Villa... |
Michael
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... im not keen on the idea of buying central defenders that arent proven in the premiership, central defence is one of the most important positions on the pitch, and to buy someone who is good in the foreign league is a bit risky, i think we should play it safe and buy lescott or even woodgate, maybe a cheeky bid for gallas? |
RayK
said:
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... I'm with Taglor on this. If the rumours are not true (and I'm really hoping they're not) I just get annoyed by how lazy journos or agents show the club/its supporters no respect by thinking that they can link any old player to Villa. |
GregdaVillain
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... the fonz said he cant wait to see thierry play 2nte.... lost in translation dat 1 id think |
James
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... I remember being fairly impressed with Mevlut (I think that was the name they put on his shirt) at Euro 2008 - he only played a game and a half I think, I was suprised they didn't use him more. But if he doesn't cost too much, he could be well worth a punt. IIRC, he could play on the wing as well so could be a good backup for Young & Milner, while providing a bit of flair to the attack when needed. I agree with mickey86 on Givet - there's better players already established over here. We going to need to spend a bit more on a decent centreback, no point compromising on quality if we want to improve. |
Christian
said:
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... We've GOT to buy proven players who can walk straight into the 1st team. Taking gambles on 'potential stars' might leave us ending up like Middlesbrough did with Tuncay and Alves. |
Paul Egan
said:
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... Laursen and Mellberg weren't proven in the Prem and they have been great for us. |
Paul Egan
said:
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... Apparently we're being linked with a 'keeper called Assman. I hear he's a friend of David Dunn's... |
Christian
said:
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... Not worried about being proven in the 'Prem'. I'm interested in proven at a international level or playing in a decent league- Mellberg and Laursen ticked both boxes. |
Christian
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... Discovery, Hmmm, maybe I was a bit harsh naming him. But I still don't think he'd crack it at the top end of the Prem. |
DAMIEN REYNOLDS
said:
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... Maybe, but a good squad player he would be an emprovement on Harewood and Salifou |
Tom
said:
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... I know it's off topic but going back to Steven Defour...I have a couple of mates who've spent the last few months in Belgium and have seen a few Standard games. They said he's WELL worth the figures being banded about, so touching wood for that one. As for these guys, we need to be looking at bigger and better in all honesty. |
Andy Scarborough
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... With Centre backs it's slightly more of a gamble buying even proven players from abroad. Players that have done it in the Prem may give more comfort to the fans, but will cost more. We may only have a few million plus what comes in from sales to spend this summer (MoN has already hinted at other clubs having greater resources than us). CrucialChristo and Eddielotr have not been seen on here, try this villa chat site for some of the old guys: http://avfccommunity.yuku.com/directory |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... I have heard some strange things in my time, and few stranger than the rumour that Maloney may be coming back this summer! Has anyone else heard this? |
Michael
said:
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... andy - that will be a bigger shock than messi coming here!! lol iv just had a quick look on that avfccommunity site, it offended my eyes, dont think ill be going on that site again. |
Abdul Kashif
said:
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... Off the topic, but, I've just had a bet with a bluenose that they'll be signing Joey Barton this summer. He'd fit right in with those chavs, and Lee Bowyer! Back to us, I think M.O.N needs to sign proven players this summer, who will drive us forward. It's going to be a tough season next year. It probably won't just be us and Everton going for 4th/5th. Wouldn't mind seeing Bentley, if he's available at he right price. Milner can then play in he middle. All this talk of Defour seems to suggest he's a good player and we've been crying out for a playmaker for ages. He's young and would offer something a bit different. Fellaini has proved that players from Belgium can hack it, so it might be worth a pop, if O'Neill stumps up the cash that is! |
Tim
said:
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... Id put Jolean Lescott rather high on my wish list this Summer. He's a Brummie lad and his family follow Villa so would give all for the Claret and Blue cause. I'd also like Diego from Werder Bremen as another attacking midfielder, and we do need another striker but who Geovanni from Hull ??? No second rate shite from relegated sides etc. If we are to make Barry stay he will need to see some great Players join our club and a couple of World Class players im sure would do the Trick. One goalie id have back is that Boaz Myhill after his performance on Monday, he looks very promising even though we let him go a few years ago. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... A couple of great value buys in my eyes would be Chris Brunt from the Albion and Michael Turner from Hull. Brunt reminds me a little of Barry but with more pace. He could play on the wing and he is a very good crosser of the ball, far better than Milner. He'd give us more stability playing alongside Young, at the moment we're very much out of shape with Young and Milner. He'd only be a squad player but I think he'd make a good one. Turner has had a great season with Hull, if it weren't for him I'd wager they'd be relegated already. He's been better than all our centre backs bar Laursen, so I reckon he'd give us much better depth. There were some calling for him to be included in the England team not long ago. Plus if Hull do go down he could be dirt cheap. Two good players who could bolster the squad, shouldn't cost much more than ~£7m or so for the both of them. |
stephen
said:
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... can someboby tell me the name of the song that is played at villa park when the two teams are takin the field thanks. |
DAMIEN REYNOLDS
said:
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... I think we should put a big offer in for Lescott, if he is interested he would'nt be long about tell'n Everton he wants to go. |
RayK
said:
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... Tim - I seem to remember reading a story linking Villa to Diego last year but we were quoted something like €20m+ and bottled it probably. Still speculation this year (this time Juve, Bayern Munich) although no price mentioned. He is EXACTLY the sort of world class quality player who would help us break into the top 4. |
David Tyler
said:
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... I thought Lescott is a bit anti-Villa these days? Or am I just thinking of the number of goals he gets against us? To be fair, I think he's one of those players who would give his all to whoever he plays for. He would be great but I can't see him coming. To be honest, I still do't think Carlos has had enough time in his correct position yet. Of course we need to try and replace Martin but I still feel CC has a lot to give. |
Michael
said:
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... glen johnson, brede hangeland, joleon lescot, tim cahill, michael owen and aaron lennon would be my dream shopping list for the summer. friedel johnson hangeland lescot young lennon milner petrov young carew owen |
RayK
said:
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... I thought that Lescott was anti-Villa too as didn't we use to have his older brother on our books (at the same time as Hendrie) but let him go. And the Diego rumour I mentioned was before we tried to get Bentley. (Diego is a right winger). |
Stock
said:
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... I can't believe people still want us to sign bentley. Over rated, over paid, cant play a full season (U21 finals), simply not a team player (spuds v burnley) the only reason to sign him would be to stop damian moaning about milner, and tbh, i'd rather have damo whinging about a hard working pro than a nancy pretty boy not worth a piss. |
ian
said:
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... tonights encounter at stamford bridge should be a mouth watering contest two sides who desperately want to earn the right to face manchester united in the champions league final.Barcelona failed to make home advantage count in last weeks fist leg tie against chelsea at the camp nou will tonight be just as tense at stamford bridge there will be live updates from myself as the game goes on tonight so join me on the villa blog and dont miss a thing. IAN BANAGHAN REPORTING FROM STAMFORD BRIDGE CHELSEA VS BARCELONA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL 2ND LEG |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Ian, this is a Villa blog? and the title of this post isn't anything to do with Chelsea Barcelona? |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Hope your getting paid for that insight Ian, thanks, don't know how I'd cope without you... |
Dave
said:
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... Ian did you not get the message last week,we on here are not interested and FFS take the caps lock off  |
Chrisodon
said:
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... On to Villa, I Honestly think we'll struggle to get players this summer as i think we'll drag our feet when it matters and other clubs won't want to sell to a potential rival (i.e. Everton and Spuds) Another summer discontent and disappointments. |
Chrisodon
said:
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... Got to be fair to ian he's just excited that chelsea might actually get european trophy like us. Shame really as they'll lose again in the final. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Yeah, it's just completely random why any one would end up on a villa blog and start posting match updates though, and he's not even selling or promoting anything?????????????? |
robbo
said:
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... Stephen, It's a stirring piece of music isn't it.....wish I could help on the name of it. I do remember someone on here saying what it was though and giving a link...to you tube I think... showing an exerpt of a film using the same music. Does anyone else remember that link? |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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...can someboby tell me the name of the song that is played at villa park when the two teams are takin the field thanks. I think the one your talking about is Escape by Craig Armstrong. I can't quote a URL as i'm on the work comp and can only get access through btunnel but go to you tube and search for it! |
Damian
said:
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... Final score Chelsea 1, Barcelona 1 Barcelona go through. Where is ian now? Also, just an opinion, but what about those Chelsea players at the final whistle and that Ballack towards the end .. they have brought shame on the English game tonight. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Oh, what happened at the end?? I'm stuck at work and couldn't see! Wheres Ian when you need him? |
Damian
said:
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... Dan 4 minutes added time .. Barca haven´t had a shot on target the whole game. 92nd minute, first one on target and its a goal!! chelsea players were surrounding the ref at the end, drogba was a disgrace, fat frank and terry were no better as the game was over - they should have just walked away ... still, they have sort of shown their colours, but maybe you also need a bit of that attitude to be a top player .. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Sounds good ill have to try and watch some highlights somewhere later! At least the final is going to be a bit more competitive now and not a Man U walk over, although I still think they will stuff Barcelona... |
Damian
said:
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... Oh ... a few nice additions coming to the site by the end of the month  On the list is a forum .. still not 100% convinced in doing it, but it´s getting done so we can see .. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Can we also have a special section entitled 'Ians Updates' where he keeps us posted on sporting events from around the world as and when they happen? I don't think i'm alone in saying that I really enjoy the passion and diversity in his blog posts. |
David Tyler
said:
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... Damian, I think the forum might give a few guys the chance to start an off-topic subject but can't imagine it will distract from your main posts and the comments below - especially if you take Dan's advice and give "fruit allergy Ian" (where DID he go when it went pear-shaped?) his own thread. Stops them kicking off their own blog Nothing else matches this for me, keep it up |
Notts Villan
said:
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... Swine Flu outbreak reported at Stamford Bridge.. Loads of chelsea fans are pig sick. |
Anthony Laud
said:
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... chelseas behaviour was a bit over the top but you cant really blame them. they were denied 2 100% clear cut penalties and 2 others that could have been given. |
Daniel Scriven
said:
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... I Think if were after a central defender then michael turner would be one. Not saying he's the best but people haven't been looking towards him and I say, he's had a good season. If hull stay up or go down, I would be going for him. And a striker? Well, we need a goal scorer! End Of. (not saying Carew isn't scoring cause he is) |
Nick
said:
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... bad calls aside, chelsea deserved to lose. That is what you get when you go away and put zero effort in to score an away goal. Their away performance last week made a mockery of the competition, even if they were the better team during their home leg, they didnt deserve to go to the final imo. Cant see past united in the final |
Damian
said:
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... I'm not saying he has it right but when Souness said that UEFA will be happy there are not two English teams in the final - it made me think ... I mean, he didn't just say it, he said it meaning to imply something .. could he be right? |
Panos
said:
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... He is probably right, but Barca still deserved to go through imo. I think most people wouldn't want to see a replay of last year's final anyway... |
Anthony Laud
said:
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... panos last years final was actually a really good game. just cause chelsea and man utd had a dull 0-0 in the facup 2/3 years ago doesnt mean there other games have been dull. watch that game again and tell me it was bad!! |
Anthony Laud
said:
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... damian - i think there is def something in it! uefa seem to hate english teams - there have been various comments from Platini and all over the last few years criticising the style of play etc. |
Panos
said:
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... Tonebone, You are right and I agree with you it was a really good game...I'm just saying I'd like to see something different this year. |
Peter Dragoonis
said:
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... Why do people want us to sign glen johnson? luke young is a right back, so just buy a left back and play them both in their natural position. |
DAMIEN REYNOLDS
said:
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... I dont think we nead another left back, Shorey has done realy well since he came back in the side. |
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