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Aston Villa leading the chase for Miguel, a new right back

You've got to wonder where the papers get these rumours, but the one today is that we are after a new right back and that we are leading the chase. His name is Miguel and this isn't the first time we've 'led the chase'.

For those that don't know, Miguel is 29 years old, is a right back, so plays where Luke Young plays, where Habib Beye plays and where Carlos Cueller and James Milner have has done a very decent job as cover this season, so naturally, we are desperate for him to come.

We actually might be. Is Luke Young Happy? I suspect Habib Beye isn't and Carlos Cueller isn't a natural right back so there is every chance that a right back would be needed, but this was found in The Sun, and it really isn't even the second time his name has come up.

Martin O'Neill has someone in Portugal. Okay, I'm not sure of that, but we have been linked to players in Portugal almost since the day O'Neill arrived and we were extremely interested in Bosingwa some time before he went to Chelsea, but we hesitated on price, which was a lot cheaper than the amount Chelsea finally paid.

So, there could be something in this, but take it with a pinch of salt for now, because for the first time since O'Neill has been manager, right back is a position that is well and truly covered.

Right, first post of the day and I think today is going to be a busy day, so probably something later.

Comments (87)add comment

Andi said:

Chiefy
...
early post damian !!! We have been linked with this dude loads of times i suspect it is papers churning over their old stories as nothing concrete or even a sniff has come out of Villa regarding what or who they are going to sign in January. I can see why we would sign this bloke but i dont think for one minute we are leading the chase as i suspect there is not much of a chase at the minute smilies/wink.gif
Comment 1, made on November 27, 2009 at 6.58 am

Milk said:

0
...
Nothing in this rumour. Just sloppy journalism where the papers are digging through old transfer history and bringing up a story that was never going to happen.
Comment 2, made on November 27, 2009 at 6.59 am

VillaNick said:

0
...
Re-gurgited rubbish.

Maybe the Journo should look at the squad before making up transfer rumours.

Comment 3, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.04 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Again with the Miguel.

I am well pleased with our options at rb, central midield please MON
Comment 4, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.32 am

Andi said:

Chiefy
...
I have heard that Guzman, Chelsea had been linked, is a pretty good bet to be coming to Villa, dont no much about him but i have heard he is very good plays in midfield
Comment 5, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.39 am

cockneyvillan said:

0
...
Early one today.. did someone s**t the bed!!smilies/wink.gif, Right back isn't a priority position so wouldn't read to much into that.. as said before we are now at a stage were we want to be adding the "icing on the cake" signings...that's why im amazed damian thinks mon should only be given this season . That's like asking a builder to dig out the foundations, do the brick work and then sack him because your not happy with the job... when he hasn't had a chance to finish the job.
We have to give him at least one more year because he has built solid foundations, there's nothing wrong with the brick work and we have to let him complete the job.
Comment 6, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.43 am

Vijay Daryanani said:

vijay
...
We need 2 really top players to finish off our team and squad, a creative midfielder and a striker, i think they will be signed in the summer, dont expect much to happen in jan, we will finish 7th i think this season, disappointing on the whole but thats reality
Comment 7, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.44 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
de Guzman looks pretty good, scores goals for Feyenord but has had some injury problems.

I look forward to having Guzan, Guzman, L Young, Ash Young, James Collins, other James Collins, Delph and Delph in the same team, sign David Villa as well and that should really confuse the commentators

PS Frosty, when I compared Defoe to Torres, Van Persie and Drogba it was to say that he was probably the next best striker in prem after these players, not that he was as good as them - there is something of a gap
Comment 8, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.50 am

Damian said:

Damian
...
cockneyvillan
fell asleep on the couch last night watching tv and tried to sneak into bed at 6 this morning but the wife said no, i was up so i was up ..
Comment 9, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.52 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Vijay, I think 7th is realistic but with a bit of luck we could be higher and 4th is unlikely but not out of the question. The bar has been raised and we could end up with more points than last year, ahead of Everton but still 7th. Some will argue this is going backwards but i'm not so sure. I'm not expecting January to bring quality reinforcements but you never know
Comment 10, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.53 am

Andi said:

Chiefy
...
Oh the joys 7th ??!!!?!??!?? come on i reckon we are going to sneak 4th if we really get lady luck on side if not i see 5th is where we will finish. Optimisim dont you just love it. Downing is back, Emule is about to start banging them in for fun now he has scored everything is rosey Guzman in Jan we are going to finish this season strongly i just know it smilies/wink.gif
Comment 11, made on November 27, 2009 at 7.59 am

Damian said:

Damian
...
SidCowanslovechild

the bar has been raised, but who raised it? wouldn't it have been nice if it was us?

there is also an argument that actually, it hasn't been raised if you look at the fortunes of liverpool and everton and while manchester city have the money, have they really raised it?

what i'm getting at is, it might not have been raised really and we might be surprised this season or we might not be and if we are not, then we cant really use the excuse that the bar was raised when others around us and actually above us last season, might not perform at the same level or end up with the same points
Comment 12, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.11 am

robb david said:

ronrabbit
...
Looking forward to spurs tommorow? im a bit pissed off cause i cant make it there. I have given my ticket to a work mate, so unfortunatly there will be a spurs fan in the villa end, although in my eyes thats better than an empty seat.
To the match ive told him the same thing im going to write here, if hesky starts we will lose. We might see downing, milner and young, just behind gabby, with petrov, and agaist my better judgment sidwell (should be coker) playing as holding nids. if we play this we will win. If we play the same team who started agaist burnley i fancy a draw. I shall wait till i see the team news before maing any bets, my money im afraid is on a loss or draw. i doubt we will see the 4231 formation, and i have a deep fear that hesky will start on the merits of one goal, which he nearly missed from 2 yards anyway.
Comment 13, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.12 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
Miguel is 29 years old and for the 25th year in a row we are linked with him due to this falling out with his coach.

Must be the easiest job in the world making these rumours up and then using the same one's over and over for years.
Comment 14, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.13 am

robb david said:

ronrabbit
...
Also if we are talking players the one i really want is krasic from cska, he tore wolfsberg arpart, and they are a pretty decent side. He is young, he can drop deep, he runs at players, He looks fantastic. Cant say he is o'neill's type though, he is russian (foreign), small, creative, and can pass the ball along the ground, three things o'neill doesnt look for in the transfer market.

Comment 15, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.17 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
ronrabbit i meantioned that Krasic lad after they played Utd as well. He was class. The ball just stuck to his foot and nobody could get near him.
Comment 16, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.24 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Damo, Man City and Spurs have raised the bar and made it more difficult to get top 6. What I was getting at is we might get more points this season and be closer to 1st in terms of points but still be 7th or even 8th if Everton turn it around

I think we are improving but there is more competition for top 6 now. Yes I would prefer it if we were dramatically raising the bar but it ain't easy

We will see
Comment 17, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.24 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Chiefy hope your right, 4th is possible as I say but I think this one is a slow burner and we won't really be a really good team until the likes of Albrighton, Fonzi, Delph and Clark mature
Comment 18, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.29 am

Damian said:

Damian
...
SidCowanslovechild

i know where you are going, but have spurs really raised the bar? as for man city - i fancy, if the money is for real (which i suspect it is) that they will one day win the league, but can any of us really see them doing it with mark hughes?

i wouldn't say spurs have raised the bar, i'd say they have just gone back to where they were three or four seasons ago and well, mark hughes has had nearly a third of the season and they are hardly setting the world alight ...

the last thing i want to here at the end of the season is that we didn't do as well because other teams around us raised the bar when actually, they might not have
Comment 19, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.46 am

villarobin said:

villarobin
...
Just listening to talk sport, all their pundits were just saying Spurs and Villas squads are now better than Liverpool and Man Citys, and we are more likely to get top 4 than either Liverpool or Man City..

They were all glowing with praise for Oneil and what hes done as well.

Thats what we want , some positivity !!

Why cant villa fans be more like this

UTV
Comment 20, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.51 am

Andi said:

Chiefy
...
Villarobin - i am like that everyone thinks i have blind faith but i am merely optimistic and positivity breeds postivity and being postive makes life easier than being a pessmist smilies/wink.gif
Comment 21, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.59 am

Chris Harper said:

Villa_Chris
...
I agree Chiefy, but negativity breeds negativity too! smilies/smiley.gif

I'm just looking at my mug.. It says 'Better to understand a little, than to misunderstand a lot!'

smilies/grin.gif

We don't need a RB, we need a creative Midfielder if anything.
Comment 22, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.02 am

villarobin said:

villarobin
...
Chiefy - Exactly, I dont have blind faith but for the life of me i cant fathom why in the position that the club and the team is in at the moment anyone has grounds to be pessimistic..
Comment 23, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.02 am

villarobin said:

villarobin
...
Villa / Spurs and Man City, have all raised the bar because they have all got their acts together, they are all obviously now alot closer to Liverpool and Arsenal.
Comment 24, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.04 am

Damian said:

Damian
...
villarobin

it is easy for someone to look in from the outside. its like me looking in at arsenal or manchester united and seeing something that maybe their supporters dont

for pundits, looking in occasionally, it is easy to see positivity but we had all that, at pretty much the same time of the season last time round and the one before that

the proof will be at the end of the season and some aston villa fans don't actually see the standard of football improving. we might be wrong, but we saw it last season and the season before, so we are working on something other than the occasional look through the window

i'd love it if we finished 4th and for me, the target has to be 5th this season as that will be real progress and that is what i want .. get my 5th and i'll be the happiest aston villa you will ever meet

basically, we have ground to be pessimistic because we were here last season and the season before ... fairly solid reasons i hope you will agree
Comment 25, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.05 am

Andi said:

Chiefy
...
Villa_Chris - EMULE breeds goals ! smilies/wink.gif

Comment 26, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.07 am

villarobin said:

villarobin
...
I know what you mean Damian and i know you are not a total pessimist for the sake of it like some are.

But also , yes we were in this situation last year and the year before, but again surely that is a good thing, not a bad one.

We are up there again challenging for the top 4, we are stabalising ourselves as a top team year on year. this is a good thing.

Hopefully we have learnt from the last 2 years and we wont slip away after xmas, and i believe we have learnt from it because the squad is now alot stronger.

My point is the pessimism should start when we start slipping and not before.

At villas stage its a results game , not a pretty football game (Although I do think we play good stuff as well sometimes)
Comment 27, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.14 am

villarobin said:

villarobin
...
Top 4 by any means necessary even if its long ball, and then start attracting the better players
Comment 28, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.16 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...


This for me is the million dollar question. So far MON hasn't used the squad size and we could very well be once again worn out by the end of Jan. I don't think our first 11 have played too many games less then they had played at this time last season as we actually didn't play our first 11 in the carling cup or most of the UEFA cup games last season. I would like to see the stats for players minutes played and compare them to this time last season.

If MON continue's down this path of playing the same 11/12/13 players for most games and not using subs then i think we are in for same poor form come Feb onwards.

Squad size doesn't count for anything if it isn't utilised.
Comment 29, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.20 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
I messed the last quote up. This is what i meant to have at the top.

Hopefully we have learnt from the last 2 years and we wont slip away after xmas, and i believe we have learnt from it because the squad is now alot stronger.
Comment 30, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.21 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
Miguel is a good player and MoN likes him. If we could get him in for less than £5m and offoad Beye in the summer for close to what we paid for him what would be the harm in that? Basically upgrading Beye for a couple of million for a player who has been a quality international for many years. If it's rumours then fine, but MoN has his favourites in the transfer market as well. as in the first team and this would not surprise me in the least.

ak,
i meantioned that Krasic lad after they played Utd as well

No chance mate, Wenger is all over the deal. and the younger one a CSKA too but his name escapes me. They'll both be at Arse in a year.
Comment 31, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.23 am

Damian said:

Damian
...
villarobin

the thing is, we are not the first club to float around here are we. spurs and everton did it / are doing it and now, we have another team that has entered the fray in manchester city; because with mark hughes they are not going to enter the top four despite all the money they have and all the money they spend

my point is, are we seeing the real progress needed to break into the top four or are we seeing the progress to see us be the best of the rest?

only time will tell as none of us can see into the future but if you had to put your house on villa finishing in the top four this season, i dont think you would. i dont think many would and i think quite a few would be very nervous about putting their house on villa finishing 5th or even 6th

but i'd put some money on spurs finishing 4th ..
Comment 32, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.26 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
We scraped 6th two season ago.

Last season we threw away 4th and were unlucky to finish 6th

This season we are up there again and have a bigger, better squad than ever before.

I'm confident.

Charlie Nicholas was talking about tomorrows game on SSN today and was just harping on about Spurs, didn't even give us a look in. Looks like we are being written off again and I like being the dark horse. A win tomorrow and perhaps a few people will sit up and take notice.
Comment 33, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.27 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
JPA i really feel sorry for Beye. He hasn't been given a fair shot at Villa really and the Newcastle fans really rated him. Then again they are Newcastle fans and they really have never had a good defender so what basis have they to judge him on.

Where did you see Wenger was after them? He did look like a Wenger player though. Reminded me of Helb.
Comment 34, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.28 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
I have just been listening to MON on the BRMB Forum which Badger posted. It has made me feel more confident because he was really addressing the issues most of us worry about head on ie he acknowledged Moscow and described his dilemma, bringing young players through (notably Fonz), talking about improving technical ability of the team, underperforming centre forwards and signing foreigners. If he'd covered subs and squad rotation would have been a full set. So at least we know he is thinking about these issues and was also bullish about Champs League Football soon and winning pots. He was also very intelligent and charming which I know doesn't necessarily make him a good manager but must help with man management.

Feeling a bit more confient now but still going to be tough, the Spurs match should be a good indicator

Posting the link again if people have missed it - a must listen

http://mediaweb.musicradio.com/player/default.asp?s=14&e=115104
Comment 35, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.28 am

Damian said:

Damian
...
Juan Pablo Angel

if last year we threw away fourth then the same could almost be said for the season before. we were in a very strong position in that january and all we brought in was wayne routledge ...

yes, there was a bigger gap last season from 6th to 7th but we were still in a very strong position in his second season
Comment 36, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.33 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
If MON continue's down this path of playing the same 11/12/13 players for most games and not using subs then i think we are in for same poor form come Feb onwards.

Squad size doesn't count for anything if it isn't utilised.


He will, there isn't any point making your team any weaker at this stage. Get as many points on the board as you can and players will naturally get rests through injury and suspension over the course of the season. If we get to March and a player looks tired then we now have the depth to give him a game or two off. You also forget that by this time last year the team had played 9 games more and had been playing competitive matches since July. Without the Intertoto and UEFA cup we will be a lot fresher than last season after Xmas.
Comment 37, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.34 am

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
I can't do links, posted by Badger, post 96 a couple of posts back
Comment 38, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.35 am

Damian said:

Comment 39, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.37 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
Sid it was a great interview. I just wish that guy hadn't wasted a question on is there any team you like to put one over on. As if he was ever going to answer that. Would have liked to have heard how the wage structure works in the club and will they break it to sign quality?
Comment 40, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.37 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
if last year we threw away fourth then the same could almost be said for the season before. we were in a very strong position in that january and all we brought in was wayne routledge ...

yes, there was a bigger gap last season from 6th to 7th but we were still in a very strong position in his second season


I disagree, we were there or there abouts, but I would say in the second season we were over achieving with what we had available and had a really good season. We didn't capitulate like we did last year and I think anything above where we finished then was out of our reach.

Last season we were excellent for a long period. We were in with a title shout if you look at the table last february which was ridiculous and we really did throw it away. You can't argue that last years team wasn't any better tha n the side a year before and imo despite not really clicking yet this is a better side again. We have improved every season MoN has been in charge and as long as that is happening i'm very happy indeed.

The club operates like a big club, not an outdated mid table sleeping giant. We actually have a great deal of clout and respect these days and long may it continue.
Comment 41, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.42 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
JPA i was trying to work out how many extra games we had played last year. I didn't come up with 9. The thing is in many UEFA cup games we played a second string team. As i remember it was only Ajax at home where we played our first team in.

Put it like this at this stage this year i would say Ashley has played probably at least 4 games more then Rooney has. Never mind adding in 20mins here and there when players are taken off at other clubs all this milage being put up now will take its toll when we need our players to kick on. The other top mangers seem to use the rotation during the entire season to get its maximum effect but MON does not.
Comment 42, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.43 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
JPA i was trying to work out how many extra games we had played last year. I didn't come up with 9.


OB Odense - Home and away
FH Harfsnarfsnarfsnarf - Home and away
Litex Lovech - Home and away
Ajax
Zilina
thats eight with Hamburg looming on the 17th December.

We had tired players who'd been playing since July, we lost our Captain and best defender and had a crisis of confidence.

We are better prepared this season and the players will be much much fresher.


Comment 43, made on November 27, 2009 at 9.55 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
Id forgotten about 2 of those ties.

But in reality we have only played 4 less this season if you factor in Vienna home and away and also carling cup 120mins. I think we played 2nd string team in Zelina at home and one of the Harfsnarfsnarfsnarf matches as well.

But we do have better options on the bench so hopefully this won't affect us again.

Onto the game do you think MON will risk Downing from the start?
Comment 44, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.03 am

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
Didn't we only play Litex away?
Comment 45, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.05 am

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
Oh no nevermind, got them confused with Slavia Prague who were in our group.
Comment 46, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.06 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
ak,
fair enough mate there is a difference between flying to Hungary and getting a coach to Sunderland tho.

And when you say second string I think you'll find if you check the team sheets the side looked something like this:

---------Guzan--------
Gardner--Davies-Cuellar-Young
Milner--Petrov--Barry---Young
-------Carew----Gabby--------

Bannan, Brights and Fonz were introduced towards the end of games, but we only ever really rested Laursen and Friedel and Barry for one away game, I think in Hamburg. The only game when a proper second string started was away in Moscow.

We could send a second string this year and it would probably win.

------Guzan-------
Young--Davies--Cuellar-Bouma
Albrighton-NRC-Delph-Downing
----Delfouneso---Heskey-----

Big big difference to the quality and Depth of last season.
Comment 47, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.11 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
Fair enough JPA.

I hope MON plays NRC this sat. I think we will need him in there to put Huddelstone under pressue. He could really cause Huddlestone a lot of trouble as he isn't really the quickest of players and NRC's drive could really upset him and stop him creating too much.

Have a feeling it will be Sidwell though. He is really getting a very bad habit of diving in needlessly and giving away free kicks.
Comment 48, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.22 am

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
That second string team is a mid table Premiership side if you ask me. Massive step up.
Comment 49, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.23 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
Viva,
This one is top foursmilies/grin.gifsmilies/grin.gif
------Friedel--------
Cuellar-Dunne-Collins-Warnock
Milner-Petrov-Sidwell-Young
----Gabby--Carew---------

smilies/cheesy.gifsmilies/cheesy.gif

I can't wait to see how we fit Downing in once he is properly match fit. It just sudden;y feels like we have a bit more quality in there.

Instead of wondering who will play out of NRC and Sidwell it appears neither are guaranteed a place now.
Comment 50, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.36 am

Rios.Jockstrap said:

0
...
Well we will find out on Saturday (or when Collins is fit and ready to return) whether this story is true or not, because i can see our tacticly astute gaffer persisting with Cuellor ahead of Luke.

I would say though, that recent comments from Martin and Luke concerning whether Luke was fit enough to play or not, do contradict each other. So is there friction between the two?

To be perfectly honest, until the arrival of Luke into that position, its proved to be the Gaffers achilles heel.

How long did we have to wait for a right-back to arrive, and how many have played there. Then when we buy one, Martin plays him at at left-back.

Luv martin to bits, but he dont half muddle my head up!
Comment 51, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.38 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
ak,
Sidwell is a squad player, a perfect example of a transfer that wasn't big money for a player who has talent and we signed him in the hope we could find the best of him again and it didn't quite work. It was a fairly low cost gamble that didn't pay off, much like Heskey, Harewood, Routledge etc.

At least he's a decent squad player.

If NRC leaves and we bring in a replacement of real quality Sidwell may well find a first team spot tough to come by towards the end of the season. He's had a good run and a chance and hasn't taken it. He needs to be scoring goals from that position and he just isn't.

Despite his short comings size wise and lack of experience Delph looks like he could be the goal scoring passing midfielder we need, I hope he develops quickly.
Comment 52, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.40 am

John Samuels said:

Juan Pablo Angel
...
To be perfectly honest, until the arrival of Luke into that position, its proved to be the Gaffers achilles heel.

I agree, RB was a pain in the arse ever since the mighty Delaney went tbh. Hughes was ok, but he does pretty well at CB for Fulham these days and Bardsley wans't good enough for us.

Luke Young is a really good player and I like him. It may be that after the emotional upheave he had over his brother took it's toll more than the club is at liberty to say. There was a small altercation between the two in the summer, but I think this has been blown up a little too much.

Plus we know that O'Neill is a big fan of Cuellar and he was in all fairness playing decently.

I think playing Cuellar at RB when Dunne Collins came into the side has vastly improved his understanding with them at the back and has helped when he has come in while Collins has been out. Young will play against Spurs.

Comment 53, made on November 27, 2009 at 10.56 am

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
O'Neill obviously sees something in Sidwell he likes. There must be a reason why he persists with him, I'm just dying to know what it is when pretty much every single Villa can see he's taking up a spot that can be much better used by Delph or Reo-Coker.
Comment 54, made on November 27, 2009 at 11.05 am

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
Has anyone seen this, by Shorey, about going to Forest?
“The prospect of being involved in a club that appears to be moving forward in the right direction is certainly appealing.’’

Now, that strikes me as a) a bloke who could definitely have worded that better or b) a bloke having a real dig at the club.

http://www.birminghammail.net/...-25267800/
Comment 55, made on November 27, 2009 at 11.54 am

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
I wouldn't read too much into it to be honest Badger. Sounds like the typical generic answer any footballer give when they join a new club.
Comment 56, made on November 27, 2009 at 12.10 pm

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
So I'm reading all the news articles and trying to read between the lines smilies/grin.gif
MON on our top 4 chances;
Let’s just see if we can hang in there until Christmas.

Why Xmas?
Now is that just me or do I take that to mean we'll be getting players in after Xmas?

http://www.expressandstar.com/...-on-spurs/
Comment 57, made on November 27, 2009 at 12.11 pm

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
That kind of sounds to me like we'll try and stay in the race for the top 4 until Xmas, then give up and drop out afterwards.

Nice.

Comment 58, made on November 27, 2009 at 12.15 pm

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
vivavilla

I wouldn't read too much into it to be honest Badger


You're probably right. But the way it's worded just gave me the impression that he was comparing Forest to us.
My generic answer would have been "Forest look like...." and wouldn't have involved "the prospect of being involved in a club..."
Subtle, but very different.

Perhaps I'm just getting too cynical these days smilies/smiley.gif
Comment 59, made on November 27, 2009 at 12.15 pm

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
That kind of sounds to me like we'll try and stay in the race for the top 4 until Xmas, then give up and drop out afterwards.

smilies/cheesy.gif
And I'm calling myself cynical?
Comment 60, made on November 27, 2009 at 12.17 pm

Mike Carter said:

vivavilla
...
I jest of course, but it is rather an odd choice of words isn't it?
Comment 61, made on November 27, 2009 at 12.20 pm

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
That's what I thought.

Blimey 10/1 for Defoe to score first (Paddypower) looks big to me.
Mind you, after getting 5 last week hopefully he won't get one against us smilies/smiley.gif
Comment 62, made on November 27, 2009 at 1.31 pm

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
10/1? That's a tremendous bet
Comment 63, made on November 27, 2009 at 1.46 pm

Steve Badger said:

Comment 64, made on November 27, 2009 at 1.59 pm

Damian said:

Damian
...
i wonder what odds you would get on him not scoring?

i'd have that bet ...
Comment 65, made on November 27, 2009 at 2.16 pm

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Hope your right - but assuming there is a goal in the game there certainly aren't 5 players on our side more likely to score than Defoe
Comment 66, made on November 27, 2009 at 2.35 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
The Honey Monster will take him out early in the game with a nice late tackle. Defoe won't last past 10mins.smilies/wink.gif
Comment 67, made on November 27, 2009 at 2.45 pm

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
That bet has been suspended. No doubt loads of spuds fans piled on it smilies/grin.gif
Proper odds are 11/2.

I can't find those odds Damian, but how about 33/1 for Dunne to get sent off?
That sounds a bit tasty after his antics in the last few weeks.

Not that I'm a betting man really.
A flutter on the national is about my lot.
Comment 68, made on November 27, 2009 at 2.45 pm

Steve Badger said:

Badger
...
Uncanny ak smilies/shocked.gif
Comment 69, made on November 27, 2009 at 2.46 pm

Geoff said:

0
...
Better than signing Micah Richards.

Ill take this guy, fine, good. Now go get DeFour and Jovanovic and well call it a window!
Comment 70, made on November 27, 2009 at 2.47 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

ak_27
...
Its bound to happen now.
Comment 71, made on November 27, 2009 at 3.04 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

DanWilson82
...
As has been mentioned 1000 times already, this Miguel rumour is really old news and most probably just being dredged up by some reporter who can't be bothered to get his finger out of himself and do some real reporting for a change.

Perhaps it would be a nice idea to collect all the naffest rumours right up to the end of the January Window, then pick the 10 best, put them in a poll for absolute worst and then present the bloke who came up with it, with a little token of our appreciation (A small cup, engraved with their name, paper and the fact they came up with the worst/most blatent lie rumour of the period? What do you rekon - might end up getting one of these ejits the sack.
Comment 72, made on November 27, 2009 at 3.29 pm

Darren said:

Darren
...
SidCowanslovechild said:

I have just been listening to MON on the BRMB Forum which Badger posted. It has made me feel more confident because he was really addressing the issues most of us worry about head on ie he acknowledged Moscow and described his dilemma, bringing young players through (notably Fonz), talking about improving technical ability of the team, underperforming centre forwards and signing foreigners. If he'd covered subs and squad rotation would have been a full set. So at least we know he is thinking about these issues and was also bullish about Champs League Football soon and winning pots. He was also very intelligent and charming which I know doesn't necessarily make him a good manager but must help with man management.

Feeling a bit more confient now but still going to be tough, the Spurs match should be a good indicator

Posting the link again if people have missed it - a must listen

http://mediaweb.musicradio.com/player/default.asp?s=14&e=115104


Excellent interview! shows how much of a top bloke he really is.

Full interview ripped and coverted in to one mp3 file, streaming and downloadable for anyone that wants to keep it smilies/wink.gif

http://www.zshare.net/audio/69090965ab2e9d90/
Comment 73, made on November 27, 2009 at 4.31 pm

Rattus NorVillicus said:

Pancho Villan
...
As it's never going to happen anyway, it would be nice to be linked with some exciting players from time to time. Sneijder, or however you spell him, was exciting for a while.

As for tomorrow, well what a game to put down a marker ?
That jovial chump Lawro even has us down as a win.

Can't help thinking Reo is on the same course as Shorey - who sounds a little bitter from his stuff he's saying.
Nice of Warnock to show sympathy too regarding the same thing happening to him at Liverpool. And Warnock is still better than any left back thay've got now or have had since.

So, Up The Villa !

Study the oposition MON. Think about it. We need to snuff them out early doors. Impose ourselves on the game. Take control of the midfield and go after them.

Play Reo and Delph MON in a five man midfield - Carew is too unreliable, Heskey is too crap. If we need to chase the game, take off Coketasticker, bring on the Fonze, and go 4.4.2.

Now is the time MON

Seize The Moment.
Comment 74, made on November 27, 2009 at 4.33 pm

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Thanks Darren, I'm over 35 so can't even copy and paste links never mind "ripped and coverted in to one mp3 file, streaming and downloadable" which sounds very impressive for those who like those kind of things! MON is a top man and a very good manager imo just need to see if he can take us back where we belong. Let's hope so and keep some patience (some hope)
Comment 75, made on November 27, 2009 at 4.42 pm

Martin Clabon said:

SidCowanslovechild
...
Pancho Reo would be perfect tomorrow I think but can't get my head round where MON is going with him. I don't think it is cut and dried that he is off as he has not shut him out completely, he was captain couple of games back. I am expecting Petrov and Downing to start in the middle - we will have to see if that pairing has enough bite to subdue those fancy Dan Southeners
Comment 76, made on November 27, 2009 at 4.54 pm

Paul Theiss said:

Villain-from-Texas
...
We'll get murdered if we start Petrov and Downing together in the middle. I would prefer a 4-2-3-1, with Petrov and Sidwell/Reo as the two, the three with Downing, Milner, and Young, and Gabby up top.

Darren: Thank you, on behalf of all of the non-UK residents who couldn't access the other feed.
Comment 77, made on November 27, 2009 at 5.17 pm

Damian said:

Damian
...
Villain-from-Texas

i think you might get your wish tomorrow if downing starts

it has to be 4231 if downing tarts simply because downing/ash and milner are not defensive midfiedlers and playing them that way would be like asking heskey to play centre back - it'll never happen

i can see carew getting dropped for this one and half of me hopes reo-coker and stan play in teh middle but my head tells me it will be sidders and stan
Comment 78, made on November 27, 2009 at 5.34 pm

Greg said:

Greg Davillain1887
...
I hope sidders and heskey dont play 2morrow, in fairness i just dont see what either bring to the team, id prfer to out out with 9 players, as least the other boys wud work extra hard with only 9!!

reo in or delph in a five man midfield,
Comment 79, made on November 27, 2009 at 5.46 pm

Paul Theiss said:

Villain-from-Texas
...
Great interview with MON. After that, how can you not like him and feel that he is really, really trying to make Villa a success?
Comment 80, made on November 27, 2009 at 6.16 pm

Andy Scarborough said:

andy5759
...
Thanks Darren, I needed some MIME thingy to hear Interview.

Listening to that made me realise what a top man MoN is, and JC for that matter. Do you think that MoN has shares in the Broad Street Traders' Association?
Comment 81, made on November 27, 2009 at 6.25 pm

VDV said:

0
...
theo walcot anyone. he is young, english and quick. oneill type of player. if you offerd him to stay with a bunch of foreigners or to come with mostly english and young stars, what would he choose ? worth a go for me.
Comment 82, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.11 pm

VDV said:

0
...
sidwell will start reo wont play.
Comment 83, made on November 27, 2009 at 8.12 pm

Doc said:

Doc Bowles
...
Habib Beye hasn't made it and will leave. Luke Young needs competition and is injury prone. Wouldn't be that bad a signing - but I wish the focus was on a goalscorer.
Comment 84, made on November 27, 2009 at 11.55 pm

stu said:

0
...
im not saying miguel is old but hes as old as what we have now, we should go for a young rb, like gosling from everton or even richards from man c
Comment 85, made on November 28, 2009 at 8.50 am

Aaron Wilson said:

Aero-4-Villa
...
Dont forget about Eric Lichaj at right back too.

And on Bosingwa, i remember us and Middlesborough being linked to him for 3 million! LoL.

UTV!
Comment 86, made on November 28, 2009 at 1.18 pm

shemmanz said:

0
...
It will never happen!
Comment 87, made on December 09, 2009 at 12.10 pm

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