Written by Damian Monday, 18 January 2010 13:21
This isn't yet a done deal, but the talk is it will be completed this week and I for one am actually a little unhappy at the prospect of Craig Gardner leaving and also a little annoyed that he is joining The Clowns.
The thing is, you can understand him wanting to leave. He isn't getting a look in and has never had a proper run in his preferred position under O'Neill and you can't say he hasn't waited around for it and given O'Neill the opportunities to play him.
The fact is we have had an offer from The Clowns but it isn't enough. The talk is The Clowns want him and they are about to come in with another offer and that Gardner wants the move. If the talk is true, then it really is only a matter of time before the move happens, as sort of predicted at the start of the month.
So, it doesn't seem fair and you can't blame Gardner for wanting to leave but you could ask him why he is joining them, but it could be that they are the only club in for him. There was talk recently that Wolves had shown interest so maybe he is going where the money is and again, could he really be blamed for that?
At the same time, you can sort of understand why we are selling him if we are going to get upwards of £4mn for him but if he never really got the chance, are we sure Delph will and what example does it set the other youngsters?
It's a nothing thing and I'm thinking too much, but I've always like Gardner and always had high hopes and when he has played in his preferred position, I was always happy and give me the choice of Sidwell or Gardner - I'd pick Gardner every time and I am actually a Sidwell fan.
So, this is speculation and as such it gets filed as such, but if it goes through and Gardner plays for them one day at Villa Park, I hope he gets a good reception, as this very much appears to be a last resort for him and I have a feeling it wouldn't have been an easy decision. To top it off, he will always be an Aston Villa supporter and as such, I think he should be treated as one on his return, again, if this happens.
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Christian
said:
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... I'm disappointed too. I think he's a good player, cracking shot, plays with his head up (Scott Parker-esque) and isn't scared of anyone in the middle. On the other hand, he's a substitute/squad player at Villa and, as such, he may as well not be one of our players because MON might as well sell the whole subs bench (minus Carew and Sidwell, whom he seems to like) and be done with it  |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Wish him all the best but he obviously won't be missed as he never plays. I would also have him above Sidwell in the pecking order too, but not in front of the other 4 we have in CM. Good Luck to him. |
Jimbo
said:
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... I echo that Chris, best of luck to the lad. Shame we can't make as position for him or loan him out somewhere to see if he can step up over the last 12 months. He needs football though and can't see where he fits at the moment. |
Andi
said:
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... I heard Sunderland where in for him ??? although it seems he is off to them lot nothing is signed yet |
Matthew Smith
said:
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... Shame that he's going, but he's never going to get in front of Delph/Nigel/Sidwell, dare I say it his younger brother Gary would probably get a shout before Craig. I really do wish him all the best as he's never given anything but 100% for Villa and has put in some great performances and popped up with a couple of cracking goals. For our sake I hope letting him go doesn't bite us in the ass, similar to Cahill. To summerise, I understand why he's leaving, but I'm annoyed he's going to the clowns. |
mikey18
said:
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... He's 23 now and not really made an impact. I would like to see him go out on loan and see how he develops. Hes got good attributes and i think he could still come on |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... Sell him to Wolves.... Dont see why our club should give that shower of shite anything short of a maggot infested turd. Seriously, the knuckle dragging t**ts are already saying he is a Bluenose, distorting the facts to suite their little brain cells. Besides, Grag will do a good job for them, and i bet you he scores against us when we play them next. Any sign of a striker yet Martin? |
Andi
said:
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...We must not allow the club to be held to ransom in pursuit of a player who has only mustered 56 league appearances in 5 seasons for our rivals, and now cannot even get into the squad, let alone on to the pitch. I trust that McLeish knows what his own valuation of the player is, and will not be drawn into going beyond that - let's face it, we are not exactly short of midfield players of that type from a Blues fan, the grass isn't always greener |
Joe Meredith
said:
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... I can't believe the only transfer speculation is about players leaving! We need another striker as, for me, the ones we have aren't good enough for where we want to go. Not saying they're crap, but we need a goalscorer who gives midfielders an option and doesn't try to pin his defender for 90 minutes! Anyway, good luck to Gardner but he WILL be an enemy on 25th April! |
mjasghar
said:
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... Oh der oh dear Bill Howells you t**t what a joke you are http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/8464489.stm |
Car Frost
said:
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...But with his side just 90 minutes from the Carling Cup Final, and very much in the race for a top-four finish, O’Neill admits he would love to get active in the market. Patience people we will land Beattie yet  |
Matthew Smith
said:
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... On a slightly different note... What about Guti from Real Madrid? The reason i suggest this is we're still not playing a traditional 4-4-2, Heskey is playing the hole, surely we'd be better with a playmaker bringing milner, webcam, DJ and Gabby into the game as opposed to just flicking the ball onto Gabby. At least it would give another dimension to our attack, instead of like-for-like replacements. At a guess you could probably get him for 3-4 Million and he'd bring a wealth of experience to our midfield and what a fabulous role model for the likes of Delph/Gary Gardner. Just an idea.... |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...but he WILL be an enemy on 25th April Not to me he wont. Hes Villa through and through and its not hes fault that he feels hes being forced out because the gaffer favours the likes of shitwell. Gardner is a far better squad option than him, since he can play in two or three positions and always gives 110% for the cause. All Shitwell gives us is a load of rash tackles and gormless decisions on the pitch. Hopefully Martin writes in clause that the Craig does not play for them on that date, cos he might just have a few things to prove  |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Patience people we will land Beattie yet Nah.....i think it will be Robbie Blake |
Joe Meredith
said:
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...Not to me he wont. Hes Villa through and through Someone who is Villa through and through wouldn't dream of pulling on their shirt, surely? Anyone in their top is an enemy |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Someone who is Villa through and through wouldn't dream of pulling on their shirt, surely? He is a Footballer, so he may be a little thick |
Car Frost
said:
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... Imagine Emule and Beattie up front together.. teams would start playing with 2 at the back. |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Personally I'm going to miss his player video when the team is announced. He looks like he's going to murder someone! |
Andi
said:
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...Imagine Emule and Beattie up front together.. teams would start playing with 2 at the back and rush keeper |
Adey Stuttard
said:
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... Lots of transfer speculation today, I for one don't think Gardner will go (or is that just hope?). Jones to Liverpool on loan, Babel big fall out with the FSW, so he will be off and yes, I would take a gamble on him; never had a real chance at Anfield. How about we buy the Championships leading goal scorer.... |
Chris Atkins
said:
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... Good luck to him. Can't blame him moving, I guess that way he hasn't got to move house or anything. |
mikey18
said:
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... I understand the sentiment of not wanting to play football in the scums kit. I moved to manchester and started playing sunday league football up here! We have a home kit but it was with a player who was away and the only other kit we could get was a old Wolves one! I wore it, but i didn't like it. I could bring myself to wear it because to this day i only know 2 wolves fans and growing up they weren't really a rival! I wouldn't of worn a blues kit, and im sure craig wouldn't want to. But if means him playing week in week out, earning a good wage and a good shout of UEFA cup football im sure he'll learn to look the other way |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...Nah.....i think it will be Robbie Blake He could actually do a job for us as that creative striker. He has supposed to have played well this season for Burnley.  |
Andi
said:
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...Because Gabby is useless remember Chiefy not useless but challenged at the moment shall we say  |
John Jordan
said:
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... Cris Gabby is neither useless or lazy!..He"s an athlete,and can run up and down the pitch faster than any other footballer I know "Just like a headless chicken,and probably,just about as usefull" |
Mike Carter
said:
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... To be fair, I don't think he'll start for Blues either. Bench at best at the moment. |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Surely being a Villa fan and playing for Villa all of his life, it will be just as difficult for Gardner stepping into the clowns club as it was for Cloughie when he went to manage Leeds? I couldn't imagine it! |
Michael
said:
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...10.41 Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits there is little he can do to prevent Craig Gardner leaving the club. ........play him perhaps??? |
John Jordan
said:
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... He"s still about the eight most regular scoring "striker" in the premier league |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Best of luck to him wherever he goes. I think he could well develop into a good player once given the time on the pitch. I just hope we use these funds to get a striker in. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Gabby is neither useless or lazy! Totally agree. All this is based on one bad touch in the last minute of yesterdays game, and we tend to forget the chance he had in the first half when he spun and vollied it....which if it had gone in, we would all have been shouting about him for other reasons. Gabby is not the problem, Heskey is.....and Heskey is proberly why we have a fed up looking Carew. Our best two strikers are both Gabby and Big John, and they before the arrival of the mule, they were working well together. Ive said this before and i will say it again and again. The gaffers love in with Heskey will prove to the one thing that will drag him down. If it aint broke dont fix it, Martin did the opposite and now all our strikers are struggling. If anything, we need somebody to partner Gabby with Carew and the fonz as back up, and Heskey sold to the FSW. Its a pity Van Nisselroy (spelling!) only wants a move to London, cos a short term contract with him would proberly give us fourth place. AK.... Thinking on it, your proberly right  |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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... Slip Sliding Away. We need a striker to turn control of the game into wins. Break the bank and get Huntelaar MON. If Spuds can be linked to him, why not us ! The Points-Gap Table – 18/01/10 Pts – Team – (Played) 48 Chelsea(21 ) 47 Man Utd(22 ) 46 45 Arsenal(21 ) 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 Spurs(21 ) , Man City(21 ) 37 36 Villa(21 ) 35 34 Liverpool(21 ) 33 Birmingham(21 ) 32 31 30 29 28 27 Fulham(21 ) 26 Everton(21 ) 25 Stoke(21 ) 24 Blackburn(22 ) 23 Sunderland(21 ) 22 Wigan(20 ) 21 20 Burnley(21 ) 19 West Ham(21 ), Wolves(21 ) , Hull(21 ) 18 Bolton(19 ), 17 16 15 14 Portsmouth(20 ) |
Eoin Doyle
said:
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... Shame really, I liked Craig, but you have to understand he wants to play. I'm not too happy about him joining the Scum though. I wonder how it feels for him going there, must be like being stuck between a rock and a filthy pigsty. I for one, wouldn't boo him when he comes back, He doesn't deserve it. The kid has his career to think about, no matter who it is with. So there should be money available then for a striker. A lot of people here seem to want this magical "20 goal a season striker", and a lot of people quite rightly say that they are as rare as a Bluenose with a job. I however think that we just need a "striker", because I don't think we really have one. For me Gabby is an outlet striker, or a second striker, or a wide forward or something, just not an out and out striker. The 2 big lads are 2 big lads, nuff said. Delfouneso could be the answer, but MON will not give him a chance in an important game. Why, I do not know. So for me any decent striker, could potentially become a "20 a season man" because of the chances we can create. I'd love to see Victor Moses here, but I have a feeling he'd end up like Delph for a year or 2. |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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... Spurs, Man City, Villa, Liverpool, Birmingham It's between those - buy a striker MON |
Andi
said:
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...Its a pity Van Nisselroy is he not going to turkey with galatasary ??? along with lucas neill |
Mark
said:
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... ... Imagine Emule and Beattie up front together.. teams would start playing with 2 at the back Play Gabby up front and teams would play none at the back, with no keeper. Stop talking Pish. Damian - You asked, what example is this setting the youngsters? Well, if you're not good enough after five seasons you'll be shipped out having been coached at the highest level with state of the art training facilities. take this CV with you to your next employers. Likewise, Delph will be given his opportunity as he shelled out a few quid for him. Or do you think he has bought him to make up the numbers? Some players work out, some don't. That's football. If only we had a clinical striker who could work off Heskey, who is superb. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... I'd be sorry to see him go, but if he can't get a game I don't blame him for wanting out. I'm not sure if he still lives in Yardley, but if he does, it would make sense to move to the shit. He'd be closer to their training ground and the sty. I'd say this will definitely happen and good luck to him if he does go. and I am actually a Sidwell fan. No comment. Interesting stuff, the Gabby debate. All I know is, of the 3 main strikers Gabby would be the last one I'd get rid of. He has bags of room for improvement, whereas the other two are only going to decline. How old was Carlton Cole when he was at the Villa? I'd guess he was a similar age as Gabby, maybe a bit younger? Whatever, I thought he was gash and Gabby is miles better. And interestingly, haven't some of us been calling for Cole in this window? Just goes to show, like I said, bags of room, imo. |
mikey18
said:
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... Badge in a previous thread i've spoken about Gabby's ability. He has a similar goals to game ratio as Defoe and Bent when they were his age. He also is more than a goal scorer. He does a lot for the team and creates a lot of the chances he has himself, out of nothing. |
rocky marciano
said:
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... If only we had a clinical striker who could work off Heskey,who is superb. LOL |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Oh, whoever said drop the target man, good call. I said last week that it doesn't seem to be working. I feel it would at least be worth a try on occasions. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... Not sure Cheify. Last i heared, his agent was pretty set on a move to London, but things might have changed since then, since ive given up reading the papers. Might start reading them again on Feb 1st about our new multi million pound striker.... No.....it just aint gonna happen is it  |
robvilla
said:
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... 'Patience people we will land Beattie yet' The only way I'd like to land Beattie is with another kick to the head outside SoBar. Not really your honour, I had nowt to do with it... |
Steve Badger
said:
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...Badge in a previous thread i've spoken about Gabby's ability Yes, I saw it mate and agree with you. Fwiw, I thought the one on one was not at all easy yesterday and Green did well. Gabbys real weak point for me is his first touch. But then Heskey's is no better, imo. Let's get one thing straight here. I've just looked at Wiki and it shows Gabby as having scored 8 goals in 16 league games. I'd forgotten about that and of course it's now out of date. But whatever anyone thinks of Gabby, one thing is for sure. That ain't luck. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...Oh, whoever said drop the target man, good call. I agree but i can't see MON going for that. I would like to see as someone above said Gabby and Delfouneso paired up front together if we don't get a skillful link striker in this Jan. Then again would either be any good at holding the ball up and bringing the midfield into play. I don't know was it just a coincidence yesterday but once we lost Heskeys link up play we lost all our attacking threat (if you could have called it that). Carew did nothing. He would be the first i would get rid of this Jan. |
Mark
said:
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... Capello picks Heskey every time cos he knows how to hold up the ball properly, take defenders out and create space for his strike partner. Unfortunately, Gabby is no Rooney or Defoe who have the ability to time runs better and have greater awareness of what's around them. Badger - I think we do need to change something. I have been a Gabby doubter for a number of seasons. I really hope he can move up to the next level, but don't see it happening for a while. |
Steve Badger
said:
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..."I'm actually Sidwell fan" So your the one... Jaf, I was quoting Damian. I was going to say "How can anyone respect the views of someone who rates Sidwell?" just to be mischievous, but just left it as "No comment". Sod it, I've said it now  |
Mark
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... ak_27 Good call. Carew seems to have lost the plot. He loves his cult hero role and even saw him applauding himself for getting a corner. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/h...462781.stm Could he not have done a job for us for the rest of the season? |
Steve Badger
said:
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...I agree but i can't see MON going for that. I would like to see as someone above said Gabby and Delfouneso paired up front together if we don't get a skillful link striker in this Jan. I don't see MON going for it either. And while I know what you mean about link up play and Heskey, it blatently doesn't work to my mind. What we need is a bloke who has that knack of getting a foot on the end of the cross. I'm late 40s and was crap when I was young, but I'd rate myself on a par with Heskey when it comes to scoring in the box. Even if Fonz was lightweight in the game, I just get the feeling he'd score way more than Heskey ever will, purely because he's got that nose for goal. Badger - I think we do need to change something. As above really Mostyn, It couldn't be any worse, imo. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...Even if Fonz was lightweight in the game, I just get the feeling he'd score way more than Heskey ever will, purely because he's got that nose for goal This i do agree with this. MON needs to start trusting youth and taking the odd gamble here and there. Regarding Heskey i think he has to surrounded by far better quality to really be a success. It works for England but it won't for us. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Even if Fonz was lightweight in the game, I just get the feeling he'd score way more than Heskey ever will, purely because he's got that nose for goal. The other thing Badger, is the pressure it puts on other players if your main striker can only avarage one goal a season. I think we seeing a bit of that creeping into our game. I think Gabby holds the Ball up and work the channels better than Heskey, and is more of a threat. So bring in a partner for him. Even when Gabby is not on his game, teams have to keep two defenders back just to guard against his pace. If they do that then it creates room. God it sounds so simple, just glad im not the gaffer |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...Regarding Heskey i think he has to surrounded by far better quality to really be a success. It works for England but it won't for us. Thats a good point  |
Steve Badger
said:
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...MON needs to start trusting youth and taking the odd gamble here and there. If we don't get a striker in (and I seriously think we won't), he's going to have to change it. Which has just reminded me; JPA, re your earlier suggestion of Fonz playing on Wednesday and Gabby playing the Brighton match. No chance, imo. If anything it'll be the other way round. I don't see anything other than MON playing what he perceives to be his best eleven in the semi. Which means we'd better get the result or he will be crucified if the players look tired. |
Steve Badger
said:
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...The other thing Badger, is the pressure it puts on other players if your main striker can only avarage one goal a season. I think we seeing a bit of that creeping into our game. I said that about his hold up play a couple of days ago. So bring in a partner for him. I think we're all agreed on that one. |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
said:
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... Have to agree, I'd rather have Gardner than sidwell whose best contribution this season has been throwing the ball to Gabby whilest warming up, honestly I dont know what anyone see's in him. Its ashame that Gardners leaving but I dont think MON thinks he's going to be quite good enough, maybe he hasnt fulfilled his early promise because I know there were very high hopes for him a few seasons ago. Who can forgot his freekick against spuds in the 4-4 game. Time will tell I guess but I trust MON, even the Cahill thing doesnt look like a mistake now does it. I thought manure were going to spend £20m on him? I think they'd be lucky to get £2m at the moment. As for Gabby, I cant understand why he doesnt have a break. Even if its just for the last 20 mins of a game, bring on the Fonz, bring on Albrighton bring on Delph. Mon did it against Wigan at the start of the season didnt he, I dont know why he's not giving them more game time. |
Matthew Smith
said:
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... Sorry If I'm being retarded, but has Craig got his shirt on inside out in that picture? |
Chris Harper
said:
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...Sorry If I'm being retarded, but has Craig got his shirt on inside out in that picture? |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Who says we not looking in Europe? http://www.skysports.com/story...45,00.html |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Villa_Chris, Get that picture of that bird back on mate. Very nice. And much better than looking at your ugly mug |
Tim Hillman
said:
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... http://news.sky.com/skynews/Ho...ball_Duri ng_Radio_Commentary_Of_Aston_Villa_West_Ham_At_Villa_Pa rk This is the funniest thing I have read all day!! |
Steve Badger
said:
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...This is the funniest thing I have read all day!! At least he had the good grace to make a joke of it. I can't stand the bloke. I heard from a Derby fan that Savage offered one of the Derby kids out at their training ground. The kid then proceeded to give him a right thrapeing |
Halfwit
said:
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... What a dead dull boring transfer window this has been so far IMO you wont see anyone leave or anyone come to villa this transfer window Not just dead dull and boring at villa in the transfer window its the same for the whole prem morealess Watching us at west ham im still convinced we need a deadly striker what is on o neill mind when he is picking heskey ? One deadly striker and one good attacking center midfield player would help us out such a lot but like i said IMO nothing at all will happen in this transfer window |
villacyprus
said:
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... ckey or johnsan someone tell me when gabby and fonz ever played 2gether it would be great to see the fonz playing in gabbys role and him playing in heskey or carews place |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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...I can't stand the bloke But is he bloke? I find the cretin an obnoxious and odious sheep tick. Its a pity nobody has had the idea of selling framed photos of Dions head coneecting with the prats nose. They would sell like like hotcakes!! |
Chris Harper
said:
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...Villa_Chris, Ha ha- Im not Gabby! You like my sis then? Badger don't be daft, none of our scouts have a passport so that must be utter tosh! |
Steve Badger
said:
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...You like my sis then? Certainly do mate. Is she single? If not, does she play away? Badger don't be daft, none of our scouts have a passport so that must be utter tosh! I have to keep throwing them in, because I'm sure some people genuinely believe we don't look abroad. |
oscars arse
said:
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... Perhaps before letting him go to Small Heath a loan spell would be in order, that way he gets games and a decision can be made in the summer. Sorry if that's been mentioned I haven't read other posts yet. |
Steve Badger
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...Lol, unfortunately she isn't my sister nor single Oh well, she wouldn't be interested in me anyway, with me being an old git. Unless she's into incredible stamina and longevity They say one in five younger girls are into older men. I've yet to bloody meet them I digress, sorry. |
Aaron Wilson
said:
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... Anyone but Brum... c'mon Craig. We want you to play football but not like this, NOT LIKE THIS! You dont want to be viewed the same way as Ridgewell. Go to Stoke or someone. |
Matthew Smith
said:
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... Anyone see Soccer AM a couple of weeks ago? Curtis did that part of the show when they say which player is the most skillful, quickest plus loads of others. When quizzed about the most Stupid, he replied "Without doubt, Craig Gardner". Without the right advice it doesn't surprise me he's off to the clowns, he probably doesn't recognise their our rivals! |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...When quizzed about the most Stupid, he replied "Without doubt, Craig Gardner". He must be exceptionally dumb if Gabby is more intelligent than him. |
Aaron Wilson
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... When we sell him, buy J.Beckford with the money. MON's as tight as a nuns's knickers and Beckford would be the great "value for money" he always seems to be looking for. In the ManU match he was absolutely brilliant and showed all the qualities you need to be a Premiership forward: -Strength. I saw him beating two defenders off his back at one stage. (Target man) -Runs. Kept making these lovely ones in behind the the center backs for the midfielders to play it through. (Pace/Speed) -Offside trap expert. Read it beautifully! (Tactical awareness) -Ohhh and he scored. (Finisher, as if we didnt know already) Ticks all the boxes but the main part is hes cheap. Get the finger out MON! Its not even a gamble.. UTV |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... 'Morning All. I have just spotted this; Apologies if it's already posted. http://www.birminghammail.net/...25627113/? Memories of "Dion and the head Butt Incident" |
Car Frost
said:
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...Heskey, who is superb. Each to their own I guess but that is a pretty weird statement. |
Aaron Wilson
said:
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...He must be exceptionally dumb if Gabby is more intelligent than him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx6LfIXWdIg without a doubt!!! ^^^^^ |
Paul Theiss
said:
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... ak_27: ... We bid for Zaki in last January's window. But there's a reason that neither we, nor any other big team, have gone back in for him---the guy is an utter disgrace. In addition to his failures to show up for training, he said that he didn't want to join Pompey because they have a Jewish manager and an Algerian player (Belhadj). Sorry, not the kind of guy I'd want wearing the Villa shirt. |
Les Smith
said:
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... Just seen the YouTube clip of Gabby & Ash. The funniest thing ever. But it has given me an idea! You know they say “Give the man a brain he maybe then he will be dangerous” Well MON has got more than he needs. Anyone know of a brain surgeon on the Holt? |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
said:
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... If its true that we bid for Zaki, and Im not convinced, than Mon must have been the most relieved man on the planet when he didnt come! |
Paul Theiss
said:
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... PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL: If its true that we bid for Zaki, and Im not convinced, than Mon must have been the most relieved man on the planet when he didnt come! Zaki said that we bid for him: “Aston Villa offered £11 million to sign me in the first half of the season," Zaki explained in the Birmingham Mail. "However, Wigan refused to get compensation as they had hopes to sign me and let me join another club later in order to make money." http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/...the-player I'm glad that it didn't work out, although there is no doubting his quality. |
James Clift
said:
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... It is a shame he's leaving but in all honesty is the type of player we need to push us into that top four? People will argue that Sidwell is'nt either but for all we know MoN may be looking to sell him in the summer aswell and buy quality with the proceeds of both. If Gardner does leave for Blues then I will give him a good reception when he comes back, he is a Villa fan but also wants/needs first team football. If Blues are the only club willing to buy him then who are we to slag him off? Good luck Craig. |
Sasa
said:
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... Yeah he seems a nice lad but in all fairness Gardner's rubbish, if we're not going to sign anybody I'd rather get rid of all the garbage. Emule and Davies next please. |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
said:
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... Villain-from-Texas: I remember him saying that and I dont know why he would lie about it but it just doesnt seem to have the ring of truth about it to me. Why would we offer 11m for zaki and not offer 12-13m of Arse-shavin' ? |
fastbackace
said:
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... good to see on hear that people realise gabby is our best striker. with mule and jc doing woefull this season. get rid of both of them. anyone would be better then them. |
woody
said:
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... ha gabby being are best striker aint much to live up to 8-9 goals a season will earn you that right, quite sad reallly |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Blimey fastback, you had us all down as slating him earlier Any slating is only frustration, on my part anyway. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... The rumours suggesting that there is not much money available for MoN unless he sells are seeming to be truer every day. If we could raise about £12 million from sales who would we want in for that money? A world class scorer would cost more than that and have quite high wage demands. Anything less than world class would represent a risk of some sort, a proven Prem scorer might cost about £12mill, and would represent less of a risk. The problem with the players we know about is the baggage/history they carry around, just about every name mentioned here attracts criticism for some character flaw or other. There have been a few players mentioned who don't seem to have attitude problems and would be relatively inexpensive. Since Dindane at Pompey had been mentioned I have watched some video of him, he could be a snip of a bargain buy. If he turns out to be a prolific scorer we win, if he's just plain average we would still be able to sell him at no significant loss. That's the kind of player that MoN seems to take chances on - and has been slated for buying when they fail to make the grade. Being realistic, that is the kind of player that MoN has to go for at the moment, we are not the richest club in the Prem by a long way. MoN's strategy has paid massive dividends; we now have two £25 million plus players (Ash and Jimmy), with value sure to be added to DJ by the summer. So I reckon MoN will try to coach more goals into the existing players to tide us over to the end of the season (when we will finish 5/6th at worst). Next season will be the one remembered as the Fonz's coming of age year, I expect him to be out 20 a year scorer. Someone above thought that Gabby playing the Heskey role with the Fonz playing the Gabby role could work - sounds a great idea to me. Sorry, I do go on a bit. The draw on Sunday was a weird experience, is it just me or did we seem to play strange tactics? So many times we had our wide players playing wide, one of our strikers playing wide, and our CM (Jimmy) playing wide. So that when the ball is centered (it's bound to with that many wide men) there was no one there to bang it in. Maybe MoN just not wanting Big Sam to get ideas. |
woody
said:
|
... yeh i mentioned dindane to some mates today and they laughed funnily enough (thats chealsea and arsenal supporters for you) But i think it could work i mean we got better players that would be playing around him. i still think that we might be able to raise enough money for someone like kenwyne or bent. They wouldn't be as much as a risk as dindane. I reackon we might be able to get Dindane on loan till the end of the season. We then don't pay anything this january and get in a striker, we play him see if he can prove himself till the end of the season, if he can raise the funds to keep him if not cya later dindane and we don't loose a penny, everyones a winner (even pompey who won't have to pay his wages) Good idea or what??? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... andy, I think the intention was that there were supposed to be players bombing in to get on the end of them. But it never happened. I said during the game that it was just one of those days and stand by it. It wouldn't have mattered what was changed, I just don't think we'd have scored, I really don't. Churchill's foofballing gods were not smiling upon us, imo. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... Badger, I know what you're saying, I just thought that MoN had "Tweaked" the shape of the side, hoping to a) nick a goal because it's only WetSpam, and b) not give too much away before Wednesday. If so, it backfired. Anyway - normal service to be resumed on Wednesday night. I've got the night off again so that I can watch on telly - lotsa beers cooling their heels in me fridge. Nice. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...Maybe MoN just not wanting Big Sam to get ideas What? Every other manager and his dog knows exactly how we will line up and what tactics we will use on Wednesday. The one predictable thing about us is we are not unpredictable, thats why im very suprised about the line-up on Sunday. Rest Ashley or Gabby, maybe not even on the bench would maybe of made Sam think that they may be injured.....but oh no, weve got to do things the predictable way. And Andy, Kendrick at the Mail reckons we have up to 15 million for this window without taking in account of possible sales. I just dont think Martin wants to take a risk in spending 15+ million on a single player, and i think the reason is because he does not want to break the wage structure thats in place. I think he feels that we have a nice settled and happy squad, and he wont risk upsetting it. Thats my theory, which is proberly wrong |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... I don't know about tweaking, but I suspect his preamble would have been more along the lines of "just kick their arses". A LC semi and Beers. Nice mate |
fastbackace
said:
|
... its like everyones hatred of gabby died away when they remembered he is our number one striker right now, we have to play him... and as for heskey starting... well i think delf has just as many goals this season as heskey does, so does he not deserve a chance as well? mon pull ur head out ur ass. |
Paul Theiss
said:
|
... PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL I remember him saying that and I dont know why he would lie about it but it just doesnt seem to have the ring of truth about it to me. Why would we offer 11m for zaki and not offer 12-13m of Arse-shavin'? First, 12-13 wouldn't have snagged Arshavin--he went to Arsenal for 15. Second, how do you know that we didn't bid for Arshavin? There is a ton going on behind the scenes that we don't know about. For example, no one knew that we had bid for both Zaki and Downing during the January window until much, much later. |
Stathis
said:
 |
... Balaban is playin here in Greece for Panionios, a club in Athens and (..checking;P) has scored 8 goals so far in the season As about Craig Gardner, its obvious we're tryin to sell him on a good price and thats a reasonable thing to do. I agree with Damian and the others that say its not a case of him wantin out of Villa - or wantin to play for the scum, he wouldnt if he had an alternative, its just that he wants regular first team football which he's not gettin with us and its as simple as that. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...First, 12-13 wouldn't have snagged Arshavin--he went to Arsenal for 15. Add to that £100k+ a week, I believe. No chance. |
S
said:
 |
... I think Gardner is a decent player who should have been given a chance instead of sidwell or delph. But i suppose if they can get 4m+ and then sell Heskey for same amount and get some money from Randy Lerner then MON can buy a decent 2nd forward. |
www.weneedastriker.com
said:
 |
... how can an ston Villa supporter leave the Villa to join Blues. I'd rather rot in the reserves. Absolutely no way i would join them. You cant blame him for wanting to stay local, so why dont he join wolves or the baggpipes? Anyway.... Martin O'Neill, are you going to sign a striker or what??????????? Oh no your not, you've never signed a class striker in your managerial career. I have already gave a list of 10 strikers we could go for (on a previous thread). Sort it out Martin |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...Oh no your not, you've never signed a class striker in your managerial career. I have already gave a list of 10 strikers we could go for (on a previous thread). I hope your list is good mate because MON will obviously come on here and use it. Pressure is on you dude! |
frem
said:
 |
... James Beattie are link today. Im not going to say anythung about that. Man city buying Flamini, another defensive midfielder. Viera just come and they have dejong as well. Oh Barry, Manchini dont like you, come back to villa. MON get a striker. |
Andi
said:
|
...I hope your list is good mate because MON will obviously come on here and use it. Pressure is on you dude! |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... I thought Flamini was a cracking player. Wouldn't of minded him wearing the famous Claret & Blue. |
Andi
said:
|
... Hold on with Flamini and Veria back at Citeh Mancini must consider their midfield to bee pretty rubbish. If this is the case Ireland would be a tempting addition ?? ok he is a cock and his bentley that he pimped was a mess but he is a good footballer ? |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... I would take that pimped up son of a biatch in a heartbeat Chiefy. Interesting, maybe there is no need for him now at City? I would prefer a forward who bangs them in for fun first though. |
Andi
said:
|
...Manchester United's players have been offered the chance to invest in the club. and over to the reporter at Old Trafford where the wheels are beginning to fall off |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
|
...How boring is it today ? anybody would think we have nothing to talk aboutIt arse's me how we never get linked, well hardly, to exciting players. Even if MON has no intention of buying anyone, he could at least have the decency to leak some juicy titbits to the press for us to salivate on while we wait for the next match. Speaking of which, is the next match a foregone conclusion, or will Blackburn figure they can do a Wet Spam and sneak one on the break ? |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... Pancho Im not feeling as confident as I did last week about tomorrow night. Here's hoping we can find the net and put it out of reach early on. Chiefy We haven't got anything to talk about... Hows the Snood? |
Andi
said:
|
...Speaking of which, is the next match a foregone conclusion, or will Blackburn figure they can do a Wet Spam and sneak one on the break Do they know where the goal is placed ??? Hows the Snood? the SNOOD is off to the Caneries in the morning so couldnt be happier all though i am going to miss Blackburn game and Arsenal game my damn mrs birthday have these women got no respect for the football or the indeed the SNOOD ? |
Keith
said:
 |
... Chiefy If you're not going to the match, make sure you watch it on a PC and then moan about how useless MON and all the players (except Dunne) are. Demand he is sacked before we are relegated - even when we are going to Wembley |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... Lee hes Villa, as is his younger brother. Other members of his family are Blues, hence the confusion. Craig is on record of saying that he is Villa in the press. Just google it, and you will then see just how much shite noses preech. |
Big Jim 666
said:
 |
... Answer me one question? we are on the verge of our first final in 10 years you play for your boyhood team and you are asked by the gaffer to go on the bench for the away leg of the semi and you refuse as you have already stated your intention to leave at your lack of first team football. Villa supporter my arse, if you support the Villa you stay and fight regardless and no way would a true Villa Boy go to the noses. Guys do not kid yourselves the guy is a mercenary end of story. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
... BiG Jim Footballers do not feel the rivilry or hate we feel. Believe me when i say this, but the shite and us are pretty good love buddies off the pitch. I know, cos my son son luckily failed trials with them, and guess who two of the coaches were? Mortimer, and Tony Macandrew I hate the scum from the bottom of my heart, but tell me the last Villa player who refused to move there? |
Phil Round
said:
 |
... Its annoying but i'd be more annoyed if we didn't have the boy Delph, ive always rated Gardner, he's always had something about him, which we never saw the best of at Villa. Oh well, no point dwelling now, He's gone, to the Clowns, he's cut his ties now, and all we can hope for is that Villa put a decent sell-on clause in the deal. And obviously that he continues his good work for Villa whilst in Small Heath colours... E.g. Oggys in the derbies and relegations at the circus... To finish, a simple one word conclusion... CUT with extra added N |
Villa fan in Oz (Matty Kelland)
said:
 |
... I wouldnt care if he goes he doesnt start not good enough the pronblem is hes going to scum. Heskey needs to go and Gardner you are an idiut if you got to Scum |
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