Written by Damian Thursday, 02 July 2009 06:07
Yes, it is only speculation but stop for one second and think about it. He is English and a former U21 player and when he started out in his career was considered a bright prospect. Would you really be surprised if he arrived?
I wouldn't be, but it would be a waste of the £3.5mn. the Daily Star is saying and Barry Bannan. In fact, if this happened, it would be a nail in the coffin for the manager because Titus Bramble is useless and we had better in two players the manager allowed to leave.
Actually, while this is just a rumour it can't be true. Bramble joined Wigan in June 2007 on a free transfer and his contract is up next year. Any manager that paid £3.5mn. for a player like Bramble, entering his last year would only be proving that he doesn't know what he is doing and while we all accept Martin O'Neill is slow, he isn't stupid.
I can tell you what will happen if we sign more players like Harewood and that is we will end up as a mid table team with O'Neill and we will win the odd League Cup. Actually, you don't need me to tell you more, you know the rest. We are also still one of five clubs not to make a signing and while I'm convinced it is because Ellis Lerner hasn't given him a very big budget to bring players in, this lack of activity does make me question O'Neill.
I don't want to question O'Neill either as I believe he will get us where we need to be, but when I think about that and look for evidence, there isn't any. What has O'Neill achieved in his career that Gordon Strachan hasn't? Would you want Gordon Strachan to manage our club?
Before I go and I'm actually coming back to add this, there is a rumour we are interested in DJ Stewart Downing again. I can't say enough that this would be a mistake in my opinion. He isn't actually that good and while you might get a few good games a season, we've got other players that do that. Hell, even Milner has the potential to put in two or three man of hte match performances next season.
DJ Stewart Downing is overrated and not really very good. Let Spurs have him, we don't want another average player. We want proven quality.
Right, another short post this morning because well, there isn't much else, but I do have a request. The comment section is starting to get a little, how can I say this, age restrictive. I can't stop you writing certain words and I know they'll be heard at a football ground, but some read this that don't go to the football matches and some of the language is getting a little rated.
If anything else does happen today, as in we sign a player, I'll be back, but for now, it is breakfast time. Up the Villa.
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Alistair
said:
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... Titus Bramble is this some kind of joke, we can't sign him that would be ridiculous, a replacement for Laursen? Man things are really slow aren't they, but I still believe that the signings will come and they will be of a better standard than Bramble! |
testie
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... You seam to be a bit of a moaner lately Damien, why rise to a story in the Star, i can't see this one happening. I get the feeling your starting to tap the MON out drum. |
whitey
said:
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... Comparing O'Neill to Strachan is ludicrous. O'Neill has never, ever been a failure in his managerial career. He walked out of Norwich because he couldnt get on with the chairman so that can be discounted. Remember Strachan's unsuccessful spell at Coventry? And how many teams has he got promoted compared to O'Neill? An absurd comparison Damien. However, I don't want Bramble either - superb ability but we don't want someone that error prone. |
Damian
said:
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... testie Show me what there is to be positive about today and I'll make a post about it. As for O'Neill, I'm not tapping that drum but if someone were to come along and offer Lerner money and he was involved in Oil, I'd say take it. I'd love Lerner to be bought out because I don't think he is providing the funds. Then put a Director of Football in, then I think that would be perfect. O'Neill is perfect at managing the team on match day and I'd love him to stay for that. |
villaster
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... Just because we've been linked by a paper with titus bramble, doesnt mean MON is after him, but i admit its a scary, scary thought and he does tick some of the boxes mon seems to have on his candidates... anyways, I dont see us signing more than 3 players, I just hope its 2 wingers and a defender, ashley young needs some breathing space and milner looks uncomfortable with being a winger...or we buy owen and move gabby to the right...heskey(carew), owen, gabby and ashley, id love to see that line up |
Damian
said:
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... whitey compare the success o'neill has had with the success of strachan and take away scotland. harry redknapp has had more comparing o'neill and strachan isn't ludicrous. comparing sir alex ferguson and simon davey is ludicrous |
Adey Stuttard
said:
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... Damian, I lost interest when you said: We are also still one of five clubs not to make a signing and while I'm convinced it is because Ellis hasn't given him a very big budget to bring players in Isn't Randy Lerner at the helm now?  Also, please do not scare the shit out of me at 8.01pm by saying we might sign Titus Bramble - if it is true I may ring Villa and ask for a refund on my purchased season tickets!! |
Ricky
said:
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... What salts have you been sniffing this morning? Bramble is a rumor in a less than reputable morning tabloid. As for Lerner out? Have we not progressed in the past 3 years? |
Adey Stuttard
said:
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... And also, I think the 5 that haven't bought, including us, are: Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton, so don't panic people Damo. |
Damian
said:
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... 1874AVFC Sorry, my mistake. I forgot .. I'll change it in the post. But, Everton have brought in players as have Liverpool. The five clubs are us, Chelsea, Stoke Sunderland and Spurs. But, Chelsea maybe need to add one or two, they have a very big squad, as do Spurs. Our need is greater than most. That is the point! |
snake pliskin
said:
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... I'd have to say that trying to find a positive at 8.00 in the morning must be a real trial!! Personally i've given up believing any of the rumours being touted in the daily rags and through "Zen" i will go and find a happy place to await the announcements from Villa Park, as and when we actually buy players. You also said we are one of only 5 teams not to have bought a player yet this summer. I would argue that of all the players that have so far been bought, only a handful would get an eyebrow raise form me. The quality players can take time to prize out of clubs and also to convince them that they are making the right move. Patience my friend and in the fullness of time your hopes may well be realised...oh and i agree, you are getting on the managers back, full time!! |
oo-aar
said:
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... Is this the daily Star taking the piss? Titus Bramble. FFS. This is a piss take surely. |
Rich
said:
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... Apparently Titus is a bit of a cult figure at Wigan - this says it all as there's usually a bit of tongue in cheek/mockery behind someone obviously not very good having such status. Agree with Damien in that I've always wondered as to why Downing is so rated. I must be missing something as he never seems to actually do anything. I suppose I must be wrong though as most of the so called experts and ex pro's would disagree. I'm going to try and not look at this site for a bit, its really depressing. |
Ben
said:
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... I think this more the London press talking Villa down. This kind of deal would finish MON off at the Villa with the fans. I wish Villa would get some other people in to sort deals out as Villa and MON are so poor its unreal. Villa needed more activity than any other club but again we've done nothing. Teams are now back training and MON if he's not careful won't be able to have a 5 side mess about game. Not impressed with MON or Villa and I've been one of a few who've said it for some time. Pull your finger out MON |
testie
said:
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... Damien I see your point there's not much out to talk about today. With regards to Learner would you not prefer to build success over time. I think with investment and time MON and the Villa could compete with the top 4 as we did for half of last season. Don't you not think it would be more satisfying if we built a team to challenge rather than buy the league. Learner has provided the funds obviously not to Mancity levels but he has spent, weren't we one of the bigger spenders last summer? Also i think getting in a director of football would undermine MON and take away all the things he is good at, he is good managing the team on match day because it is his team completely. |
Greg1981
said:
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... I don't follow the preoccupation with the issue of the timing for potential signings. A good player will be welcome right through August. But the players we are being linked with so far are still way below what is required. Bramble is useless and this must be a joke. The real issue is that O'Neill's record on signings is really poor. He should be left to coach and kept well away from the transfer market. The real positive is that there is, at last, an increase in disgruntled fans. This IS a positive. There are too many fans accepting of where we are. The 'negatives' don't enjoy ranting, they just call it as it is and will be shouting for the team as much as anyone else when the season gets going. It's people who call it rubbish when they see rubbish who will move the club forward. And yep this is a relative good time in our history. No one alive has seen a Villa team who are the best in the country (yep, 1981 included). And nothing has ever been sustained. So yes this is a good streak and expectations have been raised. But two of our best three players (and leaders) have gone and for the last 6 months we've been one of the poorest teams in the Premier. Be unhappy about it. Says it's unacceptable and we want more. It doesn't make you less of a Villa fan. Ps loved your Freudian slip Damian. Brilliant. You must leave it on. It wasn't a mistake. There is nothing, as yet, to say we have left the Ellis years behind. |
whitey
said:
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... Consider the clubs he was managing and then I am sure that you will agree his achievements here are nothing short of amazing... He became manager at Wycombe at the beginning of the 1990–91 season. In the following season he led Wycombe to 2nd place in the Conference, losing out to Colchester United only on goal difference. The following season, he took Wycombe into the Football League for the very first time. In the 1992–93 season, he took Wycombe to a second successive promotion via the Division 3 Playoffs and a 4–2 win over Preston North End took them up into Division 2. He left the club in 1995 to become manager at Norwich City. He joined Leicester City immediately after leaving Norwich. After a difficult start he achieved great success at the club, gaining promotion via the play-offs to the Premiership in the same season as joining the club. Leicester finished in the top half of the Premier League in every season O'Neill was manager. They also won the Football League Cup under O'Neill in 1997 and 2000, as well as reaching the 1999 final of the competition. They finished ninth in 1997, tenth in 1998 and 1999, and eighth in 2000. The two League Cup triumphs saw them qualify for the UEFA Cup each time, though both campaigns were short-lived. Redknapp is older and has managed (apart from Villa) bigger clubs in the Prem. |
AVFCBristol
said:
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... Damian, are you mental? A Director of Football? Lerner not providing funds? I'm normally in agreement with you on most of your posts but that is just ludicrous. Since Lerner came in we have broken the club record transfer fee 3 times (Young, Davies, Milner), and spent around 50million last summer, give or take. You cannot possibly say Lerner has not provided the funds, and as for this summer, what would you rather have? A quick "smash and grab" on a load of players who might be good, or a steady influx of well-researched, well-negotiated signings in mid-end July? I know what I'd have. We can't all be like Man City who can just go out and spend their pocket money like a rich kid in a toy store, and if the players they sign don't work out they'll just buy more. O'Neill is very astute, and would not make a signing unless he genuinely thought the player would improve us. Deciding that takes time. Like you say, he's not stupid, and knows he can't leave the squad as it is. We WILL sign players, and Lerner WILL provide cash. As for the Director of Football, I think it has been proven time and time again that that does not work in the English game. In Spain, where club infrastructure and management styles are tailored to having a DoF, then it works. In England, we have team Managers, not Head Coaches. I never ever want to see one at VP, not in a million years. It just doesn't work here. |
ruffy
said:
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... I think we should get off MON's case. For me he has made a couple of rough signings but the majority good and in terms of results we have come on leaps and bounds. The only black spot being the Moscow fiasco which Martin admitted he was wrong to throw away. The problem for me is that the momentum from the last two seasons with the new crew coming in and being all enthusiastic about the club (PROUD HISTORY - BRIGHT FUTURE, and all that) seems to be ebbing away, right at the time when we need to be taking bigger leaps forward. We've got the money from Barry and you'd have to expect an additional 20MIL if they are to be believed about wanting Champions League football anytime soon. That would mean a spend of around £32 Mil this summer, but at the moment it appears as though we might end up with the bear minimum if we are lucky and it'lll be a case of "Champions League - Your having a Laugh" |
Damian
said:
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... testie yes, i'd like the perfect story but it isn't going to happen 'over time' - because that isn't the game any more. the game has changed and lerner thought he could come in and play by the old rules. it was a nice dream, but it can't happen and i don't think a net spend of £50mn. over three seasons is 'providing the funds', sorry. we are the same level of investment as a percentage of turnover as we were at under ellis. nothing has changed re. director of football, i think it is imperative if o'neill buggers this summer up, only because we had a small squad last season after o'neill complaining the season before about 'small squad' - it can't go on any longer o'neill will have to see this because he isn't stupid |
TrueVillan
said:
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... 2 rumours worry me this wet morning! 1/ titus bramble, hopefully media talk, if not confirms what many fear, MON has no pull in the transfer market and is recreating leicester city! 2/ stewart downing, normally this would be a sound interest, but is he not a left winger? does this mean we are considering letting ashley young go? with the bentley rumour as well this would suggest we are looking at pushing milner and young more into the middle of the park, maybe not a bad thing in either case, or one of them is going all i know is that if bramble arrived and young left and a player currently injured was bought in then it would confirm every fear we have on MON and transfers! im going to believe this is all paper talk and really defour is still coming in1 |
whitey
said:
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... O'Neill has already gone on record by saying he would never work under a director of football. I don't blame him as I can only recall such an arrangement being a spectacular diaster in this country. |
rtvilla
said:
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... If Randy is not supplying the funds why are we giving away shirt sponsorship for free? Surely this would provide more tranfer kitty |
David Lewis
said:
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... Surely this can't be true. Whilst Bramble did put in some very good performances last season, he also put some very bad ones in. I'd prefer any of our current defenders in the team over Bramble. What I think has been overlooked is that it is cash plus Bannan... forgive me if I'm wrong, but isn't he one of our brightest prospects, potentially the next one to make the step up? Surely that is more of a worry, its Cahillgate all over again. On the other hand, i don't actually believe it, so I'm not too worried, but if it does happen, I'll be reading all the MON bashing for days! |
Keith
said:
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... Damian I got slagged for saying that Chelsea hadnt signed anyone - was told they had signed Sturridge. Neither Skysports or Chelsea website seem to think they have. Glad you agree. "The five clubs are us, Chelsea, Stoke Sunderland and Spurs." |
AVFCBristol
said:
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... Damian, O'Neill will never work under a director of football. No British manager will. Why? Because it's ineffective and ruins the team. The manager is the manager of the club. That means he decides what players he wants and doesn't want. If the board will let him sign those players he wants, he has built his own team. I could think of nothing worse as a manager than having to accomodate 3 or 4 players i did not want in my squad for whatever reason, having lost 3 or 4 that i really did want. Look at Spurs and Camiolli (or whatever his name was) - that system almost took Spurs to relegation. it was only the fact that they brought in 'Arry who demanded he not have a DoF that they survived, easily in the end. Had Camiolli stayed, they'd have gone down. I think you're also missing something important here with regards to the 'lack of' funds. Football is a business. As you say the game has changed, and that is the nature of the game now, it is a business. As a business, it needs to operate within its own limits. Once you start getting into debt, it just spirals, and spirals, until you end up with Leeds United. I feel it is far better to slowly build a squad, and then a few years down the line, pull your balls out of the bag and splurge a little on that/those world class player(s) that take you to the upper upper echelons, than do what Man City are doing and just throwing together what is essentially a glorified patchwork quilt of any player, no matter how good (a*hem...Craig Bellamy). |
Keith
said:
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... I cannot believe Bramble rumour. I don't want to either. Anyway I heard MON went to bed to sleep last night. How dare he, we need players he shouldn't be sleeping when we need to be signing players. Its July 2nd for Gods sake! Only 60 days til the transfer window closes, we need him up all night until he makes 6 panic buys! Hurry up MON. |
Damian
said:
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... rtvilla we have acorns on the shirt because we couldn't find a sponsor that matched what the club valued it at. the club told us that AVFCBristol we have a net spend on players of just over £50mn. since Lerner took over. take that as a percentage of turnover and then take the last three seasons under ellis and tell me how much we spent as a percentage of turnover and it won't be hugely different whitey in terms of getting players up for the game and getting the most out of them, i dont think we will find a better manager than o'neill but in top flight football, the difference between strachan and o'neill isn't that different. but that is just my opinion |
Damian
said:
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... keefvilla so, is he allowed to go on holiday again? actually, he might be going on holiday again for all we know. my point is, we need players - other clubs are back for pre-season already and we are down 3 players on last season. players need a pre-season together, to get to know each other, to 'gel' |
Pastor Lovelysauce
said:
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... Perhaps MON just wants to collect a team of players with unusual names, Emile, Moustapha, Zat, Wilfred and now Titus. Whilst we have many examples of Mr Bramble's howlers, when speaking to Wigan fans they seem to think he has got better. However, The Daily Star? Come on, in our desperation let's not jump at every hook provided. |
rake
said:
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... don't worry about the titus bramble speculation everyone,mon is actually trying to sign wilfrid bramble with 'arold up front in exchange for £100,000,000 plus john carew,but not until 31st july!!! |
DavidC
said:
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... Disagree on Downing. I've always been mightily impressed every time I've seen him play. Bramble - just a bulkier Zat Knight in my eyes. One great game, one shocker, then three average games in succession. |
clarkamus
said:
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... its always so negative on here this just always seems like a website for moaners sure we are all a little frustrated with no one coming in yet but it will happen when marin oneil bought the likes of harewood we wernt a top 6 side and so we wernt aiming for top 6 players its a work in progress and we are steadily progressing these comparisons of lerner to ellis are crazy why not just compare a car to a chimney pot thing now are stable run correct and we have a running of a club all prem league teams admire, expectation has grown now with fans and better players will come just be patient do we really wana rush in to things ? |
rtvilla
said:
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... Come on Damian. Acorns is a sponsor because Randy is not desperate for money. If he was desperate for money the shirt sponsorship would have gone for a miserly sum. Just like Mr Ellis would have done. We forget far too easily how bad it was under Ellis and we are a much stronger club now. We will sign players. Yes MON is slow but he will have the funds and he will sign quality. He will also sign some crap just like Sir Alex does. |
Michael
said:
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... we cant buy emile heskey and titus bramble in the same century, let alone the same year!! especially for a combined fee of £7million plus a promising youngster. Upson, campbell, lescot, hangeland YES, Bramble NO MON has done alot more than Strachan outside of celtic - strachan got coventry relegated, similar team to leicester in which MON got them promoted , won 2 league cups, and lost in another final, and finished top 10 4 seasons in a row. he did well at wycombe, strachan did ok at southampton but not as good as MON at leicester. |
Damian
said:
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... clarkamus if we dont rush teams like everton, spurs, manchester city maybe even fulham will over take us next season. yes, i think we need to rush things. yes, i think we need to have players in for pre-season and yes i think it feels better under lerner but i'm more interested in results on the pitch and challenging for trophies not how it feels or how the club is run |
Keith
said:
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... Damian We all want the signings and we want them to be quality. Everybody hates being linked to crap like Bramble but some of us are not panicing this early. Give it a month without anyone coming in and I will be running round like an idiot screaming MON is rubbish like a lot of you are doing now. But it is still very early in the transfer window. |
testie
said:
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... Damien Why is success 'over time' not going to happen? So far under MON and learner i feel that we have progressed and improved and if we continue to do so then I do not see your problem. If you had to choose Ellis or Learner who would you go for? I would imagine it would be Learner, why? Because we are a stronger club/team now, so something must have changed. MON hasn't buggered anything up this summer, unless the credible and reliable source the Star is correct and Bramble is on his way. |
Damian
said:
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... rtvilla Acorns are on the shirt because the club couldn't find a sponsor that matched the valuation the club put on it. They then can't turn around, after putting a value on it and speaking to a few companies and accept less - it would actually then mean it wasn't worth what the club said it was and then they'd never be able to approach those companies again and ask for the money they said it was worth. |
rtvilla
said:
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... If that is the case why is he also turning down advertising in the Trinity Road. "Because he wants it to look good" is what i was told. |
David Lewis
said:
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... Just thought I'd keep put this into the mix... I don't think it'd score highly on Damian's likelihood scale, but its gotta be as worthy as the daily star! So for now, lets forget Bramble, and dream of better things... http://www.tribalfootball.com/...dar-254327 |
bass
said:
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... i think Big sol campbell is on his way to vila park!!! has anyone seen the grin on his face when the bloke interviewing him said 'have you heard the talk of villa looking at you???' he could not have smiled anymore then said that when people come back from there holidays etc hopefully deals can be done! on a free i dont think that would be a bad move!!! Bramble is a joke and i think the star are just trying to fill inches in the paper at the end of the day they are not a good source and they can write what they like, in fact the more stupid the story the more likely fans are to pick the paper up to read what its about!!! i don't think we are going to make ground breaking moves this summer but campbell, owen on free with maybe a bentley and huddleston/jenas is believable!! |
Damian
said:
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... testie Success over time ins't going to happen without significant investment is what I am saying and I'm not seeing any significant investment. £50mn net spend over three seasons isn't significant in Premier League football even if that figure is significant for us. Yes, I would pick Lerner over Ellis because it does 'feel nicer' but that is all. Ask me if I would pick an unknown billionaire Prince from Abu Dhabi over Lerner though and I'd pick the Prince every day of the week. On the subject of progression, I don't actually think we have actually progressed under Lerner if you look at the league table. The reason we finished 16th wasn't becasue of Ellis it was because of O'Leary. Had we had O'Neill over the same period under Ellis, we wouldn't have finished 16th, I fancy we would have been top six, much like what O'Neill has done under Lerner and much like, I hate writing this, what O'Leary did in his first season. |
Andy Young
said:
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... If we sign Tightarse Bramble I'll start supporting Kidderminster Harriers. Why don't we go in for Clint Dempsey if he's available? |
AVFCBristol
said:
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... And what have been the results on the pitch? Pretty darn good actually. We are getting better year-on-year, you cannot possibly argue with that, so why now all this negativity? I really don't see the need for it. Gain some perspective, it's the 2nd of July, not the 22nd of August! Yes, players need a pre-season, but we don't start back for another week. So what if other teams are already back? We played a massive number of games last season with a small squad. Bringing the players back too early will just burn them out by Xmas. I for one am a little anxious about the lack of activity, sure I am, as most people are, but to come on here and just say the Lerner regime is like Ellis is bulls**t. Look at what Lerner has done outside of VP - Bodymoor Heath for example. One of the best training facilities in world football. Plans to develop the stadium, specifically the North Stand. And to say that the spend as a percentage of turnover is just a nothing comment. So what if it is? Surely we are making MORE turnover under Lerner than Ellis, what with higher gates, higher league finishes, more TV appearances thus more cash...so what if the percentage is the same? It's a freaking business. The important thing is we are spending a greater amount of money on the squad. If you had your way we'd have a Director of Football in League one having been docked 50 points for going into administration over and over and over again. |
Ted
said:
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... Damian - I'm surprised at how negative you are being. You often talk a lot of sense but lately you're just going on and on about the same boring stuff. Yes we need players, but there haven't been many transfers of note by any clubs other than super-rich Man City. 1st July was a key date and things will start to happen now at most clubs. Would you rather we had bought loads of mediocre players? We all want signings, but I'd rather get quality in mid-July than dross in June. Whilst I would prefer better than Bramble, he was one of Wigan's top performers last season in a season where they did well, so he wouldn't be a total disaster. He was man of the match every other game. Downing is regularly in England squads despite playing for a crap team - maybe the likes of Sven, McClaren and Capello know a little more about football than me and you, as do the many managers who want to sign him. He's always looked quality whenever I've seen him play. As for your "even Milner has the potential to put in two or three man of the match performances next season" line - are you serious? Milner has been a hugely impressive player for us in the last season. You can't have a team full of flair players, you need players who have a high work rate too, and his work rate is second to none. He has a lot of skill to go with that work rate too. Maybe that's why Capello rates him so highly. Oh I forgot, what does he know? And finally you continue to criticise Lerner - other than Abramovich and the Man City Arabs, who would you prefer at our club? He's doing a brilliant job and is supporting O'Neill, yet because we haven't gone and spent £100 million already this pre-season you seem to have it in for him. Change the record mate. |
rtvilla
said:
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... avfc bristol Totally agree. Yes Damian I agree but a Prince from Abu Dhabi is more likely to just pull the plug on the funds when it suits him. Just as soon as he finds his next expensive toy to play with. I would agree we need players and lots of them. Quality players at that. I would rather have Randy than a Prince any day. |
NickG
said:
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... MON is trying to do a leicester on us, makes us a good quality team without spending money, and so far its nearly worked. look at last season went most of the season in the top four and then gave up europe and lost out to fifth spot to everton who didn't deserve that position anyways. this is evidence we need to spend money to break the top four, unfortunatley mon is just too slow, if he's such a inspirational manager to players why arnt they flocking to join us? why did barry, mellberg leave? |
David Lewis
said:
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... Although I wasn't convinced about getting Campbell, I'd take him over Bramble (just realised they rhyme!)... Although at 34 I think MON would only get one good season out of Campbell, so I can only see him getting him if he doesn't think the Laursen replacement is available this summer and wants to sure up the defence for a season whilst still looking. On the downside, I remember someone saying that at least Campbell can teach our current defence to head the ball... I seem to remember when we beat Portsmouth one nil (Heskey's debut goal), he was beaten in the air by Gabby to set the goal up. Now thats bordering on embarrassing. Gabby has a number of attributes... heading isn't one of them. |
confusedvillafan
said:
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... signing titus bramble would be like signing monty panesar, you gotta laugh ...havent you ???? |
Stephen Gilligan
said:
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... Bramble you have got to be joking,I was considering getting a season ticket next week, f*ck that I have never rated him he only looked good when he was a kid as he was a big lad. Now he is older he is 3rd rate at best. I really hope its bull. MON please dont buy him for f*ck sake. |
Keith
said:
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... Damian Most managers and players have been on holiday or away at international tournaments. Players who are out of contract were contracted to end of June. Alex Ferguson was away til last weekend ( a whole week later than MON) and yesterday was the first time Ancelotti had even been to Chelsea's training ground. Chill out! |
Keith Lees
said:
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... Damien... Randy has always said he wants Villa to be self-sufficient... this means he doesn't want to bank roll the club If you look at ther money randy has invested on buying the club, improving the squad, the training facilities etc... He has spent around £130 million. The club according to recent estimates is now valued at £150 million, so with that in mind I think Randy has set the budget at around £20 million plus sales....that would be in line with the cub paying for itself.... With (possibly) Campbell and owen on frees, we would still have around £30million to spend...that would put us into the top half of spenders...and still carrying little or no debt. |
stephen
said:
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... not bramble noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo |
rake
said:
|
... being linked with campbell and bramble(worryingly these names rhyme!)is a concern,after all we signed knight and i thought that was a joke at the time.i can see mid-table at best this season,mon's simply not getting his arse into gear!he should admit his mistake and bring cahill back. |
Greg1981
said:
|
... Six top 6 finishes under Ellis in the Premier including a 2nd. Yep we rightly loathed him so why is 6th and falling ok now? Keep the faith; support the lads; but call it as it is. |
deansaundersperm that's perm
said:
 |
... and blues are offering Veira £100,000 a week to join them!!! where are they getting their money? |
Damian
said:
|
... Keith Lees Debt at last filed accounts was £73,000,000 keefvilla I'd say all managers have been on holiday or working. Players contract running to end of June is irrelevant and what Ferguson or Ancelotti do has nothing to do with Aston Villa or the size of our squad or our continued development. |
Alistair
said:
 |
... It is getting really depressing on here. I am proud of Aston Villa for putting a charity name on its shirt (unlike West Ham who went through half of last season with a number on the front until they could find a sponsor). I am proud because we seem to favour English players. Its not all about finishing in the top four. If your support depends only on success then I suggest you look elsewhere. This year's summer transfer window is the toughest yet. Despite the recession there appears to be a massive amount of funds available to some clubs (Man City, Real Madrid etc). This makes life very difficult for everyone else trying to invest in good players. I am really hoping that we bring in some quality new blood especially seeing as we have lost two good players but there seems to be a lot of desperation on here for it to happen right now. I think our expectations have grown over the last few years and this can only be because we have improved. Relax...lets wait and see. If this view makes me a sheep then so be it - better a sheep than a headless chicken!  |
Damian
said:
|
... Villa til I Die I love football. I love watching it and even playing it. Tonight I'm even putting on my old boots for a game in the park even though I know after five minutes of running I'll revert to my favourite position of standing just in front of the keeper picking up the odd ball and hopefully seeing the attack before it happens so I can stroll over to be in the right position, but I do support Aston Villa and for me anyway, the one thing I want to see more than anything is success. Maybe I'm alone, but I'd take silverware (success) over pretty much anything else ... I will say this too; I'll support Villa wherever we play but we are so so close to the summit that not doing what is necessary to get to the summit is the depressing thing. I don't want to turn into Watford or another one of those 'family clubs' I want to win things .. isn't that what football is all about? Maybe when the wage cap system comes in it will be easier ... |
Keith
said:
|
... Damian I was pointing out that most clubs have been slow to buy players. How many clubs have bought just 1 player? 8. By the way you state that only 5 clubs have not signed anyone, could you tell me who Everton and Pompey have signed then? |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... we`re about to enter the 4th year of a 5 yr plan to get in the top 4, we were close last season, you gotta believe that they know what their doing.believing whats written in the daily star is pathetic |
Leroy
said:
 |
... Villa til I Die - Ofcourse it is depressing, we have only lost players so far and now there is a shit rumour that we are looking to sign Titus Shambles whilst offloading a young player with potential in Bannan. As Damian said earlier, if there is something positive written this morning in the papers then we can be positive, until then we are left to think about the Laursen and Barry (Bouma also?) departures and having them replaced with Bramble.... It is early but that is what we need, early signings. That is the way to do it so you dont have to pay over the odds on desperation buys a day before the season starts, or later if its MON... |
Villa442
said:
 |
... Heskey 33 years with a 4 year contract thats ludicrous - so those that think the TB story is a complete joke and will not happen beware!!!! A lot of Villa fans have blocked our last third of last season performance and if we dont get some new blood in early there is a high probability we will have a bad start. My concern is the structure operating is an old fashioned one with every decision being made by MON and if for any reason MON would leave (not suggesting that he should) we have no succession planning in place and a meltdown will happen. I am trying to be positive – only good thing about no news is that its driving me to drink!!!! |
ak_27
said:
 |
... I really don't believe that rumour. If MON was to sign Bramble with Bannan going the other way i really believe he would set himself up for a big fall come the end of the season if results didnt go our way. This transfer would probably be nail in the coffin in turning the crowd againest him. He would basically be putting his Villa career in the hands of Titus Bramble. |
Freelancelot
said:
 |
... It's really sad that what's happened in the Premiership in recent years has persuaded otherwise sensible people that billionaire-funded transfer splurges are what football is all about. This club is going through a renaissance: it is growing commercially (in complete contrast to the stagnant Ellis years); there's a pool of young talent that can form the basis of a successful team for years (in complete contrast to the Ellis years); there's a consistent flow of transfer funding (in complete contrast ... etc). I understand if people are envious of the oil clubs, but I'm very happy that we're taking a different approach. I'm prepared to wait to see it come to fruition. One thing that doesn't appear to have changed since the Ellis era is some supporters' willingness to declare a crisis and ditch management if they haven't delivered success in three years. Perhaps it wasn't Ellis that was the problem... I just hope the club has the resolve and the good sense to understand that all this impatient whining comes from decades of club mismanagement and to continue to turn the Villa into the Midlands football powerhouse that is the only way that we will see the success we all want. |
Damian
said:
|
... keefvilla i'm not going to look look as i'm on my phone but pompey singed someone from blackburn while everton have brought in someone from the MLS. as for most clubs have been slow - agreed, but most clubs haven't lost three also .. look, we just have to wait and see what happens, but as it stands now it doesn't look great. when we do sign bentely though, we will have a great day on here and when se sign other players of better or similar quality it will be even better .. but for now we don't have much else confusedvillafan what five year plan? |
rob h
said:
 |
... Damian and co. I have a little issue regarding transfers that it think people are missing. Loads of people on hear say buy hangeland for 12mn. did he not cost fulham only 3mn??? My point is this. If we signed a cb that no one had seen play (like hangeland) and paid only 3mn. I would be that the moaners and mon haters would rip the piss out of transfer policy and say he doesn't know what he is doing etc etc. correct? some of you just want to see us spend a lot of money rather than sign good players. If the transfer budget is small let mon work his magic. At leicester he signed cheap palyers and made them a good team. Now he has money he can be a little more extravagant but can still find some gems out there. do not prejudge! if he goes and signs 5 2mn pound players that does not mean we cannot challenge. It just means you have to wait and see if he has unearthed a hangeland, a valencia (2mn to wigan) a barry (200k). or better still consider that all the british players have come through a youth policy and guess what villa youngsters are the best around winning the reserve league twice on the trot. so chill guys we have some good youth who need a chance and mon will supplement them with 3 or 4 quality signings. What do you think damian |
THE AV VILLAN
said:
 |
... Anyone got any suggestions how i can stop myself looking for transfers gossip??? It is starting to takeover my life!!! Bad news followed by more bad news!!!!! I wonder what bad news we are gonna get tomorrow????  |
Damian
said:
|
... Freelancelot when the wage cap comes in, things may very well even out and it wouldn't surprise me if that is what lerner is waiting for and it makes perfect sense for everyone that the wage cap comes in - especially these new american owners - as that is how they will make money but the young talent coming through is coming from the work ellis did, not lerner and as for 'consistent flow of transfer funding' - that isn't true. our spending is echoing the ellis era. a summer of big spending followed by one that isn't so big. if we have a net spend of £40mn. this summer then i'll take that back .. but we have to wait and see |
Alistair
said:
|
... Damian The reason we are closer to the summit than we were and why expectations are higher is because we have improved. I just think we risk losing that if we do not get behind our manager. That doesn't mean accepting everything he does blindly but I think you should think twice before criticizing based on some spurious transfer rumour in the Star! I would love success for Villa as much as any other fan but would not want an Arab Sheikh to buy our club just to get it and I live in the Middle East! |
rob h
said:
|
... av villain, you should look at the transfer gossip and laugh as 99.9% is complete bollox. The longer you wait for a surprise the better it is. Mon is keeping us waiting because he is santas little irish lepricorn helper but dont go and steel his pot of gold for f**k sake |
ronrabbit
said:
 |
... MON has not found any gems the only player he has brought with a resale value more than he paid is ashley young. He is an old fashioned manager in a modern game, and he cant keep up. |
DavidC
said:
|
... "I want it all. I want it now". Its what is wrong on here. Its what is wrong with the society we're in. Take the emotion out. Examine the facts. No-one, absolutely no-one can dispute the fact that we're in a better position than we were under Ellis. |
Christian
said:
 |
... Titus Bramble? I wake up on the 2nd of July to a rumour about Titus Bramble!!! It's the hottest day known to man and I have a unbearable chill down my spine Damian, you should've ran a competition about who can guess who the sh*ttest player we'll get linked to will be. I don't think anyone would've had the nuts to guess Bramble! I await tomorrow's shenanigans when we get linked with Ali Dia... |
ak_27
said:
|
... rob h your missing the point he does not try to make those transfers. All he does is pay way over the odds for English players who often have already shown that they are average enough. I would have more faith in MON if he did exactly what you said and tried bringing in unknowns FOREIGNERS on small enough tranfer fee's. Yes he would get a few wrong but he may also get a few right. He needs to up the ammount of transfers so to increase the chance of getting it right. But signing the likes of Knight, Harewood, Routledge and co when they already have shown they cannot cut it at this level of football is where i don't have any faith in the man. |
Keith
said:
|
... Damian Everton and Portsmouth have not signed anyone, if they have both Skysports and their official websites are unaware. So 7 clubs have signed nobody and 8 have signed just 1 player. Only 5 clubs have signed more than 1 player this summer, they are Birmingham, Blackburn, Burnley and Wolves (who will not be competing for European qualification) and Man City who will be throwing money around like confetti. NO NEED TO PANIC! |
Damian
said:
|
... Villa til I Die my criticism isn't based on any rumour. in fact, i don't think i am really criticising anyone today apart from maybe lerner and well while that criticism is unfounded, i could be proven right on september 1st but if i'm proven wrong, i'd love it |
rob h
said:
|
... ron rabbit let me tell you that bald headed cb for leicester that always scored against us ash young he remodelled alun thompson form us and he became an england int! henrick larsson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! heskey (first choice england cf chosen by capello)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! he took celtic to the uefa cup final without spending any money for me that says he must have a good eye for a player and know tactics and how to play |
Damian
said:
|
... keefvilla like i said, i cant go looking now, but the person sat next to me has said he is 100% certain that everton and pomey have signed players and well seeing as i know his job he should know (that is reference to a new website for football fans coming soon) |
David Lewis
said:
|
... Heh... I think someone mentioned Campbell's smile earlier when asked about villa. I think you could actually replace the work "people" with "Martin O'Neil": http://www.skysports.com/video...39,00.html |
AV79
said:
 |
... This is the most important window for mon,After last season he has put himself under massive presure.If he doesnt sign the right players i think the whole team will be affected and by next summer players will leave mon will be sacked and it will be a re build job.Lets hope he knows the presure he is under and thats why he is making sure he get the right players. |
Keith
said:
|
... Damian "a summer of big spending followed by one that isn't so big" Could not disagree more, firstly Ellis only spent when he employed a new manager and secondly you do not know what MONs transfer budget is, all you know is that Lerner stated it would be less than £40m spent last summer. |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... Facts (but not facts?) http://www.skysports.com/footb...60,00.html Everton haven't signed anyone, nor have Portsmouth, however we have... http://transferleague.co.uk/ |
Damian
said:
|
... keefvilla go look at our net spend last summer, then the net spend the two summers before. if you could do this and list it that would be great. i think it is something like this: 1st, 20mn. 2nd, 0 (zero) and 3rd, 40mn. then go and pick 3 seasons, any three season under ellis and then add the extra 30mn we got lost summer from the tv money and you might see a similar trend. i'm saying you might see a similar trend is all absed on revenue - not actual spend |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... Net spend 08/09 - £45.9M Net spend 07/08 - £1.25M PROFIT Net spend 06/07 - £21.6M Net spend 05/06 - £7.45M Net spend 04/05 - £200k Net spend 03/04 - £8.7M Net spend 02/03 - £2.75M PROFIT Which only goes to prove that RL spent more in his first season than Ellis did in the previous 4 |
toastman
said:
 |
... lewis-dp yes i can see where your comming from. don't be supprise if he end up with us. |
rob h
said:
|
... i would actually be quite happy if all we signed was owen and bently. I would give a chance to ciaran clark and o halloran at the back give forrester, albrighton and bannan a chance in midfield. |
julian joachims
said:
 |
... guys lets be honest were missing a natural leader in the spine of the team, a player that has bin there and done it won titles been captind our national team, maybe he isnt as good as he was when he was 27 but beilive me hes alot better in leading and holding his nerve when in the lat 5mins of tight games than anyone we currently have... so if MON wants campbell on a free i would say snap him up |
sean jones
said:
 |
... Ive just seen the Sol Campbell video, and it's blatent that he will be joining the Villa. Now at first i was against this becuase of his age, but i think with his experince he would do good for two years. I think it was the same last year when everyone was getting pissed off about transfers. Then look what happened we signed some decent players, and we signed someting like 8 players. So just give it time and the transfers will come, but for now i like most Villa fans will get pissed off lol. |
Keith
said:
|
... Damian Can we include the money Lerner has spent on Bodymoor Heath, Holte Hotel and then deduct the wages and bonuses that Ellis paid himself? |
Carl Main
said:
 |
... lewis dp....i think thats the wrong video you have put up on the link. This one just see Sol talking about drugs tests...Any chance you could find the one with Villa mentioned please. I cant find it on the skysports site. Cheers mate. |
Shashwat Sapkota
said:
 |
... Oh man Bramble can't be at our club. We might not finish even 10thh if we start signing those players. |
Christian
said:
|
... Lewis DP, that link is a video about drug testing, I'm confused! Mokoena has DEFINITELY agreed to go to Portsmouth, it's even on his personal website! And it was commonly spoken about for anyone who watched the ConFed cup. Just thought I'd clear that up. I wouldn't mind Campbell for a season, whilst we target a genuine Laursen replacement (eg Hangerland). |
rob h
said:
|
... right then tell me how much this team costs to put together at the time? schmeicel p neville, g neville, berg, ronny johnson scholes, giggs, beckham, butt solksjaer, sherringham? bear in mind that most are home grown talents |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... On a lighter note: Striker Obafemi Martins turned up late with midfielder Joey Barton back at the club for the first time since he was told to stay away from the training ground by caretaker boss Alan Shearer. Martins is apparently now on £65,000 a week, after earning a £5,000-a-week pay rise under the terms of his contract Let's forget about the Villa signings for now and all laugh at the Geordies, what were they thinking of?  |
Jaakkola
said:
 |
... Titus is a decent defender much improved on the days where he was regularly mocked. Look at how well wigan are doing!? If you're taking rumours from the star as fact then you're a more mishap prone journo than Titus ever was defensively |
ak_27
said:
|
... rob h take a look at the current Utd team and tell me how much that cost? Times have moved on a lot. |
Damian
said:
|
... rob h- the academy system was set up by ellis. i'm all for the youngsters getting a chance and dont want them to be sold off at the first opportunity 1874AVFC- i'm not talking about actual spend, i'm talking about trends (remember there is an extra 30mn each season now from the TV companies). by listing it (thank you) you have confirmed the trend and like i've said above - i'd love to be proven wrong this summer and i'd love to see serious investment made again and again next summer. it is, unfortunately, what needs to happen to compete |
runtingz
said:
 |
... Damian i except better from you how on earth has harry redknapp had more success the MON harry has won one trophy in england in his whole caraer while martin won 2 at leicester city plus all the many other successes he had in scottland tut tut |
Damian
said:
|
... Jaakkola- where have i said i'm taking it as fact? without scrolling up and taking five minutes to get back here i think i even dismissed it as a possibility, but what else is there today in terms of news about villa? |
EdVilla
said:
 |
... Bramble No! Looking on Internet to find information to pour cold water on story his deal does expire 2010 but already in talks to stay at Wigan linked with a reunion with Mr potato head at Sunderland best I can find to destroy the story source wiki |
GG
said:
 |
... The Daily Star? What has O'Neill achieved over & above Strachan? Turning relegation candidates into European qualifiers (Villa)... giving Leicester their most successful spell ever (i.e. giving them some respectablility in top flight football).... getting Wycombe into the Football League (if my memory's not playing tricks on me!). Granted, managing one of the big two gives you an edge in Scotland, but O'Neill served his apprenticeship long before he got that gig. |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... Damian, I agree with your argument about monies (abd did this extra £30m only coincide with RL taking ownership?), but as stated above, RL has improved Bodymoor to a state of the art training ground, refurbished the Holte (still not had an invite!), things take time - I don't think there was any chance of us going down, so perhaps funds will now be made available in the next couple of seasons to move us on. A kitty of £20M plus the Judas money gives us £32M, if we can pick up Owen and Campbell on freebies, then there is no reason why we won't add 5 or 6 players to keep this improvement going. |
rob h
said:
|
... ak times have not changed. every player in the entire world comes through a youth system somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my point is if we have the best crop of english playes maybe they should get a chance to become a garrad, a beckham, a lampard, a giggs, shall i go on? we have a star cb eng19 captain coming through. could eb the next john terry. there is the problem cb position sorted harry forrester mf. was excellent last season theres barry's position filled etc etc. whos to say that these are the players that mon is ready to use. ferguson proved that you dont have to psend 25mn to get a beckham just brin him on. chelsea have a 40mn cb in terry who cost squat fabregas cost 500k you need to wake up and realise thay money does not mean success and money isnt everything. we have a tradition and I want to see that retained. bring me some talented local lads over the overpaid journeymen some wants us to sign anyday |
sean jones
said:
|
... Hold on doesn't one of the scums owner's own the Daily Star, I bet it was them who told the writer to post that bullshit about Bramble just to make us look stupid. |
vijay
said:
 |
... Im very very angry, so all im going to say is that if we sign Titus Bramble then my faith in Lerner and Mon is over. |
Christian
said:
|
... Rob H, that bunch of youngsters were a freak occurence. And let's not forget they played alongside Keane (British transfer record), Ince, Pallister and Bruce (all 3 astute but expensive when they joined in 88-89), Andy Cole (New British transfer record), Jaap Stam (club record) and Dwight Yorke (new club record). They've always been big spenders, even more so nowadays. Although I'd love to see some of our youngsters break through, if we play the season with your suggested line-up we'd be relegated  |
Alex Morrill
said:
 |
... Bramble? jog on sunshine! i dont think so, Mon has made some strange desisions in the past, but i have more faith in him than to beleive this sort of tripe. |
True villa
said:
 |
... Told you before, Lerner is useless! I think we should organise a demo at villa park to see wat the f**k is going on? We have a right to know! Surely something is up! Wat you reckon guys? |
sean jones
said:
|
... I no that MON will never do what fatknapp does in saying which players he is going for, but i just wish that MON would come out and say that we have bid for players or that I expect some deals to go through soon. Atleast we would know that something is going on down there. |
Carl Main
said:
|
... Holte ender 4 life. Thanks mate. When he goes on about wanting to be at a club where the manager and chairman are working together to take the club forward and the cheeky smile at the villa interest, he will be a villa player I think. Id be very happy with that. Just what our young defence needs, an experienced commanding CB. |
ak_27
said:
|
... rob h i do see what you are saying but the reality is none of those players you spoke about there have even made a first team apperance yet. MON does not seem too eager to give them a chance. Now they may well end up top players but they are now old enough to be making it. But Barry and Laursens positions or the most Vital area's of the team. Can MON really afford to gamble on unproven youth. They should be introduced to the team slowly as subs and not trown into the deep end. But until MON starts using his subs bench then how will they ever get a chance? I do hope to see them all play in this Peace cup in a few weeks though. |
sean jones
said:
|
... Anyone else noticed the little hint in Sol Campbells interview. He says that he wants to go to a club that has the chairman and manager working close together, which to date MON and Lerner have done. And Campbell wants to join a club were the chairman and a manager are taking the club forward, which again to date MON and Lerner have done. So along with the cheeky smile i think Campbell is nailed on. |
Christian
said:
|
... Rob h, agreed all players do begin as youth players somewhere. I'm sure Messi was a talented kid. But if you think there's a squad of Fabregas', Torres', Gerrard's, Terry's and Messi's in our youth team you're gonna be quite disappointed. We're lucky to see even one break in, and to be a worldbeater is very, very unlikely. The game has changed. In 1994, transfers weren't as global, youth was given a chance. In the current climate, even Man United buy in their youth (the Da Silva twins, Anderson, that asshole who scored in the 144th minute against us). And Fergie wouldn't dream of putting them together all at once on a pitch like he did in the 90's. Arsenal's academy is pretty special (again, he buys them all in) but they got dumped by Burnley in the cup. Often, the players who excel at U19 level don't make the grade, whilst the not-so-good players often do. I've seen that first hand, but Frank Lampard talks about it in depth in his book. Don't wanna put a downer on things, but there's no guarantee Clark will even make the Premiership grade. |
keithj
said:
 |
... big problem this year, man u COULDNT keep ronalno TURNED DOWN by tevez and benzema. chelsea look like being snubbed by ribery. the truth is any half decent player must fancy his chances of going to these clubs and until these clubs have had their pick we will have to see whats left |
Keith
said:
|
... Im looking forward to seeing True villa, Taglor and upthevilla marching down Trinity Road all on their own with "Lerner Out" banners! |
ak_27
said:
|
... vijay was going to but have a wedding in Italy so that will use up all my spare cash. You going? I assume it will be on Skysports though? |
sean jones
said:
|
... I have to agree True Villa you have gone barking mad. Ive got an idea though, why don't you go down perform the demo and then come back on here with your results. Then we all will know whats going on down the Villa. |
Marty
said:
 |
... I have always had faith in what MoN is doing, never before had reasons to doubt him. But to see this morning that we are being linked to Titwank Bramble while meanwhile the scum down the road have offered Patrick Vieira 100k a week and I am thinking WTF is going on. Ok so its paper talk, and most of that is grade A bullshit but fact still stands we have a small squad thats only getting smaller. MoN should know by now what players he wants and the moment the window opened we should of been making our moves, Barry wanted to leave this time last season we all had a feeling he would go this season so MoN has had a whole year to find a replacment. This year 3 or 4 players wont cut it, we need about 10, majority of which will be squad players who will spend a lot of time on the bench and get the odd europa game, I am half expecting MoN to come out with "Well we have a small squard, but fair play to them they are an honest bunch of lads" after our first loss. And I dont think its down to Learner not stumping up the cash. I am from Norwich and follow Norwich City a bit as they are my local club (yay league 1 footy), when MoN was in charge he didnt get the cash he wanted from the chairman and he buggered off as quickly as he could, if that was the case here he wouldnt stick around. But then he didnt give any indication that he was going to go, Norwich were playing Leicester on a Sunday TV game, when the norwich away supporters left for Leicester MoN was still manager, by the time they made the 90 minutes drive MoN had not only quit but been announced as the new Leicester manager, so if we have any pre season games against a club with no manager he could be off. |
sean jones
said:
|
... Just seen this report from the spanish newspaper Marca, who is believed to be a reliable source in Spain. They say Villa will be 6 million euros for Espanyol striker Luis Garcia. http://www.imscouting.com/global_news_item.aspx?id=2473 |
Christian
said:
|
... Marty, I'm from Norwich originally too, and I remember MON doing that! Must be one of the most bizarre managerial decisions ever made- did they tap him up at half time?!  I can't see him doing anything similar, he's onto a good thing at Villa. There is the danger of the 'Martin Jol Syndrome' though, where fans with big, big expectations force him out. And then regret it... Hmmm, if Darren Ferguson takes a better job this summer, maybe MON will do a runner to Peterborough after we play them. |
vijay
said:
|
... Yeah AK 27, i will be there but not if we sign bramble! or if i do go i will be the one with the banner LERNER OUT! not on sky, was supposed to be on setanta... |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
...Interesting line in The Guardian with regards Michael Owen. They reckon Manchester United are monitoring his situation carefully as they believe they could land the free agent on wages worth a piffling £40,000-a-week. With Karim Benzema off to Real Madrid and a lack of genuine alternatives, could Sir Alex turn to a player he was known to be keen on earlier in his career? Another one bites the dust? |
Peter Dragoonis
said:
 |
... If we sign Titus Bramble i can hand on heart say i will never to go a Villa game again whilst he and MON are at the club. this would be an absolute joke. |
Christian
said:
|
... 1874Villa, Yeah I'm hoping to, I might go to Villa Park today sort out some tickets. I like to catch a few pre-season games, feel like I've gone cold-turkey, and its halfway back to Norwich so I can drop some washing off at my mum and dad's You going? |
Paul E
said:
 |
... I personaly really like the idea of campbell. The reason we looked poor once laursen was out is that the other 3 centre halves we have are more stand off and wait for an opportunity to win the ball, laursen was always the one who came out and won the ball, it meant he made mistakes but the other centre half could then clear round behind him. Where this becomes a big problem is that you end up with a bit of a dead zone between defense and midfield where the opposition have more time and space than they should. Look through the goals from january onwards last year and a hell of a lot were caused by players getting into that gap and picking their spot. Campbell will fill that gap but, at 34, won't hinder the development of Ciaran Clark too much who, in my opinion, will be a top centre half in a few years, he looks well ahead of where Cahill was at that age (and I still think Cahill will be an england regular soon). After that, I'm a firm believer that we need at least 2 players for every position who could go in and play a run of games. To get to that point we need to buy: 1 RB (I'd like Naughton for 7m) 1 CB (happy with Campbell for free) 1 LW 1 RW (Bentley for 8m) 1 ST (Happy with Owen for free) That would give us a net spent of 3m with just a left winger to sign and as that is a genuine backup spot I'd think we could go for someone like the brazilian (8m) or drenthe (4m I believe was quoted) as they'd have time to settle and could cover left back whilst bouma gets back to fitness. The cheaper of those 2 would mean a net spend of 7m but we'd be in a much stronger position for the next couple of years and I think we'd be really able to push the top 4. If we go with a 20m budget it'd also mean enough left to go for defour or van der vaart as a showcase signing. |
Shakey4
said:
 |
... Everyones backs are up again because of b****cks paper talk again. Rumours are rumours, we always get linked to every man and his dog |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... Christian1983, Definitely, bought the tickets lase week (think you can only get them through the Peterborough site as well - Villa aren't selling them) I only live 25 miles north of Peterborough so a nice local one for me for a change!! Hope to see the "new boys" in action as well  |
Daniel Wilson
said:
 |
...Hope to see the "new boys" in action as well Nice one, make sure you pre-order your Bramble shirt, there going to be in high demand. |
gregdavillain
said:
 |
... if we sign bramble we'll be the joke of the premier league, im sorry bout the language, but im going f**king buck ape at the thought of this even though its only speculation. Just when i thought the days of signing the players of knights and harewoods and heskeys quality was over, this f**king rumour creeps its wy into my life to remember all the previous windows, all the waiting in anticipation for ultimately the major anti-climax and dissappointment. This year i have hope, but its seriously disturbed at the thought of bring in another slow reacting, dozy poor centre half. For f**ks sake the only way yo kick on is getting players from other big leagues better teams or hot young prospects, not a mix and match of mediocre prem league teams. f**k shit c**t bollox i will not stand for this if we sign that overgrown piece of shit. No f**king way |
Doc
said:
 |
... The Hleb rumour would appear to be off. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_5411480,00.html Still, I'd rather have Bramble any day. And Paul Robinson from West Brom. And Sol Campbell. In fact, I'd rather saw my leg off. If Titus Bramble comes anywhere near Bodymoor Heath, I'm never ever coming to Villa Park ever again. Probably. |
gregdavillain
said:
|
... ps this in the @eyebrow raising' signing we were after. I just simply cant believe this shit |
Christian
said:
|
... 1874Villa, Ah good. I think when I was at the club shop last week the ticket office ticker thing was saying Peterborough tickets available. I'll pop down after work and have a look. Well if I can get some, I'll let you know and we'll go a villablog.co.uk victory beer! |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... Christian1983, Get in quick matey, I think there are only 1,700 available and it Titus signs, they'll get snapped up........... |
ak_27
said:
|
... I really don't believe this Bramble thing. It is more likely that the Star just want to take the piss out of Villa as they do seem to have something againest us. Or it may also just be that Bramble's contract is up for renewal and nothing adds a few more k onto a contract then a rumoured link to another club. And surely Martinez who is only in the door a few minutes and has already lost Valencia would not be even remotely interested in selling a player who was very good for them last year. It just can't be true can it? By the way Cambell is just as bad as Bramble. |
Dubai Dave
said:
 |
... Lerner has additinoally spent a further 4m this season fitting the hospitality suites, Contract awarded last week. Granted, he plans to recoup this money with increased hopitality revenue, but we can cite this as yet a further example of improving VP facilities. Lerner has demonstarted his willingness to improve the ground, training, etc. There is a long term, sensible plan to make Villa a modern club, operating how modern, financially stable clubs should be run... |
cjd10030
said:
 |
... id take campbell on a free over bramble for 3.5 plus a talented youngster any day of the week as would most, so surely this must be MON thinking too. Interestingly an article has popped up about linking us with Marcus Berg the Swedish u21 striker, he looks like a real finisher ! Get him now ! |
Christian
said:
|
... GregdaVillan said seriously disturbed at the thought of bring in another slow reacting, dozy poor centre half. For f**ks sake the only way yo kick on is getting players from other big leagues better teams or hot young prospects, not a mix and match of mediocre prem league teams. f**k shit c**t bollox i will not stand for this if we sign that overgrown piece of shit. No f**king way Summed it up nicely, very eloquent. |
rob h
said:
|
... good point dubai dave just another thing to put into the melting pot - damian you always spout on about the clubs debt being 75mn ish. lerner has spent 60 buying the club 70mn ish on transfers and god knows how many millions on imorving the training facilities, ground, hospitaility etc etc. therefore he has bank rolled the majority out of his own pocket not like abroimaovich who loans the club the money hence there huge debt. you should never compare lerner to ellis!! lerner is a legend and we should all be greatful |
Christian
said:
|
... Zat Knight, Emile Heskey and Titus Bramble on the pitch at the same time???! It's gonna be like watching Barcelona, people will be fighting outside the Peterborough stadium to get hold of a ticket... |
Pastor Lovelysauce
said:
|
... Like I said, don't be too eager to jump on any available hook: http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/07/02/villa-rule-out-move-for-bramble/ Umami |
rob h
said:
|
... darrenvilla26 said yesterday [ i like all of you (check my posts last night) am frustrated and tense. But Bentley will sign tonight and be unveiled tomorrow....if i am wrong, i will eat my own s*it] has anyone seen him today. I need a good laugh |
RayK
said:
 |
... Maybe the Titus Bramble is the signing someone told Damo 'would raise eyebrows'. I would be truly amazed if it happened but its such a bizarre one (especially the Bannan bit) that you can't help but wonder that there might be something in it?? Bramble certainly a better player than when he was at Newcastle, but that really isn't saying much as he was pretty terrible. All of a sudden Sol on a free is starting to look attractive. |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... rob h, To be fair he said he would be unveiled tomorrow (today), so he still has 12hrs 20mins to get that poo going!  |
Tim
said:
 |
... What did i say Yesterday ! MON seems to be looking at buying utter junk !! Why does he not talk to Jolean Lescott ! Apparently he is a Villa Fan ! surely he would rather play for his Boyhood Team than go to Man Shitty ! I said yesterday that things would become desperate, words fail me about Bramble !!! MON you cannot be serious !!! |
Christian
said:
|
... Rob h, I think he said he was gonna have a kebab just to up-the-stakes a little bit too! Whatever happened to VillaChris who used to post on here and on the site that shall not be mentioned? Has all the transfer excitement at VP been too much for him? |
steve
said:
 |
... Damian - you are right about the swearing but you will not stop some people - see 'greg da villain' above. Surely a little bit of code that replaces any swear word with XXXXX can be written? |
Christian
said:
|
... Thank God for that update on Bramble, phew. Just found a good link: www.avfc.co.uk/o'neill-rules-out-signing-anyone-this-summer/ |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Ha, Express and Star probably got a threatening letter from Mons Lawyer telling them to print that due to numerous lynching threats recieved after they posted the story this morning. |
steve
said:
|
... i reckon it's the blues spreading rumours.. Maybe we should make one up about them signing a defender of such poor quality - Stephen Carr would be a good rumour... oh, hold on they actually did sign him! |
Christian
said:
|
... Right, it's five-to-twelve and I've done no work today at all This Bramble rumour could cost me my job, and MON his! |
PBVilla
said:
 |
... Why do we need Bramble when we already have Knight? What a joke. The papers make stuff up for a laugh, everyone is trying to guess who we are going to buy and its impossible. I said to the Mrs last night im starting to get a little PO'd with our transfer activity. She said to me, "you say this every summer, you know you always leave it to the last minute". Shes right. However frustrating it is I know MON will bring players in, they may not be the ones I want, but they will come. He will sign the players he thinks will improve our squad, and who is to argue? We will have another good season next year but I wouldnt be surprised if we didnt sign anyone until August if im honest. UTV |
Keith
said:
|
... "Whatever happened to VillaChris who used to post on here and on the site that shall not be mentioned?" He has not been seen since gay pride in May! |
rob h
said:
|
... christian 1983 said [ |
toastman
said:
|
... I'm seriously thinking of setting up a web page and setting it up as a fottball rumours site, then get paid for every hit, do you get my drift.... the crazy the rumour the more money they make, as we are now linked to dawson of Spurs.... see what I mean. |
runtingz
said:
|
... PANIC OVER BOYS HAHAA Villa rule out move for Bramble Villa have dismissed speculation they are lining up a move for Wigan defender Titus Bramble. Morning reports claimed the club were prepared to pay £3.5million, plus midfield starlet Barry Bannan, to land the centre-back. But club sources have confirmed Bramble is not on manager Martin O’Neill’s transfer hit-list. |
Rob The Villain
said:
 |
... The Bramble stuff is a load of shit, remember last summer, we were linked with 200 players (the villa site had them all listed), did you all really believe every single link? This summer seems ridiculous for rumours, papers are going out of their way to make shit up! Like when they said Bouma will be retiring, only for him to HAVE to come out and say he wasn't and the newspaper rumours were driving him nuts! If the rumour sounds ridiculous like the Bramble one then it's pretty certain that it's made up! Last year I went on holiday and it all kicked off with the transfers, I'm going away again at the same time, I bet it will kick off again. Have faith! |
Pete Hutton
said:
 |
... I think everyone needs to just calm down, there is plenty of time and the bones of the team are already there to GEL in the pre season.... there are 60 days left till the window closes... Rome wasn't built in a day provided everyone gets off MONs back and lets him do his job. The director of football chat, your having a larf damo!!! |
toastman
said:
|
... Rob the Villain So when I fly off to lanzarote on the 10th Jul and return on the 26Th Jul we should have signed a few by then. |
Harry Stanton
said:
 |
... runtingz - where is that report from? I am going to put it in my wallet and look at it whenever I feel scared. |
Keith
said:
|
... runtingz The statement says MON has a hit list - excellent news! toastman Is there any Spuds player we aren't linked to? |
ian
said:
 |
... You lot make me laugh.... MON would has and will never have his targets in the paper, especially the star!! - start thinking outside the box, O'Neill will only tell of names if we are 99% close to signing them. As for Bramble - he aint that bad, he was a rock against us last season, and was a major factor in wigans good run...but o'neill will go for more experience, a true leader, someone like sol campbell or upson....expect signings towards the end of the transfer window, as MON will not get drawn into stupid bidding wars. Also, why an earth would u want Learner out, he done nothing but good for the team, and again has provided funds for MON this summer, do u remember Doug....nuff said.. I would like villa to sign the following: Deplph Upson Baines Bent K.Jones |
toastman
said:
|
... keefvilla i know what you mean I drove past villa park to make sure it doen't have the spurs crest on the top !!! next rumour link I rekon Ledley (i've got no knees) On another matter Japanees consortium have just taken over plymouth!!! SSN yellow banner |
Halfwit
said:
 |
... If you think about it this is martin's sort of player Had potential then it went now he wants to try and get it back out of them just like he is with heskey for me this is more a risk than spending £10 million on a good player that has that is allready at there best or near best Just go and get some class dutch brazilians or italins forget these flamming has been's for christ sake Top four next season dream on martin no chance with signing players like this Think bramble then think wheater most would go for weather but no not martin he has to go for the cheaper worse one Bring back gregory! |
runtingz
said:
|
... http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/355766352?-11177 http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/355776702?-11177 HERE ARE THE LINKS THAT COMFIRM MARTIN HAS NOT LOST THE PLOT JUST YET |
Halfwit
said:
|
... Thank god thats dismissed still would not suprise me martin going for the likes of him after all he went for Emily Heskey Van der vaart and wesley snejider come on martin you can do it |
rob h
said:
|
... i have just broken in to mons office and stole the hit list off his notice board. I am revealing it to you to stop the bitching at no 5 its - how much is that doggy in the window no.4 - do you really want to hurt by culture club no 3 - why do we argue by another level no. 2 - the final countdown - queen no. 1- the only way is up by yazz |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
..."no. 2 - the final countdown - queen" Hahahahahahahahahahaha - doh!! Lets all laugh at rob h |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
... Halfwit, Emile does a job for Villa and I believe he will continue to do so - the likes of Owen, Rooney and Carew have all come out and said he is a good partner, and surely Capello can't be wrong can he? |
Warwick Kirk
said:
 |
... Off teamtalk, ref bramble... O'Neill is desperate to bring in a new central defender following the retirement of skipper Martin Laursen but it is understood there are no imminent signings about to happen at Villa. Looks like nowt happening for a while yet!! |
Mozza
said:
 |
... The crap MON has bought in recent years has got us to where we are now and from where i'm sitting It doesn't look too bad. Could be classed as Regulars in top 6 and In europe. MON will again look at what is needed this summer and no doubt will strengthen the squad in order to keep progressing. Not all signings will be welcomed by us that much is obvious! but please just be patient and trust the man because he ain't let the club or more importantly the fans down yet. I'm extremely confident that by the end of this window we will have at least 3 quality signings and maybe one or two 'squad players'. Trust me! |
Pete Hutton
said:
|
... there is a god....1203 BST: Aston Villa have dismissed speculation linking them with a move for Wigan defender Titus Bramble, reportedly worth £3.5m plus midfielder Barry Bannan. (Press Association) |
Matt T
said:
 |
... Bramble actually put in some decent performances last year for Wigan so he's not as bad as he used to be. I still don't think Lerner is at fault here - plus if people want to get agitated about Bramble being bought (obviously assuming that he does get), then that is MON's choice and his choice only. For all people may say about Lerner, he doesn't attempt to buy players in on behalf of the board. Re: Downing - I actually think he'd provide some competition for Ashley... which can only be a good thing in my humble opinion... Webcam is a great player but he's managed to be less than he could have been on account of lack of real competition for the left wing slot. As for the MON vs Strachan idea, sadly I have to agree that there's not much in it. I think the reality is similar to what I first thought when MON took over - he is trying to use the Leicester blueprint at Villa which, sadly, just won't cut it for Villa fans. Sure we'd not turn our noses up at winning the Carling Cup, but we are not (with all due respect) Leicester. Whilst we are not by any stretch a top 4 side at present, we are realistically a top 6 one, and consistently should be with the club/stadium/standing we have. I say give MON another 3-4 years to see if the foundations start giving us something more than 5th or 6th. If not, then you will have to question (in 2012-2013) whether we are ever going to break into the "Sky 4" without the money of a filthy rich sugar daddy type, and a manager who is willing to spend it. Our only other option would be that debt finally catches up with the top 4 (Abramovich gets bored and leaves Chelsea, Hicks & Gillett can't refinance, Arsenal ever lose Wenger and then realise they need a manager with a shoestring budget to help pay the debt for Ashburton Grove) and thus leaves a vacuum for a well run (financially) club to usurp one of the places. Man City would ceertainly be in some trouble if 5-6 years from now the current owners try and sell because only the filthy rich are going to be able to maintain their current blueprint. On a final note: Tony Mowbray is now Celtic manager - if he wins the title, would he be anymore suited to Villa than MON under the aformentioned rationale? PS - Chelsea have signed Danny Sturridge haven't they? So does that mean 4 clubs haven't signed anyone? |
Matt T
said:
|
... PS I wouldn't sell Bannan - he's potentially a good player. On a connected note - how many players have our academy given us who are actually top drawer in recent years? Sadly I can only think of Gary Cahill (who we then proceeded to let go)... Gabby believes he's twice the player he really is, Craig Gardner (sadly) doesn't seem to be given the chance to make his stake for a place (unless it's as Luke Young's backup), and I doubt the Fonz will be anything more than a pacey striker who ends up at a yo-yo club in the long term. I know there's still a lot of potential in the academy, but unfortunately a lot of the potential we've had has never really hacked it at the top level. Let's hope Samir Carruthers is developed after his move... Actually, didn't we have first option/a buy back clause put into his contact whe we sold him to Bolton? Bring back the overhead kicking Nose destroying legend that is Cahill (I still love watching that goal) |
runtingz
said:
|
... Hey fellow villans this brazilian we are linked qwith looks the part bigtime http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/355742263?-11177 |
Matt T
said:
|
... Keef - if Chelsea haven't signed him, we should! Brummy lad, fantastic prospect, clearly not going to get a game at Man City in the "Moneybags Prima Donna XI"... what more could MON ask for? |
Matt T
said:
|
... Runtingz Hey fellow villans this brazilian we are linked qwith looks the part bigtime On the back of that video yes, but will MON buy another left back if Freddy doesn't retire (especially at £8m) given that we need a central defender (I don't actually think we're going to replace Barry like for like) |
runtingz
said:
|
... but he also can play along the wing and sounds like he would give ashley a run for his money or even force ash to play rightside which wouldnt be a bad thing |
runtingz
said:
|
... for all the villans the depress themselves over mon and randy have some of this Atletico Madrid desperate for Villa to do Jurado business 02.07.09 | tribalfootball.com Atletico Madrid are set to make contact with Aston Villa about their interest in midfielder Jurado. AS says both Jurado and his agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, are eager to open talks with Villa about a move to the Premiership. Atletico also want the deal to happen as they need a major sale to fund their own transfer plans. The Madrid giants hope to sell Jurado to Villa for £7 million. and that Aston Villa Offered Chance To Sign Swedish Under-21 Star - Reports One of the outstanding players of this summer's Under-21 European Championship seems certain to move, but his destination remains unclear... 2 Jul 2009 13:18:02 Photo GalleryZoom Marcus Berg, FC Groningen (foto ANP) Related Links Teams Aston Villa Groningen Players Marcus Berg Aston Villa are the latest club to be offered the signature of Sweden's Under-21 star Marcus Berg. The young starlet lit up the Championships playing for his home nation as he bagged an outstanding return of 11 goals in just four games. Berg was initially linked with a move to Merseyside to join either Liverpool or Everton but fresh speculation has now linked the youngster with a switch to Birmingham. However his club, and agents, will argue that his exemplary goal record at club level, which stands at a ratio of one in every two, justifies the fee. Reports in The Birmingham Mail suggest that Martin O’Neill and chief scout Ian Storey Moore have been made aware of the 22-year-old’s availability this summer by agents acting on behalf of his club, Groningen. However the £8.5 million asking price could provide a stumbling block as the fee is a substantial amount for a young and, until now, relatively unknown player. Tottenham Hotspur and Everton may kick-start start a transfer scramble for the 21-year-old, and Villa players James Milner and Gabby Agbonlahor have first hand experience of what the striker is capable of. Milner and Agbonlahor took on Berg's Sweden in the semi-final of the tournament when a brace from the striker helped his side fight back from a three-nil half-time deficit. The youngster's poachers instinct that helped him grab a hat-trick against Belarus in the group stages forced extra time against England, before the Three Lions held their nerve to prevail on penalties. David Kifford, Goal.com |
Adey Stuttard
said:
|
...1874AVFC G.B, M.L, S.T, W.R Maybe three and half OK, maybe 3 as Taylor and Rouledge have not even been on the bench - although I thought Routledge had gone a few months ago. I see your point, but we have purchased Coutney Cameron as well (same, counts as a half!). Give it time..... |
jason the ace
said:
 |
... routledge played off the bench and from the start in a couple of uefa games, yes i know its hard to belive , but we where flexing our musculs in terms of the size of our team. |
randy lerner's dusty cheque book
said:
 |
... The squad needs improving (I doubt it will get bigger) and the sooner the better, but I'd want the manager to hold out for his first choice targets rather than compromise straight away. Ive always thought MON bemoans the small squad size to take the blame away from the players and create a seige mentality within the squad. I don't think he's making excuses to the fans, but rather protecting his players. - he can't ever come out and admit that because it would spoil the effect. |
Andy
said:
 |
... The crap written in the national rags is a complete joke.Everything we read is pure speculation.Any criticism of the club based on this drivel should not be condoned. |
FatKevs
said:
 |
... What a passionate set of fans those Turks are, I wish our lot had some of that. For Years a few good fans tried to do there bit for the club but were derided by the sheep that just turned up on match days if we were lucky saying it is no use We now have a set of stepford wives towing the party line oooh isn’t it great Sad thing for them is Vassel has no balls & could not stand the pressure as we found out once he scored that goal for England |
AVFC Dean
said:
 |
... The legend that is.....Titus Bramble. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Drrc1--vY&feature=fvst |
Phil Round
said:
 |
... Hepatitus Shambles isn't worthy of cleaning dog sh*t off Laursens boots!!! Never mind lacing them!!! |
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