The transfer window waiting game is something Martin O'Neill and Aston Villa fans know too well but it is to their advantage this time

I have been following this blog for a couple of years but have never submitted a post before today and I'm sending this in because there is an important point I feel is being missed in the discussions during this particular transfer window.

From the start of next season, Premier League clubs will be limited to a squad of 25 players. So, criticism of the Villa squad, based on comparisons with other clubs who have used close to or more than 30 players a season, becomes irrelevant. From now on, no team can use that many players. It no longer matters that we don't have 30 "senior" players ourselves.

And what will happen at football clubs who do have 30-35 well-paid senior players on their books? In previous seasons, a manager will always have been able to "promise" any number of fringe players the chance of a few games a season and encourage them to stay. That isn't possible now.

The day after the transfer window shuts, a number of senior players at clubs throughout the league will have realised they will not be involved at all. Hardly the makings of stability and harmony at a football club. From that point of view, I'm happy we are in the position we are in terms of squad size.

But my main point is this: Surely this new situation will affect the thinking and actions of managers, players and agents alike? And shouldn't we therefore take these new circumstances into account when we discuss, criticise, speculate and judge during the summer?

Looking at the current squads in the Premier League, and considering which players were involved in matches last season, it should be quite easy to predict where player movement will occur (as a direct result of the 25 player squad restrictions - including the fact that no more than 21/25 can be older than 21).

If, for the sake of argument, a "balanced" squad would include 3 GK, 8 Def, 9 Mid, 5 Strikers, then you can guess which clubs are going to be putting players up for sale at some point during the summer. The problem is knowing which players, and when.

And from a manager's perspective their is no reason to name your squad of 25 until the last minute. You'd want to see the results of pre-season training/contract discussions/physiotherapy before deciding who's going to "be on the plane", as it were.

Infact, you don't even have to name 25. You can name 24 and leave room to sign a high profile free agent who has been told post-deadline that he won't be involved at another club.

From the players' point of view, Premier League quality players may not want to risk being told they'll be sitting in the stands until 2011 no matter how they perform in training and regardless of who gets injured or suspended (unless 2 of 3 keepers are out).

But, when considering moves away from their current clubs, players must now also take into account the likelihood of actually getting into another team's 25. It's no longer just about "will they buy me and give me a contract?", its about getting named in the 25 too.

The whole thing will turn the transfer window into a waiting game like never before. And it's not just about the "knock-on effect" between clubs, there's now going to be a knock-on effect within clubs.

I believe, therefore, that it is inevitable that there will be relatively little movement during the next few weeks, and that alot more than usual will happen during the last few days and hours of the window. Something that O'Neill seems to prefer anyway.

Maybe we will be grateful for that this year. My feeling is that our club and the management are well-suited and well-placed to deal with the changes about to be made to the rules, and the effects the new rules will have on the transfer window.

What about the players we have?

Are we really that short of players (as has been pointed out many times in forums) despite the new 25 player rule? Remember, comparisons with squads of 30-35 are irrelevant now.

Looking at the squad that ended last season, the only positions we arguably have to fill this summer (if you agree that 3+8+9+5 constitutes a balanced squad) are one midfielder and one striker. Then it will be all about replacing what we sell (or have already released), or selling what we no longer have room for.

This is the reason I don't agree with the "sell to buy" theories that are doing the rounds either. We've got 25 places, we need to plan properly. That's all I think it is. And it must surely be easier to get a new player to sign if we can show him that we've sold a player first to make room in the squad?

Ofcourse, if we ended the summer having to submit a squad of 23 or 24, because of poor transfer dealings, then that would and should be criticised. But to end a transfer window with more than 25 first team players must no longer be seen as a sign of "strength in depth". From now on, that's just pure waste of money.

Comments (135)

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theirishvillan said:

... love bein first

Comment 1, made on July 22, 2010 at 8.42 am

Rortyboy said:

... Not sure why 25 rule means more dealings at the end of window.

Comment 2, made on July 22, 2010 at 8.49 am

no10 said:

... we only need 11 players

Comment 3, made on July 22, 2010 at 8.56 am

AussieLion said:

... I just read that Milner will refuse to sign a new contract and is very unhappy with the club for raising his price and blocking his dream move and because he will now keep getting 45 000 a week 'only'. This cant be true. Milner doesnt strike me as the sort to be a money grabbing player and besides I doubt that final contact has been made.

Comment 4, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.15 am

Chiefy said:

... This cant be true. Milner doesnt strike me as the sort to be a money grabbing player and besides I doubt that final contact has been made. Neither did fat Barry and we know how that ended

Comment 5, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.18 am

Greg Davillain1887 said:

... Pfff boring post , a tough read

Comment 6, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.19 am

the pensioner said:

... Interesting David.! SELLING WHAT WE NO LONGER HAVE ROOM FOR.? We have 24 players at present, including Salifou, who didn't play last season and no doubt will not play this coming season. If we get the two new players you mentioned, they will be guaranteed a place in the squad, but under MON, not a regular game on the pitch. 'ARRY on the other hand has an "excess" of 4, and Man U ..7 or there abouts

Comment 7, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.24 am

Delago said:

... I think someone should inform O'Neill that he's allowed to use as many as 25 players.

Comment 8, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.31 am

Az said:

... If this stuff is true about Milner then sell the f**ker. Get a nice amount of money, bolster the midfield with Ireland, Flamini and bring in Keane (or somebody younger) and we will be better off in my opinion.

Comment 9, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.32 am

ak_27 said:

... David fair play for coming up with a unique view on what MON is (well isn't) doing in the transfer market. But the reality is he is only doing what he always does and that is be reactionary rather then agressive. Chances are MON will gamble until the very last min in the hopethat players to fill the needed positions become available or price drop. Here we are going into year 5 and do we have the RB situation solved yet? Will it get solved this summer even? Who knows and chances are MON doesn't even know at this stage which is a major part of the problem. Yes i understand that Milner is the key to our transfers especially the big moves but certain other area's also have to addressed and as of yet with a month to go before the new season we are as we were at the end of last season which IMO is just the start of the decline under MON.

Comment 10, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.47 am

Villa_Chris said:

... Mark Lynch (Manchester United) says... My sister works at villa park and i can confirm that Stephen Warnock to Liverpool for 8m this week with Villa signing garrido from city as replacement.

Comment 11, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.48 am

the pensioner said:

... If it's true about Milner, Tell him no new contract no play.!!..If he's not happy, don't play him..,! Sit him on the bench for the whole of next season.

Comment 12, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.51 am

ak_27 said:

... Mark Lynch (Manchester United) says... My sister works at villa park and i can confirm that Stephen Warnock to Liverpool for 8m this week with Villa signing garrido from city as replacement. I know Mark Lynch and he doesn't have a sister.

Comment 13, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.51 am

Villa_Chris said:

... I know Mark Lynch and he doesn't have a sister. Its a small world

Comment 14, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.54 am

Jack the Villan said:

... pssst! the season starts on 14/8/10, surely the squads would be submitted by then thus given those left out 2 weeks to move to a club who had less than the required 25. Also, wasnt there some rule whereby younger players that were trained at the club would be exempt ie 25 + youth team players

Comment 15, made on July 22, 2010 at 9.54 am

Damian said:

... Jack the Villan that is what you would think but the final squad list has to be submitted by 5pm the day after the last day of the transfer window and yes there is a rule about the u 21 players that have been at the club for i think 3 years are not included on the number

Comment 16, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.00 am

mon 4-5-1 said:

... David - nice article, and a difference perspective on O'Neil. The thing is we only need 11 players, we don't use subs, and there is hardly any squad rotation, which is the biggest fault of any modern day manager, and O'Neil falls into that category. If the limit was reduced to 18 for a squad, we would be comfortable fit in to that scenario as well, but does not necessarliy make it right.

Comment 17, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.03 am

TheDiamond said:

... I never thought someone would try to make a case for O'Neill being the shrewdest manager in the league by being the only one that hasn't signed a player yet. David it's an interesting take on the situation and while it might "seem" logical, it's really not. As has been pointed out. We have 24 players in the squad including some players that don't feature in O'Neill's future plans and two or three that will probably go next season anyway. O'Neill clearly has been trying to generate action in the transfer market both to and from the squad and he's failing over and over to get the players he wants.

Comment 18, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.04 am

Andy said:

... I know it;s a bot off topic, but someone brought up the Milner report about not signing a new contract, so here goes.. I just need to point out this is a tabloid report and I have not seen any comment from Milner or the club. Don't read too much into all this. It's very much more than likely a load of bull. Even if it was true you would yourself wait to see what options are open to you. You would be stupid just to sign a contract without weighing up all your options. Milner has a contract with Aston Villa. Both Milner and Villa know exactly hos long that last. It's ok us fans complaining when a player does not want to sign an extension, but we don't get on the back of the club when they don't extend contracts of players. I see no problem in any player working to the terms and conditions of the contract they have. To be fair it is up to the management and owners of a club to convince players they are wanted and it's up to the club how they reward that player for their services. It's as simple as that. It's not up to any player to sign a new contract, just to send out a message to the fans or allow the club to recoup more money should they be sold the following year. That is simply not taken into account by players. We know full well what a mess MON made of the Barry situation. MON should have either convinced Barry to re-sign and reward him accordingly or have sold him to Liverpool. All that was MON's decision to how it all panned out. He was the one that 'should' have been in control of that situation, but he allowed others to dictate. It's easy to say don't give in to other teams, but you have to make such situations work for the club and the Barry situation did not. Let's just hope MON sell Aston Villa enough to Milner for him to re-sign or MON realises he can't do that and ditches his pride and does the best for the club and sells him now.

Comment 19, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.09 am

TheDiamond said:

... I don't blame Milner at all if he doesn't want to sign a new contract. He doesn't have to.

Comment 20, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.12 am

taglor said:

... I think our stumbling block for signings is that after the excitement of a new owner and some aggressive PR spin actions speak louder than words and after 4 years Aston Villa are pretty much the same club as the one they were 20 years ago in terms of silverware. This surely has an affect on the players that may well have bought into the new ethos several years ago but can now see that other clubs are being aggressive and positive putting their money where there mouth is in the transfer market. What would any prospective player think about Villas chances this season going by previous transfers and more importantly this transfer? Liverpool are keeping gerrard and possibly torres due to the cole signing and we are still talking about selling one of our best players, yes it makes sense financially but it doesnt bode well as a sign to potential employees of our signal of intent.

Comment 21, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.17 am

Capital villa said:

... Also missing the point that it 25 registered players over 21. You can have as many as you like under that as they do not have to be registered. Anyone that plays a bit of FM will know this. The rule relating to "home trained" players is something like that there must be 4 players in the registered numbers that have been at the club for 3 years between the ages of 17-21.

Comment 22, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.17 am

Andy said:

... Interesting article David. I'd love to think you are 100% right and I do think MON has, or should have taken these rules into account when trying to predict who's leaving which club and when. However you are failing to take into account one big thing in all this thinking. MON is waiting to decide what action Aston Villa will take with the Milner situation. Most of our transfer activity is dictated on this situation and it is up to MON to dictate what happens in this situation. As I have said above, MON needs to take the bull by the horns with regards this situation.

Comment 23, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.18 am

Greg Davillain1887 said:

... All that was MON's decision to how it all panned out. He was the one that 'should' have been in control of that situation, but he allowed others to dictate. It's easy to say don't give in to other teams if i remember rightly O'Neill was commended in the media and press, by pundits who know what they are talking about, in the way he handled and staved of the barry move to enfield. He set a marker for bigger clubs not to come in for our best players, and if they are that he will only seel on his terms. City are very quiet over milner becasue they know Oneill will beat them in the press. FOr a club of our size he has all our angles covered, we had no replacement for barry, we needed him for one more year. ITs easy look back and make judegement but you forget where we were at the time, if you were in charge and clubs wanted to buy, milner young gabby and dunne, you' sell them? dont be ridiculous mate

Comment 24, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.21 am

Andy said:

... Morning Greg..Are we going to get the debate going again...? So MON put out a message with the Barry situation to stop bigger clubs coming in for our best players did he..? If that was the case Man City would not be making offers for one of our best players would they..! MON was praised for holding out at the time of the Liverpool situation. I agree with that, but what MON failed to do was totally tip that situation in favour of Aston Villa, by getting Barry to extend his contract. So in that case MON did not do the best he could have done. This is the fact that you are missing. Like I said...You either get the player to re-sign in the interests of the club or you judge how much that player is worth now and in a years time and decide if the figures stack up to sell the player now at an inflated price or sell in a years time at maybe less than you paid for the player in the first place...!

Comment 25, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.29 am

Rortyboy said:

... MON got Barry right given he was going to go and wanted more money. L'Pool ended up without Barry or Alonso and suffered accordingly. We needed Barry to stay and Citeh eventually paid up for him. MON bashers blinded on this.

Comment 26, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.30 am

Rortyboy said:

... Good to see Harry not happy about Joe Cole situation - the infighting begins...

Comment 27, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.31 am

Andy said:

... Greg...Are these also the same people in the press that tell us what players we are going to sign, but just make it all up..! Are these the same people in the press that are just simply jurnalists that watch football, but have not actually ever managed a football team. So I watch football and more importantly Aston Villa. I've also never managed a football league team. However I have also wrote about Aston Villa and football in general, so that surely makes me just as qualified to comment as journos. Are these tha same pundits thats said..'You won't win anything with kids'...Are these tha same pundits that predicted England had every chance of winning the WC and that Rooney would be the star of the show...?

Comment 28, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.34 am

Andy said:

... We needed Barry to stay then did we..? I see we have really slipped down the league table and imploded since Barry left...!

Comment 29, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.37 am

Shashwatvillain said:

... tough post mate. But hope the wait turns fruitful. HOPE MON signs a top class striker mate. DYING to see some top class 15 above goals a season striker.

Comment 30, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.38 am

jimmy hill said:

... Here we go again so frustrating in our transfer dealings we need a much bigger squad than this. i will keep the faith but not easy sometimes. why are villa always so late releasing new kits when we all want one now they not even announced release date. surely fans want to wear and support in our new kit not just watch the team with it on. gets on my tits!

Comment 31, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.40 am

Andy said:

... Good to see Harry not happy about Joe Cole situation - the infighting begins... Don't read into things what is not actually there. Harry said he spoke with Cole and he says he would like Cole at the club, but it was Spurs that dragged their heels and did not get him signed fast enough before another club came in for him. He was not blaming Cole. In fact he washed Cole all the best and siad he's a great guy. All respect for that. I suppose Spurs will implode again now over this, just as some people said Spurs would implode last season for some reason. Let's concentrate on Villa, not what others are doing.

Comment 32, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.42 am

Rortyboy said:

... That's the point - we didn't slip down the league and had a year to sort out 'life after Barry'. And as Damian keeps telling us this is a league so we do have to watch what others do because at the end of the day we want to finish higher than them. So if Harry is having a go at Spuds chairman all the better for us

Comment 33, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.48 am

Andy said:

... Sorry Rortyboy I thought you were saying HR was not happy with JC. That said, where is Harry having a go at Spuds chairman. I very much doubt he's going to fall out with the chairman or board over it. My point aluded to the fact that some Villa fans hope that other teams implode for Villa to have success. What's the point in hoping that happens, because it;s more likely that they won't. Villa need to achieve on their own merit, not be hoping others fail. If you were doing something are you the type that only gives it 90% of your best, but hopes that thise that give 100% fails because of some outside situation, so that you can be better...?

Comment 34, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.55 am

Greg Davillain1887 said:

... Andy, yes we need barry to sign, as milner wasnt ready for the middle yet, so stop trying to be too smart! Yes city are making offers for milner, but starting offers at 20 million and they have already gone to look elswhere, they are not doing to us what they did to everton and lescott. Oneill is too strong for them to do that and like benitiez they would be made to look foolish if they tried that lark. BArry was needed. Its not the mangers fault if he cant roll out a list of 10 20 plus players who are in the hunt to sign. It seems like everything oneill does in the best interest of the club can be turned into follies by nitpickers like yourself, anyway im off to work so il re-join the 'debate' after 8 when i return home, good luck for the days lads

Comment 35, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.55 am

frosty said:

... "We have bought three good players already but now Inter Milan, for example, are asking a lot of money for Mario Balotelli, and we want to wait. We are interested in good players like Balotelli and Milner but we have time before the market closes in August. We have a lot of different choices." Surely this is the biggest problem, Man City have us by the balls and statements like the above by Mancini just show we probably won't know where we stand until August, you can't plan if you don't know what your planning for. Imo Man City are stalling on purpose to make things hard for those around them, now it's Landon Donovan they are toying with to disrupt Everton, don't be suprised if they start on the big 4 soon too.

Comment 36, made on July 22, 2010 at 10.56 am

Rortyboy said:

... Andy - BBC Football web site has the Harry interview. Seems to suggest someone waited too long to get Cole.

Comment 37, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.00 am

Andy said:

... I agreed with you that Spurs waited too long..That's what I'd already said and I saw the live interview with Harry. I saw the words come from his mouth. What I was saying is that he did not in any way look or sound like he was going to be kicking off with Spurs board. I am sure journos will twist the words and make it look like Harry is not happy, but it will be yesterdays chip paper. All I'm saying is don't read into this that it will help Aston Villa, because it quite simply won't. FACT. Do we really think something that small will have any bearing on how Aston Villa play 90 minutes of football. Let's just concentrate on ourselves, not hope that others fall flat on their faces, because Aston Villa are just as likely as any other club to slip up.

Comment 38, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.06 am

Simeon said:

... Our 'sell to buy' policy isn't about the size of the squad per se, but about the size of the wage bill, which is unsustainable, or at least on the very edge of sustainability, at current levels. Either way, bringing in new players puts (as Lerner would seem to see it) an unwanted strain on the clubs financial resources. Now I come to think of it, I can't remember the last time the size of our squad was an issue. Villa fans seem to have realised that, no matter how big our squad is, that we will use the minimum number of players. This is how our manager prefers to do things. As things stand, we could afford to get rid of five or six 'first-team' players with no discernible difference to our ability to compete. It is possible that Lerener realises this, and that it is therefore a contributing factor to our sell to buy policy, with Lerner unwilling to waste even more money on wages for players who are doing nothing. An adiitional point is that we have a high proportion of disgruntled players already, even before the '25' rule. Our squad isn't big enough for the rule change to exacerbate the situation, but then the situation is already pretty dire as we have so many players who are useless to us, and who have very little value on the trasnfer market. In terms of a player being less willing to sign for a club if he suspects he won't be one of the '25', the kind of player who would have these kinds of doubts about his status is exactly the kind of player we can do without anyway. If a player is of genuine quality, he will definitely be in the '25'. Only if a player is, at best, mediocre, will he be sweating on his place. Of course there will be some players who might think twice about going to the very biggest clubs with deep squads, and some players who will become surplus to requirements. It remains to be seen whether we are in a position to sign such players, or even if these players would actually be worth signing. The rule change is a good thing, no question about it. And it perhaps helps us more than other clubs. And it adds another level of complexity to transfer dealing. But the fundamental problems we have at the moment have nothing to do with this rule change, and everything to do with money, or rather a lack of it. The rule change will undoubtedly have an impact on many clubs, and the effect it has on other clubs may have a knock-on effect on us in some way. It will certainly be interesting to see what happens (although it concerns me that our manager, who struggles with the transfer market already, will struggle even more now). But I think trying to explain our current, worrying, situation by looking to this new rule change is denying the fundamental problems.

Comment 39, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.13 am

frosty said:

... Andy - BBC Football web site has the Harry interview. Seems to suggest someone waited too long to get Cole. BEFORE the world cup started, Redknapp stated on tv that he knew where Joe Cole was going and it wasn't to Spurs, the thing is Redknapp is as bad as the press.. both parties are lying, scamming, dirty crooks - Redknapp should be behind bars with Bubba giving him special attention.

Comment 40, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.15 am

Simeon said:

... Apologies for replicating many of the points other posters have made already.

Comment 41, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.20 am

jk92293 said:

... - Redknapp should be behind bars with Bubba giving him special attention. couldnt have said it better myself! The c**t likes to give the impression he knows nothing about what goes on in the club in the press...all this "as far as i know..." and "i think the lad said..." .....he knows rightly and is blatantly tapping up every player he wants in the press. he did it with Crouch, Defoe, Keane, Pav, Bentley....he is just a c**kbag, an ugly as sin c**kbag!!! rant over!

Comment 42, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.23 am

DAJ said:

... When your chairman states to the world that Martin will have to raise his own funds by strimming the squad, a sell to buy theory becomes not a theory, but a fact. You might not want to accept that it was said, and you may well wish to believe it is some clever little ruse from the club, into kidding others. I can understand that. Its hard to accept that beyond all the hype and PR, we are still the same type of Club we were under Ellis, albit a better run one, with on the face of it, a more tuned in Chairman. Come the closure of this window, i predict a lot of those that dont see the above, will be searching for more excuses, and more facts to suit excuses will be floating around than Confetti, once the realisation that it was all hype, digs in. On to Milner...... I like the boy, he seems (or seemed) a honest down to earth lad. But if any of the rumours doing the rounds this morning are true, and he refuses to sign a contract. Then basicly, i dont want to see him in a Villa Shirt. In fact, i hope Martin has him nowhere near the first team squad. I understand a players desire to win things, i just wish a few of the Randy and Martin fan club would remmember that winning things is what this club is about, and is what competing and Sport is about. But i will not support any jumped up peice of turd that puts those personal desires above that of the club and his team mates. By effectively refusing to sign a contract, he is holding the club that made him a star to ransom. For that act of betrayol, he should be made to train with the kids, until he does sign. If we are going to lose money on him, then let it be by our own hands, and not his. Rant over

Comment 43, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.24 am

Simeon said:

... frosty Comment 36 is exactly right. We actually need to sell Milner more than City need to buy him. The only thing that evens up the deal is that Man City are in a hurry to be competitive at the highest level, whilst we are simply trying to be the best we can be - whatever that means. City are playing for higher stakes, and so it might get to the point where they decide that it's worth their while paying that little bit more to get a player they really want. But then again, they might decide to sign another player instead, leaving us with an unsettled Milner who's economic worth to the club is suddenly reduced. Of course Man City are in the driving seat. They are the ones with all the money! Football is about money, ergo, Man City call the tune.

Comment 44, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.25 am

Chiefy said:

... Milner just fcuk off hand in a transfer and fcuk off for your "dream move" cutting oranges for veria, barry, de jong and da silvia. He is not irreplaceable, he wont be missed. Has he had tips from Fat Barry on how to do things cause it smells and tastes exactly the same ! If Milner is still here come 14th I will be pissed !!

Comment 45, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.42 am

Villa_Chris said:

... "We are going to have to rotate at times - we cannot play the best players all the time. I feel that, if we can bring one or two players in, it will make a difference." Wouldn't you love to hear that coming from our boss? Chiefy Chill out, its all press talk. Milner is, whether you like it or not, one of our better players. Not wanting him at the club and making harsh comments about him is a bit silly really.

Comment 46, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.48 am

no10 said:

... lets hope its martin last season

Comment 47, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.52 am

Villa_Chris said:

... And yeah, I am hangin' out of his arse Chiefy!

Comment 48, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.56 am

Al Vesta said:

... Right, I've got myself an account now too. It's not an out and out defence of O'Neill. Just seems more likely now that "excess" players at any given club will be sold rather than kept and promised the odd game or two. Since such sales are more likely to happen towards the end of the window, it might work in our favour seeing as that is when MON is most active anyway. As far as I can see, we are not the only club who hasn't signed anyone yet. Fair enough, a couple of quality signings today and they would go straight in to our 25. But any player signing for a club in July, must be thinking about what might happen in August. Will he still be in the 25 by then? An agent's advice might be for the player to wait and move later (which is oviously not good for us and the Milner situation). If we signed a couple now and then strengthened again in August (without selling first), there would then be a couple of senior players at the club who we would no longer have room for, because of the 25 player limit. They must then be sold, since keeping them at the club knowing they definately won't be involved would probably create a negative atmosphere. I hope the manager plans carefully to avoid this happening. Other clubs might run into difficulties here towards the end of August. There is just more for managers, players and agents to take into consideration this summer. Which must surely affect what happens and when. I'll stop now before I start repeating what I wrote in the article! /David

Comment 49, made on July 22, 2010 at 11.59 am

Simeon said:

... I think some of you are being very harsh on Milner. It's not up to him to sign a new contract with us just so we can get more money for him. Particularly when he has two years left on his contract anyway. The simple truth is that if the club cannot show the kind of ambition that he wants to see, then he is going to be attracted to a club that can. If Villa are not willing or able to invest in the team, then Milner cannot be blamed for wanting to go to a club that is. Of course Villa have the choice not to sell Milner, but keeping hold of a quality player's services will cost us. The club has to decide whether it's worth keeping Milner for at least another season if it costs us somewhere in the region of £10m. I hope we make the right decision. If we make the wrong decision and decide to keep Milner, then I'm sure that Milner will be professional and will do his best for the club. But just because we decide not to sell him doesn't mean that he should therefore sign a new contract. The club is free to choose whether to sell Milner or not. Milner is free to choose whether to sign a new contract or not. This is only fair. Maybe it isn't fair that Man City have so much more money than we do, and can therefore bully us around. But this is the nature of football. Milner should not be blamed for this harsh economic reality. And Lerner and O'Neill should not be blamed for accepting this reality and deciding to sell Milner in the best interests of the club. We can only get on Milner's back if he fails to show his commitment to the team. And we can only get on the backs of Lerner and O'Neill if they mismanage the club.

Comment 50, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.03 pm

TheDiamond said:

... Martin Jol officially staying at Ajax. Keane deal could be back on.

Comment 51, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.05 pm

Simeon said:

... Al Vesta Surely a player signing for a club in July is going to trust that the club that wanted to buy him are going to use him. It would be worryingly paranoid for a player to think that the club he was signing for, who are paying good money for him, didn't actually want him - unless of course the club in question is Villa! This new ruling should not be an obstacle to getting players in early. You could even argue that clubs would be trying very hard to get the players they want in early so that they have enough time to get rid of the players they don't want. It can cut both ways. I'm sure you're right that the new ruling has complicated things a little, and that this could in certain cases slow down a club's transfer activity. But as Villa fans we have a fairly good idea that there isn't much money to spend, that we are needing to resolve the Milner situation before we do anything significant in the transfer market, and that we have a manager who likes to hang around supermarkets at the end of the day in the hope of picking up something tasty from the reduced section. It is these reasons more than any others that explain why we are still waiting for our first signing of the summer.

Comment 52, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.13 pm

Chiefy said:

... Not wanting him at the club and making harsh comments about him is a bit silly really Why is it ? It is my opinion. Milner had every chance to put this to rest before during and now after the world cup. Yes he wants to see what they will offer but I am sure he is aware and he must have an idea one way or the other of what he wants to do, if he does then why dont he do something about it ?? I shall tell you why because he knows if he holds us to ransom he will either get his move or be able to leave for less next year and get more money. One of our better players yes maybe but I wouldnt lose sleep if he goes. I can't stand watching a player who has been developed and given an opportunity by us and our club try to take us to the wall over what he wants, just because he has grown a pair and started to play football

Comment 53, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.14 pm

Rob_The_Villain said:

... If Milner had any morals about him he would just come out and say whether he wants to stay or go. Like Barry, he's trying to look a saint in the whole thing. BTW, isn't Milner still on holiday? Also, while I mention Barry, in hindsight, I thought MON handled in well and managed to get a good season out him before he went. He seems to have gone down hill massively since he left so all in all I think he got rid at the right time.

Comment 54, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.16 pm

ak_27 said:

... The simple truth is that if the club cannot show the kind of ambition that he wants to see, then he is going to be attracted to a club that can. And in fairness i think t's become appartent that we can't. If i were a top player at Villa i would myself be looking at how we wait to feast off the left over's table each year under MON and say well we will not get too much real success going along this path. The fact that Barry left showed this and you can put it down to money yes that was part of it but i think he could also see that in reality we are about a top 6/7 team and no more under the current strategy. The sad fact is we need 3 maybe 4 good players to come into the team this year and we cannot get these without first selling Milner. He has to go now in order to stop us just at best stagnating this season or more then likely we will fall a few places. We need that Man City money to bring in the needed quality to have any hope this season of improving as if we don't who is going to improve us? MON? I can't see him suddenly become more adept tactically or suddenly buying into the squad rotation nor will he make massive coaching changes in order to help change our footballing template and keep the ball better so the only way up is by bringing in players which will first need the cash from Milner going.

Comment 55, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.16 pm

Andy said:

... David....We would have to be signing a hell of a lot of players to have to worry about them bing in the top 25...We can't even use many more than 16 players a season, let alone 25, so I see no point in us worrying about 25. It's not an issue at with the current style of management. I expect any player that is brought in during this transfer window to be easily capable of being in the starting 11. If not, we shoudl reasonably be asking the question, why not...? I'm not bothered when we sign players personally. All I'm bothered about is that they are quality players with the right credentials to improve us as a team. I'm not looking for superstars. I'm looking for good solid decent players like the Youngs and Milners of this world with a couple such as Huntelaars and the like thrown in here and there. Nothing else at all matters really does it. It's not rocket science.

Comment 56, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.17 pm

ak_27 said:

... If Milner had any morals about him he would just come out and say whether he wants to stay or go. Like Barry, he's trying to look a saint in the whole thing. Rob like Cheify has stated above he really has said he wants to go by not coming out and stating he wants to stay at Villa park. This has dragged on now for a long time. Thats all he would have had to do but his silence says a lot. He prob knows he wants to go but if the deal falls through for whatever reason he doesn't want to have gone on record and said i want to go.

Comment 57, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.19 pm

Timmyrara said:

... Rob like Cheify has stated above he really has said he wants to go by not coming out and stating he wants to stay at Villa park. This has dragged on now for a long time. Milner is still on f**king holiday! Of course he's not going to comment on his future! f**king muppets!!

Comment 58, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.23 pm

ak_27 said:

... Milner is still on f**king holiday! Of course he's not going to comment on his future! f**king muppets!! Timmy are you really that f**king naive? He has had since the end of last season to say i have no interest in going to Man City. It would take 10 secs. Open your f**king little mind and stop being such a t**t. He is waiting to see if City and villa can agree a fee.

Comment 59, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.26 pm

Timmyrara said:

... Do do do do da do do, do do da doodoo do, da da da doo da doo do ... on the muppet show tonight!

Comment 60, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.27 pm

Andy said:

... What the hell is it with getting on Milner back. You hypocritical people. You would or should do the same thing. It's not only Aston Villa that have made Milner what he is. Do you actually give Milner any praise for him getting to where he is. Somply put, James Milner has himself worked hard, much harder than any other Villa player this season to get where he is. Stop expecting him to be grateful. It's not like we have had him since a youth. He was already a decent player. As some of the realistic people have wrote, James Milner and Aston Villa have a contract with each other. They both know where they stand. Do we even know if Aston Villa have actually drafted a new improved contract for James Milner to sign....? Do we know what MON has said to James Milner..? Has James Milner made and comment at all that he is or would consider leaving...? No to all, so settle down people and stop getting on James Milners back, when theres nothing at all to get on his back for at the moment. If he starts coming out and slagging Aston Villa off, then by all means do so, but until then give the guy a break ffs.

Comment 61, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.29 pm

vivavilla said:

... Anyone else think Milner won't actually be that good for City? Don't get me wrong, I like the lad a lot and he had a cracking season last time out, but City are entering the realm of world class players now, players good enough to win them major trophies. Milner isn't and never will be world class. I see another Barry situation on the horizon.

Comment 62, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.30 pm

jk92293 said:

... i think alot more factors are at work than simply wanting to leave or not. if the dealings were more transparent, we would know what the delay is, what barriers are in the way etc. he is right not to comment in case it goes t*ts up. he has learnt from barrys mistakes. i think if the deal is not done, it will be down to money and Villa's asking price. i think Milner is right not to say anything becasue without permission to speak to man City (no accepted offer), then he has no right, as a player contracted to Villa, to speak about it. i applaud him for not forcing Villa's hand in the whole saga, but , like everyone else, i just want to see the deal done and be finished with more "Milner to City" headlines.....

Comment 63, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.31 pm

Timmyrara said:

... Well said Andy

Comment 64, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.32 pm

Simeon said:

... ak_27 It's been apparent for a while now, I agree. Many Villa fans can see this, and Milner can probably see it as well. I'm just surprised that some of our other players seem content to bob along at Villa. It makes me wonder whether some of them actually have the desire to get to the very top. I also agree that selling Milner represents our only chance of actually improving the team - although given who is going to be spending the money, what improvement there might be is going to make the difference between us finishing 7th or 8th or 4th or 5th. Not even close. I think the reason why this Milner transfer is dragging on as it is has very little, if anything, to do with Milner himself. He will have already made his mind up as to where he'd prefer to play his football next season. It's now a case of the two clubs agreeing a fee, and Milner has nothing to do with that. I think it's only right that Milner keeps quiet about what's going on, and I'd guess that he's been told to do exactly this by Villa. After all, if he publicly states that he wants to leave Villa, then it weakens our hand even further. Milner cannot be faulted for the way he's handling himself. Of course it's frustrating as fans not knowing exactly what is going on, but that's life!

Comment 65, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.34 pm

Damian said:

... If anyone thinks that because someone is on holiday things can not or dont happen, well, you are wrong. As for Milner - he doesn't have to say anything. He doesn't have to say anything for lots of reasons but mostly because he probably doesn't care what the supporters think. Most footballers think supporters are fools and most footballers don't really care about the club that they are at. You can believe that if you want too or not - it was told to me by a former footballer and I've since had it confirmed by another. Yes, there are exceptions - but footballers these days are so far removed from the average fan that the only common ground is the football team and when one is an employee and has no loyalty to it and that is taken away - then there is nothing. Milner might be on holiday, he might not - but he has had an offer from the club, he has spoken to many people and like a current Aston Villa player said this week - he has probably already made up his mind. The fact that he is on holiday is not what is stopping him calling up the local paper and saying 'I'm flattered by the interest but I love it at Villa and intend staying for as long as I can'.

Comment 66, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.35 pm

Chiefy said:

... What the hell is it with getting on Milner back. You hypocritical people. You would or should do the same thing What keep some one hanging on even though I know what I want to do, ermmmmm no i wouldnt James Milner has himself worked hard, much harder than any other Villa player this season to get where he is Wrong Milner and his good engine had been moved inside because he was a s**t winger, his work rate didnt change his position did which suited him more and who spotted that ????? (i told MON i know) but who did it ??? Stop expecting him to be grateful. It's not like we have had him since a youth. He was already a decent player. He was decent winger werent he ???? NO he was s**t no pace couldnt go past anyone, so he was moved inside where he could have of a effect and low and behold it worked. So yes he could have been "decent" but now he is good going on excellent and why because some bright spark moved him into a position that suited his attributes and have you heard milner ?? it werent him that decided was it ?? no it was our manager and that is the reason why he went the world cup so YES he does have a lot to be greatful for not just to our club for shelling out 12million on a s**t winger but to our manager for having the insight to move him

Comment 67, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.36 pm

Chrisodon said:

... SSN, Yellow ticker Milner wants to leave, But will only go for the correct price according to MON.

Comment 68, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.38 pm

Chiefy said:

... Most footballers think supporters are fools and most footballers don't really care about the club that they are at. and this is what gets on my tits !!! dont know if you have noticed

Comment 69, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.39 pm

Jeddy said:

... Sky Sports News, breaking News: Milner says he wants to leave Villa for Man City. Villa will only let him go if they meet the right asking price which is learning towards 30 Million. I completely respect Milner and understand his ambitions. He's a great player, but replaceable. I wish him all the best for the future. Barry will be lucky to start for Man City next year

Comment 70, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.41 pm

Andy said:

... Exactly right Simeon. We all have to respect Milner actually for keeping his gob shut through all of this. He's been in the spotlight with TV cameras and journos around him at the WC and he's not said a word. It's not James Milner that has started any of this. Man City started it, by making the offer. James Milner has said he's a villa player and is contracted to them and all he want to do is concentrate on the WC. As far as I know, that's all he's said. Try and look at it another way guys. We know that Villa really need to sell before they have the realistic funds to buy. What if Villa have actually privately already thought it would be a good idea to sell Milner, while they can at an inflated price while they have the opportunity. Surely by Milner keeping his mouth shut, it shows he's slill available but as MON has said the price on his head is £30M. This way Milner is doing the right thing. Just something to think about...?!

Comment 71, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.43 pm

Chiefy said:

... SSN, Yellow ticker Milner wants to leave, thats it then, my opinon of Milner has been confirmed, it is now know he wants to go, SO FCUK off. Go sit on the bench slice them oranges for Veria, Barry, De Jong and Da Silvia. Salifou will give you lessons before you do go. Oh and Milner there will be tears and they wont be ours enjoy yourself and mercenary citeh on the bench !

Comment 72, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.44 pm

Chiefy said:

... 25 million for Milner when you could get Ozil for 18 million

Comment 73, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.46 pm

Luckynumber7 said:

... it aint like the good old days... etc etc. well - it isn't. Money is king for most players, to a point. I mean - Ya ya toure hasn't gone to Citeh cos they're an amazing outfit ready to win stuff, he's gone cos they'll pay him 200 (TWO HUNDRED) thousand pounds each week. Better than Barca? Nah. More money - oh yes. Milner may or may not go, does it really matter? I liked him last year but strangely like him less after the WC. I think I like him less cos he hasn't said he'd love to stay, and whilst i know he probably doesn't care enough to say that, I'd still like him to. On the other hand - I recall his comments, not just this time when he joined but also the last time he was on loan and had to go back to Newcastle. He seems to genuinely like Villa, for whatever reason. The WC couldn't have come at a worse time to make him stay. i bet all those other lads were giving him the chat; after all, they weren't concentrating on the footy.... maybe they were all focussing on tapping him up

Comment 74, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.47 pm

mon 4-5-1 said:

... Timmyrara said: ... Rob like Cheify has stated above he really has said he wants to go by not coming out and stating he wants to stay at Villa park. This has dragged on now for a long time. Milner is still on f**king holiday! Of course he's not going to comment on his future! f**king muppets!! For your info as you are obviously in denial - as per skysports reports Martin O'Neil has said Milner wants to leave Villa, and that he can leave for the right price. So much for being on holiday.

Comment 75, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.48 pm

Andy said:

... So...We have actually had comment from Aston Villa. We all now know the situation. MON and Milner have actually had discussions and that has relsuted in Milner wanting out. Milner is an ambitious player, so it also begs the questions as to why he really wants to leave. I for one don't think it's simply for the money. We can kid ourselves all day long it is, but if it was me in Milners boots I'd be asking lots of questions in my discussions with my manager to see what the future holds. I think Milner is the same type of person. I bet MON told Milner we are keeping Heskey.

Comment 76, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.49 pm

Simeon said:

... If we try and play hardball with Man City we will get squashed. We might end up keeping Milner, but it will be a Pyrrhic victory. Not only will Milner end up leaving at some future date at a reduced price, but we will have virtually no money with which to improve the team - and the team needs to improve alot just to hold on to 6th place. I sincerely hope that what O'Neill is doing is placating the fans. However, failing to protect the best interests of the club is something our manager has consistently done, so it wouldn't surprise me if we have actually adopted this policy which is doomed to failiure.

Comment 77, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.51 pm

Villa_Chris said:

... Well put Andy. slating a player over a situation we actually know NOTHING about is daft. If he does an interview with a paper (like Barry) then slate him. Simple

Comment 78, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.52 pm

Chrisodon said:

... Man City will be the death of football in this country. What's the point in buying young players and making them good only for them to spit in your face for Man City ?. Maybe mons policy of buying older players is the only future for our club while the arabs are splashing silly money around. Does the fool not realise we made him!!! He was nothing at Newcastle, then we paid an inflated price for a s**t winger, then moved him in the middle and the c**t goes to the world cup and wants to leave us. I Hope the ungrateful little p***k falls flat on his face next season and realises he's messed up.

Comment 79, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.54 pm

Chiefy said:

... Milner is an ambitious player, so it also begs the questions as to why he really wants to leave I know to make ourselves feel better lets get 2 and 2 and come up with 52 and start a blog rumour. NO NO NO NO NO Milner is going for money which ever way you look at it MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY thats why he is moving and the fact Citeh can buy anyone they like, we can not and will not compete with that ambition we want chumps league I imagine Citeh's they want everything how can you compete ??

Comment 80, made on July 22, 2010 at 12.55 pm

Andy said:

... The only way to compete Chiefy is to start to raise our expectations and instead of playing for the 5/6/7th spot, we should be going for the decent players and making those statements. I've always said whats the pount in buying 3 or 4 mediocre players (even more so with how MON uses a squad) and buy 1 or maybe 2 really decent players. We can then also pay higher wages too. Simple economics. Simple management.

Comment 81, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.00 pm

Chrisodon said:

... 100% Agree Chiefy. He's a money grabbing c**t, I Also hope the VP Faithful give him hell on his return.

Comment 82, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.00 pm

Luckynumber7 said:

... is there any further info on that James Milner snippet from SSN? O'Neill was quoted?

Comment 83, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.00 pm

Rob_The_Villain said:

... Look on the bright side, hopefully this will speed up the transfer and we can move on. If we get near the £30m mark then we will be laughing, Milner is good but he's not £30m good! I think City fans will have a bit of a shock, a bit like when Man Utd signed Carrick for a ridiculous fee at the time. He'll be decent but he won't be amazing! Hats off to Ash this week though, showing some loyalty to the club and manager after crediting them with his improvement. I really think he'll have a good season, just like the season he got a billion assists!

Comment 84, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.06 pm

VillaDude said:

... Can we please please sell him in the next few days... The t**t is holding up any activity, and to be honest he isn't even that good. I very much doubt he will make the 1st team... Don't get greedy MON - 25m is more than enough or Ireland plus 10m!

Comment 85, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.07 pm

Chater1703 said:

... depressing hell

Comment 86, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.11 pm

Andy said:

... Thanks for the service James Milner. You will be missed and good luck in the future. (except when you play against Villa). I'm afraid £30M is more than you're worth though James, so hopefully we cash in handsomely on you.

Comment 87, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.12 pm

Chiefy said:

... woohoo expect Ireland, Keane, McGeady and Witsel

Comment 88, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.12 pm

Genital Grinder said:

... F**k you Milner, F**k you to hell!!! We should give it to him worse than Fat Bazza when he comes back. This is the end of his career, stupid silly boy, he'll rot away and never get back to what he was last season. Get the price sorted out now!!!

Comment 89, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.13 pm

Luckynumber7 said:

... sorry boys - can anyone confirm any more than the single line of comment on SSN?

Comment 90, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.16 pm

leawaylittleman said:

... http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/h...845624.stm DOH

Comment 91, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.17 pm

vivavilla said:

... Here we go again... this whole bulls**t saga repeating itself. If Milner wants to go, then just let him go. Don't draw this out like we did with Barry, I really can't be arsed to see people posting all the same messages again. Anyone who feels bitter towards Milner is being ridiculous.

Comment 92, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.17 pm

Chater1703 said:

... i'm sorry but anyone who says he is leaving not becuase of the money is a fool. Lets see when he is in the line up for citeh on opening day, my prediction the bench. What a waste of talent

Comment 93, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.18 pm

Andy said:

... Ain't it funny...If MON had actually gone for he Liverpool job, even though he kept his mouth shut like Milner did, all those that love MON would have turned on him for going to Liverpool and said that he was mad and that he should be given stick when he came bacl. Ironically those that don't really rate MON as highly would probably have said ok MON, I understand why you have gone elsewhere. Funny world ain't it

Comment 94, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.19 pm

Luckynumber7 said:

... ah yes - thanks lads. isn't the first rule of negotiation that you don't show your hand? deary me. I guess it prompts a revised bid, and perhaps slightly more quickly. Fat Gaz must be so pleased.... what does that make him now, 5th choice? Brilliant.

Comment 95, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.21 pm

Villa_Chris said:

... James Milner either scored or assisted 19 of Aston Villa's 52 (37%) Premier League goals last season. Fulcrum

Comment 96, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.21 pm

Andy said:

... Chater1703...... i'm sorry but anyone who says he is leaving not becuase of the money is a fool. I'm a fool

Comment 97, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.23 pm

Villa_Chris said:

... I pity the poor fool.

Comment 98, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.23 pm

VillaDude said:

... I have a very bad feeling we might see barry back at villa?!?!

Comment 99, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.24 pm

Villa_Chris said:

... I have a very bad feeling we might see barry back at villa?!?! I would love a bit of drama

Comment 100, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.25 pm

rocky5 said:

... Anyone who feels bitter towards Milner is being ridiculous. whys that then.

Comment 101, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.26 pm

b30 villain said:

... Well f**k off then Milner you spotty c**t I feel much better now

Comment 102, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.26 pm

DAJ said:

... Simeon said If we try and play hardball with Man City we will get squashed. We might end up keeping Milner, but it will be a Pyrrhic victory. Not only will Milner end up leaving at some future date at a reduced price, but we will have virtually no money with which to improve the team - and the team needs to improve alot just to hold on to 6th place. I sincerely hope that what O'Neill is doing is placating the fans. However, failing to protect the best interests of the club is something our manager has consistently done, so it wouldn't surprise me if we have actually adopted this policy which is doomed to failiure. Totally agree with this. However, the questions must then be aimed at the main honcho in charge of the Club, because Martin Oneil only does what his boss asks him to do. We can sit here all day arguing about what Martin does or does not do, but he only acts on the instructions of the club. I find it more worrying that General PR Kruchak has gone awol at a time when many people would like some questions answered. A

Comment 103, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.27 pm

Elmo Grub said:

... That's it then. Milners off. 3-5 days before its a done deal? Perhaps then we'll see the signings coming in. Very dissapointed in the lad; seemed a loyal, hardworking and honest chap, not money motivated. Well here's to him and his next season warming the bench in rainy Manchester every week. I hope he enjoys his money (we'll enjoy ours if it's around 25mil) and I further hope we urinate prodigiously over Citeh next season.

Comment 104, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.28 pm

Andy said:

... I blame MON

Comment 105, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.30 pm

rocky5 said:

... that world cup interview all makes sense now.

Comment 106, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.30 pm

Chater1703 said:

... ... that world cup interview all makes sense now. what interview rocky?

Comment 107, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.32 pm

vivavilla said:

... rocky5 Explain why you should be bitter? - because he's joining a bigger team? Don't be ridiculous, it's called progression. - because he's being offered 4 times his salary? Don't be ridiculous, anybody in the world would jump at that chance including you and me. Football players don't need to be loyal to anybody or anything other than their contract.

Comment 108, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.32 pm

Dicky H said:

... Mancini says that Villa are asking too much for Milner and that he has plenty of time for the important decisions he needs to make. Whilst Mancini feels he has time to increase the offer should he choose to, WE DON'T. We need time to find and negotiate with a replacement/replacements. Citeh should now be told to increase their offer or there is no deal. We have to make sure that things now go through quickly and on OUR TERMS.

Comment 109, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.33 pm

VillaDude said:

... O'Neill will hold out for the best possible price for one of his prized assets, but has told Sky Sports News that he is ready to cash in. Finally!

Comment 110, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.34 pm

b30 villain said:

... 20 million and ireland me thinks

Comment 111, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.34 pm

Genital Grinder said:

... speak for yourself vivavilla

Comment 112, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.35 pm

DAJ said:

... Anyone who feels bitter towards Milner is being ridiculous Im more than bitter.... Ridiculous is the situation where a single player can hold up a clubs summer spending plans, so that he can look good and keep and face. Well it does not wash. The player has repeatedly put off negotiations for one reason or another, leaving his manager, the club that made him, and the fans that worshiped him, little more than a summer of discontent and worry. We should have had this done and dusted 3 monthes ago, straight after he refused to sign the contract. Thelittle s**te has been using us to bolster his pockets. Im not bitter, im fooking well seething

Comment 113, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.36 pm

no10 said:

... if we get 25 to 30 mil,i think we should thank him and wish him good luck.i thought 12 mil was over the top when we got him.

Comment 114, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.40 pm

EnglandAvfc said:

... Yes its a FACT villa are the snail club of the premier league

Comment 115, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.40 pm

Andy said:

... vivavilla...Agree totally. I really can't see how others can't see any of this. Do these people not live in the real world...? The only main decisions to make are.... Will I be getting rewarded better for my services. Will my career be enhanced and will my working conditions be better. Milner obviously think so. I am sure Milner is grateful for what Villa have given him and I'm sure MON won't be calling him a tw*t or anything. In fact I bet MON will wish him good luck.

Comment 116, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.41 pm

rocky5 said:

... what interview rocky? weren`t so much of an interview but i remember the spotty little bastard him been asked if he would still be at villa next season and he cme out with the sheepish looking i don`t know b****x.seems like he`d already made his mind upviva,the guys a massive unloyal c**t

Comment 117, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.43 pm

Luckynumber7 said:

... Great point No 10. loads of people thought we'd paid too much for Milner. Only difference is, loads of people will soon realise that Citeh have paid far far too much for Milner! Glad i didn't get a shirt with his name on it.

Comment 118, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.45 pm

leawaylittleman said:

... I wish he'd just go. I'm really bored about the prospect of weeks and weeks of drawn out and tedious speculation. Do the deal and sort a replacement out before it's too late!

Comment 119, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.45 pm

Andy said:

... Man City have bought players from the other top teams in England and Europe. There is no shame in Man City buying players from Aston Villa. In fact it is somewhat of a compliment that we have good enough players that a high profile, big spending team like City want to buy our players. It just shows that we do have some quality players. Some of you need to get the fact that there is a football food chain. Until we are at the top of that chain, then we will always have the larger clubs buying or bidding on our best players. Even the top teams have their best players bid and bought.

Comment 120, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.45 pm

Chiefy said:

... your just an over rated winger over rate wingeeerrrrrrr your just a over rated wannnkkkeeeeerrrrrr see ya milner, see what chelsea did to s**twell 2 years time it will be like de ja vu my friend although it will be you who's s**t. What goes around comes around !!!

Comment 121, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.46 pm

VillaDude said:

... You would have thought he would have listened to what a few people were saying recently. They questioned if he was GOOD enough for the first team at Man City. These were players that play with see him play every day... I really hope this transfer doesn't collapse...

Comment 122, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.48 pm

vivavilla said:

... Well it does not wash. The player has repeatedly put off negotiations for one reason or another, leaving his manager, the club that made him, and the fans that worshiped him, little more than a summer of discontent and worry. Prove it.

Comment 123, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.48 pm

Chiefy said:

... Andy -- I dont think mon will call him a t**t, and he isnt he is doing what most would, because it is our club it hurts more and the game is being destroyed by greedy horrible little c**ts with over inflated egos who think they are the dog's danglys

Comment 124, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.49 pm

Calum and Blue said:

... Ain't it funny...If MON had actually gone for he Liverpool job, even though he kept his mouth shut like Milner did, all those that love MON would have turned on him for going to Liverpool and said that he was mad and that he should be given stick when he came bacl. Ironically those that don't really rate MON as highly would probably have said ok MON, I understand why you have gone elsewhere. Funny world ain't it I think that's because, the more you like someone, the more it's going to hurt you when they turn their back on you and leave, so you resent them for doing that to you. For example, if your wife left you for another man, you'd be a lot more hateful towards her, than if a short term girlfriend left you for another man.

Comment 125, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.50 pm

VillaDude said:

... Has Milner actually put in a transfer request? Is that even better for Villa financially?

Comment 126, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.52 pm

Andy said:

... So the best thing is to have many short term girlfriends...Quality..I like your thinking

Comment 127, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.53 pm

DAJ said:

... Viva, i dont need to prove anything since its common knowledge or have you been living on jupitor for the last 3 monthes!! Talks were scheduled for the end of the season, then were called off. They were then re-scheduled just before the world cup squad left, but were again postponed until after.....and were they not supposed to have happened last January??????????? I guess you dont believe that all this has been concocted between the player and Man city with the sole aim of pushing us into a corner, so that the price we are asking comes down??? No...i guess not

Comment 128, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.54 pm

Chiefy said:

... the transfer window will go mental now with all sorts going down

Comment 129, made on July 22, 2010 at 1.59 pm

david g said:

... Oh well, Milner's off then; who really cares now if his "dream move" is motivated by the "ambition" of Man City or his desire for yet more bags of cash? If you want to go, Jimmy, then go. Thanks for those many many years of loyal service to Villa, and hope you enjoy savouring your millions as you sit on City's bench waiting to come on. If we can get 23-24 mill for you, then fine. You're good, but not THAT good. Just close the door quietly on yer way out, will you?

Comment 130, made on July 22, 2010 at 2.18 pm

jk92293 said:

... haha! this is brilliant...only yesterday everyone was so bored and now its like a cock-fight in here!! no point putting any related comments either about Jimmy Milner...team Edward or Team Jacob will tear you apart. love it!!! keep it up boys!!

Comment 131, made on July 22, 2010 at 2.46 pm

Simeon said:

... DAJ I don't think Lerner tells our manager what to do. I'm sure that he sets the framework within which our manager can work, but that leaves our manager plenty of room within which to operate. One of the things Lerner does right is that he leaves his manager to get on with the job of managing the football club. The problem is that our manager hasn't been able to use the space and resources he's been given effectively. For example, it was our manager's decision to sign players that he wasn't going to use, or who would essentially end up on the scrap-heap. This is a huge waste of money, and although I believe Lerner has to take some responsibility for this wasting of money, the mistake he made was trusting the wrong man - or at the very least giving one man more power than he could handle. As a direct result, we are now in a position where we don't have the financial resources to sign new players.

Comment 132, made on July 22, 2010 at 2.55 pm

Simeon said:

... I am concerned that this transfer is taking so long to conclude. Whether that is Villa's fault, Milner's fault or Man City's fault is, in one sense, irrelevant. And because we don't know the ins and outs of the situation, it's impossible to know at this point who is to blame - if anyone is - anyway. What IS relevant is that we cannot improve the team whilst this is going on. Until we know whether Milner is leaving or not we don't know whether he needs to be replaced or not. Until Milner leaves we don't have much in the way of transfer funds to strengthen other areas of the team - although which areas of the team we will need, and be able, to strengthen will also depend on which unwanted players we can sell. As I say, we don't know who is to blame for this business dragging on, but that it is does not help us in the slightest. And maybe here is the clue to the truth. Villa are the ones who are suffering in this situation. Milner isn't, and nor are Man City. Man City will be working towards taking advantage of any angle they can, in order to protect their own interests. They can't be blamed for this. It would be ridiculous if they did otherwise. Milner can hardly be blamed for looking out for his best interests. He is human after all. And Villa are big enough to look after themselves and shouldn't have to rely on other parties helping them out. One thing we can be certain of is that Man City have gone about their business in an honourable (at least by football's standards) way, because we haven't heard any complaints from Villa about their conduct - in contrast to the way Liverpool conducted themselves in their pursuit of Barry. Ultimately, I think we have to accept that what is happening is simply business. It might not be pleasant, but there's nothing untoward going on here.

Comment 133, made on July 22, 2010 at 3.08 pm

walshy said:

... i for one am delighted milner is going! if we do get 25-30 mill it will be daylight robbery! as much as i like jimmy he has been bigged up by the press so much... he is a fashionable workhorse! if we do bring in keane, ireland and mcgeedy we would have done verry well! i think the thing we are worried about is it sending out the wrong message but if we replace jimmy with some quality then well be fine!

Comment 134, made on July 22, 2010 at 3.28 pm

SuperBox said:

... Buy for £12m, sell for £30m. Buy 2 more for £15m. This is simple economics, and good economics at that. It's the reality that Villa are in, and more of this will see us progress. Do I want Milner to go? No. It is worth getting bent out of share over? No. Great article David. Nice to see some informed comment for a change.

Comment 135, made on July 23, 2010 at 11.43 am