Written by Damian Friday, 26 June 2009 07:02
There is a rumour doing the rounds that we've had a bid of £8.5mn. accepted by Spurs for Tom Huddlestone and I'd just like to say that these are untrue. How do I know these are untrue, well, I'm going to tell you.
First, they would have told us out off respect. If we had made a bid and it had been accepted, the club would have told us, much like they told us, out of respect that the club had accepted a bid for Gareth Barry. Second, Martin O'Neill is not going to put that type of player in our central midfield next season, not when we will already have three just like it.
My point is, if it is Sidwell, Reo-Coker or Gardner (playing with Petrov in the middle) they are all the same; they work had and track back and the type of player we now need in the middle of the park is someone with a bit of style, a bit of know how and a bit of pace and trickery.
Huddlestone, while a very good player with lots of promise, isn't that player and we are not buying him as cover for Gardner, Reo-Coker or Sidwell - all players that I think are very good at doing that job.
So, out of respect to the supporters and customers, if the club had made an offer, they would have told us. They haven't told us, so it's not true.
I've mentioned Sidwell above also, well there is another rumour today that Roy Hodgson at Fulham is interested in him and he may be allowed to leave. Now, this one is pure speculation but clearly it isn't going to happen because Martin O'Neill is a smart bloke. He will have spent his holiday looking at the stats and devising a plan for next season and we all sort of know what he will be doing next season, because he is a smart man and it is the smart move.
We won games with Sidwell and when he wasn't playing we lost games. Yes, it coincided with 4-5-1 and yes, fingers crossed, Martin O'Neill recognises that, because if he doesn't and Sidwell moves to Fulham, I fancy there could be more egg on face because if Fulham start next season as they ended it and we start next season as we ended our season, then it might very well be a case of them doing better than us.
Did you see how Fulham played football last season? It seems like Roy Hodgson finally got the players playing the passing game, which isn't easy. It takes lots of work, but they got it in the end and the real test will be to see if they can continue that at the start of the season. If they do and he buys right, then I hate to say this, but we might see ourselves chasing Fulham next season, because our football for the most of last season reminded me of Watford with John Barnes.
I can feel a scathing attack from some for that. But I'll move on quickly and ask that if you are going to talk about Michael Jackson, visit this forum thread instead, all comments about Wacko Jacko will be deleted.
In other paper gossip The Mirror are running with a story that Bouma is at home in Holland thinking about retiring from football>
This won't be nice if it is true but you wouldn't be surprised. His ankle was clear out of his leg in that tackle and it just seems like a long time coming back. I hope it isn't as I've always liked Bouma and still think he has something to offer but if it is a case of him having to give up the game I'm sure he'll get a good reception if he ever shows his face at Villa Park in the future.
I have a feeling there will be more later but for now, I'm off for coffee and toast.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (286)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Hairdo
said:
 |
... Huddlestone isnt good enough, we need a VDV/Defour type player in the middle Hopefully Booooooooouma reconsiders, he's a top player Oh and by the way.... 1st again?? |
rob h
said:
 |
... bouma will be back! Sidwell is just suffering from second season sindrome, ala petrov he will come good. Damian you say we need that bit of trickery in midfield. Whilst i don't disagree I look at chelsea and liverpool. pick on liverpool they normally have masch/alonso/gerrard. if gerrard is the trickery player don't you think he has all the same attributes as gardner? If lampard is the flair at chelsea (it certainly aint bollack) then again does gardner posses the long pass and long range shot? My point is perhaps gardner could fill that role given a chance. and the boy does need a chance or i fear this season will be his last. |
Jason
said:
 |
... I hope the Bouma rumour isn't true, I think we would have done a little better last season had he been fit. We would have a least had a more settled side. On Huddlestone, I have to agree that this is a load of rubbish. I would also say this rumour can't be true due to the £8.5million mentioned. If papers are saying Bentley can leave for £7million, just because he doesn't get in the side, then how can Huddlestone be worth more. Bentley has played for England and actually looked good as well. |
James Clift
said:
 |
... It would be a huge shame for Bouma and to be fair it looks on the cards. MON has said many times that we have a small squad. In fact every time things go wrong he jumps on that one. We need to sign four players just to have the same squad as we did last year so to progress we need at least eight signings in less than two months. I really can't see it happening. |
Damian
said:
 |
... rob h i like gardner, i think everyone knows that and while i'd love martin o'neill to give him that opportunity, for all the talk about martin o'neill, i don't think he'll give someone like that a proper run in the team - which i think is potentially a failing of his thinking about it for the last 30 seconds also, i'm not sure gardner is the gerrard type player, as in the one behind torries, he is more a lampard type player as in playing alongside petrov ... but i'd love gardner to get a proper run and watching him the other night against germany, he played some very sensible football and he has a very decent delivery from dead ball and a very decent shot from dead ball .. |
Jason
said:
|
... I like Gardner, but lets be serious, comparing him to Gerrard is like comparing Gabby to Torres. Completely different league. He is our Darren Fletcher, someone who can be called on to play in several positions - and more importantly doesn't cause a fuss because of not playing every week. I'm all for players wanting to play, and i know we often moan about players who are happy to go and sit on the Chelsea bench etc, but if we are ever to get to that level we also need players who are happy to sit on ours and perform when called upon. Gardner clearly loves the club, but I think he's a top 6 player, not a top 4. He is more than capable of helping us maintain our position next season, but he will have to have "Lampard style progess" over the next few years if he's going to help us get into the top 4 (as a starter) - he can help us as very strong cover. |
jason the ace
said:
 |
... I would like hud's ,but to play deep in Petrov's roll and with two hard tackling MF so he would have time to spray them pin point pass's around. |
colm tarpey
said:
 |
... the offical site is running a story from Shorey talking about looking forward to battling for a place with Bouma next season... Surely that's in bad taste if the lad is sitting at homewondering if he has a future in football... they would'nt do that, would they? |
Altan Kargaci
said:
 |
...I have a feeling there will be more later but for now, I'm off for coffee and toast. Do you know something we all want to know ...? Sidders will come good if given a chance, he just need's to find his feet.Really think we would regret letting him leave after only one season. Bouma retire ....Noooo not another one , it has been a while now and you do start to wonder. Maybe that's why we ae in the hunt for a right back because L younge can cover both left and right back. UTV |
Ted
said:
 |
... I like Gardner, but to compare him with either Lampard or Gerrard is laughable. They are both a class above (or probably 3 or 4 classes above!) Gardner. The player I most liken him to is Scholes, although again he isn't remotely in the same class. For us to break the top 4 we need a lot better than Gardner in centre-midfield. He's a good squad player and will get better, but he simply doesn't compare with Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Lampard, Essien, Obi Mikel, Fabregas, Rosicki, Barry, Ireland, Cahill, Arteta, etc. - The centre-midfielders at the clubs who will be competing for the top spots with us. We have Petrov who is quality, Sidwell who may come good, that's it. We need players desperately. Milner could be the man to fit in centre-midfield, especially if we play 4-5-1, he could be the more attacking player of the 3 central ones. Then of course we need a right winger, hopefully Bentley is on his way. Or maybe Gabby could play there. It would be nice to have some options hey! |
Nicky Villa
said:
 |
... Sidwell is a bit of a liability at times, maybe MON could try and force their hand and get Hangerland using siddders as a Part Ex.- fat chance. |
tom sexton
said:
 |
... Gardner is best keeping the bench warm! He wouldnt get in any of the top 10' s starting eleven. |
Johnny Onegulp
said:
 |
... It's all about opinion and my opinion is that Huddelstone is too slow - a bit like Gareth Barry. |
Villa@Herts
said:
 |
... Good post although part of me thinks the topics were put up for you to shot down. However, there is not much else to talk about so it's a good post. Thinking about Gardner filling Barry's boots I think he could but I would rather see Milner moved into that role as I rate him as an intelligent player who could not only fill GBs boots but could become a driving force within the team. Anyway, while pondering the Gardner role it lead me to think why not give a number of the reserves a chance both in the closed season and at the start of next season. I even came to the conclusion that I wouldn't mind if we didn't win or even lost a few games in order to give them a good run. But it is the closed season and to be honest, if it was the end of October and we were in the bottom half of the table, I think I may well be calling for change. As someone who has, over a number of years, seen more reserve games than PL, I know that we currently have players with a great deal of quality and potential. MON needs to give them a chance if not in the 1st then loan them out to other PL/champ league teams. |
NickC
said:
 |
... If stories are to be believe this am on "Talk Sport", Fulham are weighing up Sidwell and Villa have reportedly said NRC can go if we get a bid of 9 mill for him. Both of these stories are being made up by someone as I cant believe that MON would let anymore go from the squad except Harewood unless he has some grand plan. I've watched this site and all the others for weeks now, hoping for something to happen just like everyone else. I keep asking myself the same question which is when does the transfer window open? Some people say its open already but I'm not so sure. There have been a few transfers reported but I can only remember seeing GB being unveiled at Man City but no-one else has been pictured with the shirt of their new team etc. I thought the window officially opened for business on July 1st. I guess I'm hoping that's the case and that MON, in his own inimitable way, will parade new players on that date that none of us knew about. He certainly seems to like doing things his way and only his way. Transfers are pretty much always kept quiet and when we get to hear about them, they are done deals (no negotiation breakdowns that other clubs have and particularly Harry Rednapp). We dont seem to hear of protracted transfers etc. Its pretty much always leaked out when everything has been done. I've read about Kyle Naughton on here and that people say he was in Birmingham last weekend. Lets hope so and lets hope he's one of several new signings. After watching him in the play off final I can honestly say I thought he was absolute quality and would be a tremendous addition to the squad. He'd probably be like Ashley Young as a signing and be worth 20 mill in no time. Does anyone know anything of Ashley Young reportedly about to sign a new improved contract. One of my sons came down this morning to say he'd seen something on Sky Sports about it. If that were true, that would suggest he knows something we dont about whats going on in the back ground........ |
confusedvillafan
said:
 |
... lampard wasnt that special at gardners age if i remember correctly, and hairdo wow 1st again you must be really proud |
rushe10
said:
 |
... I said a few months ago i heard something about bouma retiring as his ankle was so weak, that if it was to get a strong challenge it would ruin his chances of walking again, to be honest he is very very lucky to be walking again! |
ak_27
said:
 |
... Sidwell is not good enough to play in the centre for us. What does he offer? He is not a good tackler or a good passer. He is a passenger. He makes runs box to box and nearly gets on the end of a few balls in but we cannot afford to have such a passenger in the heart of our team. You say we won games with him in there. Yes we did. Did we deserve to win thoses games? Asrenel away yes. West Ham, Everton away no. We had lady luck majorly on our side for a spell last season. If we get an offer for Sidwell then we should take it. By the way Damien MON will not revert back to 451 this season coming as he has 4 strikers at the moment with a real chance of another coming in and i can't see him leaving 3/4 of them on the bench. |
Billy7
said:
 |
... Although i like Gardner, like said above, he's not in the same league as top 4 or even 6. We need, and have for a while, a bit of flair, we have none in the middle. Huddleston 8.5m? I dont care how much, if MON likes him and is going to play him in his position, buy him but i dont think we'll see him unless Sidwell or Reo leave. We need a center back, Dunne, Campbell  Distin Hangleand  Lescott Upson killagan? Carvalliho Dawson? Turner? Woodgate go and get 1 of these (1 with a smiley face) and another 1 without the smiley face . PLEASE |
Johnny Onegulp
said:
|
... Kyle Naughton will be more than an adequate replacement for Freddie. He can play left and right side is good in the tackle and is very quick. |
Damian
said:
|
... Altan No, not that I know of .. on;y that I got this up first thing this morning ... Villa@Herts The topics, were the only ones I found this morning .. have I missed anything from the morning papers? |
Nel-A
said:
 |
... Go I hope Bouma pulls through, he's a hero! Top, top guy. Also, I think Sidwell has a part to play for us. I seem to remember him being really unlucky not to score more often when he played last season. With Petrov making the holding role his own, Sidwell could really flourish with him! I hope he stays and has many a good game for us. We saw against Everton at Goodison what he is capable of. |
Simon
said:
 |
... In rugby, if your strugling for numbers in the pack, you get uncontested scrums. Perhaps MON thinks that if we shrink the squad enough we may get the same applied. Genius.  |
Paul Egan
said:
 |
... I think Huddlestone would five us something different - The ability to pass the ball! And I don't think the club would announce it to save embarrassment if he chose another club over us. |
Simon
said:
|
... We need players for the now, otherwise the likes of Young will be off, West ham always had teams of promise, but they won FA.  |
snake pliskin
said:
 |
... I watched Gardener the other night against Germany and whilst he played some good loong balls, he also played some atrocious ones as well. He is still learning his trade and in a couple of years time may well turn out to be a genuine 1st choice pick. However, we are in need now and i would like a near finished article than a work in progress player. I like Hudds, has some great atributes, but once again he is young and still learning. Seen us linked with just about anyone who has ever played football, but only a few names got me excited....Bently, Drenthe and Defour. Hope MON does a Paul Daniels and pulls several suprises out the hat and lets me go on my summer hols a happy bunny!!! |
Paul Egan
said:
|
... That was meant to say "offer us something different "... Not sure how it turned into "five" - damn iPhone. |
Simon
said:
|
... Finally, Ive been reading the posts and almost everyone says we should sign Defour. But how many actually know the player? How good is he, would he fit alongside Petrov or would we need somebody else. Confused  |
Barry Martin
said:
 |
... Its gonna happen i can feel it MON is gonna sign someone maybe even 2 players by monday. Mark my words |
John Flynn
said:
 |
... If Sidwell goes it wouldnt be a problem, as Damian says in his post we have to many CM's that are exactly the same. It wouldnt surprise me if Coker went aswell, but can't see anyone paying over £5 mill for him.! |
Mark
said:
 |
... Agree with you Damian about Sidwell. He's a good player and just like Petrov I think he needed a season to understand his role. If you don't play how MON wants you to play then you will find yourself on the bench - ask NRC. |
AVFCN
said:
 |
... I can GUARANTEE that Bouma is not in Holland and thinking about retiring. He's on holiday with his family in Aruba. |
snake pliskin
said:
|
... DAmian, Not to sure what you meant about the John Barnes and Watford bit?? I moved to Watford in late 70's and watched them all the way up from the 4th to the 1st division. Can't remember the style of football resembling what Villa played at anytime this season. They used to lump it up to Big Centre Forward, or give it Jonnie Barnes on the left wing.....wait a minute!!!Damn me if your not right!!! MON, a bit more variety methinks!! |
Johnny Onegulp
said:
|
... Lots of people were raving about Cuellar last transfer window but for me he hasn't done the business and Defour has to come into that category of untried and untested. |
Nik Skilton
said:
 |
... if bouma retires i'll be gutted. For the way we play he was perfect for us, and it'd be nice to see a settled full back pairing. On Huddlestone, i'd like to see him at VP, think he could be a very good player indeed, but not for £8.5m, but if MoN thinks this is the deal to be done, then i have faith. UTV |
Johnny Onegulp
said:
|
... Off the subject, although there is a tenuous connection (slow mid-fielders). Has anybody heard the rumour that a certain midfielder who signed for Man City was desperate for a big signing on fee as he was more than 2 million in debt through playing poker? |
In MON I Still Trust!! (well sort of!!)
said:
 |
... How can you say Huddlestone is the same type of player as Reo and Sidwell?!?!? They are totally different players. We need 6 centre midfielders who can cover eachother when injured/suspended. The 3 types of centre midfielders needed are...the high tempo battling one, the calm, pinpoint passer and the little magician who can take the ball under pressure and unlock the defence. We already have 2 high tempo battling midfielders in Reo and Sidwell. We need another calm pinpoint passer to go with Petrov (Huddlestone would be perfect for this role and still young) and we need 2 little magicians, which I appreciate are hard to come by but I believe Defour can be this player, so maybe he will do for now and we can add another younger version next summer. We have to change back to 4-5-1 to compete in this league. We are just not good enough to play 4-4-2. Games are won in midfield...even the most enept football fan knows this, so surely MON knows this?!?! The proof is there for all to see last season. Great first half playing 4-5-1 and shocking second half playing 4-4-2. If it means dropping a striker who you love, so be it...surely winning is more important and also if things aren't going right you can still revert to 4-4-2 toward the end of the game. We need Naughton, Distin, Haangland, Drenthe, Bentley, Huddlestone, Defour and Owen. Anyway rant over!! |
snake pliskin
said:
|
... The 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 fromations both have their merits and problems. when we played 4-5-1, we played mainly on the counter and eventually teams worked out how to stop it (At Hull for example, they sat back and tried to make us come out and play, led to a dreadful game and a lucky 1 - 0 win). So MON changed to 4-4-2, which gave us 2 strikers, but somehow truned the defence into a bunch of clowns (not sure why?). So i say go 4-3-3 and to hell with it, at least we will play attacking football.. |
Villa@Herts
said:
|
... I don’t have time to read the papers Damian that's why I love this blog and as I said (twice) it is a good post. And I would have been very disappointed if there had not been any blog at all simply because the only news around was made up by some bored scribe. So keep up the good work Damian. I am with you on the Sidwell I think he adds something to the team when he plays and is going nowhere I wouldn't be surprised to see NRC go although I think it would be a loss to the squad. I would like to see Bouma back but I see his return, if it happens as a plus rather than a loss if he retires. theirishvillan What makes you so sure that there are signings coming by Monday? Someone on here last week who claimed they knew that MON would not be announcing any signings till 1 July as that was the day a new sponsor was being announced. However, I also think I read something on the official site that we were sticking with Acorn for another season. I don’t think you can second guess MON which is what makes him a great and frustrating manager to have. |
Billy7
said:
|
... The irishvillan 'its gonna happen, i can feel it, MON is gonna sign someone, maybe 2 players by Monday'.................Its a bit early to be supping that Guiness mate, put it away, sober up!! |
Barry Martin
said:
|
... Billy7 First of all its never too early for guinness!!!! Secondly im an optimist. Positive thinking, its gonna happen..... |
Billy7
said:
|
... who won the competition yesterday? Was i close with 721? Can i change my answer from the competition last week? How much net spend on transfers this summer? I said 26mil plus 12mil for Barry! Its not looking good is it? |
bass
said:
 |
... i like huddlestone and i would love him to come here i think if he does a lot of people will be eating their words!!! Who won the comp on tues? what was the answer? Can anyone answer my question about if we are getting a new home shirt this year and if so when? also was acorns just a year deal??? I had a dream last night that we were showing david bentley off at villa park and i think it could come true!!! |
In MON I Still Trust!! (well sort of!!)
said:
|
... First it was becuase he's on holiday, then it's because of the Confed Cup, then it because of the U21's, then it's the 1st July because of the contracts...what next?!?!? |
Michael
said:
 |
... if his career is over, then it would be the fault of entering the intertoto cup, and MON out of respect to bouma should have took the uefa cup seriously after that injury. |
bfastvilla
said:
 |
... http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A53695632 Joe Cole? this surely would be a very positive move however there does not seem to be any evidence at all to back the claims up. Do you think he would consider a move away from stamford bridge |
Billy7
said:
|
... David Sullivan quote 'we've signed 6 players, i expect another 4 or 5 in the next 4 weeks, 75% british' they really are going for it!! Not jealous but, wish we would be told something! |
mikey18
said:
 |
... Firstly, Gardner is 22 and has played considerably less football than the likes of others his age i.e Milner, Lennon etc. He COULD develop into a world class player as he has the attributes i.e Determination, good range of passing. But this qualities and skills needs to be honed and its up to us as a club to develop Gardner in the right way. Barry, Lampard, Carrick where were they when they were 22, they weren't world beaters? Second, Huddlestones range of passing is up there with the best in the world, undeniable. His mobility is a problem, probably due to too many fast food takeouts in london!! If he had a yard or 2 more pace he could be a world beater! but 8.5mil is too much of a gamble. Surely Veloso, Joao Mounthino, Sniejder, Van Der Vaart would be a better gamble for MoN! Thirdly, we signed 7 players last season, so why not sign 7 players this season? i know we don't have the same money to spend, Lenrers own words, but with players like Lucas Neil and Michael Owen on a free, as well as Newcastle and Middlesboro desperate to get the high earners off their wage bill surely we can make something happen. Finally, EVERYBODY seems to think we need a flair player in the middle of the park, but which other team has this? Who's united's, debateably scholes was but now is used in a much deeper role and you could suggest giggs, but isn't used that often in that role. Who's chelsea's? Essien? Ballack? Obi Mikel? There most attacking CM is Lampard who is not a 'flair' player. Liverpool?? Gerrard plays almost off the striker, very far forward for a CM but is not a flair player, lock picker. Arsenal? Usually play a holding midfielder, Denilson/song and Fabregas, who could be likened to a lock picker but certainly not flair! What Villa need is to develop the ability to play football, to do this we need good footballers in the team! We need to play 4-5-1 so we can keep the ball. Carew, Gabby and Heskey are awesome at playing the lone striker. Ashley and Mily a dangerous playing in a 5 man midfield/3 pronged attack. Petrov has made that holding role his own, and Reo-Coker and Sidwell would not be a bad midfield 3. Petrov holding NRC box-box and sidwell attacking. But i feel we need to bring in 1-2 in the midfield which is better than what we have. Defensively we need a new RB, CB and LB if Boumas out and we should buy better than what we have. Chelsea are linked with a different RB every day, Maicon, Burdisso, was with Glen Johnson, we should bid for Boswingwa! theres a host of CB's to choose from and LB is difficult! |
TheJohnnyVillan
said:
 |
... I agree Billy7, Surely MON knows how many players he can expect/hope to be signing. A statement saying this and an approximate time scale would be nice for us fans. Instead he hasn't really told us anything apart from 'we're on the lookout'. Which could mean anything! UTV |
croni
said:
 |
... Huddlestone is not really like the 3 players you mentioned and Gardner is nowhere the player you make him out to be |
In MON I Still Trust!! (well sort of!!)
said:
|
... mikey18...your comment regarding a playmaker in midfield is floored. Man Utd have Rooney/Tevez who drop deep and more or less play in midfield, Chelsea have Lampard, Liverpool have Gerrard and Arsenal have Van Persie, who drops very deep...how can you not see this?!?!?! |
In MON I Still Trust!! (well sort of!!)
said:
|
... Villa have lacked a playmaker since Merson left. We need a genius who can unlock defences!! |
Christian
said:
 |
... Sorry, off the subject a bit. I've just bought the new Villa away shirt and I was led to believe by the advertising campaign that it had the names of our all-time England representatives embroidered into it. It doesn't! I don't understand why they're calling it the 'England' villa shirt?? It's a nice kit though. Jesus, things are dull at VP for me to be typing that load of snore!! |
Keith
said:
 |
... bfastvilla As much as I would love us to sign Joe Cole, I cant see it happening. If Chelsea didnt want to keep him I think he would prefer to stay in London, so Spurs would be favourites. And I cant see us matching his wages either. God I hope I am wrong. |
cjd10030
said:
 |
... Samir Carruthers is on his way from arsenal youth team, apparently he was there u16 captain. Anybody know anything about him, all i know is he is a winger. hopefully John Robertson can teach him the trade further. Quite a coup maybe ? |
Villa Nick
said:
|
... This Sidwell story came out of The Daily Mirror! The worst paper for making up stories in the history of transfer rumours! Although I'd rather him than Coker leave. Jurado looks to be the best replacement and he's played with Cuellar at youth level & is supposed to be a creative type! |
Frosty
said:
 |
... Should of swapped Barry for Elano, simple as that. He's one of the most under-rated players in the prem and offers twice that Barry ever could. If I were MON I'd put in a bid today of 8 - 9M for Elano and forget the spurs jokers, he'd be the perfect contrast to Petrov. Would like to think Martin used his brain and has done something similar with City alreay but can't really imagine it. |
mikey18
said:
|
... In MoN I still trust (well sort of), It was my impression that the 'playmaker' Villa fans want is a driving force from midfield to score goals and unpick locks, no? Rooney and Van Persie are strikers, they are sometimes asked to play Left Wing but are strikers! Tevez is a striker! He plays a little bit deeper yes, but still a striker. United play a a very fluid formation which could be likened to a 4.3.3 with the front 3 interchanging. Tevez and Rooney are part of the front 3. They don't play in centre mid. Gerrard and lampard are in the mould of the player we seem to want but they are hardly flair players, they are completely different from say Defour or Eden Hazard names i've seen mentioned on this blog on previous posts. They are not Lock pickers. My point is we don't need a south american flair player or the 'Next' Zidane, we need someone who can play of the striker, infront of the midfield in the 'whole' who can play football, the way lampard and gerrard do for their respective clubs. |
EdVilla
said:
 |
... bfastvilla from what i know Joe Cole has only 1 year left on his Chelsea deal. He was injured last season and won't start as first choice this i would love to see us have a midfield of young,milner,cole,petrov,bentley and let sidwell or reo cocker leave but feel he won't leave London as just got married to Carly Zucker. |
Altan Kargaci
said:
|
... mikey18 Dont you think Ashley Young would be perfect to play in the 'whole' . He has an eye for goal and for a little lad is not scared to put himself into a tackle. His crossing in play has been terrible this year so I dont think he would be missed on the left. For me Milner is better with his left foot so should move over to the left and then David Bentley could play down the right. Simples....!!  |
VillaDude
said:
 |
... Damian, You reading Bill Howell's Live blog session on birmingham mail? He expects a signing by the end of next week but won't say who! |
Mike Carter
said:
 |
... Damian I admire your optimism but the club really don't have to tell us jack in terms of dealings. |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
 |
... For me, I wouldn't mind seeing Milner, Sidwell, and Petrov together, with Milner playing the attacking midfielder, switching off with Sidwell, and Petrov holding. I know, I hear the moaning, but I think it would be a solid, compact, combative and high-energy midfield that would win balls, and give teams something to worry about besides not letting Gabby get behind them. I think it would close up the middle of the park, help us in possession, and shore up the defense. Milner's quickness, strength, tenacity...I think he'd do well in the hole playing off a lone striker in a 4-5-1, especially if there's a good right winger that can let Ash roam and interweave in the middle with Milner, provide cover, and keep the defense spread wide. With Milner/Gardner, Sidwell/NRC, I think I'd rather Milner and Sidwell over the alternatives. Milner makes things happen around the box, and I think he and Sidwell flowing into space would give Young options, and they'd also track back, can tackle, etc. More strength in the middle. I love NRC's work rate, but he just can't be a central player because he can't distribute the ball. I'd like to see Sidwell get another run, see how he can play off of Stan and Milner. I wouldn't mind seeing a Utd style 4-3-3, but we don't have any strikers that work as hard as Rooney and Tevez. If Gabby could up his conversion rate, I'd like to see him up front alone, in a Torres-type role. But if we're playing 4-4-2, we need at least one of those strikers to really be quick and work back. Carew seems game, but he can't carry the ball like Rooney and Tevez and become that hybrid attacking midfielder/striker. He's not going to sprint 30yds, evade one or two defenders and get off a cracking shot. Neither is Emile. Maybe the Fonz, but that's not going to happen for a while. |
gregdavillain
said:
 |
... feic wacko jacko what about the lovely farah fawcett bit th ebullet too Huddletone is good on his day but i wouldnt be too excited to see him come to villa park. To push on we need more quality and with bouma looking likely to retire we need some more quality with experience at the back even more and we need an outstanding player in the middle with the likes of someone like bentley to come in as a squad player... What happens if our new star midfielder gets injured?? we really need 8 decent players now at this stage |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... Altan: Don't know about Mikey18, but I could see that, yes. Ash needs more space, and needs to stop running himself into walls, but in a more central role, he can wreak havoc. And he works hard. A threatening counterpart on the right would make such a difference, and I'd much prefer to see Milner more in the middle. But, if he switched left for Ash to play in the hole with a Bentley on the right, I could live with that. Certainly like to see it tried. |
TB
said:
 |
... Seriously, dont ever compare craig gardner to frank lampard or steven gerrard again. if he was that good do you think even a man with martin o'neills tactical ability would be playing him at RB!?!? |
whitey
said:
 |
... We should sign Huddlestone, he is miles better than Gardner. Miles better I say. I think Gardner gets over rated because he is a local boy. A bit like Luke Moore used to be. |
Keith
said:
|
... I thought Sidwell was the same type of player as Gerrard & Lampard. Late runs into the box, getting ahead of the strikers and scoring goals. We havent seen it yet but I think he will come good. |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... keef- I agree...Sidwell could bring a great dimension to the side. We've seen flashes, and there's more. |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... In fact, as I was writing my long-winded post, I was thinking "Milner and Sidwell...is that a bit like trying to pair Gerrard and Lampard?" Not saying ours are as good...but they're similar types in the end, I think. |
Simon
said:
|
... Had an afternook kip to get out the mid day sun (live in ME and its the WE) and had a dream we signed Jurado. Havent a clue who he is and guess it must have been in my sub-concious from these blogs or somewhere, but how wierd. If it turns out to be true i'm avin a few more kips to see who wins at Epsom.  |
Keith
said:
|
... Man Utd have lost 2 of their best players. They are yet to sign anyone. Fergie not back from holiday until weekend. I haven't heard any Man Utd fans having a go at him !! |
Simeon
said:
 |
... A terrible shame if Bouma has to retire. A good lad, a good servant and a decent player. On Huddlestone, I wouldn't have thought that he's a Marty type player. He's certainly completely different to the midfielders we have, with the exception of Petrov who is a little similar too. From what I gather, he's a very good passer of the ball and... that's about it. He's certainly not a box to box midfielder. I don't think he'd be a good signing, but of course that wouldn't stop Marty from going ahead and 'splasing the cash' (8.5m is a ridiculous sum of money by the way). My heart rose when I saw the Sidwell to Fulham rumour. Cutting our losses would be a great move, but of course it would confirm that Marty really doesn't have a clue in the transfer market. That we were winning games with Sidwell in the side is purely coincidental as he was a liability most of the time, and offered precious little aside from a couple of long-range pot shots. He was shocking last season. This caanot be emphasised enough. He was in the team at a time when belief was high, and was carried by his teammates. I don't expect Sidwell to be a starter for us next season, and although I have my hopes, I expect that no-one will be foolish enough to take him off our hands. The best we can hope for is that a guy Marty sepnt £5m on will be sat firmly on the bench, and won't be denying Gardner first-team opportunities. |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... bill howells a clever boy expecting a signing by the end of next week ! arent we all. he probably gets his info/rumours off here anyway,next he`ll be saying its bentley...perhaps  |
ak_27
said:
|
... keefvilla is that all Gerard and Lampard do? Just make runs into the box? They do far more but that is all Sidwell does. Sidwell is not good enough to play centre of the park and was a passenger in the most vital area of the team most of the time he played in there. And how people can say that Milner will do well in there without ever seeing him play a few PL games in there is beyond me. The ony version of the 451 i wnat to see played at home is Young in the hole and Milner on the left and Bentley on the right. That would still leave 3 out if Gabby, Carew, Heskey and Delf(plus anyother striker we bring in this summer) sitting on the bench which i can't MON do too often. But a CM with Petrov, Milner and Sidwell would be a really weak midfield. we need 2 more CM brought in this summer. |
ak_27
said:
|
... And can we please stop comparing any of our players to Steve G and Lampard. None are anywhere close to the quality of those players. |
taglor
said:
 |
... Keefvilla that is such a stoopid comment, of course man utd are in no pressure to sign anyone they have 80 mill in the bank a winning team and time to decide, you cannot compare them to our conference rate team at all |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... ak_27: I think we're talking more about "types" of players, vs. direct comparisons of quality. Agreed that ours aren't as good as those, but if they play up to what some of us think is their potential, I don't think it's beyond reason to suggest they might be able to perform the same relative functions for Villa. Of course we all want an Iniesta, Messi, what have you. But given the utter dearth of news, you play the cards you have until one of them are signed. Sidwell is one of those players that was originally thought good enough for the top4, couldn't displace older, more established and experienced players, and moved on. We've seen so little of him, really, that I'm not ready to write him off. |
SammyFVilla
said:
 |
... BREDE HANGELAND JOE COLE DAVID BENTLEY MICHAEL OWEN All 4 in the O'Neil mould. A Scandinavian centre back And three english lads! Perfect |
ak_27
said:
|
... For me Sidwell has been cast off by Wenger (probably the best judge of talent around) went to Reading where he did well to certain degree and was only bought by Chelsea as he was on a free transfer and they were going to lose 2/3 CM during the African Nations cup that season and wanted back up. By the time that comp came around they realised he wasn't good enough for that level and he barely featured anymore. He is not top 8 material and we need far better then him in the cnetre of the park. Yes he will have his odd day when the runs he makes into the box work out but they will be few and far between. As you can tell i really do not rate this guy.  |
SammyFVilla
said:
|
... ak_27 agree more mate. quality in the championship and would be good for any prem relegation candidate but there is no way he is good enough to boss the middle of the park for a potential top 4/6 side! |
ak_27
said:
|
... I guess the whole Sidwell thing boils down to one thing for me. A CM should be either a good passer or a good tackler or both if you are lucky. Being able to get into the box should be an added bonus on top of these attributes. But Sidwell really doesn't tackle or pass that well so as a CM he is a liability in there as far as i can see. Give me NRC/ Gardner over him anyday. |
mikey18
said:
|
... I really wanted us to sign jimmy bullard over sidwell at the time! Obviously now hes knee has a gone again, but despite his injuries Bullard is a proper centre midfielder! good passer, grafter, good with dead balls but i think he is too similar, although better, than NRC and his age is a concern! I hope he does well at Hull though. Despite the lack of transfer activity, are once captain selling out for a couple of 100,000k a week, fan favourite freddie bouma being linked with retirement and current captain actually being forced to retire i am looking forward to next season, am i the only one? Just to see how United to without ronaldo, how liverpool do in comparison, how ancelotti is at chelsea! Not to mention how things will go in the league, if Man City will be the force everbody seems to think they will be (Although Santa Cruz and bellamy aren't the most frightening). And to see how we do and how our players develop! Its a big season for Gabby hes shown glimpses of being World Class last season! If he can sort out his consistency i seriously think he well be a great asset for us! With Carew and Heskey as competition and the world cup in the summer i think it could be a big season for him! I'm also expecting James Milner and Ashley Young to hit another gear! James Milner has been bossing it with the U-21 and i think like gabby has shown glimpses of class. Ashley is on the fringes of the squad and will have a point to prove. There all young players who need to improve in consistency but im hoping we will see that next season! Also hoping Davies sorts his form out and returns to the once SOLID centre back he was for the two seasons he played along side laursen. Hopefully we will get in another quality centre back and the two can forge a partnership! |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... ak you make a fair point but wenger got rid of other promising young players bentley included, dont think sidwell or bentley could get into a midfield containing pires petit viera bergkamp etc. |
belly_man
said:
 |
... f**k THE FOODBALL, TODAY IS ABOUT Macaulay Culkin M.H.S.I.P (MAY HE SLEEP IN PEACE) |
Martin Clabon
said:
 |
... AK Sidders does score goals though, which makes him more of a Lampard (not a great tackler or passer but makes good runs and gets in opposition box). Unfortunately he is a much less prolific version of Frank which makes him aliability for us at the moment in my opinion |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Miket I am looking forward to next season as well but need 3 good signings to stand still. I think Man City will be top 4 this season and Spurs will do well. Get the feeling Everton will slip a bit - but so might we You never know, good times might be round the corner. Would love some of the kids to make an impact this season |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... ak: What, you don't rate Sidwell? I mean, he could really end being worthless, but for me, like with Petrov, and especially considering the amount of time he hasn't been playing, I wouldn't mind seeing more of him before dismissing. But, and the main point we'd all agree on I think, is that given the pressure Man City and Spurs will be putting on us, we won't have the luxury of giving players a lot of time to come into their own. If say we got Bentley, nothing much else in midfield, fiddled about with Milner, Ash, Sidwell, we couldn't afford more than 3-5 games without seeing really encouraging results. But I do think MON is going to get a good CM in, and the Sidwell question may be moot. Maybe blind optimism, but I think he will. |
In MON I Still Trust!! (well sort of!!)
said:
|
... When people first mentioned the 1st July being the first proper day of the window, I thought it was just a way of making themselves feel better at our slow start in the market. However, I've just read a comment from Bryan Jones (Villa Academy director) stating that Samir Carruthers has agreed in principle to signing but it can't go through until the 1st July due to some ruling. This has now given me renewed hope that we may have some signings to announce on Wednesday....well it's made me feel a bit better!! |
Josh
said:
 |
... Quick question: Do i have to register again on the forum page to use it, cause my blog username isn't working? |
ak_27
said:
|
... kohoutek id just hate for us to not bring in other CM and have no other option until Jan comes around when of course there would be no players available. Just watching the Confederation cup what did you think of the Amercian defender Onyewu? I thought he was very good the last night. He is a huge presence at the back which is something we are crying out for. Also the CM Bradley looked like a decent footballer. And for SA last night i thought that playmaker Modise looked like a very talented player. |
Fitzy_7
said:
 |
... Damian why would you say "Tom huddlestone on his way" in the title but then say that its not true in the opening paragraphs.... you gave me false hope and quashed it within a matter of moments |
mr_chips
said:
|
... damien likes crushing ppls hopes and bottling it from other blogs 'avfcblog.co.uk' *coughs* he also pleasures himself over the thriller album |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... mr chips/bellyman f*ck off you twat. sidwell might become our david platt mk 2 |
sean jones
said:
 |
... Now i no this is never going to happen , but the rumour doing the rounds is that Villa are the third club in for Tevez. I first saw it on the BBC 606 website and it was mentioned quite a few times, also it was mentioned on the Bill Howell web chat. Like i said we will never get him, but it wud be nice to know that we was actually in for him. |
mr_chips
said:
|
... SidCowanslovechild you sound like a recently deceased pop star "Would love some of the kids" may i remind you this is a user friendly sight. tut tut. |
sean jones
said:
|
... R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON YOU WILL BE TRUELY MISSED. YESTERDAY WAS THE DAY POP DIED. |
mr_chips
said:
|
... R.I.P JACKO least we forget. Come on villa lets win the title next year...do it for Jacko. |
Matt T
said:
 |
... So essentially we are establishing that MONs transfer policy is to get rid of x players, and replace them with x players of similar skill whilst not increasing the squad size, nor improving the quality of the squad. If Bouma retires too, he will have even more reason to be in the transfer market (as if he hasn't got enough reasons already)... |
sean jones
said:
|
... Just been reading through Bill Howell's web chat and ive found something that could be intresting. Now i could be reading into it too much, or i could have it completley mixed up. Also this could be just bullshit from Bill Howell. But Bill was on about a signing coming next week, and there was a question from someone suggesting is this player apart of the speculation as of late or not and is he english. Bill's reply was he is not off the radar, but he has not been linked to Villa as of late. Now this could be me wanting this too much, or just good skills lol but could the player be DEFOUR. Now think about it how long has it been since that quote saying he would love to play for Villa and Liverpool. It has to be a considerable amount of time, and the only links as of late are to other clubs i.e Everton. So Defour really has not been linked to Villa for well over a month now I think, could it be that Defour will arrive next week. i really hope so but will have to wait and see. |
TrueVillan
said:
 |
... im not sure on huddlestone but the one thing he could do is deliver a precision long ball that could exploit the pace of gabby and young, which is something we failed to do last season, being too slow and no one in the team with that type of ability. i hope all the spurs reject talk is not at the expense of defour, who could really make our midfield and who im sure would be a 20+ mil player within a year or two. i dont mind the frazier campbell link, could be useful and already knows gabby, young and milner from England U21, especially as we missed out on sturridge, and about the same price too. and as i post every time, Cahill in defence! dont like jenas, distin, sol rumours, all second rate and send out wrong message! |
frank
said:
 |
... leon osman would be a great signing he is surplus to requirements at everton i think we should go and get him |
tim
said:
 |
... Can't make my mind up about Huddlestone. He is a rarity for english players being a deep lying playmaker. Could he develop into a Pirlo or Xavi? and is there the time and space for one in the Premier league? On the one hand I can see O'neil edging towards a 4-2-3-1 with Petrov and Huddlestone sitting in front of our shakey back four, leaving Gabby, Ash and Milner (or Bentley?) free to roam and Big John/Emile as a target to hit up front. Potentially strengthening our defensive and attacking options and surely improving ball retention. On the other hand he's a fat, slow albeit tidy passer and didn't we just sell one of those to Citeh for £12m? |
VillaDude
said:
 |
... Gabby has done nothing to impress in the u21. Frazer Campbell should be starting scored a cracker the other day. |
Rich
said:
 |
... Just seen another link on Gudjohnsen. May be in the minority - don't want him Why? 1 Best years are behind him 2 Not a priority area, especially if we play one up front. 3 I seem to remember some comments from him (or his father) in the past to the effect that Villa not big enough for him. May be mistaken on this last point though. |
Matt
said:
 |
... Hello everyone. not posted for a few days! ( russian internet connection is not the best) how the U21s goin can anyone keep me posted. 8.5mil for Huddles seems alot 2 me, he passes the ball well but Gardener does too, lets get Defour. Wots the general feelin on the barca link? or is it just another player we havent been linked with yet ( i put barca link coz im not sure how u spell Gudjohnson |
Matt
said:
|
... 5hrs ahead here which means i get all the morning rumours early but miss news on all our signings....................... |
Rich
said:
|
... Tim totally agree with your post regarding the system. I've been banging on about this for ages and hope MON is considering 4, 2, 3, 1 with the players you advocate. In addition add Jurado/Defour to the attacking midfield options. It's a shame you had to spoil things with the derogatory comment about Barry, however. Friedel Young, Hangeland, Dunne, Storey Milner, Petrov Bentley, Defour/Jurado, Ash Carew Bentley |
Christophe
said:
 |
... we'll sign 2 players, lose to the bluenoses and finish outside the top 6 thats me being defeatist, but if those things do happen i will be calling for his head sign quality players dammit!!!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... Matroshkin, 3-0 up, now 3-3 Penalties again I guess. I'll post the result for you mate. |
Macstar
said:
 |
... Please oh please sign Eidur Gudjohnsen Martin!!!! He would be class, a bit of guile, quality and a great finisher!! Give me an Eidur Gudjohnsen over an injury prone michael owen any day!! Also think we should sign Distin as Martin Laursens replacement, yes he's another player getting on a bit in football terms at 30/31 but we need a bit of experience in the side with all the young players, he is also a leader, something which, Hangeland, upson and wheater are not!! And this is what we need more than anythink at the moment!!(he can also play at left back!! So tell me what you think to this Line up for next season: Friedel Naughton Davies Distin Young.L/Bouma Milner/Bentley Petrov Jenas/Defour Young.A Carew Gudjohnsen/Agbonlahor |
Matt
said:
|
... nice one Badger, sounds like a cracker! ive tried to get the commentry frm Sky Sports but for sm reason it just keeps refreshin time after time and i dont get chance to read it |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...nice one Badger, sounds like a cracker! ive tried to get the commentry frm Sky Sports but for sm reason it just keeps refreshin time after time and i dont get chance to read it Any goals I'll let you know. I know what it's like when you're away. We're shite atm |
Rich
said:
|
... Macstar - see comment 130 Guess it shows what a difficult job MON has. 2 completely different systems and numerous differences in personnel. Differ on Gudjohnsen and really don't rate Jenas. |
Matt
said:
|
... Have we thrown away a 3-0 lead or has it been a pretty equal scrap? Much appreciated Badger, it's been a blessing finding this blog it and ppl like your good self keep me in the know. Cheers |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... HT 3-3. 3 goals from Sweden in 6 mins I think, has killed us. Confidence shot. Sorry Damian, hopefully you won't mind, it's slow anyway and you can delete after mate |
Oscars Arse
said:
 |
... Peed off with all the speculation, about time Villa did something more positive than try and sell kit ffs. Gardner in 2 minds about leaving, Sidwell wanted by Fulham what's going on. We are gonna be a selling club by the look of things. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Oscar, there's no way we'll let either of them go without replacements coming in. No way. |
Matt
said:
|
... When has Gardner expressed is uncertainty about him stayin at the club, i thought he said he was pleased some of the fans were behind him and saw him as a future shoe filler for GB, and he was Going to use the tournement to cement himself im MON's plans or have i missed something Oscar arse. Sidwell isnt going anywhere he's only just arrived and now with a Midfield role up for grabs alongside petrov he must fancy his chances? Last week Ashley was leaving, the week before Carew was on his way, you have to get use to it otherwise it'll be a long summer. Speculation is always ripe when the transfer market is quiet the 'journalists' have to write something. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Have we thrown away a 3-0 lead or has it been a pretty equal scrap? Much appreciated Badger, it's been a blessing finding this blog it and ppl like your good self keep me in the know. Cheers Missed this one. we've thrown it mate. Murdered them first half and went 3 up. |
Anthony Laud
said:
 |
... well another week over and still no signings. oneil is a joke in the transfer market. juts over a week till pre season and the smallest squad in the prem is 3 players down on last year. the same squad that Mart himself said was far too small and consistently used that reason as an excuse! |
taglor
said:
|
... Reports of Michael Jackson having a heart attack are incorrect, he was caught in the childrens ward having a stroke. |
Nik Skilton
said:
|
... joe hart, even though he is now a blue nose, is a bit of a legend. great penalty. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Saved their first. Hart  second pen Scores They score 1-1. cattermole scores 2-1 they score 2-2 3-2 us they score 3-3 walcott scores 4-3 they score 4-4 Gibbs scores 5-4 they miss We win |
Daniel Wilson
said:
 |
... God, I love Milner but please lets not let him near any penalties next season, that was a carbon copy of John Terry against United. How many players are suspended for the final, what a joke, hope gardner gets a run out now! |
Matt
said:
|
... Badger you are a legend mate ! thanks for that, am gonna have a celebratory beer then bedtime over here. thanx again |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Hart, Gabby and Campbell all out for the final. If we can retain our confidence, I'm happy we can win it. Anyone fancy that Berg? 7 in 4 games |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Sorry for that Damian. I didn't want to sidetrack the thread, but you know how it is. We've reached a final, yeeeehh |
Nik Skilton
said:
|
... badger - i do fancy that berg, looks different to what we have, not all pace but knows where the goal is. but he'll be worth a mint after his performances. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... nik, I doubt we've got anyone watching over there anyway (joke Tonbone). Agreed, he looks like one who just puts it in the net, simple. But yes, he'd cost a fortune now |
Josh
said:
|
... bouma says retirement reports are bullshite http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/0,,10265~1704368,00.html |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...When people read things like this, some believe them Too right Wilf (Tonebone take note). Nice one Dizzy. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Greg, goal.com says were leading the chase for gudjohnson I can't see it at all. We don't need another striker really,imo. |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... u joking badger - pre season starts in just over a week and we have by far and a way the smallest squad in the prem. its ajoke. oneil is shambolic in the transfer market. he used the excuse last year of the small squad all the time - based on that we must be due 8 or 9 players in cause we were at least 5 short last year. sack oneil now and get someone n that will spend the cash and not waste it like he will - 35-40m spent last year on our defence - honestly wtf is that bour for a defnece that was that bad! thank god for laursen and bouma if he returns 2 dare i say it DOL signings!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Tonebone, We know all your arguments mate, you've said the same rubbish a hundred times. You never say anything different, never contribute anything, never post anything in the slightest bit positive and it's bloody boring mate, simple as. I really don't think you know what being a fan/supporter is. It's about supporting the bloody club. By all means bitch and moan, but for christ's sake wait and see what we do. Otherwise piss off and support a winning club. I bet I'm in the majority in saying that too. |
Josh
said:
|
... Tonebone the window isn't open. We haven't signed those 15 and 16 year old kids yet because the players are officially transferred July 1st. So wait and see. You know Martin keeps things quiet and i actually much prefer it because i get a giggle out of seeing pissed off armchair managers like yourself get frustrated. I get a feeling we'll be announcing an intake of some new players in the next 2-3 weeks and it doesnt really matter about having a team together for Peterborough now does it. I think if we can get the key players in before the Peace Cup, and see them play together against Atlante and..whoever the other team is, and potentially take on Real Madrid/Juventus, and then come back to face Fiorentina, then we might really see a good team bond and that can only be positive for this season. f**k buying big star players, we're better off as a solid unit. I'd much rather go for slow steady progression with good financial control than blow it all up the wall with a shotgun, find ourselves in a pile of debt and be required to win the league every season to keep it balanced. |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... badger you must be a psychic cause i was contemplating telling tonebonehead to piss off too ! mon could be in the middle of many deals and like you said lets wait and see. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Dizzy, Tonebone the window isn't open Bloody hell don't you start. The English window is open, but most of Europe start on July 1. This was clarified in the previous couple of threads mate |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...badger you must be a psychic cause i was contemplating telling tonebonehead to piss off too ! mon could be in the middle of many deals and like you said lets wait and see. Well, I'm bloody sick of it, as are many, I suspect. Unfortunately the site needs knobs like him, imo, to keep things balanced. Otherwise I'd be calling for him to be banned. Even Taglor, whilst still being mostly negative can see the odd good thing (I think). |
Josh
said:
|
... Damnit Badger lol It's ever so confusing! Why haven't those U18s signed yet then? (they actually are going to sign on July 1st) |
Fitzy_7
said:
|
... arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh stop it mon will not let us down... ill eat my sock if he does |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Maybe contracts? God knows. But if you don't believe, Damian asked the FA/prem and got a mail back clarifying things. Or try "transfer window" on Wiki. |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... Badger - look mate I know you have been on here a long time like me. and if you know yes i dont rate mon in the transfer market. I have stated and will still state he is a great man manager. possibly the best in the league. ask damian and look back at posts - i have always said that. I just dont think he can ever get a team in the prem past where we are right now. i dont believ he can attract the players and i dont think his transfer policy in this day and age can get a team above top 6. that is just my opinion and that is why this blog is good because others have diff opnions. I am sorry if i get overly pessimistic - i support villa and want us to won as much as any of you on here. so please dont tell me to f off and supprt the blues. I am villa through and through! but that doesnt mean i cant criticise - i know mon has taken us to 6th from 16th and he has done above expectations with the players he has i just believe he has spent a lot, cant attract players/wnt take a risk on foreigners and i dont believ he can take us to the top4. I am not sure we can even get there - but i just think mon is top 6-8 placing prem manager. i am entitled to it as i am to blog on here so please sop telling me to f off to another site |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Tonebone, You actually managed to get a couple of positives in there. Nice one, I can live with that But it's your constant moaning that does me. We all know your views on MON and indeed many of us agree with you on many points. But the difference is, it's not all the time. How about talking about players you'd like to see, for example? I'm just pissed off about how much of a w****r you think MON is. He isn't perfect by any means, but the majority think he's the right bloke, which seems something you can't accept. When he's proved to be a failure, I'll be there moaning as much as you. But he hasn't. I actually said piss off and support a winning club, fwiw |
keithj
said:
 |
... tonebone if mark hughes was at hull do you think all the "stars" would be there. its the offering of stupid money that attracts them and like many others on this site i hope we dont go down that path |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... Badger - the reason i dont comment on players at the monet is that there all players that have been done before - we can go on and on. fwiw - i think we will sign bentley - think its nailed on and i actually think its a good signing. no probs with oneil on that - but then people come on here telleing me oneil never lets on who he wants to sign. he admitted he wanted bentley a year ago who do you think we should sign badger - geuinely asking? oneil will only look domestically which is my issue - i kind of understand his theory, team spirit, settled etc but then along with that he says he is not prepared to pay over the odds for players. by liniting himself to domestic markets he has no option but to pay over the odds. it makes no sense!! he paid 10m for davies whenhe could gettwice the player if he went abroad! |
James Clift
said:
|
... There's more talk of Sol Campbell in the sun. I'd take him all day long on a free. |
Altan Kargaci
said:
|
... Sol Campble on a free ....hmmmm I guess I wouldn't say no . Obviously only as a short term solution. Would rather the club showed some real ambition and just bid £12mn for hangerland . But hey at the very worst he might teach Knight,Davies and Culear a thing or two about defending. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/ho...-deal.html |
Rich
said:
|
... I'd say NO, NO,NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO a 34 year old Sol Campbell - wouldn't see any other of the top clubs remotely interested in him. Please MON - NO |
vogra
said:
 |
... I can see us starting the season with a worser side than we had last season..how the fack is that possible. |
jason parkes
said:
 |
... sol campbell no no no, i think tony adams would come to us now there has got to be better players out there than that even wheater looks better than sol over the hill campbell |
FatKevs
said:
 |
... Vogra that is given we will not have a better teams next season. Loosing Key players Linked with aging players or ones that cannot make the 1st Team. Gabby & Ash have been managed by opposite manaers yes Ash has the ability to vary his game. We may be able to field 11 players again next season but i have no faith in us making any improvement without funds & a manager perpared to take any Risks But Hey we can read all the posters on here telling us to wait till the window closes before we comment & then to wait till the end of the season then the next etc. Ir is easy to know after the event. If the chairman has no interest in the football side of the club what chance do we have? |
James Clift
said:
|
... In a good young side Campbell would flourish he has got the experience we badly needed in the latter part of last season. He's obviously only a short term answer but along with real quality we also need numbers so to be able to bring in the likes of him & maybe Owen for nothing would add to the squad and still allowing O'neill to use the available money to bring in the quality young players. |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... you shouldnt read everything you read in the papers, apparently spuds want 18 million for bent |
Keith
said:
|
... Fatkevs Sorry mate but you talk some shit sometimes. Martin O'Neill is the best man for the job and I trust his judgement above yours anytime. It is not even July yet so calm down, take some drugs and keep your moaning uninformed opinions to yourself. Other than that your a top bloke ! |
Az
said:
 |
... Can't see much wrong with Sol Campbell on a free aslong as he still has it. Portsmouth's defending was pretty woeful last season though. Just seen this on skysports: "Martin's achievements have been superb," stated Lerner in the Daily Express. "We have improved steadily and we have qualified for Europe two seasons in a row. "He has a reputation as a very good manager, with good success, and that will play a part when playing are thinking of coming to Aston Villa. "The funds will be in place for him." Raised my hopes |
FatKevs
said:
|
... I have not once called for Mon to be removed i strongly believe that you should have long term managers. Fact we were shocking for the last half of the season, we need a solid preseason, All managers tell us how important it is for a good pre season & we start early again. MoN got carried away with CL spot last season & threw his good work away. He keeps harping on about small squads high wages but still targes over priced prem players when we have been told we have limited funds. Blind faith is required on match days but outside the 90mins we should take the Goggles off. Expectation needs to be lowered Please explain how our team is as good as it was with ML & GB or how you know the team will be better than last season. The club have still not commented on Ashley so we may be another man down on August |
Keith
said:
|
... Fatkevs We might sell all of our players and have to play 15 year olds next season. We had better panic now!!!!!! Wait until the transfer window closes and then see how the team /squad looks before we all start cutting our wrists. Taglor you feel free to start anytime. |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... fatkevs shut the front door mate. i suppose you know mon isnt going to buy anyone then, do you think he`s stupid like yourself ffs.i suppose if we sign defour bently hangeland youd still harp on your negative bollocks.no teams really have signed anyone yet how many times do you and others need to be told. |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Funds available ? If we beleive the press past targets have chosen/ moved other clubs. This must be down to either Money or the opposite manager making there club sound more interesting. We lost Cahil & the likes because they could not see a future at VP (No future with Calamity Pub Player Curtis) We have lost all momentum as a clun the takeover optimism can be seen as just talk. Randy needs to put some time in, this long distance association is bad for the club. He got us on the cheap & is sitting back hoping for money to role in. The top 4 are where they are down to hard work we only won 7 games at home last season that is not good enough |
Keith
said:
|
... Fatkevs Im sure MON and Randy will take your advice as you obviously know a hell of a lot more about managing and owning a top sports club than they do. And you are correct, the press never get anything wrong and we should believe everything they say. Who exactly turned us down and signed for another club? |
FatKevs
said:
|
... We are desperate for players that is the Difference. Our squad was to small Lost 3 players Our manager Hopes to try & do something He chooses his words carefully, the minimum is Will do something. How many seasons did he look for a fullback then play him out of position Fact. You lot may be content with the dregs at the end of the window, We have to listen to shite like we must wait to see what Man City & the likes do. We do not shop at the same store so that is just bollocks. The scum are working hard but there is no eveidence at VP. Actions are louder than words no wonder you are confused |
Keith
said:
|
... You didnt answer my question. Is that because you realised you are talking out of your arse again? Would you seriously want any of the players blues have signed? Stephen Carr? Their next signing is Lee Bowyer on a 2 year deal. WOW! Get a grip man. |
Rich
said:
|
... Blues are in an entirely different market. They are buying to try and survive and signing players who wouldn't get in our first eleven. For us to improve, we need top quality and that is a totally different ball game. |
FatKevs
said:
|
... When did MoN & Randy Visit this site? Randy does not give a flying f**k about the fans This is for fan s views on what is happening You think everything is great it will just fall into place. Perhaps your mummy gave you everything you asked for but for most people life is not like that just hard bloody work |
FatKevs
said:
|
... we do not have the money to buy quality -£73m no sponsors attracted to the club. All we have is Turnstyles Sky + lost Sultana revenue nothing from Randy shown in the accounts |
Keith
said:
|
... "When did MoN & Randy Visit this site?" Why the f**k should they? Grow up you f**kwit. You would only moan that they should be signing players instead of chatting to us or it was just PR. "This is for fan s views on what is happening" exactly not for owners and managers. |
FatKevs
said:
|
... We signed heskey they sold him to Wigan yrs ago history shows then we may get another of there cast offs if you want to be stupid At least they show intent |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Your quote Im sure MON and Randy will take your advice as you obviously know a hell of a lot more about managing and owning a top sports club than they do. Browns Great Sucess? |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Keef why should fans have an opinion on formations etc lets blow some smoke up your arse i sure you like that much more |
Keith
said:
|
... How successful is the sports team you own? And answer my question. Who exactly turned us down and signed for another club? |
john franey
said:
 |
... Please MON dont sign sol campbell,If we cant find a replacement for laursen in this window when the fcuk can we.Short term solution me arse.The window is open now,Plus it would send out the wrong message to others.If we could do a deal with fulham involving sidwell+cash for hangeland I would be happy with that for starters at least |
Keith
said:
|
... Because Fatty, your opinion is that we are doomed because we havnt signed anyone in June. Get a grip please. |
Keith
said:
|
... Chris Nicholl :- "I am delighted Martin is here. I think he's doing brilliantly. The individuals are improving all the time - the likes of Stiliyan Petrov, Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor particularly. Look at Stiliyan - his improvement has been remarkable. Overall, we've improved under Martin - absolutely no question. It's been a gradual thing but that's the best way because it's a solid way." Says it all really. |
truevillan
said:
|
... signing sol campbell will be wrong on so many levels! the main one being the message we send out, namely, we cant attract players at the top of their game! even portsmouth have signed players on the up ie glen johnson, and made a healthy profit to boot, thereby getting all their initial outlay back and covering the wage they paid him and still made a healthy profit! im not saying we need to learn anything from portsmouth, because they are in a mess, but their example in the transfer market shows you can sign qulaity players, pay them bit extra and still ultimately make a profit at the end of the day, ashley young aside, i cant think of a MON signing that could now be sold with a profit ie harewood, reo coker, sidwell taking this loss into account surely it would have made better buisness sense to have paid a better quality player a bigger wage from the outset. MON is a great manager, i think he knows quality players he would like, but i dont believe he is the right person to negotiate contracts with them, he is so old school, and takes things to personally, i can see negotiations breaking down because of his stubborn views and old fashined ideas.agents these days are just afetr the best deal, someone else should be told who he wants and deal with the negotiations, this way they wil be his choices but wont breakdown because he is over emotionally involved, im afraid to succeed these days you have to accept players are not willing to bleed and die for the club! |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... look at petrov???? wtf - mon bought him 3 years ago to be a goalscoring midfielder to come in and score and creat straight away - he isnt young and wasnt bought to develop into a holding midfielder. we still dont have the attacking central midfilder which mon identified we needed when he tried to sign petrov. it makes no sense! in fact it highlights what a muppet oneil is in the transfer market! |
Damian
said:
|
... Sorry about today lads .. It is the wifes surprise 30th birthday party and I'm in the garden sorting stuff out .. there will be soemthing later about what >Randy Lerner said .. if I'm sober enough |
bfastvilla
said:
|
... dont see the problem with bringing sol in he is an extremely experienced defender (34 years old) he would only need to play 1 year, possibly mainly from the bench. He may also offer valuable experience and advice to our current defenders. The same applies to Owen for the strikers. I wish we would all calm down with the lack of transfers. Not many teams have done anything as of yet. Man city and the blues are about all thats buying and we hopefully will be buying a different class of player to the blues. 2 top 6 finishes in arguably the toughest league in the world aint bad so far. It will all be good in the end (believe) UTV |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Keefy we can only get infornation from what we read i stated that. I am questioning what our Chairman does Lots of PR to show what a great bloke he is & most have bought it (he has done some great things). But what about the funding for the team? it looks like we will only have income from Turnstiles & Sky. What efforts are being made to generate the real $, it is not by investing in a team that would have a good chance of winning something then reaping the rewards that follow.(Heskey) In my opinion we are a toy that he has had his 5 mins with so we need force his hand, while all is quiet all the fans are happy he does not have to do anything If he really wanted to win something he would have been up for the CL with us having a lucky break in the 1st half of the season but funds could not be raised.(Heskey) A chairman should work for the Club not just sit back until it is too late. The fans have played there part this year, even the glory hunters that could not be bothered to turn up for the cut price cup games. So why so little interest from the owner? “Funds will be made available” that is the least we require, how about we will obtain investment to take us forward. We will targeting the best players What are his ambitions do we have a plan or are we just going to see if we have some good fortune. The Brown have won FA It looks like you are happy to stand still it is a sport & winning is the aim This man has chose to take the club away from the fans so we should question what he is going to di with it |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... you obviously dont underdtand my point at all! yes petrov was player of the season as a holding midfielder - thats got nothing to do with my point! oneil signed him because he decided the team needed a goalscoring creative central midfielder. we did need that and still need that. why 3 years later when oneil himself must have realised long ago petrov was not good enough to fill that role do we still not have that position filled! its absurd!! |
FatKevs
said:
|
... We have seen that lack of activity in the tranfer window too often. Last Minute panic buys are not the way to get success. we need players to play there natural game not cover That is why thoughtfull fans are twichy. We can do FkAll as an indivual if enough care we can make a difference |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Keefy you knock enough people please enlighten me to your qualifications. I guess you are not on the board either. Just another sad case with nothing better to do except trawl web pages & comment like a skipping little girl how lovely everything is |
FatKevs
said:
|
... The signal sent out to all clubs when we could not keep GB was we have no ambition. We are not ManU who will have players knocking on there door we are unfashonable Aston Villa. That is why we should be sending out positive vibes to keep the likes of Totspud away from our door. They at least have an agressived approach but only time will tell |
walshy
said:
 |
... i wake up on a saturday morning after having lost a couple of pounds in the casino praying to see if my beloved villa have signed a superstar/anybody... again i am dissapointed and am starting the get very worried...hey but its stil early!! |
Keith
said:
|
... Fat Bloke You still haven't answered my question. will take it you can not think of anyone and now realise that you were wrong. MON bought Heskey not Lerner. Do you have proof that Lerner has ever refused MON money? No you do not. If money was an issue and Lerner wanted to make a fast buck, why did he pay £2m out of his own money to have Acorns on our shirts for the second season? Lerner allows MON to manage the club because he is the best man to do that. Do you want an intereferring chairman like Ellis back? Regarding the Browns, you obviously know very little about American Football. In February 1996, the NFL announced that the Browns would be 'deactivated' for three years, following a deal to relocate the Browns to Baltimore. Cleveland only returned to the NFL in 1999 in a brand new stadium, due to their new owner AL LERNER. The Browns are in effect 10 years old, for all practical purposes they were an expansion team. Browns fans love the late Al Lerner and his son, the owner sice 2002, Randy. Last season was disappointing but this was largely due to losing 4 Quaterbacks through injury. How many football teams would do well with their 5th choice goalkeeper? But don't let facts get in the way of a good moan. |
Keith
said:
|
... Tonebone 16th under DOL. Under MON 11th, 6th and 6th, including our first real challange to qualify for the champions league. FACT. Let MON manage, we are progressing and we are improving. |
Keith
said:
|
... Fatty, Man Utd have lost Tevez and Ronaldo. So they have no ambition either? I give up with you, you are impossible. |
Fitzy_7
said:
|
... 100% agree with keef some people take progress for granted they want instant success now just look at charlton |
runner29
said:
 |
... I realy dont think that Gardener is going to get the run of games that could prove if he is the CM we need to partner Petrov and thats a shame cos i think he would walk in to any starting 11 in the premiership apart from the top 4, Like some people have allready said we need someone with a bit of flare and trickery and that for me is Sidwell, he has the turn of speed that is needed to go past a man and has the skill to make a drag back or step over if needed and as we all know he has a belter of a shot in his locker, the only thing he needs to work on is his tracking back and defending everyone has to remember all the pray's that he got when he was at Reading these things dont just dissaper and if given the chance i think he will turn out to be a real villa hero. up the villa |
Fitzy_7
said:
|
... sidwell's first touch is awful... always lets him down he needs to work on that first |
keithj
said:
|
... i just heard (or maybe i dream't it ) that randy read this blog and was so upset that fans were not happy that he was giving mon £100 million to buy a couple of players, so kev there really is no need to panic |
Matt T
said:
|
... Tonebone - I know what you mean re: Petrov. Yes he was brilliant last year, but that wasn't what he was brought here to do. He was brought here originally to be the flair player to create goals out of nowhere - the same way every team above us last season has one (Gerrard, Ronaldo/Park, Deco/Lampard/Cole) etc. We have Ashley but the lad is a winger so unless we are going to put Jimmy Milner on the left, and Bentley on the right, we still need a good attacking midfielder. Fact is we still need a solid centre back as well, and another right back. I actually don't think we will "replace" Barry, especially if we do get Bentley and push Ashley into the centre. Let's face it - we have a lot of "graft" in our team so no doubt Cloughie would be proud of MON, but you only have to look at Sidwell, NRC and the vast majority of our central midfield players to know that we lack that spark that actually creates things. Enough with the "box to box" midfielders with "good engines". Running alone isn't enough to get into the top 4 - you need flair, skill and talent. MON is a great manager - he has certainly improved Villa no end in comparison to DOL, so let's not put rose tinted spectacles on about O'Leary anytime soon. As many people have said before, the reason we don't spend is because MON is in charge of spending and is looking at a relatively small (and expensive/overprices) group of players because he is (for the most part) after English players. I think his main problem is that he's not a massive risk taker so (yet again) we will invariably have 4 or so out, and 5 or so in of the same quality so yet again we can drag out the "Squad is too small" excuse. Let's face it, Randy has said the money is there - Even Krulak mentioned ages ago that MON could go have a £25m player if he identified one. On a final note - definitely think it's 4-5-1 next season... |
Matt T
said:
|
... That said - MON was given 5 years to get into the CL. He is doing pretty well in my reckoning. After all, why should he try and play it too fast and change a load of players, to then not have a settled team? He does still need numbers though - even if they aren't going to immmediately knock existing players out of the starting XI |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... ak: Sorry, missed your last post. There were a couple good-looking players on the US side. I was surprised at their overall composure, and sat there thinking, why couldn't England play so calmly against Spain? Despite being under constant pressure, they didn't look terribly desperate. Of course, converting your only two chances and having Spain look a bit bored and underwhelmed and off their game didn't hurt. But yeah, that big CM Onyewu has a future, i think. That Demerit wasn't bad either. He's getting on a bit, but Donovan showed me something, real engine, always pushing, attacking, tracking back...Not quite world class, but he knows what he's trying to do. |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
... Oh, and yes, Bradley definitely was up for it. With the US finally getting players established in leagues at all levels abroad, it's only a matter of time before they start impressing more consistently on the world stage, I think. 300million people, an athletics culture that's insane, and just tons and tons of big, fast, strong athletes. They just had to get out of their shell, admit the rest of the world had something to teach them, that they weren't going to re-invent the game. Looks like they've been learning their lessons, finally. |
THE AV VILLAN
said:
 |
... I'm with Keef!! FatKev you need to chillout and stop with the moaning at the lack os transfers. MON will strenghen the squad, he spent all season moaning about the lack of numbers. In MON We All Should Trust!!! |
THE AV VILLAN
said:
|
... Just been reading Randy's comments he says all the right things and sounds confident of MON bringing in the players. BUT he finishes buy saying "The funds will be in place for him." What!!! WILL BE IN PLACE!!!! I really hope he meant to say "The funds ARE in place" Is there something stopping MON signing any players?????????? In MON I Trust!!! But whats Randy upto??????????? |
Matt T
said:
|
... "The funds will be in place." When MON decides he wants to buy a player, the money will be in place. Randy is supporting us financially - that statement doesn't mean he is scrabbling through his pockets trying to find spare change to sort out our squad with. |
confusedvillafan
said:
|
... fathead you make me laugh mate, so you reckon the top four are the top four through hard work do you chelsea are in the top four through obcene amounts of money thrown at them,maybe thats what you want at villa maybe then you`ll be happy.mon and lerner seem to have morals unlike abramovich hughes etc |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... woooohooooo!!! our chairman and manager have morals - doesnt get us trophies or challenging for anything tho does it! |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Keefy ManU aquad full of tallent & £80m from the sale I do not think they neesd to panic on the footballing side what there owners do is of concern to them not me. How can i list players that have chose to go elsewhere as i am not negotiating but I can see what we have & how we piss abput in the transfer market. Mon is running out of Old boys to pick up has he got any of his No1 targets to sign up over the last few seasons i doubt it but cannot prove it. As for Yank football not a clue so what have they won. I do not need to love the chairman nor him me The Acorns deal is a great gesture again, but it will not add funding for players to a thin squad Please tell me the major sponsorship deals he has made to help us progress, The prem is about money like it or not so if he has empty pockets the revenue has to come from somewhere. Ellis tried all sorts of scams NTL Land aquisitions for example, at least he tried. Randy has put the Club £73m in debt how can that be good, if he decides to Foff AVFC no more |
Matt T
said:
|
... Of all the top 4, only Arsenal could probably claim it is down to hard work - pretty much everyone else has spent a fortune on players to get there/stay there. Man United have spent a lot of money on individuals and have had some develop through the ranks - they certainly haven't been as lucky to have an academy producing another group as great as Beckham, Nevilles, Giggs, Scholes, Butt nowadays. Chelsea in particular as confusedvillafan are only up there because of their Real Madrid-esque money splurges. Hard work? I'm sure if you gave most managers £500m they would be able to build a good team (although no doubt they would also have a lot of players who would be bought in and sold before even getting in the team properly due to the hit and miss nature of transfers) |
Matt T
said:
|
... Oh and anyone who believes Benitez has spent very little, think again. Every team in the top 4 has a higher record transfer for player purchases barring Arsenal (Nasri was £12m). That said I don't think MON would spend £30m on a player even if Randy basically said "Here's £30m for one player". It hasn't been (and doubt it ever will be) his style. Too much of a risk in MONs eyes, although all the Knights, Sidwells and Harewoods do add up in terms of (relatively) wasted money. |
Keith
said:
|
... Fat fool I see now that you are right and I am wrong what was I thinking. I will take my season ticket back first thing Monday because we have not signed any players in June. I will start doing as you do and support small heath who are so wonderful as they have already bought 6 players. I feel ashamed to have doubted you. |
Matt T
said:
|
... FatKevs - are you accounting the £73m as the transfer budget that Randy has spent as being our debt? Even if Lerner hadn't put a penny in - the Sky rights would have paid that back... |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Confused Chelsea are 1 out of the 4. The top clubs have a £2-300m turnover ours is £75m If we are to compete our chairman has to make us marketable We are not going to get foreign interest with all british players or make the champions league signing players like Heskey. We had our best opportunity in years due to other teams injurys. Arse bought in Arsh to turn there season around we are not talking £80m just a sensible gamble on a quality player to add interest & attract commercial backing. Even Owen has a managment company selling his brand |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Keef you have seen the light at last I am sure VP will be a better place without you |
Keith
said:
|
... Matt T "I'm sure if you gave most managers £500m they would be able to build a good team" Apart from Mark Hughes |
Keith
said:
|
... Fatarse How would you know? You will be home sulking because the signings didn't come until July. |
Matt T
said:
|
... FatKevs - MON wouldn't take a risk on a play of the sort of price and calibre you're talking about. I think he's proved that with his past history of transfers. Ashley and James Milner were hardly megabucks in today's game even though people even questioned the Ashley transfer at £9m - lets face it we can't really have a negative word about that particular deal. If they were English they would be £30-40m - you only need to look at what they are quoting Ashley Young at to know that. If they were foreign, he wouldn't spend the money either - you only have to look at Everton being linked with Moutinho and Veloso from Sporting CP, and notice by our abscence in interest that he is not going to be making those sort of purchases. Let's face it Bentley will sign but it's hardly anything away from the formula of "English players, preferably younger" that we've seen most of the time. |
Matt T
said:
|
...Matt T That actually made me laugh out loud. Perhaps after his "success" he will achieve with unlimited funds, Florentino Perez will ask him to become Real manager ha ha ha |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Matt Money does not guarentee sucess we all know that but without the club generating income either commercially or sucess we will be left behind. Once again we had a chance but did not grab it & made us the butt of all jokes how did we end up looking behind us for the last half of the season? We had to loose interest in cup games becuase we could not field players. I can see no action in putting that right or can key players like ashley |
Matt T
said:
|
... Just for the record though, I do admire MONs general approach to developing English talent (or at least trying to) I guess the only 2 problems are that he procrastinates way too much, and that he still believes what worked for Cloughie, could still work in today's game. That aside - name one better manager who you think we could replace him with if you wanted him gone? We would hardly court the Mourinhos of this world, so who? In MON we trust |
Matt T
said:
|
...matt t, arshavin 15 mill Ah yes... Oops. I forgot that... *looks around* My apologies - I think I must have forgotten mid season moves... That said though it's hardly megabucks in comparison to the prices paid for Torres, Berbatov or Shevchenko... |
Matt T
said:
|
... FatKevs - I agree we could do with making more of the Villa brand. That said I still think the issue is that MON won't spend the money, not that it's there so whether we had £200 or £500m to spend, you could bet your bottom dollar that MON would still be procrastinating over whether to buy Stewart Downing or Jermaine Jenas, and not van der Vaart or Huntelaar, let along Messi or Kaka... |
Matt T
said:
|
... Sorry for the extra post but FatKevs - salient point about having to lose interest in cup games. What I thought rather (ironically) funny was that MON fielded a weakened side in the UEFA cup because he was hell bent on getting into the Champions League - a competition that would have actually meant the need for an even bigger squad! You can't surrender the UEFA cup to think about maybe qualifying the Champions League, when the latter requires just as much squad depth if not more. We're not in that fortunate position yet. Maybe 5 years from now with a good squad depth, but not now... |
gregdavillain
said:
|
... matt t, i see ur point but the hard truth for villa at the moment is its even difficult enough for us to sign the likes of downing and jenas at the moment.... the likes of huntlaar n van dar vaart are well out of reach and would be extremely surprising for us to land some1 in that mould, i can understand ur point about the money and would martin spend it but look at city, a club similar to our but not with the same tradition, they've more money than ne1 else in the world and even if they offer double wages they'll never get a kaka or messi, but if they pay double wages to da like of huntlaar n van dar vaart they may land them. Thats the cost of it and we can compete and the figures dont lie, so oneill brings in compeditive players who can give it to the more talented lads and in that way we can compete. The manager n chairman talked about building and thats what they mean, our star wont rise over night but gradual improvement until we can land better quality on wages that reflects their abilites, not pay them twice what they deserve to make em come like the likes of city.............. |
Mr_Motivator
said:
 |
... Has anyone else thought that David Beckham could be a signing? I've heard that he is interested in joining Villa after talks with the England manager to both ensure his involvement in the World Cup and to enhance our young Ashley. Could be a load of tosh but then again if MON did pull that off what a signing, left and right wing with milner/petrov in the middle suddenly we would look very promising with just the one signing. |
Matt T
said:
|
... gregdavillain matt t, i see ur point but the hard truth for villa at the moment is its even difficult enough for us to sign the likes of downing and jenas at the moment I agree totally - but I also think that even if we had the stature of Manchester United, MON would still be looking at young English players rather than anything else on the lines of Moutinho, not so much that we can't even get Downing or Jenas at present. Fact of the matter is that we, as a team and football club, need another solid 3-4 years of what MON has been doing since he got here - which is building. We are nowhere near the finished article, and talk of us getting into (and staying in) the top 4 last season was unrealistic at best. Judge MON in 3-4 years from now, or if he has a terrible season this year - finishing 6th is a lot better than 16th I'm sure you'll agree. The reality is that we were two places away from relegation before this guy took charge (and due to that idiot DOL), and whilst I am proud as any Villa fan to say we have won the European Cup and will always be Villa through and through, the club/brand/call it what you like will need a good solid 3-4 years to bed in. Sure MON has made mistakes (we never should have sold Cahill) but as someone pointed out before Ferguson sold us McGrath so even legends can get things wrong. If O'Neill is still finishing consistently 6th and it's 2013, then I'd be a lot more concerned about his ability to break the top 4 than where we are now. Fact of the matter is we are (realistically) one of the two "best of the rest" along with Everton - an achievement in itself considering my earlier statement re: our position when MON joined... |
Ben
said:
 |
... Been away for a few days and seeing the crap we've been linked with makes me very worries - Sol Cambell, half of Spurs. I think MON is well out of touch with the way tranfers work. I'd like to be proved wrong and 1st July comes and 6/7/8 players come through the door but it'll be Aug till we get 1/2/3 players in. I think Villa without getting some numbers in might struggle top 12 next year. Just have to wait and see but I've heard so much for so many years that Villa are moving in the right direction - what does that mean? |
James Clift
said:
|
... I take it Damian got to pissed at his wife's 30th for the Lerner post. Fair play but don't worry i'll do it for him... Randy Lerner has promise O'neill a summer war chest for new players. What he doesn't realise though is that we are half way through the bloody summer already! THE END There that saved him a job. |
gregdavillain
said:
|
... matt but I also think that even if we had the stature of Manchester United, MON would still be looking at young English players rather than anything else on the lines of Moutinho, not so much that we can't even get Downing or Jenas at present. i dont agree with you there at all because what u dont see is oneill attracts da best quality player that the club can realistically attract(that may not be the players we want but perhaps the best we can get). Like u said under oleary we were nearly relegated and in the following 2 years after oneill took over the club, what top players would want to have joined us? now we've consolidated 6th its still extrememly difficult. Do U think utd fans would settle for a 'heskey'-- no not at all and do u really tink if oneill was in charge of man utd his targets would be young english players, i seriously doubt it. not with the pull, money and demand that club has. What ur statement says to me is u dont think oneill know good players(just because we cant attract them yet to villa)--dont forget at villa we can only attract a certain player at this stage of our development. This transfer window will show if oneill knows how to kick on now that we are getting a bit more fashionable as he progress's the club. as for the rest of ur post i dont no why some of ur points are directed to me, as it doesnt contast anything my last post to u...... i love the club too and i am villa through and through we all are why else wud we be posting on a saturday night!!!!!!!! |
Mr_Motivator
said:
|
... Could you imagine what it would do to tickets sales alone? he'd be worth millions to the club, shirts would fly out. I would think that with the American connection it could be possible, I'd certainly love it to happen |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... I don't rate Beckham as a player. He's very much a one trick pony and doesn't do enough for the team imo. But yes i'd love him for a season. As said, imagine the shirt sales and the raising of our image It won't happen in a million years though. There's no way MON would stand for it. I'd even go so far to say that he would walk first, as I reckon it would go against everythig MON stands for. He'd see it as selling out completely, imo. |
Mr_Motivator
said:
|
... I would have thought that MON would like having Beckham round, afterall there can't be a more committed professional out there, his lifestyle perhaps wouldn't be welcomed but what he does on both training ground and match pitch can't be argued with, professional through and through. Besides he wants an England place more than anything else, he wouldn't ruin that opportunity and the experience he could offer to our youth would be invaluable. Just a thought, never say never |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...his lifestyle perhaps wouldn't be welcomed This is what i meant mate. All the hype etc. I agree about the England side of things though. I personally think Mr Capello tolerates him for political reasons and probably pressure from the FA, as admittedly he is a top attraction in the game. I'd only want him for the commercial side of things. But yes, never say never. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Well I can't see that ever happening. And with the becks bandwagon, I wouldn't take any notice of what is said. You only have to see the reasons why he went to the US, to realise that much. But as I said, I can't see it happening at VP. |
true villa
said:
 |
... i am bored, i have a link that will show you villa's new signing!!! i am very happy!!! lets hope it happens!! www.xhamster.com |
Matt T
said:
|
... Gregdavillian - sorry the last bit wasn't directed at you... post turned into a bit of a full on statement about what I think of the club (a team I have supported since a kid after being born and raised in Aston), so apologies if it sounded like that. I just think the players MON goes after wouldn't change much no matter the stature of the club - after all are we not owning now a player in Heskey that he had at Leicester? Or Petrov at Celtic? You only have to look at how he is conducting business to know that his formula hasn't changed much in terms of how he builds a team to when he was a Leicester and, with all due respect to Leicester, Villa are a massive club in comparison. Admittedly we can't attract the Riberys or the Kakas, but tell me this (again not directed specifically at you Greg): Why is it that Everton are linked with flair players like the ones I've mentioned (Veloso and Moutinho), yet we are in the same "English grafting player" mould no matter what. Are you telling me that the second biggest club in Liverpool has a bigger pull for a player than Villa? I somehow doubt that really. Real Madrid will win nothing with a team of superstars but, by the same argument, we will win nothing with a team that is, for the most part, devoid of creativity (outside of maybe Ashley). MON needs 3-4 years before we are telling him to get out - that said (in the meantime) where do people think we'd be in those 4 years? If it's anything like I envisage, we will just have switched our sights from the Downings of this world to the Walcotts - not significantly different but still seen as MONs ultimate plan... Managing "England" in a club structure. Fact is MON would never get the England job so I think how he is running Villa is his attempt to stick his fingers up at the FA and say "This is what I could have done with the England team". That said if we end up in 4 years with effectively the England team, I would be pretty happy although (and I'll probably risk a backlash on this one) I doubt we'd win the Premier League still. |
Matt T
said:
|
... Re: Beckham - can't see him fitting in with our pace based tactical game, let alone the fact I doubt he would ever consider Villa, nor would MON be willing to pay out the money... at a guess. Very true that no matter what we paid the bloke though, he'd make it back. At the end of the day, the guy is a brand and not just a footballer. |
Matt T
said:
|
... Gregdavillain - If MON was in charge of Manchester United, he would be bidding for Walcott, Gerrard and Lampard rather than Downing, Jenas and Huddlestone. For the most part the guy is focussed on English players - the only reason he hasn't bought Downing is he'd probably baulk at the price if I'm honest. MONs biggest fault is he procrastinates way too much, and I don't honestly think he knows the continental market (or isn't using scouts to do so) the same way as say David Moyes does. He could have got Daniel Sturridge if he didn't mess about wasting time (the kid's family are local so wouldn't have been a push). I just hope (and I think it is hope rather than guarantee) that he announces at least 4-5 players by the end of July... preferably not more grafters alone, and with at least one dedicated, "finished article" creative flair player as well as a solid and established centre back to replace Martin Laursen... Which probably means we'll get Sol Campbell on a one year deal... |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Well, if we are after Owen, he isn't going to be coming in July. If he doesn't sign for another club in July, Newcastle have to pay a month's severance pay according to this article. What a joke our game has become and what a state Newcastle are in. Whilst it's funny that Newcastle have gone down, I really don't want to see them ruined Talk of an £80mill sell-off now; http://www.newsoftheworld.co.u...ayout.html |
Matt T
said:
|
... Badger - Newcastle for the price of Ronaldo. Question is which would you rather own, and which has more chance of making more money... How crazy does that make todays market look when Newcastle are being sold for less than the price of Ronaldo (as well as us being bought for less than that price...) Of more interest is the link off that article that we might be after Obi Martins... Can't see it happening though... |
gregdavillain
said:
|
... matt t, well lampard and gerrard are hardly young players, and he wouldnt bid for em can u see gerard going to utd from liverpool, mate screw ur head on. in regards to this procrastionation can i ask what do u base that on ? because we often sign players late, well if this is ur only clue to the comment oneill procratinates well your just guessing, as u dont know the man. Andd the fact daniel sturridege has family here means bollocks, why wud he come to us when a top 4 team are in for him??? get a grip uv da claret n blue tinted glasses on again and that isnt procratination from oneill, a bigger club came in for him, u do the maths. i agree with ur last comment we do need some ready made players to fill big holes in the team, we'll just have to wait and see who he goes for and if he is given the money |
Matt T
said:
|
... Greg - the procrastination was more that we had an interest in Sturridge for a fair while before this transfer window - it's only since Ancelotti took charge that Chelsea were even interested in. Obviously when I said Gerrard etc it was meant in terms of them being English and who he seems to like to go for in terms of players. Do you really think signing players late is a great plan, given that they should be spending pre-season together? Or do you think it's just another get out clause he can use later in the season if the team hasn't gelled by then? Why have I got claret and blue tinted glasses on? I think we will be lucky to finish sixth given our current state of the squad - obviously we can't judge MON until the end of the transfer window so it would be pointless to do so now. We'll see hey - I'm sure it will all be ok... |
Write comment
Latest Rumours from the Web
- Rumour time: Karl Henry and Alexander Hleb
- Craig Gardner set to leave Aston Villa for Birmingham City
- Spurs want John Carew and they are willing to offer Robbie Keane if we stump up cash too
- Transfer window is open, speculation is mounting and Craig Gardner is off
- Emile Heskey: Will he stay or will he go?
Wemberlee t-shirt
Follow Us
More Posts
- Martin O'Neill off to Liverpool? Not in this lifetime
- Sinbad couldn't help Birmingham City, semi-final date confirmed and season ticket prices
- Aston Villa Academy make semi-final and Doyle and O'Hara
- Headache for Martin O'Neill equals discussion topic for Aston Villa fans
- John Carew Carew, Chelsea at Wemberlee and Mr Lerner, take more
- Aston Villa beat Reading, Carew scores three and Wemberlee
- Aston Villa at Reading, Lerner cash cow and the FA Cup
- Aston Villa travel to Reading in the FA Cup and seventh isn't the new fourth
- Aston Villa player threatens to quit and others will be leaving too
- Krulak talks, the club say thanks and Vidic isn't wrong
Partners and Friends
Lucozade Sport on Facebook
Lucozade Sport loves Football as much as we do. They’ve been fuelling Aston Villa players for over 15 years and using this expertise to support amateur Footballers across the country. Visit their Facebook page for expert advice, video clips and Football chat. 
Login
Latest World Cup 2010 News
|
|
Get your online avatar
This blog is Gravatar friendly. That basically means, if you use Gravatar and leave a comment, as long as it's the same email address you registered at both sites, we'll show your avatar. It's a cool little site, we like it. Register here! Latest AVFC Blog Tweets
AVFC Blog
avfcblog
- follow:
- updates:2097
- followers:378
Loading...
Last 4 tweets in past 30 days from avfcblog:
People talking about '@avfcblog':
Leaving Comments
Only registered users can post comments without the need for it to be approved. Registration is free and takes two minutes so if you want your comments to show up straight away click here to register.
The Internet is Changing
