If we win tonight we will be playing again on Sunday in the final against one of the two big teams of European football. It's a fairly big if but not impossible and wouldn't it be just perfect if we did and the kids did well again.

The match will be live I suspect on the usual sources, free here and pay here. We like the pay one, but that is just personal preference. There will also no doubt be something from the club, which will be fine too.

I want to talk about signings too, or the lack of them, but instead of banging the drum we are running a poll about Lerner to the right. These types of questions are very difficult to ask because this will probably not be as it would have been when Lerner arrived, in fact it won't be, but it will likely be different on September 1st too.

You've basically got to ask yourself when answering; will Lerner invest money for top four. When a game is turning over more than £2 billion in cash every season, that is what the game is about.

But, we will be running this question again after September 1st and maybe even in December and February. Now to the players.

It's looks for sure that Bent is off to Sunderland, or very much that they are desperate for him but it looks like Spurs are holding out for a little more cash or hoping for another team to come in for him. I'm sort of glad that we are not interested in him as I like what we've got, although I'd be very interested in the likes of Robbie Keane.

Petrov left Spain yesterday for a scan on his shoulder and we will hopefully hear today or tomorrow how long he will be out for. This does concern me a little as it can be a case of he is out for a while. Not that I know what I'm talking about but someone emailed in yesterday, sounding as if they did and there was very much a window of just a few days to potentially several weeks if operations are needed.

I was a little surprised by that as Bryan Robson used to get these all the time and he'd be back a week or two later, but maybe you can get serious shoulder injuries, like I said, I'm not medical expert and well, the player has to be protected.

But, this does sort of put a little emphasis on the need of a central midfielder, but do we really another one? Reo-Coker had a fantastic game the other night and almost revelled in not having Petrov next to him. Could it be that maybe Milner is used in the Barry role, as a natural left footer and we use Ashley Young and Marc Albrighton as our attacking threat down the wings?

It's clear as day that O'Neill wants the threat to come from the wing and with these two players it looks like we've got two that are quick, can cross and also score. I know it's wishful thinking, but it could happen, couldn't it?

Right, another day of waiting for news and while I still fancy the Distin signing will be the first, I wouldn't be surprised if news broke somewhere else too, but maybe not from an English club. I'm off for breakfast.

Comments (92)

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John Edwards said:

... I think we need a midfielder who can actually carry the ball forward 15 or 20 yards at pace and the deliver a telling pass. Reo-Coker can do the first but not the second and Petrov can do the second but does not do the first.

Comment 1, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.37 am

ryan007 said:

... 1st today??

Comment 2, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.37 am

ryan007 said:

... gutted 2nd, lol

Comment 3, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.38 am

John Edwards said:

... I dont suppose we could buy Fabregas could we?

Comment 4, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.38 am

Peter said:

... First!!!! I feel quite positive about the Porto game tonight...go Villa!

Comment 5, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.39 am

Andy Young said:

... Fifth! Yes!

Comment 6, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.39 am

PAUL WARREN said:

... not so worried anymore about the lack of signings, as the young kids coming through are looking more and more accomplished. A decent promotion through the ranks is better than signing the likes of Jenas any day. The game tonight will be interesting, we were shockingly poor (with a few exceptions) against Malaga, but then after the first 1/2 hour against Atlante we were very good. Hopefully will take that momentum into tonights game and end up against Real Madrid in the final. Come on Villa!!! UTV

Comment 7, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.39 am

ian21 said:

... Have faith, who are we to question the great MON? we all seem to forget the days of late, were we fought relagation and couldn't fill our stands. He knows we need sighnings and we know he's well known for making them late, at celtic and villa. Lets be patiant and stay behind him and our chairman, they saved Aston Villa.

Comment 8, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.41 am

Andi said:

... hearing that we are to make a firm bid for Jenas over the next few days ??

Comment 9, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.43 am

PAUL WARREN said:

... hearing that we are to make a firm bid for Jenas over the next few days ?? yeah, and apparantley break our wage structure for him too!! Why? OK a new CM is needed but he is not worth more in wages than Webcam or Big John.

Comment 10, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.45 am

JohnnyMcLeod said:

... Damian, since when was Milner a left footed player ? Much better off starting with Bannan in the Barry role, I'd give him a run there at least till Downing is fit.

Comment 11, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.48 am

Leroy said:

... I hope we put in another good showing against Porto. Maybe MON could keep his eye out for a player or two that could help whilst hes there....if he gets sent off again he might have more time to scour the Porto side for potential targets.... I really dislike the idea of getting Jenas in. I feel that we can only have one of Reo or Jenas in the side...we need flair in the middle not headless chickens that can run all day.... Good to be back on the blog today, as i stayed well away after yesterdays debacle. It was really disappointing to see the post heading and many of the comments yesterday....i chose to stay well clear. I think this blog has been ridiculously negative of late. I mean, we all know that we are going to sign a few soon, we dont really know who, but we will. There are a number of contributing factors that have drawn things out this long....economic climate, Man City and others...but noone on here can honestly say that MON doesnt want to win matches and enhance his own career and legacy. He will win matches and he will do it his way. He gets results whilst keeping the club stable financially. One or two more signings and i think everyone will be a little kinder on him and a little more relaxed too. Hopefully

Comment 12, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.49 am

mick fox said:

... always been a bit unsure about Jenas - he's never seemed to do it consistently, either at newcastle or spurs, but MON obviously sees something in him, if the reports are accurate

Comment 13, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.49 am

Ronan Ward said:

... Robbie Keane all the way but if it's going to happen it won't be till Harry has a replacement in. 2-3 weeks at least.

Comment 14, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.51 am

vijay said:

... i think nrc will play a big part now, and the boy albrighton has a big future, very good player already

Comment 15, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.51 am

clarkamus said:

... gonna be a real hard game tonight against porto and they have got some firepower and flair about them i really hope we win but if not give a decent account of ourselves and show that we can mix it up with some of Europe's better players, shame to see were probably not in for bent and if that is the case were probably not in for a striker at all as bent would surely fit the aston villa bill to a T apart from the price tag, again cant see anyone coming in now until we get back from the peace cup and with only just 2 weeks until the season starts next week surely must be the week we really start spending! match prediction: Aston villa 2 Porto 1

Comment 16, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.53 am

clarkamus said:

... jenas stories are bullsh!t for sure

Comment 17, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.55 am

Leroy said:

... French Connection - My sentiments exactly. We need a set up man in the middle. Someone with pace, who can pick a good run by our wingers, but can get back too when needed. Its disappointing to think that we are apparently keen to spend 12mil plus on Bent and 7mil plus (both would be more with Harry as Spurs boss) when we could spend the same amount on three or four really decent players from anywhere else in the world. Frustrating but if it gets results then who am i to complain really?

Comment 18, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.56 am

mick fox said:

... I think a draw, with it heading to penalties - hope i'm wrong though, be great to win in 90 mins

Comment 19, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.56 am

Pete Hutton said:

... deal done apparently with Jenas, likely to go through when he is back from China......

Comment 20, made on July 31, 2009 at 8.59 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... The agree with Paul W. With the young kids coming tru and a few of good signings we could have a very good squad. And before people start complaining that the kids need more time, remember who said You won;t win anything with kids? when Fergie promoted Beckham, the two Nevilles, Scoles, Butt etc.

Comment 21, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.04 am

Nick said:

... We get the peace cup live over here.

Comment 22, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.12 am

Keith said:

... Nobody has voted we will be relegated - taglor can't be up yet! Didn't Curtis Davies play with a dislocated shoulder last season?

Comment 23, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.12 am

Espen said:

... I like what you are saying Damien! But if we are shooting for the top 4, we need much more experience and a higher skill level on our players! NRC is a high energy player and a fantastic squad player, but he do not have the creativity, passing and shooting skills, required for midfilders to compete in top european football of today. We need midfilders who can take care of the ball. And create! The defencive part is a must! Young and Petrov is the only players we have on that level! Milner will be there soon! Albrighton have the brain and fysical skills go there one day! But we need more quality players who can play on that level now! Not in 2 years! We need players like Jenas and Veloso who can give us that now! And fast!! And for the offence, we need another striker! Gabby, John and Heskey is not enough! Gabby is no sniper jet, and Heskey and John is fragile and unconcistant! I think Bent whould blossom in a Villa shirt! He needs a new enviroment. And I think Bent will fit well into how Villa play!

Comment 24, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.19 am

Liam said:

... There is nothing great about MON trust me. What have we achieved since he has been here he spent 40m and kept us in 6th place woop di do! He is terrible in the transfer market and want to buy players who have played under him before or rejects. He plays players out of position all the time, I'm suprised he hasn't played Friedel up front yet.He talks about how we he may have one or two thing in the bag... not taking in to account we need about 7 players with Barry,Laursen,Zat going ,is he on another planet. At the end of the day no matter how many we players we have or who they are i will support them. I just wish you would realise the MON has not got a clue and he isn't a Saviour ! Rant over

Comment 25, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.37 am

Deano avfc said:

... I think John Carew is very consistant, agree with views on Gabby and Heskey. I would like MON to do what ever he can to get Huntelaar now it looks like Bent is Sunderland bound. Would like us to get a creative midfielder to fill Barry's boots. Would also like to see Gardner get a run in CM. Would also like a new car too. avfc 2 porto 0 UTV

Comment 26, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.39 am

Doc said:

... Interesting that we are so desperate that Petrov is injured - 12 months ago wasn't he being booed when coming on as a sub at Villa Park?

Comment 27, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.50 am

Chrisodon said:

... I Have a feeling we could get snejider this summer.

Comment 28, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.53 am

Chrisodon said:

... He was indeed doc.

Comment 29, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.53 am

Dave said:

... There are certain players on opposition teams that whose names you don't want to see on the teamsheet - Jenas is not one of these players therefore we don't need him as he'll bring nothing that we don't already have. I really hope this doesn't happen

Comment 30, made on July 31, 2009 at 9.59 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Taglor must be up, I've just seen the voting!

Comment 31, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.00 am

clarkamus said:

... espen im not sure how you can say we need players like jenas as he is average in my book and NRC is the same sort of player, we need someone to fill barrys boots and hopefully be a better player and jenas is way from that now im not saying that i know who we should be buying but i think its obvious for all to see that jenas is not ever going to be as good as barry and we need better than barry anyways this story was dismissed a week ago theres nothing in it

Comment 32, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.07 am

Chrisodon said:

... The vote will be in favor of the nay'sayers this time around further fueling there argument, Then the next will be 50-50 as some are just bored, some are fickle and just like new names and others would still moan if we signed Kaka. I'm choosing not to vote as i support my club from top to bottom, but i also realise if there changes needed. I'm a supporter through thick and thin. So the vote in my opinion is pointless at this stage and time, Leave it until the end of the season.

Comment 33, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.13 am

VillaDude said:

... Pompey have confirmed the signins of a few defenders. Hope Distin transfer is completed soon! Why does it always take so long with Villa?

Comment 34, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.13 am

trezzy said:

... i dont believe MON does flair players through the middle? which is why i can still see us signing bentley and bringing milner into the middle, he has the energy, a grafter with that little bit of flair going forward. Mon knows who and what we need

Comment 35, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.18 am

Jinksy said:

... trezzy - Mon knows who and what we need? Does he? I've seen no sign of it......

Comment 36, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.22 am

toastman said:

... On another matter Sir Bobby Robson has Died. RIP

Comment 37, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.23 am

Chrisodon said:

... Why was barry so great i'm curious to know ?. In 10 years he had 3 good season and want to leave twice during those 3 good years. He was average to good imo, So jenas could be as good because he just needs to have three good seasons.

Comment 38, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.23 am

Jinksy said:

... VillaDude - Why does it always take so long with Villa? because we have a Manager that is clueless when it come to transfers & a chairman that doesn't want to spend any money. Bring it on Doc....

Comment 39, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.24 am

John Edwards said:

... There was a fundamental problem with our midfield in that Barry, whilst he was excellent on the ball and hardly ever lost possession slowed the game down by turning inside or dragging the ball back and allowing other teams to get players behind the ball. This instead of the quick incisive passing that today's game needs. Petrov has exactly the same strengths and weaknesses and as such the Villa do not get the ball forward at speed other than lumping the ball up the pitch. Jenas on the other hand can and does carry the ball forward at speed and through the middle.

Comment 40, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.25 am

trezzy said:

... jenas would score more goals in 1 season than barry did in 3 from open play. barry was a very good player with the ball, but he was slow, no idea where to be in the box either. jenas would bring us a little more i think, but i wouldnt pay 7m for him

Comment 41, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.25 am

Stephen Gilligan said:

... RIP Sir Bobby.

Comment 42, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.25 am

Jinksy said:

... Chrisodon - I Have a feeling we could get snejider this summer - Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ye right.

Comment 43, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.26 am

John Edwards said:

... Jinksy get back on the happy juice.

Comment 44, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.30 am

Chrisodon said:

... Jinksy, shhhhhh obviously you're looking for an argument. On another note. It's a bloody shame robson has passed away, he was a true football gentleman and will be remembered for a long long time.

Comment 45, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.31 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... R I P Sir Bobby Robson . True gent and true footballing legend .

Comment 46, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.31 am

limerick villan said:

... R.I.P sir bobby robson

Comment 47, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.31 am

George Hartless said:

... RIP Sir Bob. The words true gent are used too often but they fit perfectly on this occassion.

Comment 48, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.36 am

trezzy said:

... jinksy- yep im sure he does, just cuz we aint signed any1 doesnt mean he doesnt. i would think he is looking at a couple top players which is why its taking so long?

Comment 49, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.36 am

neil mattey said:

... truly sad day, rest in peace bobby !

Comment 50, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.37 am

Doc said:

... Jinksy, No point. Just like you have ... no point.

Comment 51, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.40 am

Vital Loans said:

... RIP Bobby Robson, he was a true gent and a credit to English football.

Comment 52, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.44 am

villajon said:

... RIP bobby robson, put managers like mark hughes to shame. no to jenas. spurs apparently want 18 mill for bent after getting price for crouch knocked down to 9 mill,unreal

Comment 53, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.46 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... What times kick off tonight ? I've searched the web and some say 7.30 and some say 9.30 ?!?!?!?!?

Comment 54, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.48 am

rob hathaway said:

... just voted the optimists must be out in force! jinksy, I presume you are the minority voting for relegation

Comment 55, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.49 am

toastman said:

... after listening to Bent after his rant it's quite clear we have not bid for him, as he said he doen't want to join stoke or Hull, but would rather go to Sunderland. Also shows the joke of a club spurs are in the way they deal with players and transfers.

Comment 56, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.50 am

peter power said:

... rip sir bobby robson you was a english great

Comment 57, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.52 am

rob hathaway said:

... spurs are trying to haggle the price thats all. i think mon will try to resist bringing in a striker so he can bring gabby and fonz on further

Comment 58, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.53 am

Chrisodon said:

... I'd still like another striker and move harewood out and the fonz be 5th choice and get cup games.

Comment 59, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.56 am

Jinksy said:

... Doc Bowles - Nice one Doc - But i do have a point & that point is we are seriously in the dog poo & when MON said he'd fly back to make a signing we all knew that was bull poo didn't we. I want to be full of positive thoughts but his record in the transfer market shows me he doesn't even think about players until he's forced in a corner and has to do something. Like i do with presents at Christmas i can't make a desision utill Christmas eve & i have no choice... So there's my point. But i'd love MON to prove me wrong i really would.

Comment 60, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.56 am

VillaDude said:

... hopefully hull come back in for marlon...as they are struggling for anyone at the moment. He's proving to be very difficult to get rid of!

Comment 61, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.57 am

VillaDude said:

... Martins is signing for Wolfsburg... Another potential target is lost. MON can't complain there wasn't players available for transfers

Comment 62, made on July 31, 2009 at 10.59 am

Jinksy said:

... Chrisodon -Jinksy, shhhhhh obviously you're looking for an argument. No i'm not i just can't beleive you're woffle & where you get this drivell from.

Comment 63, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.03 am

rob hathaway said:

... jinksy the proof of the pudding is in the eating. lets just wait and see who we have in our starting line come august 15th aye? You xmas comparison is quite clever tho. exept you are acting like a child who wants to open his presents on the 21st. Good things come to those who wait. We will finish top 4

Comment 64, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.16 am

Jinksy said:

... Rob h - i'd love to be as positive as you. How do you do it? Is it legal?

Comment 65, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.18 am

Scrumpy said:

... If the stories of a twitter rant about Daniel Levy and wanting to go to Sunderland are true and are proved to be from Bent, it will just go to show that MON not going in for him is correct. Who wants a little t*sser like that upsetting the dressing room and thinking hes's better and bigger that the rest of the team. My missus can head better than him :-)

Comment 66, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.33 am

rob hathaway said:

... jinksy, I will let you in on a little secret.... i grew up in four oaks and went to school with a couple of younger players, coaches kids etc and am still friends with a few now. So I wouldn't dare be anything other than super positive. But i also genuinely believe we have an incredible manager that will get us top 4 within a couple of seasons with or without massive investment. He is that good.

Comment 67, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.34 am

rob hathaway said:

... scrumpy i am sure i have heard that heading quote somewhere before. lol

Comment 68, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.36 am

Doc said:

... Jinksy - I suspect he probably will. That's the nice thing about cynicism, isn't it? The world is shit- you're right. THe world is great - you're happy But I wouldlike to know what you would consider to be success. For example, if Villa have decent runs in the UEFA and FA Cups and finish, say, sixth again - would that be failure in your opinion?

Comment 69, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.52 am

rob hathaway said:

... doc, if i may but in, what would you see as a success? Would you accept a little less success this year in lieu of seeing the youngsters given more match time?

Comment 70, made on July 31, 2009 at 11.59 am

Steve Badger said:

... if i may but in, what would you see as a success? Would you accept a little less success this year in lieu of seeing the youngsters given more match time? Yes I think he would. He said as much last night and I agreed. But I don't see it happening.

Comment 71, made on July 31, 2009 at 12.13 pm

Jinksy said:

... Doc Bowles -" But I would like to know what you would consider to be success. For example, if Villa have decent runs in the UEFA and FA Cups and finish, say, sixth again - would that be failure in your opinion?" Mate no that would be good as long as that isn't the aim. I would like to see MON & Learner attempt to crack the top 4 not give up and except it isn't going to happen. Buy the quality we need and if it fails but for the want of trying then i wouldn't be on here moaning & getting slagged off for being negative. The problem is we got ourselves a billionaire and i expected a lot more exciting times but all we've got is better facilities & a slighly better team. The squad is just a thin as it was if not thiner & that's something MON has been promising to fix but for some very strange reason is not fixing it.

Comment 72, made on July 31, 2009 at 12.30 pm

gregdavillain said:

... i doubt weve a hope in hell tonight, but i itd wud be great to get another win, at least to extend our preseason and have a showpiece match on sunday, but i feel we're well out of our league now against champs league teams. Its great though waiting to see how the young lads get on, nad get another decent look at reo-coker and sidweel in their central berths. Must say im getting well anxious now that there are still no strong links for us to be close to signing any players, its time we hear ssn 'den na nen nen, da na nen nen,' Breaking news Van Hunlaar at boodymoor heath!!! WE're still completely in the dark about who we're going to sign but its better than hearing oneill say 'fabian delph he's a trrific player, one id like, but hes a contract at leeds and is a leeds player you know so i cant talk about that one'!!!

Comment 73, made on July 31, 2009 at 12.57 pm

Doc said:

... Rob H - watch this space

Comment 74, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.10 pm

rob hathaway said:

... gregory the villain what are you saying? are Arsenal better than Porto? We turned them over last year. Have faith my good man. had a good think last night about who mon could be after as a cm if he sticks to his usual policy of young, talented, english, prem experience and england u21 international caps etc. and could only think of two players that were good enough and met the criteria. cattermole and noble

Comment 75, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.11 pm

pete said:

... robh cattermole and noble good shout.

Comment 76, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.15 pm

Jonathan said:

... What time the game on tonight? UK time?

Comment 77, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.19 pm

IrishVillan said:

... quick question bout nuffin really, but when it says the "Villa Forum is live" what does that mean? like chatroom style or something?

Comment 78, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.21 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... Cattermole, you having a laugh. Head case on and off the pitch

Comment 79, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.25 pm

Leroy said:

... Chrisodon - If you have a feeling that we will get Sneijder, do you think we will get Jenas also? Or one or the other? Its crazy these days....i think you could get Sneijder for 10-12mil....but Bentley and most other english players with a game or two of international experience are worth more or less the same. Look at Upson. 12mil are the reports. That is obscene for a 30 year old defender. Gallas is worth about 5mil and he is around the same age and has accomplised far more (just as a quick comparison)

Comment 80, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.26 pm

John Edwards said:

... Rob H I am with you (in the optimistic camp) but No i would not give up a season to give the youngsters a chance unless we were really pushed. Doc Generally agree with your points of view but have been watching "this space " since 1.10 and nothing has happened. Jinsky Have arranged a trip to Amsterdam in a few weeks - anything you would like brought back?

Comment 81, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.33 pm

gregdavillain said:

... rob h, yeah i really liked cattermole last year hes one f**ker into the tackle and noble has a good technical attributes, but liverpool and arsenal have been linked with cattermole and i cant see west ham letting noble go though. Rob h i enjoy your exuberant optimism as usual!! but last year against arsenal we have a certain laursen barry agbonlahor petrov and milner starting that day in the team!! as much i like to see the kids playing and hopw they do well, we are deluded if we think they are prem quality yet with the exception in my book of delfouneso, albrighton could be intoduced intermittingly this year for cup games and runs outs the same for lichaj, but i dont think bannan is phisically strong for the premiership, i cant see him ever making it but i could be wrong, he's a bit like david connolly in size who always was a great champ player but the step up to the prem was too phiscally demanding for him and i see bannan having these problems

Comment 82, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.33 pm

gregdavillain said:

... one HARD f**ker in the tackle

Comment 83, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.34 pm

kddervilla said:

... r i p bobby robson great man, true pro, why sould not signing bent at 16 mill and 70 grand a week be back ward step ? do you see any spurs fans moaning about it no, wheres all the big clubs fighting for is signiture cuz there is non ,to dear wages to high end of story,

Comment 84, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.37 pm

jerry said:

... The Birmingham Mail had a meeting with Charles Krulak and he said some things of interest. The most interesting was that he is a frequent visitor to fans websites. “Krulak has spent the past three years posting thousands of messages on a variety of fans’ message boards”. To my knowledge he has never visited here to post a comment. Why is that, I wonder? This blog , as far as I can tell, is the pre-eminent Villa site. I would have thought it would be his first stop. Damo – do you know why he doesn’t post here? Info straight from the horse’s mouth would be great. I think I’ve just answered my own question. If he posted here he would be under constant pressure to tell us what’s going on. Not O’Neill’s way at all. Nevertheless, we’ve got to assume he reads this blog even if he doesn’t comment. Something to bear in mind. “On these websites I am willing to accept the good, the bad and the ugly – and sometimes it does get ugly. That is not because they are angry, but because they are passionate.” That’s generous of him but I’ve witnessed a fair amount of anger here over the years. We’re a successful club – there’s nothing to be angry about. Enjoy the success. It might not last for very long.

Comment 85, made on July 31, 2009 at 1.39 pm

John Edwards said:

... Churchill What a brilliant observation or should I say Ohhhhhhhhhhrrr Yes

Comment 86, made on July 31, 2009 at 2.16 pm

ak_27 said:

... With regards the kids what are the chances that we will bring through at the same time 4/5 quality guys that can become top class? When was the last time we brought one through? Barry? I know we have our hopes for them but in reality the odds are very low on bringing through guys that can push this club further up the table. That is why the big clubs have now moved more towards bringing in the best young talent from all over the globe.

Comment 87, made on July 31, 2009 at 2.20 pm

Stathis said:

... ak27: Gabby The poll results clearly show there is optimism despite the inactivity our club shows in the transfer window so far, glad about it. Keep the spirits up!

Comment 88, made on July 31, 2009 at 2.32 pm

ak_27 said:

... Vainn i would say the jury is still out with regards to Gabby. We have a history of strikers bursting onto the scene and then fading away over a few seasons. Both the Moore brothers and Vassell for example. This is going to be a big season for Gabby.

Comment 89, made on July 31, 2009 at 2.39 pm

John Edwards said:

... Doc - tell me the truth - is anything going to happen with that space?

Comment 90, made on July 31, 2009 at 2.45 pm

Damian said:

... churchill as far as i can tell he only posts on forums and when he started doing that we didn't have one. i'd also personally not like it if i'm honest, however, we cant stop him or her

Comment 91, made on July 31, 2009 at 3.17 pm

kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly said:

... i'd also personally not like it if i'm honest, however, we cant stop him or her Well, from what I've read, it doesn't really accomplish much. He does help out with some fan requests/troubleshooting, which is very nice, but on VillaTalk or whichever one it was, they had to ban people badgering him about transfers. That was about 95% of the questioning. You wouldn't believe how many different ways people can find to ask, "Will you please tell us who we're going to sign, and when?!" And how many times he had to say, "I don't know, it's up to MON, there are funds, RL supports him." Never ending.

Comment 92, made on July 31, 2009 at 4.53 pm

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