Written by Damian Thursday, 16 July 2009 18:50
Martin O'Neill has as good as said that Ashley Young is going nowhere and will be an Aston Villa player for the foreseeable future.
What he has actually said, in full, will be below but the phrase he used if any club were to enquire about him was 'short shrift'. For those not familiar with the phrase, it basically means 'little attention'.
Now, you all know I like our Ashley. He comes across as a decent bloke, is a very very decent footballer and is exactly the type of player we need in the team for us to kick on. I don't want to many of his type, we need grafters too, but one or two more and we would be close.
Anyway, enough of my opinion about our Ashley and on to what the manager has to say, which is below and while I might be asking a little too much, it would be nice if the player came out and said something too, just to put the final nail in the coffin to this persistent speculation, because for all we know, the last time O'Neill spoke to Ashley and his agent could have been weeks ago and we all know a lot can happen in just a few days.
Martin O'Neill
There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories. The last time I spoke to Ashley and his agent none of this was at the forefront. I read every single day these articles about different clubs coming in for him, with swap deals mentioned. It's just pure conjecture.
No-one has come in and asked us about Ashley Young and I have got to tell you, if they did they would get short shrift. I believe he can reach for the stars here. This football club has been fantastic for him because we have given him this platform to display his skills, excite the crowd and play the sort of football that he is doing.
I suppose it's flattering that he's being linked because it shows how far he has come at this club. Saying that, I do get bored with all the stories in reality.
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Stevo
said:
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... I hope this is true. If Young stays I can see him having a fantastic season. I think if we add to the Downing transfer with Distin, Bent or Delph, things could start to look quite interesting. O'Neill really does love his English players doesn't he. Definitely feeling more positive about Villa this week - UTV!  |
Nick
said:
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... I cant see Ashley Young looking for a move. In the next year or two maybe, but not in a World Cup year. He just has to look at SWP for a good reason not to leave. anyway MONs word is as good as gold, utv~ |
ak_27
said:
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... I'll be happy when Young himself comes out and says he has no intention of leaving. Until then i will still have this lingering doubt in the back of my mind about him. |
avfc1983
said:
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... Great signing i know Dj stew is not everyones signing but he will be a good player. Now bring on delph |
Altan Kargaci
said:
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... Now that Ash is staying do you think Downing will be played in Barrys posistion, or will he play left wing with either Ash or Milner in the middle ? Also who's next to arrive at Villa park....? Hangerland Tuncay/Bent Naughton Delph ...this would do for me. UTV |
Rob The Villain
said:
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... What a difference a day makes, where are all the moaners now? Was interesting read MON's comments about Downing and his position: He is a young man and he has plenty to offer us. He is a left sided player primarily. Really looking forward to seeing how Young, Downing and Milner will play, it'll definitely be exciting! I'm convinced there'll be more signings very soon, MON tends to do his transfers in a week or two. Really excited |
steven
said:
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... everton have got the exact same thing with lescott you just wish the players would come out and say something.it annoys me the way managers like o'neill and moyes can bring in unknowns build them up to their full potential and then one of the top four just come in and take them with their big money.it hardly seems fair does it. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Damian, I don't want to many of his type, we need grafters too That's a bit harsh mate, I think he's a good grafter, in that he always tracks back. AK_27, He's going nowhere mate, stop worrying. We'll get at least this season out of him. Players have too much power now, but Ash doesn't strike me as someone who would throw a tantrum. |
kiddervilla
said:
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... its nice to here from martin oneill nice to know he,is still running the show anyway good news about downing could do with another right back  lol |
Barry Martin
said:
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... Nice to finally see a name in the players coming in box.Now if we can just see Brede Hangeland's name there we'll be flying! |
sean
said:
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... good to see downings in there we still need to build up abit with our bench too laursen replacement is a must and an adequete oone at that too hangaaland would be a dream make the signings quick please Up The Villa!!! |
Joseph
said:
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... I think the only way Young will leave is if one of the Top 4 come in for him, and id like to think he would turn down Arsenal aswell. Its good news for us that SAF has said he will be buying no more players this transfer window, as I really wouldnt fancy him staying with us if United came in for him. I think though this is the advantage of the massive price increase of players, we can ask for £30mn plus for Ash and it isnt thought of as crazy due to the current climate and this puts off clubs. Downings a good signing I think, I thought Milner was abit expensive when he came in last season but he has definatly justified his price tag so far and if Downing can do the same then we will have a very good, english midfield. Its all getting very exciting at the moment! |
Rich
said:
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... Off topic but: Wasn't Huntelaar considering Stuttgart? Are they a bigger club than us? NO. Is it a better city than Brum? NO. Is the Bundesliege a superior league to the Premiership? NO. Why undersell ourselves. If you don't try, you don't get. LETS GO FOR VAN DER VAART AND HUNTELAAR. |
Michael panizza
said:
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... Good news, also pleasing to hear MON coming right out with it - well said! |
kiddervilla
said:
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... if we cant get hangeland why not have punt at shawgroft young english and a grafter and also a c/b |
IrishVillan
said:
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... I too am surprised we don't seem to be interested in Huntelaar. I always though he was a great striker, didn't work at Real Madrid but just look at the squad they have. If he's considering Stuttgart, surely he'd consider Villa? Who knows, maybe he just ain't as good as I thought he was... |
Halfwit
said:
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... I was saying earlier in the day for martin to come out and say something about this and he did (not because i was asking tho) Just glad he has dismissed young going anywhere one of his best statements since he has been at villa The downing signing dont beat this not even messi signing for villa would beat this lol |
Rich
said:
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... Even with Downing and possibly Distin we still only have the same numbers as last year and IMO players not as good. This needs to be just the start if we are to kick on. I'm sure MON knows this better than anyone. Great news about Young though. |
AV79
said:
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... Just need mon to tell us carew is staying put now. and we will have someone to head in some of these crosses. |
Michael panizza
said:
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... Huntelaar's going to Stuttgart..now that's a good point, why are we not in for him?? Madness. |
Rich
said:
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... Of course its obvious. Who would you rather have Bent for £12 million or try for Huntelaar for £15million. Likewise Naughton and Delph would cost a combined £14 million. Surely its a no brainer. I know its not quite this simple but I hope this makes a point. |
John Owen
said:
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... Downing will prove to be excellent signing......was starting to get a bit nervy that he nay not sign.... should av listened to Badger......I know Hangeland had good season at fulham, but not really seen enough of him.... think I would prefer Upson or Cahill.... still think Cuellar wll come good, given a run in preferred position..I would throw in Naughton for full-back cover. I think Milner will be moved to central midfield, but still think we could do with a bit of flair in there. add one striker, in Wagner Love or similar and that's the 1st eleven sorted... then it's squad players , Delph etc.. Here's hoping, but let's wait,hopefully not too long, and see!!! |
Law
said:
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... very happy day if you are a Villa fan. We sign Downing, who I think will be a very good signing + MON comes out and tells us Ashley is staying! |
John Owen
said:
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... ps Ashley Young and Carew will not be going anywhere, and i would not sell Gardner to blue noses either...Salifou, Harewood and Harewood would be my only outs...Reo Coker will probably go cus wants 1st team football.... but let's not forget how well he done in holding midfielder role b4 got injured !! |
John Owen
said:
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... Has he been linked with everton??? U R Everton fan Steven??? I think he could do a job for any team, will give 100% does not always use hs brain though. Only reason chances limited last season was because he was injured then could not get back in to preferred central role and was often played out of position by MON. |
Halfwit
said:
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... Why wud he ever sign for everton after that wonder goal in the final seconds of the match lol  |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... Glad that MON has come out and basically issued a "hands-off", but would have been nicer if he'd come out a little earlier to quash our fears.... But then what would we have argued about all day!! |
steven
said:
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... yeah i am an everton season ticket holder john.we have been getting linked with reo-coker for a while now just wondering if there was any truth in it. |
avfc1983
said:
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... There is not many good left sided players in the prem and we have to of the best very good day for aston villa can`t wait to go down to vp for new season utv |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... sorry to say this Steven, but Everton could do a lot better than NRC. Although you could also sign worse. |
steven
said:
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... i think hes a good player but dont know enough about him if im honest.i think stewart downing is a good signing for the villa congratulations on that. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... NRC has his moments, and can't be faulted for effort, but is probabl€y more suited to a bolton, wigan level team. As for Disco Stu - was a bit aprhensive at first, but will cheer him on as loud as anyone once he puts the shirt on. |
steven
said:
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... at least your doing some business mate its horrible being an everton fan at pre season nothing ever seems to happen davie moyes can be so slow in the market its so annoying. |
Chrisodon
said:
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... I Just pulled this off the ever reliable football-rumours. Inside news from villa park, distin and campbell from pompey joining as squad players and knight plus 8million going to bolton for cahill. Oneil believes that along with daivs cuellar that sort out the defensive problems, forget the german lad, defour, tuncay etc oneil want hitzlsperger back and delph (delfounseo on loan as part of deal) and that is about it for midfield, he has also asked madrid bout huntelaar but stuttgart seem favourites for him, oneill will try his best not to sell anyone, so squad size increases. UTV! I'd love the cahill part to be true. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... that's what we've all been moaning about MON all day. Still if we hold on to Ashley it will be better than any signing we'd have made. If you get Cana from Marseilles, as rumoured, it would be a decent move. |
Rich
said:
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... Can't see why E'ton would want Reo. They have one of the best midfields in the country. Cahill, Arteta, Pienaar, Fellini. On second thoughts, could do with replacing Gary Neville! |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... Cahill back from Bolton? We shouldn't have let him go in the first place. I'd rather pinch Tim Cahill though. |
steven
said:
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... i was a phil neville hater when he signed for us but now i love him hes not the greatest of players but a fantastic leader if nothing else.chrisodon if you want timmy cahill we will have ashley young off you mate.ha ha.and pigs might fly ay. |
Rich
said:
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... Would love Cahill back. Thought it was a huge mistake at the time to let him go. Unfortunately can't see it happening as MON would lose face in bringing him back. Selling him for £5 million and re-signing him for what would effectively be £11 million! Lerner would be well narked. As said countless times on other threads; Please NO Sol. |
steven
said:
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... tell you what though villains id rather not talk about the 2-3 game at goodison last year for obvious reasonsha ha.but wasnt the 3-3 game at villa park a cracker i was in the doug ellis upper for that it was end to end villa everton games are always class. |
Altan Kargaci
said:
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... Steven (Evertonian) Reo C , gives 110%, tackles hard and is a good leader. Only problem is every time he wins the ball he gives it straight back to the other team . ie Cant pass a ball for shit. Shame really . |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... If villa are looking at squad players, why not take a punt on Eidur Gudjohnsen. He'd make a great "super sub". If west ham are looking to get him, surely we could persuade him this way. |
FatKevs
said:
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... Exciting times must be ahead Ashley is Staying MoN can spend £12m an injured player that we will not see until next year forgetting the 6months salary. We are still 2 Top players down on last season so we must have some big money signings on the way to VP |
Steve Badger
said:
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... steven, i think hes a good player but dont know enough about him if im honest A lot of us think he's ok mate. The funny thing is MON has never played him in the position he was known for. He did his best stuff at wet spam as a box to box player, driving forward and making surging runs. But he's mostly been played on the right for us, even at RB??? He's a gritty tackler, gets stuck in, tackles well and runs. But he has no vision and can't pass to save his life. If I was an Everton fan, I wouldn't slate him as a signing. But as a Villan, I'm not sure what he has to offer you either. Play him in position and he might do well for you though. How do you fancy £6mill and NRC for Arteta? |
steven
said:
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... ooooh thats a tough one but id have to say no mate although arteta is still injured. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... that's it now, done deal - gabby for arteta. just got to agree personal terms. (see how hard was that MON / Moysey) |
steven
said:
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... i had to laugh at birmingham signing barry ferguson they are going straight back down. |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... i wonder how dj stu will feel when he makes his debut for villa when we are out the cups and out of europe, mon signed him so he didnt have to mess around in january. we still need to sign FIT PLAYERS to start the season |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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...... as did the rest of us!! bit of a step down from Vieira!! Still should fit in perfectly for championship football at smallheath. |
Steve Badger
said:
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...that's it now, done deal - gabby for arteta. just got to agree personal terms. (see how hard was that MON / Moysey) Love it Not sure I'd do that deal though. As much as I rate Arteta, I rate Gabby too. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... and I gat frowned upon at work for calling small heath a thuggish team. Then they prove me right with their signings. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Fatkevs, Exciting times must be ahead Bloody hell, a positive post. Nice one. I knew you had it in you |
steven
said:
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... to be honest mate as much as i dont like birmingham i wish liverpool a.k.a THE RED SHITE would have bowyer barton and ferguson in their team then that would mean they would go down. |
steven
said:
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... Bloody hell, a positive post. Nice one. I knew you had it in you Heres one for you badger BIRMINGHAM CITY AND WOLVES ARE GOING STRAIGHT BACK DOWN. |
Rich
said:
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... Badger Regarding our 'deal' with Everton Yes but then we needn't worry about spending money on a creative midfielder anymore and use it to replace Gabby with Huntelaar. It's a win win |
gregdavillain
said:
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...ie Cant pass a ball for shit. ha thats reo alrite, he takes the rio out of de janeiro!!! |
Nik Skilton
said:
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... I don't know if it is true, and to be honest i doubt it is, however, on VillaTalk its being reported that Ash is ready to hand in a transfer request. I had heard from a usually reliable source chelsea have readied a bid of around £22m, although I don't think MoN would sanction any deal. |
Doc
said:
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... I've made this point before - but I think the Downing transfer is as much about Ashley Young as it is about Downing himself. The "failure" of the Maloney experiment and the delay in bringing in Milner has rooted Ashley to the left wing. We all know that made Villa readable in the second half of last season. I think with Milner now firing on all cylinders and Downing joining the fold, Young could become far more dangerous either floating, playing in the hole or switching to the right flank. Or possibly all three in the same game if needs be. Options, options, options. But I reckon we shouldn't be surprised if the real beneficiary of the Downing transfer isn't Downing, but Young. This could be his key to a regular full England place, and if he were to move anywhere for a bigger pay cheque, he'd be an absolute idiot. |
Nik Skilton
said:
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... i agree with you Doc. However, it is very easy for a player to have his head turned by promises of regular champions league football, a big pay packet and a regular england place. I believe he will stay, but i guess you can never be 100% sure. |
confusedvillafan
said:
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... also nice to have a decent opposition fan on here talking sense and slagging off the blues ! steven just out of interest have you been barred from your own forum? |
Frosty
said:
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... Remeber 7th Dec 2008 - Ashley Young is given the free role against Everton and look what happened. MON knows exactly what he is doing and I think he is right, Young in a free role will scare the sh*t out of defences and Downing isn't a bad option at all to plug the gap on the left. FatKevs - wake up! |
Steve Badger
said:
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... steven, Heres one for you badger BIRMINGHAM CITY AND WOLVES ARE GOING STRAIGHT BACK DOWN As much as I hate the scum, I don't know if I want them to go down mate. Now I'm getting older, I think it's good for all the Midlands clubs to stay up. It's different for you scousers, but the scum have never competed with us overall. We've always been No.1, even when they had their moments. And you can't beat a derby. Ours never gets the press that others do, but the rivalry is just as fierce, if not fiercer, trust me. Especially from their side. As for Wolves, proper club, same as Villa and Everton, imo. Good support too, same as Albion. Rich, Regarding our 'deal' with Everton Yes but then we needn't worry about spending money on a creative midfielder anymore and use it to replace Gabby with Huntelaar. It's a win win Hmm, I'll do an MON and think about it I'll let you know when the season has started (that's a joke moaners). |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Doc, I've made this point before - but I think the Downing transfer is as much about Ashley Young as it is about Downing himself. The "failure" of the Maloney experiment and the delay in bringing in Milner has rooted Ashley to the left wing. We all know that made Villa readable in the second half of last season. I think you could be on to something here. How better to motivate Ash, than by offering him options in how he wants to play? Ultimate decision down to MON of course. And you're right he had been tagged on the left. Being closed down by 2 defenders all the time must get a bit demoralising. Young, Milner and Downing swapping round excites me. |
kiddervilla
said:
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... god dont some people know how to spoil a party they must sit behide mon moaning all day when do you break up from school  |
Steve Badger
said:
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...hello badger! Thank fook for that, I thought a nuke had gone off or something Strange how quiet it's gone now the moaners have nowt to moan about today, isn't it? Plenty of time for Tonbone though, I guess. To all you closet nose posters; Ferguson |
AussieVillan
said:
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... seriuosly Downing is a ok signing but hes going to be out for the first half of this season and were already 3 players down from last years squad so unless we buy another like 6 players if we get any more injuries were just back to where we were at end of last and by the time downing gets back we might be coming 12th in the league out of europa . this signing is nothing for next season we need fit players to start the year !!! |
kiddervilla
said:
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... reply to chrisodon,with all those c/b isnt that why cahill left in the first place, be gr8 if its true |
Villa in derby
said:
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... Young will stay at the villa, some of you have said about it being a world cup year. Don’t you think with two England players in the same position one will go. Look at Bently Lennon is much better so Bently didn’t stand a chance. Downing will not stand a chance of getting in the team with Young. But every one thinks young is so great, what can he do apart from run. His final ball if so poor, and with 2 players marking him how will he cope. Ronaldo was the only winger in the last 5 years to have two men on him and he is still a threat, Lennon has quick feet and more pace than Young. I think come the end of the season we will be glad to see the back of him, when he gets in a great crossing position and sends the ball into the stands 9 out of 10 times, how long till and lets face it the villa crowd aren’t the smartest of fans. Remember the abgonlahor booing, an absolute disgrace, so when young gets the same he will go. |
confusedvillafan
said:
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... villa in derby , i agree the booing of gabby was a disgrace but the rest of your post is drivel mate |
kiddervilla
said:
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... badger beleive me they are still hear the the grim reapers , sould go and support someone else wont be missed tossers |
Steve Badger
said:
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... nik, add to that badger: Johnson Bowyer Espinoza Dann Benitez and ... RIDGEWELL Now they don't have Wenger telling potato head who to sign, I'm PMSL. As for Agent Ridgewell, I can't fault him overall. Joking aside, I hope they just about stay up. Bring on more signings though (trying to talk about us  ) They will come |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... villa in derby who do you support exactly??, spurs or pellsal villa cus it dont sound like the villa in aston!!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
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... true villa, (not even sure you're the same mug) No, not when it comes from the likes of you. Back up your arguments and we might listen. Otherwise piss off. You're not wanted by real Villa fans. If you're a nose, just come out of the closet. Then we can discuss stuff as (friendly) enemies and I won't be calling for you to be banned. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Villa in Derby, Young has been marked by 2 defenders many times and still managed to get the ball in. We do go for the far post too much though, I'll give you that. You obviously don't watch Villa, let alone support them. Get back to supporting manure mate. |
Mowgs
said:
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... Ash is the reason we're going to have a few more bums on seats for years to come. He's the guy I would pretend to be in the park if I was still a kid with nothing but jumpers for goalposts and my imagination. He's more important than just winning the odd game. Watching someone fly down the wing like he does week in week out is going to inspire the next generation of Villa fans. |
Steve Badger
said:
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...Does anyone no if we will get beckham on loan ????? I very much doubt it, I can't see MON having any truck with the likes of him. MON likes a team, full stop. Personal opinion? The bloke's a stroker and a one trick pony  |
Paul Bennett
said:
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... Ive said all summer that Ash wont leave. Hed be a fool to jump ship in a world cup year. I think we all know he will be off in a year or 2 if we dont kick on, but I think by then we may be challenging. Slow and steady wins the race. UTV |
god
said:
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... ''Personal opinion? The bloke's a stroker and a one trick pony'' PMSL, I just spat my beer all over my mrs. |
Carl Main
said:
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... Go onto the official site and watch the 'Girls Aloud verdict' video!......... Great banter from Big John, Stan and Ash!!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
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... God, PMSL, I just spat my beer all over my mrs. I take it you don't agree? Sid was a miles better play mate, trust me. And I could pobably rattle off another half a dozen too. Total hype, imo. |
Keith
said:
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... People were moaning that MON hadn't come out and dismissed rumours that Young would be leaving. When he does that it is still not good enough. The bloke can't win can he? |
rtvilla
said:
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... just been to Birmingham Airport and seen a member of the villa staff there. Got excited for a minute. He is there to pick up our new midfield star. Then woke up. He must be picking up family. We don't do foreign stars. |
Rich
said:
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... For all those wanting Darren Bent. How many of you would have him in your starting 11? The way to improve the side AND THE SQUAD is to buy players would command a first team jersey. Then those that they replace would improve the bench and consequently you have more strength in depth. By buying ESTABLISHED players who are no better than what you have (or worse) can only mean we will stand still. |
Phil Round
said:
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... about f**king time too!!! Why didnt he just say that when we lost the lottery winner? |
Chrisodon
said:
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... Wow first time i've read some paper transfer stories and there's no villa players leaving! just distin joining for 2 mil. |
Rubben
said:
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... wow reading the comments from early in the morning like 4am. why do the weird people decide to come out and comment then. |
Niall Donlan
said:
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... Ashley Young will stay dont worry, Downing is no replacement anyway! Bring Hangeland |
GG
said:
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... Young on the right, Downing on the left, both skinning defenders & delivering quality balls into the box... where Heskey will fall over, Aggie will choke and Carew convert a few when he's fit. Unless we get a goal poacher it'll be the same story as February onwards - chance after chance going begging. Zico was right when he said we're one-dimensional - if you know what we're going to do, all you have to do is defend well in the box and convert your own chances against our leaky defence. We'd have beaten several sides in the run-in, Man U included, if we'd just had a striker showing some composure. Goalscorer/s & defenders needed! |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2974449/ I hope he's not going anywhere after seeing this! |
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