Yes, it was only pre-season and no, it doesn't really matter, but a victory is a victory and well, three nil is a nice score and seeing so many of the kids make the squad was also very interesting.

Goals from Andreas Weimann, Curtis Davies and Steve Sidwell were enough and while I didn't see the game and am only going off what I have read on the club site, it looks like it was a stroll in the park and well, you would have really expected it to be, wouldn't you.

Loads more games coming up and the season starts in just over three weeks but do you think rather than spend money, Martin O'Neill is going to be bringing through some of the kids or do you think this is very much their last chance to demonstrate they have something to offer?

It could be that he is giving them a chance in this pre-season to really add to the numbers or it could also just be that he is resting some and giving these a run out, because there is nobody else. We will never know, but one thing we do know is that Martin O'Neill doesn't want to lose Ashley Young.

I mention Young because two papers, both owned by the same company that also own Sky, are running stories that two clubs are interested in Ashley Young. The teams are Liverpool and Spurs, if you didn't already know and the story is that Spurs have made an offer of £18mn. and that Liverpool are about to bid £20mn., while the Spurs story in the Sunday Times says that Spurs are reluctant to go any higher than £25mn. and that O'Neill has told them they value Young at £30mn.

The News of the World are basically saying that Martin O'Neill and The Fat Spanish Waiter are going to go head to head for Young and Liverpool are willing to pay £20mn. for his services. Well, they can say that if they want, they're just speculating, but the Sunday Times is quite specific.

The Sunday Times are saying that Spurs have actually made an offer and that Martin O'Neill has actually rejected it, saying the player is valued at £30mn. and if that is not true, I fully expect O'Neill to be issuing legal proceedings against the paper, because we know that newspapers that make allegations about O'Neill that are not true get taken to court.

If it is true, then what the paper is suggesting is we'd sell Young if a club made an offer of £30mn. which can't be true because this week O'Neill told us that anyone asking about Young would get 'short shrift'. So, they couldn't have made an offer and we couldn't have rejected it.

We were also told this week by DJ Stewey that he sought assurances from O'Neill that the current players would be remaining at the club and that was given to him, so for the last time this summer, Ashley Young is going nowhere because the last time O'Neill spoke with Young and his agent, there was no mention of anything to suggest he wanted to leave.

Ashley Young is staying at Aston Villa and these two papers, are just fishing, but like I said the other day, expect this type of speculation until September 1st, unless the player comes out and tells us he wants to stay and win stuff with Aston Villa.

Comments (127)

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Steve said:

... Article is spot on, do national newspapers just disregard/ignore any comments that come out of Aston Villa FC. Two days after stating he is going no where, all this crap comes out again. This speculation is boring, move on papers

Comment 1, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.12 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... You kind of expect this sort of story from the NOTW but for the Times to print such a story , it starts to get you thinking. They don't normally print rubbish ....do they ? Personally I don't want to see Young go anywhere not even for £30m. The only thing that worries me now is if the players head is starting to turn with all this media attention. This time next week he could have a double page spread about how he wants to leave Villa. UTV

Comment 2, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.16 am

robbo said:

... It's amazing. A child journalist on the NOTW comic makes up a story and suddenly it's all over the internet!

Comment 3, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.16 am

Daniel Wilson said:

... Good result yesterday! Where did this Weimann guy come from, I don't recognise his name from reserves last season, although I could just be being forgetfull? Is it pronounced the same way as the guy off Jackass??!

Comment 4, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.18 am

Billy7 said:

... i'm getting a bit worried about the coming season, thought we'd have strengthend by now, and even if we sign Delph, Distin and Naughton tomorrow we'd still be worse off. We travel to Spain on Thursday for a week or 10 days i believe. The senior international players, Petrov, Carew etc only start training tomorrow and the under 21's Gabby, Gardner and Milner dont come back till August.

Comment 5, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.20 am

Eoin Greene said:

... I am sick of this Ashley Young speculation. I said it even before O'Neill cam out with his comments. Lerner and O'Neill wont sell Young for ANY money. 3-0 yesterday playng you've guessed it 4-4-2. Thats 4-4-2, MoN's formation that will be used as long as he remains villa manager. Thats 4-4-2, the formation most used in the premier league, in europe and throughout the history of the game.

Comment 6, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.20 am

Martin Clabon said:

... I would rather see a small number of quality players come in and us rely on the kids more to bulk out the squad. I don't buy this small squad nonsense. If we have a small squad how come senior pro's sat on the bench all season, never mind the kids. It is no good building a bigger squad if we rely on the same faces the whole time except in an injury crisis Ash will stay unless we get a gigantic offer but everyone has a price

Comment 7, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.23 am

Damian said:

... eoin1981 442 is outdated. we were playing a team that jut got promoted. the reserves could have beaten them yesterday. don't get carried away with it and didn't sky sports say we were playing 5-3-2? like i've said above, i wasn't there, so i don't know. but it is also not the formation most used throughout the history of the game, far from it and none of the top teams in europe use it

Comment 8, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.24 am

Martin Clabon said:

... Billy, if we sign the players you mention I do not believe we will be worse off than last seaon. Existing players will have improved and settled in. Let's see what happens

Comment 9, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.26 am

Class of 82 said:

... Do we have to keep going on about transfers not coming in yet! We've got one of the best managers in the country if not the world, we have an owner who is widely acknowledged as being the best foreign owner in the league who has always allowed the manager to spend money on whoever he wants. DOL was right about Villa fans (and you don't know how much I wish I didn't agree with him)!

Comment 10, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.29 am

Billy7 said:

... Sid.... Hope you are right mate. Not having a dig at anyone at the club i'm very very happy, just a bit worried, but if coker can play in the middle and Sidwell bangs a few in with Curtis and Carlos solid at the back and Big JC gets the 20 goals we want, there'll be nothing to worry about!

Comment 11, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.45 am

Martin Clabon said:

... See quote below by Mehdi Nafti, ex clown "Look at St Andrew’s. I know Birmingham are trying to do something about the ground; even move. But in Tunisia, there are some grounds better than that.” Juvenile I know but made me chuckle

Comment 12, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.48 am

colm tarpey said:

... Damien, as mentioned above with 8 senior players missing, playing the kids was the only option! but it was good to see them win and one of the nippers score... Ashley young going nowwhere, especailly not on the cheap to the fat waiter.... looking forward to more signings this week. Still waiting fro my pint of Haaglandbrau.....

Comment 13, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.50 am

Martin Clabon said:

... Billy, I think we will make signings but what ever happens it's going to be a tough season as the bar raises across EPL. What ever hapens it's going to be a roller coaster and ome will moan whatever happens. We will see

Comment 14, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.51 am

vijay said:

... lets see who we sign next week, then we can start complaining again!

Comment 15, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.57 am

Billy7 said:

... Sid...... Some people just dont understand what a mess we were in before MON came to the helm. He(and Randy) have done wonders to us. Long may it continue

Comment 16, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.09 am

Halfwit said:

... Young will be a villa player this season He is going no where i dont even think martin would accept 40mill

Comment 17, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.10 am

john said:

... I reckon after last summer Benitez must be off his rocker to think he can even get close to having a bid accepted for Young for 20m... Due to his antics last year, that's surely bumped up the price of any player we sell to liverpool by 25%

Comment 18, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.12 am

paul mclafferty said:

... liverpoo have spent their budget for the summer so i think it highley unlikely the fsw will even try to piss mon off again

Comment 19, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.20 am

paul mclafferty said:

... damian....it was the reserve team that beat posh yesturday

Comment 20, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.22 am

Halfwit said:

... So we are linked with another blues player today and it wouldnt suprise me if it does happen Matty Upson Reason i see this one happening is because he's english

Comment 21, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.27 am

Eoin Greene said:

... This bashing of 4-4-2 always rises me for some reason! Man Utd play 4-4-2, maybe with Ronaldo you could argue that it was different - but he was a winger who didn't have any defensive duties. Arsenal play 4-4-2 - always have. Mourinho now uses 4-4-2 with Milan. You could even argue that Liverpool play 4-4-2 - although not a conventional one. My main thinking is that its not about formations - its about players. Put 11 average players in any formation and they will be average. I just feel than everything that goes wrong at Villa is put down to formations and 'if we change to x-x-x we will qualify for the champions league' is a load of rubbish.

Comment 22, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.29 am

paul mclafferty said:

... eoin1981.... i couldnt agree with you more, brazil play 4-4-2 and say to the rest of the world beat us if you can.

Comment 23, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.32 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... I went to the game yesterday and the stars for me were Weimann, Bannan and Albrighton - all young lads who worked their nuts off and were superb. To say it was a stroll in the park is nonsense, Peterborough could of had 2 in the first 15 mins and when you think there were 8 regular first teamers in the starting eleven..... However it was comfortable once the second went in and nice to see Osbourne set up Sidwell within seconds of coming on. The thing that stood out for me was that Sidwell was the only player to play the full 90mins (even Friedel was subbed), so maybe he will be a starter for the new season?

Comment 24, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.49 am

robbo said:

... eoin 1981, I often find myself disagreeing with your postings but I'm with you on this one. The important thing is that a team has the right players, with the right attitude and that they understand their role within the formation the manager has chosen. I sometimes wonder if fan's obsessions with a particular formation are born out of a shallow understanding of real football borne out of playing football manager on a games console.

Comment 25, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.51 am

Damian said:

... eoin1981 manchester united don't play 442 - if anything and you even suggest it yourself, it is 433 arsenal haven't played 442 in years and as for liverpool it is very much 4411 with gerrard sitting in hole i also agree to an extent though, it is about players and team spirit and work ethic you could be playing 433 but if you are defending you expect, because of team spirit and work ethic everyone to be fighting to gain possession again but none of the top four nor everton play with 2 strikers or 442, haven't done for a while and it isn't as if this is a new thing, they always play with a variation of a five man midfield

Comment 26, made on July 19, 2009 at 12.07 pm

confusedvillafan said:

... how long you gonna let this mug carry on for damian

Comment 27, made on July 19, 2009 at 12.17 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Prescription of the day - True Villa - Nortriptyline, 1 daily for 4 weeks.

Comment 28, made on July 19, 2009 at 12.20 pm

Michael panizza said:

... Why are we not in for Huntelaar? WHY?

Comment 29, made on July 19, 2009 at 12.24 pm

Ferdinand the imposter said:

... Gents, the days when newspapers gave out news are long gone the emphasis is now on sensationalism, in the hopes of selling more papers than the opposition. So I would not believe any of the stories that are going around until they actually happen. I guess the thoughts of the sports journalist is if he makes up enough stories one will come out true and then he can say see I told you. I would guess and hope that Young is going nowhere - certainly not Liverpool

Comment 30, made on July 19, 2009 at 12.46 pm

Ayersy said:

... Man United have played 442 for years and its only been a few big games to the end of the season where they have had to change due to Ronaldo's inability to track back. They have always played 442 and will play 442 again next season 100%. Arsenal also play 442, unless injuries to key players such as Van persie. teams that dont play 442 are a result of the players styles. For example Chelsea Drogba is better upfront alone, and he is key so they play players eg Anelka out of position to accomodate, they tried desperately to play 442 with Drogba and Anelka - didnt work! Barca, in Eto, Henry and Messi last season they simply had 3 forwards who could not be dropped and again had to accomodate. 442 is not outdated and the majority of top european clubs - United, Real madrid, Arsenal, Inter, AC Milan, Juve, Lyon, Bayern munich. and even more so almost every National side - England, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Holland. This '442 outdated rubbish' is just that, absolute rubbish!

Comment 31, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.14 pm

stephen said:

... http://www.sundaymercury.net/m...-24185383/ this will cheer ya up lads

Comment 32, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.21 pm

dave said:

... IT CHEERED ME UP ANYWAY

Comment 33, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.36 pm

Chris Algie said:

... You kind of expect this sort of story from the NOTW but for the Times to print such a story , it starts to get you thinking. They don't normally print rubbish ....do they ? The Times was the most accurate Newspaper when it came to Aston Villa football rumours last summer with 43.48% of stories coming true. The Independent and The People were the worst with a poor 5.26%. The other papers scored like this. Daily Record 42.86% The Guardian 40.00% The Express 25.00% Daily Star 21.54% Daily Mail 20.59% Daily Telegraph 16.67% Daily Mirror 14.93% News Of The World 12.24% The Sun 10.20% So even though The Times are better than anyone else when it comes to rumours it's still not even a 50/50 success rate.

Comment 34, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.44 pm

cja said:

... went to the game yesterday, first half we were pretty shaky at the back, they hit the bar, missed a sitter of a head anc went close a couple of times. Weimann took his goal well, great cross in for it, nice glancing header to the far corner. Game change second half, Posh made 5 changes at half time, they didn't threaten us in the second half. Davies goal was good, he carried it out from defence, 1-2 with Marlon then nice finish right corner. Sidwell good strick from the edge of the box, bottom left hand corner. highlight of the day.....villa fan swinging from the terrace roof, then proceeded to fall off....only pride hurt, got himself chucked out for his troubles

Comment 35, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.45 pm

cja said:

... sorry about the typos, only got back to brum at 4 this mornin, went up to manchester for the Khan fight after the game....still half asleep

Comment 36, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.46 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... cja, Yes, he kept us amused for a few minutes! He probably didn't see any of the game either as it was only a few minutes in when he started "monkeying" around

Comment 37, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.47 pm

Matt said:

... why did the Fonz not get a run out yesterday?

Comment 38, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.48 pm

Tom said:

... Ayersey, you're wrong about Barca. They play 4-3-3 throughout their youth set up and first team. From U11's onwards they are taught 4-3-3 and never play anything different. You'll never see another formation played by Barca regardless of who the manager of the club is.

Comment 39, made on July 19, 2009 at 1.55 pm

Damian said:

... Ayersy Go read this - not even the Brazilians themselves call it 442: http://www.guardian.co.uk/spor...il-4-2-3-1 Or, read this match report, detailing formations from the Villa v Man Utd match from last season: http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...villa-live Or, you could read this, where it says United will be playing their 4-2-3-1 systme because 4-4-2 is 'all but extinct': http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...ter-united Better still, I'll leave you with this and just ask you to read it and I'll say nothing else about it: http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...han-wilson

Comment 40, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.01 pm

Damian said:

... Matroshkin Nothing sinister .. I think he was away on international duty somewhere

Comment 41, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.04 pm

Mike Carter said:

... If Disco Stew wanted to play for us because of players like Young, then good on him. Even if he does play in the same position.

Comment 42, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.06 pm

Matt said:

... ah i see, was wondering if there was any truth in him being part of the bait in the bidding of Delph as a loan deal.It'd do the Fonz good to get more regular football but i would'nt want to see him gone on a permenent deal

Comment 43, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.10 pm

Kevin Curtis said:

... i was right about king might be coming, i was told from the the foxes club doctor. http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/89860/O-Neill-eyes-a-King-bid/

Comment 44, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.14 pm

paul mclafferty said:

... i would prefer mattock from leicester

Comment 45, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Matt said:

... Also completely unrelated to the discussions, i never knew we had a player by the fabulous name of John Cornelius Sleeuwenhoek (61-67). Gotta be worth more than Gabriel Agbonlahor on the Scrabble board!

Comment 46, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Doc said:

... We'd take £20m plus Bentley for Young, 'Arry.

Comment 47, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.21 pm

Doc said:

... the primeminister: just out of interest, what was Bill Howell's record? He was very confident in his riveting web chat that every player linked with Villa might possibly be coming and that it might be sooner or maybe later...

Comment 48, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.24 pm

robbo said:

... http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2987535/ This shows the goals from yesterday.

Comment 49, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.26 pm

mr villa said:

... young will not go. we r building a squad not killing one. laursons gone and so has barry. i think MON will be to scared to loose ash because he knows the villa fans could not cope with loosing villas three best players. Keep buying.

Comment 50, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.29 pm

craig said:

... posh v villa goals http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/2987535/

Comment 51, made on July 19, 2009 at 2.42 pm

Eoin Greene said:

... As I tried to say before - football is all about footballers and not formations. Putting villa fortunes down to their formation is in my opinion overlooking our major flaws. Most teams in europe use 4-4-2. Wenger has used 4-4-2 for 90% of his time in charge or Arsenal, as has Ferguson at United. Wright and Bergkamp, Berkamp and Anelka, Bergkamp and Henry, Van Persie and Adebayor, Yorke and Cole, Cantona and Cole, Hughes and Cantona, Tevez and Rooney, Rooney and Horsehead......2 strikers from 4 etc. Anyway, I think these comments from Billic and Wenger are my lines of thinking: http://arsenalcolumn.wordpress...formation/ And Doc - i wouldn't swap Young and 30m for Bentley...

Comment 52, made on July 19, 2009 at 3.05 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Incidentally, Harry can go jump off a bridge if he thinks he's signing Young off us. I wouldn't accept any offer from him, certainly none including a player.

Comment 53, made on July 19, 2009 at 3.19 pm

Adam Gatrad said:

... Considering Villa were missing the majority of their major players i thought yesterdays result was terrific. It would be nice to see some younger players coming up through the ranks, even if it is just bringing the as subs when we are comfortably leading. As long as it is not at the expense of not signing many more players. At the moment, speclation is rife that we will have signed delph and distin by the end of the week, for a max of 10 mill for the pair. I will be happy with both those players yes, but we need players of a higher quality who will add greatly to our starting XI NOW. I am not going to join the bandwagon and say Downing was a crap signing because he will miss the 1st third if not more of the season, BUT, if funds are limited, which they appear to be, we need to be buying players that will start. Even if we buy Delph and Distin, i imagine Cuellar and Davis may even still be 1st choice. So that means, Villa, who would have lost their two captains, arguably 2 of their 3 best players from the starting XI, will be starting with NO new players vs Wigan, which i dee, unacceptable. PS: Is anyone registered for The Sun Dream Team and have a mini league set up that it would be OK for me to join please?

Comment 54, made on July 19, 2009 at 3.30 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... Gatters - PS: Is anyone registered for The Sun Dream Team and have a mini league set up that it would be OK for me to join please? Villablog fantasy league here, you'll have to make another team but it's not like theres a rush and there are loads of people playing! http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...ue-sorted/

Comment 55, made on July 19, 2009 at 3.35 pm

steven haynes said:

... ricardo carvalho is the only player who could replace laursen

Comment 56, made on July 19, 2009 at 3.37 pm

vijay said:

... Hanngeland and Lescott

Comment 57, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.14 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... gary cahill

Comment 58, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.16 pm

mattyboy said:

... young is definatly going to spurs for 25 million next week. he is desperate to move back to london and lets all face it spurs are a much bigger club than us and there in the capital

Comment 59, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.19 pm

vijay said:

... mattyboy if you think that spurs are bigger than us then get off this blog and go to spurs!! you plonker

Comment 60, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.23 pm

mattyboy said:

... mate im a big villa fan but spurs are bigger and he will definatly be gone next week trust me i have spoke to doug ellis today he said he will be gone to spurs next week for 25 million

Comment 61, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.27 pm

mikey18 said:

... After watching a couple of the post match interviews i don't think downing will play in CM, Davies said he won't be a direct replacement for Barry, but is a good addition to the side! Also MoN said we only played 10mil rising to 12mil depending on appearances. MoN also said that he is looking for Laursen and Barry replacements and would like to get deals done as quick as possible! So it shows that we are still in the market for players! A.Young will not go to tottenham or liverpool, neither could afford him! Did anybody watch the game yesterday? how did Reo-coker look?

Comment 62, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.28 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Mattyboy, Yes, he going to spuds, I don't think; Quoted here as an Arsenal fan; http://www.thefootballnetwork....905,page=1

Comment 63, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.28 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Yeah, and Randy told me just the other day we're close to brining in Messi. Get real, Young will never join Spurs, and certainly not for £25m.

Comment 64, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.35 pm

mattyboy said:

... oh and his dad isnt a massive spurs fan is he... all his family live in london he is going.

Comment 65, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.36 pm

Steve said:

... Mattyboy - go back to your spurs forums.

Comment 66, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.43 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Spurs may think they're a bigger club but they aren't. We finished above them 2 seasons running and we'll do so again this season. Young will not take a sideways step (at best) like this, Harry is having a laugh.

Comment 67, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.46 pm

Steve Badger said:

... lets all face it spurs are a much bigger club than us I bloody hate it when people pretend to be Villa when they're obviously not. If you want to come on spouting your Spuds rubbish, do it as a spuds fan And you're such a massive club, why has Droopy himself said you haven't got a pot to piss in?

Comment 68, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.48 pm

Steve Clayton said:

... Rednapp really does my head in, I don't think he has any scouts or idea of which players he needs, he just waits for another team to show an interest in a player and then joins in himself: Delph, Naughton, Crouch, Beckham, Young.........that's just this week! The ugly Barbara Windsor lookalike needs to just keep his gob shut and scout his own players........Wockney Canker

Comment 69, made on July 19, 2009 at 4.50 pm

mattyboy said:

... spurs owner joe lewishas a fortune of 5 billion thats 5 times as much as randy so i think they have got a pot to piss in

Comment 70, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.02 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... mattyboy why are you here?

Comment 71, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.08 pm

MON said:

... spurs owner joe lewishas a fortune of 5 billion thats 5 times as much as randy so i think they have got a pot to piss in Matty Boy... you've got a squad of players that candle wax face wants to get rid of but nobody in the EPL wants. Your wage bill is over budget and eventually your best players go of to the top 4 mainly Man United as you are one of the best feeder clubs. Your not in europe so what makes you think Young is heading to Spurs apart from the fact you may be a deluded Spurs fan. Get a grip a be real base it on some fact and not fabircated newspaper stories.

Comment 72, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.10 pm

James Clift said:

... Mattyboy, Do you actually know anything about football you idiot? Please explain how Spurs are a bigger club than Villa?

Comment 73, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.10 pm

Joseph said:

... Mattyboy, QPR have massive financial backing also but that doesnt mean they can buy whatever player they want. Certain other things are needed, like european football which Spurs cant offer this season. And dont start talking about top 4 because its been top 4 for you guys for the past 2 seasons and both have actually ended in relegation battles. Man City can buy these sort of players as they are willing to offer ridiculous wages and mercenary players accept them, I dont think Spurs can afford to offer players £150,000 a week. Also City have brought players who will help attract others, whereas Spurs have brought players with promise who seem to go backwards there. I want some of what Harry is smoking on if he thinks he can get Young for £18mn, I really will be shocked if Young is stupid enough to leave us for Spurs given both clubs current positions. Now the Liverpool rumour is a little bit more unnerving as is him being linked with any Top 4 club. Champions League is a big draw and of course his wages would probably increase, however I think MON is a man who holds a grudge and I definatly think if Rafa wants him he will have to pay upwards of £30mn, not the £20mn he apprently thinks he is worth. I want to know where Rafa gets his valutations from because he wanted £10mn for Carson who was no less than shambolic after that England game, so only £20mn for one of the best wingers in the league, who is English. He must have been hitting the pipe after old Harry. I dont want Young sold for any amount of money if im honest, ok £35mn would be a massive profit on our investment, but would we find someone as good to replace him? Transfers are becoming more and more expensive and the prices are only going to increase and I think Young is genuine Top 4 quality and a player we will need if we are going to try to qualify for the Champions League.

Comment 74, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.19 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Joe Lewis isn't even Spurs owner, Lewis owns the company that Daniel Levy is managing director of. Levy is Spurs' chairman.

Comment 75, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.20 pm

vijay said:

... why we wasting time talking about a crap team like spurs who we are going to finish higher than again!!

Comment 76, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.38 pm

Doc said:

... eoin1981 - no, nor would I swap Young and £30m for Bentley. What's your point?

Comment 77, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.43 pm

Eoin Greene said:

... Doc - maybe I took it out of context but I was replying to your 'We'd take £20m plus Bentley for Young, 'Arry. ' comment

Comment 78, made on July 19, 2009 at 5.52 pm

Halfwit said:

... Im not worried about young leaving martin convinced me the other day when he was talking about Young look how stubborn he was with the barry deal when rafa wanted him Be the same thing with young martin wont be botherd about how much a team is offering if he dont wonna sell you got no chance no matter who or how big you are I cant see him letting any one go now to be honest we cant afford to our team is to small we need to add not sell Wesley Sneijder Van Der Varrt Klaas-Jan Huntelaar They would make us a real real threat ambitious yes but we are a ambitious club right ? Offer madrid £30-35 Million for those 3 and i think they would bite our hand off

Comment 79, made on July 19, 2009 at 6.04 pm

vijay said:

... halfwit mate, forget it, we dont class players, we will the usual mediocrity, our star signing is downing!

Comment 80, made on July 19, 2009 at 6.07 pm

MON said:

... What i can't understand is what mon needs to do not to get criticised. Only a few weeks ago when the Young rumour surfaced he was critised for not speaking out. He has this week categorically come out and said young is not for sale. This has backed up further by Downing comments so all the headlines in the papers are just that headlines. MON has already proven that when he says something he stands by it look at the barry saga. He said barry was going no were for the season of 07 -08 and he stayed. He also went on to say if he wanted he would not stand in his way after the season had finished. To me that is a man who sticks to his guns. As far as it goes for this season it would be nice if he looked further then just the obvious english players i.e Martins - 7 million Boswinga - 10 million Branislav - 6 million Armand Traore - cheap Johny Evans - 6 million Aqualani - 12 million Stefan Defour - 13 million Tuncay - 6 -8 million Are just some of the players that are availible and would add a different dimension and quality to the first eleven.

Comment 81, made on July 19, 2009 at 6.31 pm

clarkamus said:

... MON i think you mean Ivanovic, branislav is his first name and im not sure where you get the idea that johny evans is available cos he definitely is not but i agree with you completely on that no matter what marty seems to do everyone is always on his back at the end of the day he has taken us from a side looking like being relegated to a side challenging to break into the top 4 and finishing in top 6 for 2 seasons in a row all in 3 years think what he can do with 10 years

Comment 82, made on July 19, 2009 at 6.50 pm

Steve Badger said:

... MON, MON has already proven that when he says something he stands by it look at the barry saga. He said barry was going no were for the season of 07 -08 and he stayed. He also went on to say if he wanted he would not stand in his way after the season had finished. To me that is a man who sticks to his guns. Absolutely. He also is true to his word and does things the right way. The word was he was interested in Hangerland, but totally refused to make an offer while he was in talks with the club, as he didn't want to undermine the player or the club. Call it old fashioned, but I call it the right way to do things.

Comment 83, made on July 19, 2009 at 6.54 pm

Villa Nick said:

... For me The Villa will buy Campbell or Distin, Delph & Gary Cahill (tail between legs, cap in hand etc etc). I would be fairy happy with that and maybe give Sidwell a decent run in the side, there is a really good player in there somewhere!

Comment 84, made on July 19, 2009 at 6.55 pm

Rich said:

... Why shouldn't we go with Hallwit's suggestion. I know it's MON we're talking about, but this shouldn't be beyond us. £30 to £35 million for three players who would definately improve the team and our profile. Sell Marlon, Osbourne, Salifou, Knight and either of Sidwell or Reo. Nett spend probably only around £20million for the summer. Just then need that commanding CB and leader. I'd personally go for Dunne (I know we are divided on this)and possibly Distin as he can cover more than one position. Defence: Young, Shorey, Davis, Cuellar, Bouma, Dunne, Distin. Midfield: Milner, Petrov, Sidwell/Reo, Van der Vaart, Schnieder, Young, Downing, Gardner Forwards: Carew, Gabby, Huntelaar, Heskey Add the youth team players to this and we will go into the season with great optimism.

Comment 85, made on July 19, 2009 at 7.09 pm

MON said:

... clarkamus, maybe johnny evans may not be availible but he is definalty not first choice defender in the united side. He has to compete with the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic and now Wes Brown so i am sure for the right price he & united could be tempted. Same goes for Ivanovic, branislav & Armand Traore who are all quality defenders but can't seem to get a game in there current teams due to the quality of players Man United, Chealsea & Arsenal have. My point being that we would not need to spend millions and much needed quality couldbe added to our defence.

Comment 86, made on July 19, 2009 at 7.10 pm

MON said:

... Rich, looks a strong line on paper for the midfield and up front. Not sure about the defence though. Will Bouma be fit to play. Shorey not a top ten EPL player. Davies good defender but needs to build up on his physical presence. It would be nice to see cueller in his normal position for next season and see if he can produce the performances he produced for rangers.

Comment 87, made on July 19, 2009 at 7.27 pm

Rich said:

... MON Dunne and Distin are used to playing together and were a very good partnership at City. I feel that we are still to see the best of Cuellar and I really don't think Shorey did too much wrong particularly when MON showed a little confidence in him at the end of the season. Agree on Bouma though. Anyhow on a lighter note - who needs a defence with the midfield mentioned, particularly if we opt to play 4,5 1 (or 4,2,3,1 if you prefer to call it).

Comment 88, made on July 19, 2009 at 7.38 pm

MON said:

... Rich, lol...yes all out attack maybe our only option...

Comment 89, made on July 19, 2009 at 7.52 pm

vijay said:

... I would like Micah Richards and Campbell, but it looks like we'll be getting Distin, im not a great fan of him but then again im not a great fan of many of mon's signings!

Comment 90, made on July 19, 2009 at 7.55 pm

Fitzy_7 said:

... micah richards is a very good shout am I the only one on here who feels a bit uneasy with the potential cb pairing of distin and campbell next season?

Comment 91, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.00 pm

spitorswallow said:

... bentley to sign for villa on monday

Comment 92, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.01 pm

spitorswallow said:

... but he is out till november

Comment 93, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.02 pm

vijay said:

... I think we will sign Distin for sure but i hope mon has a brain and realises that we need a top centre half to replace Laursen, big money should be spent on a top man

Comment 94, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.15 pm

vijay said:

... spitswallow mate, cut the crap, this is a serious matter

Comment 95, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.18 pm

jaywillis said:

... I went to the match yesterday and thought Albrighton and Bannan looked really good. Think this could be the season for them to really break into the 1st team squad. ALbrighton is very willing to take players on and has an awesome cross on him and Bannan is a typical Scottish player, very determined and gritty and is also very comfortable on the ball. Davies' goal was quality aswell, he ran from defence played a couple of one-twos and slotted it home. Osbourne also played a quality ball for Sidwell, with pretty much his first touch, to score the 3rd.

Comment 96, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.26 pm

billy bright said:

... villa should bring in distan or cahill then bring in a center mid maybe sporting lisbon Joao Moutinho or stephen appiah whos a free agent ....

Comment 97, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.28 pm

vijay said:

... dont expect any foreigners, mon just wont, upto a poit he;s right, but sometimes we have to take risks to succeed, hangeland was available at 2,5 million 18 months, its a crime

Comment 98, made on July 19, 2009 at 8.50 pm

MON said:

... I think we have all mentioned different Centre backs & Full backs that could be worth a shot at.Unfortuantly it seems like the same old names keep coming up. Distan, Campbell,Upson. Lets hope that's all they are rumours.

Comment 99, made on July 19, 2009 at 9.09 pm

Joseph said:

... Rich: I think we should keep Knight as he is a good back up CB and played an important part last season, obviously we dont want him as first choice CB but if he is happy to play 4th choice CB we wont get any better defender to replace him. The main problem last season as we all know was burn out in the last third of the season and I for one dont want to see us selling anyone at the moment. I think Sidwell & NRC may well see the departure of Barry as their chance to cement that Midfield place. We need to get players in before we look at getting rid, because if we sell and then buy players of similar quality we will just end up making a loss for no reason. Im sure the players listed all of us would have no problem with letting go, apart from NRC, but we cant let them go until quality replacements are in place and we definatly need to add depth to the squad that we didnt have last season because if we go into this season with similar squad numbers as last season we will probably end up going backwards not fowards.

Comment 100, made on July 19, 2009 at 9.17 pm

MON said:

... The Flabster, yes one of the problems was burn out but that was just due to the fact our midfield was not capable keeping hold of posession and we were forever chasing the ball rather than passing it around. Over the whole season it catches up with you playing in the manner we did. if we are to play a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 4-3-3 then we need midfielders who can . pass the ball forward more than 3 yard when under pressure . generally have good positional sense. . Hold onto the ball when under pressure and not just panic and pump it up the line. In Downing Milner Young and Petrov we have players who can do this. If we can get rid of Sidwell 5 million & NRC 8 million and get 2 quality midfielder i.e Diarra Real madrid 10 million apparantly real madrid want to flog him & stefan defour 12 million we will only have spent net of 10 million. We then have a techinically sound midfield more than capable of doing this. I think one of the reasons MON has not played Sidwell or NRC is becuase there passing abilities are just very poor for premiership players.

Comment 101, made on July 19, 2009 at 9.52 pm

Steve Badger said:

... I've been thinking about this and I know a couple of people have said it before, but I'm really not convinced by this burnout argument. I mean would people say that the game is really that much more faster and demanding than it was when we won the league with 14(?) players? Immediately you might think yes, without a doubt, but I'm not so sure. Yes the actual pace required might be faster, but are the players actually working any harder now? No, imo as any player worked to the utmost of his limits, even then. Throw in the fact that the players now have perfect diets, extremely hi-tech tailored excercise and fitness routines, super efficient boots and billiard table playing surfaces that don't turn into a quagmire (baseball ground anyone?) and maybe you start to see my point. I suspect it's more to do with modern living and younger people in general just being pussies Before any of you bite, it's tongue in cheek and just something to talk about. But I'll bet there's a few older people agree with me.

Comment 102, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.12 pm

MON said:

... Badger, its a valid point and the answer is most proabably slightly fatser but not as people make it out to be. I think we just need to look at the lampards, gerrards and terrys of this world to see that.They seem to play week in week out and still produce the goods. The thing is expectation and standard of football that is produced is a lot higher which is why the EPL is the best league in the world. Baiscally the less able players get found out over the course of a season.

Comment 103, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.24 pm

Andy said:

... Everton have put a 30 million pound price tag on lescott,Ashley young has to be valued higher than that.

Comment 104, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.25 pm

vijay said:

... How about a swap??

Comment 105, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.32 pm

Joseph said:

... MON I agree, my point was just that its stupid to sell those players Rich listed if what we replace them with is not upto scratch either eg. Harewood. Given the fact that our squad is so small we need to keep hold of every player we have until the replacements are signed. I too think players have perhaps got softer over the years, not that I was alive back then, but you would definatly think the technological advances with the equipment would mean that players are able to play more games, but it doesnt appear that way.

Comment 106, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.43 pm

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

... Badger ... I've been thinking about this and I know a couple of people have said it before, but I'm really not convinced by this burnout argument. Neither am I. The only burnout I see is mental...as MON (poster) was saying, the Gerrards, Lampards, et al, are expected, and generally do, play at quite a high level week in, week out. They play all the big games they're fit to play. They've got the mental toughness. This is why I think MON (manager) leaves players on. He wants them to fight through all stages of the game and have that 90-minute expectation drilled into them. Either playing catch-up, or defending a lead, he's leaving those players out there to own the result, and learn how to play through all the various stages and situations. If Lance Armstrong can ride the Tour at 37, Gabby should be able to play 38 league games plus whatever else at 20-something, no problem. Hell, I could play a game every week at my age, and I've got the mental toughness to play them all 100% for 90mins. I just don't have the speed. Or the skill. Or the rest of it. But if my whole life centered around my fitness, recovery, nutrition, stamina, strength, etc., so I could play once or twice a week? Shouldn't be a problem.

Comment 107, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.49 pm

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

... vijay said: ... How about a swap?? No thanks. I'd rather have Ash than Lescott any day of the week. If Lescott is valued at £30m, then Ash is worth £40-50m, and Gerrard is worth more than Ronaldo. That's just a silly number. But I understand why Moyes rates him. He's good, I agree. But I seem to remember Ash making an ass out of him last season...

Comment 108, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.52 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Exactly right. Anybody can train to become fit enough to run around for 90 minutes, 50 times over the course of 10 months. They could achieve that level of fitness easily. Physical burnout is not the reason here, not for strapping young lads like Gabby and co. If Dean Windass complained of burnout then that's fair enough, but it's absolutely not an excuse for our squad.

Comment 109, made on July 19, 2009 at 10.54 pm

Fortune Villa said:

... Anybody notice something missing here? http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Video/Match-highlights/Aston-Villa-4-v-Manchester-City-2-season-0809

Comment 110, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.16 pm

Fortune Villa said:

... Just thought it was quite funny!!

Comment 111, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.17 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Kohoutek, The only burnout I see is mental That's an excellent point and in this fast world of instant media and pressure I'm minded to agree. What does that say about our squad though? Hopefully we'll be tougher this year

Comment 112, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.23 pm

MON said:

... Vijay, makesyou wonder 30 million for lescot...so how much is evra or clichy worth...the markets gone made...

Comment 113, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.24 pm

Doc said:

... I'm seriously bored

Comment 114, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.30 pm

Fortune Villa said:

... Have a look at this then...might give you a laugh? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVkOz2dlvsU&feature=related

Comment 115, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.32 pm

MON said:

... MON one was hilarious...

Comment 116, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.41 pm

Fortune Villa said:

... You wanna seen funny MON? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEcPlgi2s-w

Comment 117, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.46 pm

MON said:

... kohoutek, i would agree with most of that but does it not also dependent on the type of football you are playing through the season. i.e if you are expected to chase the ball for most of the game and have only 40 % of pession whilst the opposition has 60% thats going to take alot out of the players. Look at the top 4 and the ball retention is execellent which is why they are were they are. Even Everton have started play this type of football and i can hope that we move to this style for the coming season once the right players are bought in.

Comment 118, made on July 19, 2009 at 11.54 pm

Steve Badger said:

... You've got to be kidding me, are you back again? At least you're a persistent idiot.

Comment 119, made on July 20, 2009 at 12.33 am

Jason said:

... True Villa you are a twat, MON is the 3rd best manager in the league. As the top 2 managers (Ferguson and Wenger) are never coming to Villa he has to stay. He knows more about football than all of us, so leave things to him and we'll be ok. I hate everyone who wants him out, cus I hope to god he never reads the shity comments left by some idiots on here. He has done well for Villa and whatever anyone says we have improved every year. Last summer no one really thought we could challange for the top 4, but this summer everyone truly believes if not expects us to next season - obviously with a couple of signings. I have moaned about O'neil, but it's only ever about waiting till the last minute for signings or playing 4-4-2, when we are clearly best playing 4-5-1, but remember, we all moaned for a season and a half about him playing Petrov, and look how that turned out - MON was right all along, he's f**king great. - Distan £2mil - Haangerland £12mil - Naughton £5mil - Delph £6mil - Ozil £15mil - Bentley £10mil £50 million and sorted - Randy Lerner get out your cheque book and let us have the squad we deserve - and MON deserves, so he can bring the title back to Villa Park. I have been drinking a little before typing this post, but I think I will agree with the majority of what I have said in the morning

Comment 120, made on July 20, 2009 at 1.40 am

Joseph said:

... Id say MON is one of the best managers in the PL, dont really think he can be judged against SAF as he has never had the budget that SAF has. I definatly think if MON was managing United he would be as successful.

Comment 121, made on July 20, 2009 at 2.17 am

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

... MON said: ... kohoutek, i would agree with most of that but does it not also dependent on the type of football you are playing through the season. i.e if you are expected to chase the ball for most of the game and have only 40 % of pession whilst the opposition has 60% thats going to take alot out of the players. Look at the top 4 and the ball retention is execellent which is why they are were they are. I do think there's truth to what you say. What's funny though, is that I don't think Villa actually chased enough last year. I thought at many times we were rather passive, and this is the one thing I've not understood. Midfield seemed rather like France welcoming the Germans in, and our backline was pretty far back. We'd let good teams hold it and play it around as much as they liked, really, from about 23 yards and out from goal. But I agree, as a basic principle if you're always chasing you're going to expend more energy. I do think possession is important, but if you're not really chasing and tackling but shadowing and just staying goalside when you don't have the ball you're probably not expending all that much more energy. Psychologically, though, you're under the kosh. I also think it's true that the top4 work harder off the ball than any other teams. When they lose it, they ferociously go to get it back immediately. And they're always giving players passing options, and they're always tracking back. Tevez and Rooney run an awful lot. For all the possession, I'd say they work as hard or harder than any other teams.

Comment 122, made on July 20, 2009 at 2.38 am

Rich said:

... I only advocated selling those players I listed (if we needed to offset some of the costs) only after the three Dutch players suggersted by Hallwit were signed,sealed and delivered.

Comment 123, made on July 20, 2009 at 7.44 am

ak_27 said:

... 'Fulham have been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Chritian Poulsen, who has turned down a £6m move to Fenerbahce' Roumour on ht bbc. I seen him play for Sevelle on a few occasions. Heis a good defensive midfielder. Very good srong tackler but is also well able to pass it off after he wins it. Could do a lot worse.

Comment 124, made on July 20, 2009 at 9.02 am

deansaundersperm that's perm said:

... i wonder how long it is going to take for city to come in for young?

Comment 125, made on July 20, 2009 at 9.26 am

JohnnyLeonard said:

... Can I just say, that our best spell of last season was when we played Gabby up top on his own, with 5 in midfield. It was only after Heskey was brought in and MON reverted back to a 4-4-2 that things went down the pan. The 5 man midfield is great home or away. Up the villa!!!

Comment 126, made on July 20, 2009 at 10.44 am

Kiwivillan said:

... Andreas Weimann is Austrian so in german language with ei/ie the sound is pronounced based on the second vowel so it's pronounced Vy-mahn and not weeman like the guy in Jackass

Comment 127, made on July 20, 2009 at 3.14 pm

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