I don't want to just leave what was put up yesterday and I also don't want to just repeat myself but there really is absolutely nothing new and I really do think we'll have some player announcements sooner rather than later. I should also apologise for the title of this post but really, if I had something else I would have used it, it's just that was the most fun.

Call it blind optimism if you want, because there is no proof to suggest it will be this week and in fact with everything laid out in front of me, I really shouldn't expect anything for three more weeks, but I've just got a feeling we are going to do it right this season.

So, you can all me an optimistic fool if you want or you can ridicule me for believing that we will finally start to do things the right way but it has to happen one day, even if it happening is by pure chance.

I also don't think we will have any surprises. Sure, we might get another Salifou but I fancy the majority of the players that come to us won't have been a secret, so it could actually turn out to be a very good season for us, if we do it properly, our mistakes from last season are corrected and the manager gets the full support of the owner.

So, the players that will come we know about, we will add some real quality to the starting eleven and we will strengthen our squad. Next season might be harder, but I still fancy, if everything happens as it should, that we will have a good one. Season preview coming at the end of this month and I'm sorry there is nothing else today, but you never know, we might have something later.

Comments (116)

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deano avfc said:

... 1st? No signing again....no suprise!

Comment 1, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.48 am

sazavfc said:

... first yeahhhhh. we will have signed someone by saryrday watch all of ya!!!

Comment 2, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.50 am

Mark Johnson said:

... in MoN we trust Blindly perhaps, but we trust

Comment 3, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.50 am

sazavfc said:

... saturday*

Comment 4, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.51 am

Faccundo said:

... sign nathan burns MON don't let webcam go to manure

Comment 5, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.52 am

True villa said:

... Shit! No signings again!

Comment 6, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.53 am

Billy7 said:

... Hangleand has apparently turned down a new contract offer? Hope we're in for him. Cant see it but there is always hope. Read a bit about Berg, he sounds good, and 2 clubs shown an interest, we must be 1? Have a word Olof. I'm sure Bentley will sign soon, add Defour/jurado/Borowski/Velosso! 1 or 2 of them and a couple of youngsters (Delph, Naughton) and i'd be over the moon. As long as JC AND ASH are still here!

Comment 7, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.53 am

Arbee said:

... I dreamt I met Martin O'Neill last night and he told me Defour was a done deal......I don't read anything into this other than I'm so desperate for some kind of action around Villa Park that I'm making it up in my sleep now

Comment 8, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.54 am

vijay said:

... i hope we get hangeland but as i said hope....and maybe pray!

Comment 9, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.57 am

Mark Johnson said:

... Arbee said: ... I dreamt I met Martin O'Neill last night and he told me Defour was a done deal......I don't read anything into this other than I'm so desperate for some kind of action around Villa Park that I'm making it up in my sleep now Sorry mate I dream of other things, Angelina Jolie for starters NOT MoN

Comment 10, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.57 am

CP said:

... I think Villa will make at least one move in the market this week, even if out of necessity to fend off competition. I get the feeling that we're in for the lad Berg, and with the Spuds and perhaps others chasing him I think money will start getting put on the table very, very soon. I think the Defour issue will be resolved soon too because there's at least 3 clubs after him and Standard will want to scout a replacement - as we will for Barry. This is all assuming of course that we are actually interested in, and prepared to business for these two players. Here's hoping.

Comment 11, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.58 am

Abdul Kashif said:

... Well, the transfer window is open until August 31st, so anything can happen between now and then. O'Neill isn't really renowned for doing his business early, so I'm not really getting excited yet or even that annoyed. There are a lot of fans out there who are getting a bit miffed but I cant see this transfer window being different to any other. Hope I'm wrong though! I just hope that O'Neill has this 'hitlist' that people keep referring to and gets the players he wants. We don't want to hear that 'small squad' excuse again! Any signings he makes have got to be good enough to drive this club forward and bring greater depth and quality to the whole squad. I'm not saying that we'll drive forward and finish fourth, but on the other hand, we don't want to fall behind in the pecking order. 7 weeks until the window closes so it's anyone's guess when the first proper signing will put pen to paper. Just an idea, but how about an approach for Jan Venegoor of Hesselink? He's a free agent and could provide a bit of competition up front, and would be a very good squad player.

Comment 12, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.00 am

truevillan said:

... 6 signings this week please! then i can stop surfin these sites for info and get on with my life again!

Comment 13, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.02 am

jason the ace said:

... any one fancy Hangeland ? id love him down the villa but the prices quoted are 15m

Comment 14, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.02 am

vijay said:

... abz1888, please dont give mon any of your silly ideas about hesselink and transfers, he has enough of his own!!

Comment 15, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.03 am

Martin Clabon said:

... Hardly a ringing endorsement of MON Damo? "we will finally start to do things the right way, it has to happen one day even if it is happening by chance". While it is your site and obviously you can do what you like this is what annoys me and sets the negative tone for the site. When you say something "positive" it always comes across as a sly dig. Are we not already doing things the "right way" which is mot to say we don't all want better quality signings but that's a different thing. If things go right will it be "happening by chance" or could it be hard work, integrity and planning? I'd rather you came out with oen criticism than this type of snipping from the sidelines and playing to the rabble

Comment 16, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.07 am

Dubai Dave said:

... To summary the above post: Nothing to report - yawn - no players bought in yet - yawn - nothing to blog about - yawn Can we not get 'some' news in, youth squad perhaps, general goings on at Villa Park - anything?

Comment 17, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.08 am

lucky4 said:

... Im just waiting for the bentely signing to be announced! I do believe he was in talks with us and im waiting for the announcement! If it doesnt happen then i will be very angry as he would be a great addition to the team! Get hangeland and veloso aswell and that will be a great start!

Comment 18, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.09 am

Shashwat said:

... I've heard a new rumor and its Pederson arriving at Villa Park.

Comment 19, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.10 am

Milk said:

... Damian you say there will be no suprises, so who are you expecting? I was expecting Owen but thats not gonna happen now. I think Bentley is definately happening (I hope). £8mil would be a bargain

Comment 20, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.11 am

Abdul Kashif said:

... Lol! Vijay, no one knows M.O.N's ideas, not even him! I just think that along with all the (potential) big name signings, the gaffer should be looking at loans and one or two free transfers to bulk up the squad. There are some very good players to be had out there that could do a great job, on loan to begin with. It's all about keeping everyone on their toes. I'm thinking back to when we signed Luc Nilis on a free. He was 32 and could have been a very useful player if it wasn't for that horrific injury. What a great debut goal though! Carbone also comes to mind.. OK, Venegoor probably wasn't the greatest example but someone like Oguchi Onyewu is available on a free.

Comment 21, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.13 am

Damian said:

... Milk Maybe Bentley, maybe Campbell, maybe Defour or Jenas or Huddlestone. Maybe one or tow others but maybe also a player we haven't heard of but I don't think they will be that impressive.

Comment 22, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.14 am

clarkamus said:

... contradicting yourself always week to week have you got bipolar disorder

Comment 23, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.15 am

mikey18 said:

... Hangeeland has just turned down a new contract at fulham which doubled his wages, he must not be happy. I think Al Fahed would accept a big bid in the region of 15mil, then its just convincing the Norwegian to come...don't we have a Norwegian already playing for us who loves the club??...Lets hope it works in our favour. 15mil is steep but he is exactly what the club needs after the departure of Laursen. Jermaine Pennant and Lucas Neil are both available on free's, Jermaine Pennant is 5x the player Routledge will ever be and would be good cover down the right hand side. Lucas Neil would be a genuine quality signing he would push Luke Young to left back or for first team football, he was also captain at west ham and we need leaders. I don't really like the Berg link, yes he got the golden boot at the U21 tournament but Baros got it at the European Championships once didn't he!!! 8mil is too much of a gamble, i would much rather proven quality in...Dareen Bent for 10mil? or a rising star like Frazier Campbell...Hes impressed. Bentley is a player of the quality we need to kick on and im hoping that is a done deal! Naughton and delph would be a good investment in promising youngsters. And obviously we need to replace Barry. Veloso? Joan Mountinho? Defour? Elano?

Comment 24, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.15 am

Dubai Dave said:

... .... This is supposed to be the 'Villa blog'. Not just the 'Transfer rumour blog'. It's quite a poor show to just write - don't want to just repeat myself but there really is absolutely nothing new

Comment 25, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.15 am

whitey said:

... jason the ace said: any one fancy Hangeland ? Not me. He is ugly. And a man.

Comment 26, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.19 am

toastman said:

... Nothing wrong with optimisum damian so stay with it. My only concern is that Hangeland is a play I would like at the villa but I would like MON to take a risk with a quality up and comming player,before other clubs buy them, they have a great season then we buy at an inflated price. e.g L Young and now possibly Hangeland at a higher price than we could have got him for if we got in before Fulham.

Comment 27, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.20 am

DavidC said:

... That Berg will be a very, very good player. Bayern Munich are sniffing after him, so we need to move sharp if anything is to come of it.

Comment 28, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.20 am

Damian said:

... Dubai Dave You are right. It was a poor show and if you take away all the transfer news, which coincidentally the club site also place up on the homepage, and we only talk about Aston Villa news and opinion, these are the subjects I've got to pick from today: Nick Shorey talking about our strikers or Emile Heskey telling us his first season was a learning curve What one would you have preferred? Actually, it would also be nicer if instead of just quoting what you want to quote, you quote the full text of what I posted so you also get the context. I don't want to just leave what was put up yesterday and I also don't want to just repeat myself but there really is absolutely nothing new and I really do think we'll have some player announcements sooner rather than later.

Comment 29, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.21 am

vijay said:

... yeah abz, the best free transfer to be had was owen and we didnt, campbell wud be good as long as we also get someone like hangeland, 10-12 milion he will cost, naughton, bentley veloso, delph and berg, if we can get all those players in thenwe will challenge for top 4 again

Comment 30, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.22 am

Goldie 7 said:

... Tomorrow signings will come it's the 7th

Comment 31, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.23 am

Steveo said:

... Morning all, I was a bit worried about the link with Berg and the price £10m seem very high for a player who isnt proven at prem level. But i then decided to look for him on you tube. Check out his 3rd goal of 4. Bring on the new Berg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJaPylqwgWk

Comment 32, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.24 am

Mark Johnson said:

... Quite right Dammo, Can you put a spell checker on the comments box, the quality of some of the posts is poor (spelling wise) I'd like to see loads of new players at VP as would we all BUT and its a big BUT Will MoN buy someone who may upstet our dressing room? it isn't just about the player on the pitch, it's the togetherness of a team working together, IT'S A SQUAD GAME!!!

Comment 33, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.26 am

David Lewis said:

... I don't really like the Berg link, yes he got the golden boot at the U21 tournament but Baros got it at the European Championships once didn't he!!! 8mil is too much of a gamble, i would much rather proven quality in...Dareen Bent for 10mil? or a rising star like Frazier Campbell...Hes impressed. Doesn't that contradict itself? If Berg wouldn't be classed as a rising star, then who would? Yes, admittedly, it may not work out, but isn't that the part of the definition of 'rising star', otherwise they'd already be a star?! I do think that the signings will come soon - and i believe the Bentley contract is probably all agreed etc. but not sure when it'll be announced. Surely if they're gonna have a press conference to announce any signing MON would be there... so we'll have to wait until he has got back from wherever he went this time.

Comment 34, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.39 am

mikey18 said:

... Lewis D-P, I suppose you are right! Berg is a rising star. My point was i would prefer Campbell over Berg, i just didn't illustrate it very well!! Campbell has played well at U-21 and championship level and has some premier league experience. He got his football education at Manchester United! Hes younger than Berg and would fit more comfortably into our dressing room.

Comment 35, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.48 am

Billy7 said:

... Premiership club interested in Mark Viduka, hope its Small Heath. I'd prefer us to sign Bramble!

Comment 36, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.52 am

Dubai Dave said:

... Damian, To be honest, I’m just getting a bit bored of going over the same ground, over and over again. Endlessly. All the players that have been linked to Villa have been discussed to the death. The discussion points raised on the AVFC website, namely Heskey’s learning curve and Shorey’s opinions did make me laugh – I suspect the Villa web staff are having similar difficulties updating the ‘news section’ of their site as you appear to have. So, there really is nothing happening at Villa at all, (notwithstanding transfer rumours – I understand why Villa would want to keep this under wraps)- Do the club really treat their fans with such contempt? Is there no news concerning Bouma, for instance? Insofar as the quote, I don’t think I departed from the context…

Comment 37, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.52 am

Damian said:

... mikey18 he would also be cheaper than berg which when you list it like you have is surprising where has berg actually played and at what level? the swedish league is very much championship if not a little bit lower and where he is now is very much championship level when you put all teams together

Comment 38, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.53 am

David Lewis said:

... Yeah, maybe... but Berg does look tasty. I would question that if Campbell was up going to be brilliant, then Fergie wouldn't be letting him go. After watching the link on youtube, i also see that Berg takes (and scores) penalties - without Barry, its difficult to see who can actually keep their nerve and be our penalty taker. Athough I'm sure after a season at villa, Berg would be bound to miss a crucial penalty in the world cup!

Comment 39, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.54 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Quite right Dammo, Can you put a spell checker on the comments box, the quality of some of the posts is poor (spelling wise) I'd like to see loads of new players at VP as would we all BUT and its a big BUT Will MoN buy someone who may upstet our dressing room? it isn't just about the player on the pitch, it's the togetherness of a team working together, IT'S A SQUAD GAME!!! Was that intentional? UPSET, come on Elvis

Comment 40, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.54 am

deano avfc said:

... I would love us to sign Berg, Bentley and Jenas. Berg is a gamble, but he can score goals and that is priceless. I wish Gabby knew how to finish in front of goal and MON plays him week in week out. Jenas is an ideal attacking midfielder that we lack, Bentley is required to add a bit of class to get crosses in to Carew. We cannot afford to let Carew go, He is going to be a vital player for us this season with Berg as his new strike partner. UTV

Comment 41, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.55 am

Mark Johnson said:

... just wanted to see if you read the posts fully LOL

Comment 42, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.58 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Why suddenly Berg - 2 weeks ago I would bet 99% of us hadn't even heard of him? Now he is the £8M goal scoring saviour of Villa! What about giving Delf more outings? As Damo said the guy has only played in a Mickey Mouse league and that kind of price tag would weigh heavily on his shoulders.

Comment 43, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.59 am

Abdul Kashif said:

... Sweden aren't going to make the World Cup, so no chance of Berg missing a penalty there then!

Comment 44, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.59 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... just wanted to see if you read the posts fully Always, and sentences generally start with a capital letter

Comment 45, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.00 pm

vijay said:

... we need someone to score goals, this boy can, he is a risk no doubt, but nowdays you have to take a risk, if he scores15-20 goals a season for us he will be gone to a bigger club for double the money, he is mediocre then he will leave at half the price to someone else, thats the way we have to look at it, but Berg for me has the potential to be a hit in england

Comment 46, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.04 pm

Mark Johnson said:

... Always, and sentences generally start with a capital letter bugger off and stop being so pinikety !! As for your post, I think it'll depend on the character of the lad whether the price weighs heavy on his shoulders.

Comment 47, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.04 pm

deano avfc said:

... We need someone who knows how to finish, sorry its just a dream of mine that villa have someone who can put the ball away and this kid can after seeing some of the goals he's scored. 8M is a massive gamble but if we can get him on some sort of deal which rises to 8M on goals and app then surely its worth taking. Gabby and Fonz are fast but they dont look confident in front of goal. I hope fonz proves me wrong but he lacked confidence in putting the ball away when given his chances last season. UTV

Comment 48, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.07 pm

David Lewis said:

... Hmmm... the Berg vs Campbell thing is difficult. I just think that with all the youngsters Fergie bloods an Utd, if he was up to it, then he would've played more under Fergie. Does anyone know his strike rate at spuds? Berg may not have a lot of premiership experience, but neither did Hangeland, and now he's touted at 10-15 million. I think there is more chance of uncovering a gem who slipped through the net due to being brought up in another country, as young British talent is very well monitored. I know it was only a few games, but surely Berg standing out in the under 21s has to count for something... after all these are the players he will be encountering in the future. I'm not totally convinced either, I'm just thinking out loud. I just fancy we have a punt on someone a little more unpredictable - thats what makes football exciting!

Comment 49, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.09 pm

Dubai Dave said:

... Elvis, 'Pinikety' is actually spelt 'pernickety'....

Comment 50, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.10 pm

frosty said:

... Couple of interesting pieces .. Zaki 1. http://www.birminghammail.net/...-24083986/ South Americans To Villa 2. http://www.birminghammail.net/...-24084240/

Comment 51, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.11 pm

sam4villacilla4life said:

... 1874avfc: Why suddenly Berg - 2 weeks ago I would bet 99% of us hadn't even heard of him? Now he is the £8M goal scoring saviour of Villa! What about giving Delf more outings? As Damo said the guy has only played in a Mickey Mouse league and that kind of price tag would weigh heavily on his shoulders. we need another striker for defo cuz harewood is pretty much gone so if we didnt get another striker that wud leave us with carew, gabby, heskey and fonz and im not convinced that if carew or gabby got injured that we wud score every week

Comment 52, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.13 pm

vijay said:

... O’Neill has been mulling over a move for Sweden’s young hot-shot Marcus Berg but it is believed Fulham and Tottenham have stolen a march on them by firming up their interest. The above is in Birmingham Mail, typical of MON , he mulls too much and others jump and sign the player, we have a muppet of a mananger!

Comment 53, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.13 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... deano, A deal that rises to £8M wold be the best option - don't think I would want to spend much more than £5M initially (like it's my money!), but then add in £3-4M once he hits 50 apearances or 25 goals, etc and I would be happier. To me there are other areas of the pitch which are much more important at the mo (CB, RB, Mid)

Comment 54, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.14 pm

vijay said:

... 1874AVFC mate, are you MON in disguise?????

Comment 55, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.16 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... Villa been linked to Edison Cavani (not really heard of him) and Falcao (who I believe would be agreat signing, without having seen him agreat deal but on reputation) Apparent ly they have issued a "come and get me" plea although I must say the text of the article did not back this up very strongly. Also, Zaki claims we made an £11m bid for him in january so maybe Heskey was 2nd/ 3rd choice after all

Comment 56, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.18 pm

deano avfc said:

... Its still an area that needs addressed as much as the others. Heskey = dont get me started.. Fonz = doesn't have the confidence and when played stays to far from the target striker to win balls off.. Gabby = lazy at times and should score a lot more goals with the chances he has.. Harewood = cant see him playing for us again UTV

Comment 57, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.23 pm

meregolfclub said:

... Fulham have gone off to Australia on pre season training but Hangeeland has not gone Interesting?

Comment 58, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.24 pm

Abdul Kashif said:

... Radamel Falcao would be an interesting and very excting signing. I know that he is very highly rated by Juan Pablo Angel, and he is the next JPA of River Plate. Someone like that would offer something different up front, a bit like Angel. But despite the rumours, would M.O.N actually be interested in signing him?

Comment 59, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.25 pm

Abdul Kashif said:

... D'you reckon that M.O.N and the people at Villa read this blog...?

Comment 60, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.27 pm

Abdul Kashif said:

... Wow.. check this out.. Darius Vassell superstar! http://www.skysports.com/video/clips/0,23791,15855_5416758,00.html

Comment 61, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.33 pm

jason parkes said:

... hangeeland has turned down a new deal at fulham come on mon get him before someone else gets him

Comment 62, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.33 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... abz1888, I think it depends on if he knows anything about him/seen him play or had some scouting reports on him. At least these 2 new names will keep the bloggers well fed for the next few weeks

Comment 63, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.35 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... Damian, Have you deleted some comments? Coul have sworn I was going to reply to one and when I refreshed it has disappeared!

Comment 64, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.44 pm

stephen said:

... he has 1874 mine about my scouse mate has gone lol

Comment 65, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.44 pm

Damian said:

... 1874AVFC Yes, some comments have gone.

Comment 66, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.46 pm

Tim Wood said:

... he has 1874 mine about my scouse mate has gone lol Next he'll be telling us not to get too hot and to drink more water during our "Level 2 Heatwave Alert". Whatever happened to free speech Damo?

Comment 67, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.50 pm

frosty said:

... Just MAYBE this will wake MON up .. even big Johns pushing a bit http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/07/06/oneill-on-signing-alert/

Comment 68, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.51 pm

Mark Johnson said:

... From the express and star .....A commanding defender is a priority for Villa and the imposing Hangeland fits the bill as O’Neill plots a fresh assault on the top four. The Norway captain impressed last season, prompting Fulham boss Roy Hodgson to offer a double-your-money four year deal worth £30,000-a-week. £30k don't sound a lot in this day and age... maybe worth a punt?

Comment 69, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.51 pm

Daniel Wilson said:

... I hope we sign Falcao, I have never seen him play but his name makes him sound really good.

Comment 70, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.52 pm

Damian said:

... Free speech is all well and good but we also have rules in terms of the comments on a page. If you want to talk about something that isn't related to the post, please use the forum as it does make it difficult for some people to come on here to leave a comment when they've got personal banter taking place you will note this doesn't happen every day but it did get a bit silly yesterday and it was already getting a bit silly now and that is exactly why the forum was created, to try and stop it

Comment 71, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.53 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... Symbas, In answer to your deleted question, when I am not teaching English, I finance revolutions (great film!).

Comment 72, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.53 pm

Dubai Dave said:

... Is censorship necessary? – I didn’t think this site was that way inclined? What are the ‘rules’ for contributors Damian?

Comment 73, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.53 pm

Nick said:

... Hangeeland would be great for Villa and I would defo take the gamble on Berg, most Scandinavians adapt well to english football.

Comment 74, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.54 pm

Damian said:

... Dubai Dave Rules are here: http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/villa-blog/park/comment-policy/ Forum is here: http://www.villabanter.com/forum/ In the forum you can start your own threads and talk about anything you want. On this page, the comments are supposed to be about the original post. When people start changing usernames that display and basically go 'off topic' then it isn't fair for everyone else, especially as a resource to do that has been provided. If we didn't provide somewhere else, I'd understand, but we do and for that specific reason.

Comment 75, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.56 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... I think MoN should offer Fulham £12M straight away with £35,000 a week for Hangeland, no messing, get in and get it doen like Man City did with Judas. Otherwise, if Terry goes from Chelsea then he will be snapped up by them (or is Hangeland hoping that City will come in with a big wages deal?). Pains me to say it, but Villa won't get him (although I will be more than happy to eat my words...)

Comment 76, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.59 pm

The pensioner said:

... Damion. Do you have a photo with a smile on your face that you could perhaps post on the site to replace the existing one,You look so miserable,even when you have good news!!...You look as though you have lost a pound and found a tanner!

Comment 77, made on July 06, 2009 at 12.59 pm

pete said:

... bham mail zat knight to bolton.

Comment 78, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.06 pm

vijay said:

... 1874 mate, i agree with everything uve said about hangeland but what to do thats villa we never get the good players!

Comment 79, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.11 pm

oldvillan said:

... i think berg is not a gamble for £8million he made gabby look like a parks player and most of us would say gabby was worth more than £8million.i know we had not heard much about him before the u21 games but how many of us had heard of christiano ronaldo before he played over here.anyway can i have a new goalkeeper............

Comment 80, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.16 pm

Billy7 said:

... Regarding Hangleand, i think it means Hodgson has offered him double his wages 30k to 60k. Give him what we were gonna give Barry, he is just what we need! But i think we're going with Carlos and Curtis! Remember being linked with Falcao ages ago, and read about him and watched some of his goals, awsome! Take time to settle though and would be shocked if we went for him. Inter milan not interested in Carvalliho, Deco. Prefer Carvalliho to Campbell and prefer Deco to Jenas!

Comment 81, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.17 pm

vijay said:

... no billy mate from 15k to 30k, so if mon really wants and has the money it should be no problem but then again we all know how mon is....

Comment 82, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.32 pm

Billy7 said:

... well if he's only been offered 30k, i mean i wouldn't get out of bed for that! Surprising! But like i said i think MON will go with Carlos and Curtis, if so, i hope it works otherwise Hangland will be the talk this time next year, 'we should have signed him' lets hope not eh!

Comment 83, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.39 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... Blimey: Everton are expected to make American midfielder Anton Peterlin their first summer signing after the 22-year-old impressed while on trial at Goodison Park. Peterlin currently plays for Ventura County Fusion, who compete in the fourth tier of football in the United States.

Comment 84, made on July 06, 2009 at 1.39 pm

Aero-For-Villa said:

... anyone see MON offered 11 million for Zaki in January??? what the hell was he thinking??? http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/aston-villa-fc/aston-villa-news/2009/07/06/amr-zaki-claims-aston-villa-made-11m-offer-97319-24084789/ we could get top world class quality for that money - Henry perhaps. And MON wanted to gamble on that un-proffesional knob! UTV!

Comment 85, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.00 pm

clarkamus said:

... handeland is a must for me now, gotta be done on the QT otherwise man cheaty mite try and buy him as they are trying to buy everyone

Comment 86, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.08 pm

RayK said:

... okay, not as depressed as I was a few weeks about signings as I think it will all start slipping into place over the next couple of weeks. None of the clubs above us have materially strenghtened and the only team below us to have doene anything is Manchester City. If in a couple of weeks time the top 5 and Spuds have signed 3-4 players and we're still linked with Bramble then its time to get seriously worried. Frazier Campbell vs Marcus Berg - I'd opt for Berg assuming price for both similar. Also he'd played in the Dutch League over the past couple of years and given the number of goals he's scored I'm amazed he hasn't attracted greater attention and this lad could prove a bargain. Same goes for Radamel Falcao - £6.4m would be the deal of the century. He's got an excellent record at River Plate and if he could emulate JPA's record at Villa Park I'd be well chuffed at that price. Knight to Bolton would be nice, especially if it meant that Cahill came back the other way, evern if we had to pay another £8m or so. Its been said before and I think most people on here would be happy with that too. I've not been the biggest fan of Hangeland but I reckon he's the best available and I agree £12m should be enough. Alternatively if we got one of Hangeland and Cahill PLUS Sol Campbell, i'd be pretty happy with that too. Its weird that neither Bentley or Naughton haven't signed (either for us or any other team) - I can only assume that MON sees these players as second choice and it trying to get other targets in ahead of them?

Comment 87, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.11 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... RayK, Good thoughts there - one of my biggest concerns so far is that Spurs have done nothing and Harry has been very quiet (unusual for him, unless Levy has told him to keep things quiet), which brings me to (wrongly?) assume there may be some dealings between Villa and Spurs.

Comment 88, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.17 pm

rob h said:

... a874 harry has confirmed his top targets were barry and santa cruz hence why it all seems quiet on the spuds front

Comment 89, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.25 pm

PBVilla said:

... Damo Help! I registered on the site a while ago but im having log in issues. It doesnt seem to recognise me but when I try and re-register it tells me I already am. I keep having to post as a guest which is getting my goat a little. Can you help me resolve this some how? Also I hear Inter dont want Carvalho any more, does anyone think we could attract him? That would be a quality signing in my eyes. He could play every week for us, not sure of his wages or if he would even want to come, but just a thought! The other centre backs we are being linked with are not exactly filling me with confidence ... UTV

Comment 90, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.26 pm

Paul Theiss said:

... Vijay: O’Neill has been mulling over a move for Sweden’s young hot-shot Marcus Berg but it is believed Fulham and Tottenham have stolen a march on them by firming up their interest. The above is in Birmingham Mail, typical of MON , he mulls too much and others jump and sign the player, we have a muppet of a mananger! Are you really basing your opinion on drivel in the Birmingham Mail? The line "it is believed Fulham and Tottenham have stolen a march on them by firming up their interest" could not be any vaguer. How exactly does one "firm up their interest," short of making a bid?

Comment 91, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.28 pm

Damian said:

... @PBVilla The email address you have used for this comment is not in our system so you should be able to use it for registering.

Comment 92, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.40 pm

Phil Round said:

... Well, you're a damn sight more optimistic than me Damian!!!! But in MON we trust!! (GULP)

Comment 93, made on July 06, 2009 at 2.48 pm

TheColonel said:

... BBC gossip is saying that we are after Falcao and Edison Cavani. Somehow i doubt MON is after them but atleast we are being linked with a better class of striker. Cavani especially is being linked with every top european club. Out of the two im not sure who would be better, as both in my opinion can be world class.

Comment 94, made on July 06, 2009 at 3.36 pm

Lukas said:

... I reckon that whole AWOL situation with Zaki could have sparked off because off this suggested story, Off him, that Wigan rejected a Mahooosive bid of 11million from us in January. Kind of fits the bill too I reckon. & a signing we Would have relished if not heard these stories of him going AWOL. Still could be something in the water perhaps??

Comment 95, made on July 06, 2009 at 3.48 pm

PBVilla said:

... Damo, ive been putting my other email address in the guest posts, I registered with my proper main email.

Comment 96, made on July 06, 2009 at 3.48 pm

PBVilla said:

... This post is from my correct email. UTV

Comment 97, made on July 06, 2009 at 3.50 pm

avfc56 said:

... Berg would be a quality signing although 8m seems excessive for a player who plays at that level, but he would be a revelation alongside big John

Comment 98, made on July 06, 2009 at 4.01 pm

dave said:

... my son plays for the villa acadamy and they had a parents day yesterday in which mon car was parked up and was told by one of the coaching staff that he has flew to sweden make of that what you want

Comment 99, made on July 06, 2009 at 5.49 pm

toastman said:

... tivivilla Right now we'll take anything.

Comment 100, made on July 06, 2009 at 7.11 pm

parisianrob said:

... i thin mon is waiting to sell young to manu and then spend big on quality transfer kitty will go to 70million if it happens and ash goes for 30+

Comment 101, made on July 06, 2009 at 7.50 pm

truevillan said:

... so MON has so far, according to various sites, been seen in caribbean,at home, belgium,germany, spain and now sweden! is he on a european hiking holiday! its all BS and guess work, all i know is that we still dont have a player in and more spec about young to manure and downing to us(injured until xmas!!) i love all the spec normally, but if any of this is true we are in for a very poor season, iv got to believe this is crap, as we are in europe and lesser teams dont seem to be havin the problems we are keepin hold of players! i think we all need a signing just to calm our nerves!

Comment 102, made on July 06, 2009 at 8.33 pm

nigel said:

... Will someone please remind me where we bought Ashley Young from and what level he'd played at? Berg is a class act. If you've got it you've got it!

Comment 103, made on July 06, 2009 at 9.22 pm

jaywillis said:

... Zaki is not worth £11m and the bid wasn't to Wigan it was to his club, he was only on loan at Wigan. Sounds like a way to get noticed to me, can't see MON offering £11m for him. Zat Knight linked to Bolton, swap for Gary Cahill anyone? We should never have sold him!!!!

Comment 104, made on July 06, 2009 at 9.52 pm

simondgm said:

... aaaaargggggggggggggggh so frustrating. now the usual media allies of purple faced git at manure are tapping up ash (usual tactics). WTF! next we'll hear long time target bentley (who still is hardly Champ League standard) is offski to another club.

Comment 105, made on July 06, 2009 at 9.52 pm

confusedvillafan said:

... simon, think man u are after a french winger obertan, mon wont sell ash.

Comment 106, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.11 pm

simondgm said:

... hope you're right, confusedvillafan. chavsea will probably have a go and probably MossSide Globetrotters. thinking about big positives for next year - next season milner and gabby will be stronger (AY too if he does indeed stay). wonder if GA and AY will take Michael Johnson up on his offer for sprint training to get even quicker. seemed like a good idea!

Comment 107, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.17 pm

tiptonvillan said:

... just seen on espn we have signed defour

Comment 108, made on July 06, 2009 at 10.53 pm

confusedvillafan said:

... moss side globetrotters lol

Comment 109, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.09 pm

truevillan said:

... tiptonvillan i can see nothing, is this just a cruel joke!

Comment 110, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.16 pm

AussieVillan said:

... MON , Bentley and Hangeland this week and all us Villa fans can rest easy for a couple more weeks till we start getting worried again . Then get Defour , Jenas , Distin , Naughton and a striker . Definately not Zaki .

Comment 111, made on July 06, 2009 at 11.18 pm

Woodinho said:

... Why is it soooooooooooooooo quiet???????? Coooomee oooooooon mon!!!!

Comment 112, made on July 07, 2009 at 12.26 am

truevillan said:

... rumour on crouch now, if this is true, then worrying because it could be as a replacement for carew, cant see us needing another big guy. hopefully all rumours as crouch and downing replacing carew and young would be a massive step back!

Comment 113, made on July 07, 2009 at 12.57 am

bfastvilla said:

... tiptonvillan did you make that defour espn thing up?>

Comment 114, made on July 07, 2009 at 3.50 pm

rake said:

... WHERE ARE THE SIGNINGS MARTIN 'NO'DEAL'??!!WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG?WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?WHERE IS THE AMBITION?WE'RE ALL TOTALLY PISSED OFF WITH LATE AVERAGE SIGNINGS,JUST FOR ONCE WAKE UP AND DO SOMETHING NOW!!!!!!

Comment 115, made on July 07, 2009 at 9.04 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... rake, don't think you speak for everyone. Is MON not signing players because he has no ambition or is it more likely you have no clue?

Comment 116, made on July 07, 2009 at 11.17 pm

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