Written by Damian Wednesday, 06 January 2010 11:59
I mean no disrespect to Scottish football but given the chance Celtic and Rangers would sell their soul to play in our league week in week out. The quality is like League One, or let's call it what it really is shall we; Division Three in England.
Which is why it is difficult to watch a player in Scotland and really know if he could do the business in the Premier League. I pose the question because Matty Kendrickson over at the Birmingham Mail reckons we are following Kris Boyd.
Now, he has attributed it to sources 'north of the border' but it isn't in any publication 'north of the border' only the Birmingham Mail, which leads me to believe, 'according to sources', that this is just pure rumour whoring from Mr Kendrickson. I just hope he isn't going the way of the Howell.
The thing is, you can only take the chances that are created for you and by all accounts, Boys is a lazy git but does take his chances and that is unfortunately where it all falls down for me. O'Neill isn't going to be interested in a player that isn't going to run 7 miles a game and Boyd by all accounts, isn't going to run for a pint.
Moving on, there was a little bit of talk last night that Villa were interested in Jermaine Beckford and in my head I have dismissed it but the odds at Sky Bet are 2/1 that he will be a Villa player by the end of the month, so it deserves a mention.
The thing is, Division Three is a bit like Scotland. Just because you score in Division Three doesn't mean you are going to score in the big playground and not when you are 26 years old and have failed to make the step up so far.
So, I'm leaving both rumours where they belong for now, but they are getting a rating.
Kris Boyd coming: you could see this happening, only because when you mention bringing in proven European quality to O'Neill he looks north of the border, but chances are slim, so I'm going to rate this two out of five.
The thing is, with O'Neill, you really never know what is going on in his head. One day it is 'no players in January' and the next it is 'one or two', but I really do think this is agent talk trying to force a move to his former manager at The Clowns.
Jermaine Beckford coming: same as Boyd for me, two out of five. I just can't see it happening, but talk is O'Neill has changed his mind three times today about what he is having for lunch, so don't be surprised.
Gareth Barry not a happy chappy
Lastly today, there is talk that Gareth Barry is very unhappy and I thought I'd mention it, because well, it made me smile. The talk is Mancini isn't a fan and that Mancini sees his position as his number one priority to fill and Barry is fully aware of what is going on.
Talk is Barry wants out, fearing he will lose his England place ahead of the World Cup later this year if he is dropped at Manchester City, so his best mate and agent is on the phone and apparently on the list of teams to call, is Aston Villa. Would you like him back?
I'll leave you with that for today unless we sign someone or someone is sold or an earthquake happens or Megan Fox calls offering me private snaps of her in the the Villa shirt she found in my wardrobe when I was asleep.
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Adey Stuttard
said:
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... Tough one, Barry back to Villa? As long as he is happy sat on the bench and we only pay about £4M for him - good squad player  |
Mike Carter
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... O'Neill doesn't have any particularly tendency to look at players in Scotland, he just signed a few from his former club who happen to be Scottish. Most managers try that to be fair. I'd take Barry back. On a number of conditions though: firstly we'd need to see a repeat of the Liverpool/Keane debacle. I'm talking royally mugging City off - no more than £4m or so. Secondly, Barry would need to come back with his tail between his legs, apologise for being a dick, and be totally fine with the fact he'd start out warming the bench and wait for his opportunities. Everyone's a winner. Well, Villa are the winners really and everybody else loses. |
rodders
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... barry is a class player i would have him back now! in all honesty i cant understand how we pushed on without him, total fluke i say sarcasm overload oh joy |
Darragh McGeown
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... I for one would not have GB back and I'm delighted it's not working out for him (yes I'm still bitter over the manner in which he left). |
Michael Statham
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... personally i would like beckford but others wouldnt i mean, if he was given the right service and chances... he would score more than gabby in a season he has proven he can score at our level by scorin against man utd so why the hell not??? UTV     |
John Samuels
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... I'd have Barry back, he is class. Cover for Petrov though. He'd have to work hard to play his way back in. Would he be welcomed by the other lads? I can't see it going down very well with Nigel & Fabien. |
John Samuels
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...he has proven he can score at our level by scorin against man utd so why the hell not??? A crap lucky goal. I thought he'd fluffed it because his first touch was so bad. Gabby is far better. |
Andi
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... Barry how are you in your role at Man City ?? could you lose your England place ?? are Liverpool now to skint to offer you a way out ?? Have Villa pushed on without you and now no longer need or want you back ??? SERVES you right you greedy KNOB, I will not shed a tear should you lose your ENGLAND place. |
Andi
said:
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... I would rather play EMULE in the middle than take BARRY back he poo poo'd on us lot for the bright lights and big promises of MAN CITY and now they dont want him we could offer him a way out ??? not a chance why should we he done nothing for us apart from mug us off why should we save him ??? |
davidc
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... Barry won't come back. Far more likely he'll end up Spurs, Arsenal or Liverpool. I'd take him back yes. But he won't come back. |
tubbydunne
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... Ya. Barry back wouldn't be bad, he would have to fight it out with Petrov for a center mid spot beside milner though. He would bring experience and add depth but is not the game winning attacking midfielder we all crave(I don't think there is anyone in this mode we could attract, watched van der vart the other night against Ossasuna and he was crap) However he is a lot better than Sidwell or Coker and would also aid Delph's development so it would be sound business if he was got at half the price he was sold for. |
Steve Hadley
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... I would takje Barry back if it was on our terms for the right money...offer Sidwell in part exchange! |
Nick
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... I don't mean to sound argumentative Damian, but how is Kendrickson's 'rumour whoring' about Boyd any different from 'talk' about Gareth Barry? If anything, i'd just like your opinion on it thats all.  |
john
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... I'd be torn over the barry thing... he would either come back just a beaten lad, or he'd come back with absolutely everything to prove to villa fans, as I'd half consider he'd only come back if his heart was 100% in it. 100% barry, I'd take back... He could still bring something to our team. I'd ditch Sidwell immediately in place of him. On the other hand, I think too much water has passed under the bridge for him to come back. |
Mike F
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... Would love him back. He'll fit in perfectly in the new "rotation". Also- he makes his penalty kicks. |
John Samuels
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... Petrov, Barry, Milner, Reo Coker, Delph, Sidwell. Not a bad selection. If Barry came back it would make us so much more solid in midfield and we could rest Petrov in games. Milner and Barry in the middle would be a great pairing. Would Martin have him? he isn't very forgiving is he? We should sign Kenwyne Jones. |
Chris Harper
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... I would shed a tear Chiefy.... When I'm rolling around the floor in laughter!! What a shame Barry. Would still have him back though |
Chrisodon
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... You can't knock what a good player Barry is and i for one would like him back as i feel him and milner in the middle would be good. (only if stan is injured of course). Then we can look at is he better than our current bench warming Cm's ?..the answer is yes. But he'll never come back to us, He'll end up at Spurs or L'pool. Also Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't League 1 the old Division 2 not 3 ?. And no to Boyd and Beckford, I'd rather we waited and see who Man City buy and see if we can tempt away Santa Cruz or Bellamy before buying lower league quality. |
Chrisodon
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... Talking of CM's i'd quite like Cattermole to be Petrovs replacement, if he could perfect his tackling to not get booked as much he'd be a worthwhile buy. |
JakeB
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... Chrisodon League 1 is the old division 3 back in the days before the premier league. It only became division 2 when the old first division became the premier league |
Martin Garner
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... No to Barry. I feel we reached the point of no return with him. Although, I think Boyd is definitley worth a punt at the £1.5 million that's being branded about. He's got a great goal scoring record, is still quite young and won't cost much. Sounds low risk to me. Why not? |
Dema
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... Are you or are you not talking about a man who is unhappy about being freezed out at Man City being happy to come and sit on the bench at Villa, a club with less ambition and money? |
pally
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... i agree with damain about jermaine if hes good y isnt he in the premier league ofcourse saying that fabian delph is from leeds but hes very young jermaine is 26 he is crapper than what we got at the moment also id like to see barry back imagine him,petrov,milner,delph,coke, and sidwell contending for 2 places cant see it tho |
Car Frost
said:
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... Arsene Wenger is a massive Barry fan, thats where I think he would end up IF he left Man City, I hope he goes there slips on the ice and is forced to retire through injury. The Boyd rumour is gather pace quickly, it's on a number of different sites already: http://www.clubcall.com/aston-...02491.html http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Fo...the_best_ in_the_business.aspx And others... see News Now Scotland is a piss poor league but Sutton, Larsson and co were pretty special and did you know this.. The Scottish international recently broke Celtic legend Henrik Larsson’s all-time scoring record to become the SPL’s most prolific striker ever For 1.6m thats probably worth a punt. |
Chrisodon
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... Cheers JakeB. Boyd is nothing but a backwords step, Petrov used to score about 8 to 10 goals a season at Celtic, Kenny Miller still scores a few up here and did nothing in his whole time in England. My point is as good as he is in the SPL doesn't necessarily mean it will translate well here as it's a slower game and Defenders are woeful most of the time. And another thing Boyd really does nothing other than score, But he's slower than the Mule touches like a rapist and doesn't exactly hold the ball up well. Trust me on this if he signed for give it two to three games and he'd moaned about to no end. |
John Samuels
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...Petrov used to score about 8 to 10 goals a season at Celtic In a different role. My point is as good as he is in the SPL doesn't necessarily mean it will translate well here as it's a slower game and Defenders are woeful most of the time i'll pay half what we paid for harewood to find out. And another thing Boyd really does nothing other than score a good job we've got the hardest working team in the league. |
heskeyshead
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... Barry gave us nine years of service. i think he was entitled to a move. ok his agent did not do it for the best interest of the player but still, he wanted to go 2008 summer but we kept him and he gave a year out of his footballing career. Then he left which is what we all expected anyway. Man City had the money, his agent got a massive fee for himself, and there was no massive summer-long debacle. Do you think he would want to come back to villa park after how the majority of villa fans treated him when he came with Man City? |
Adrian Kilgallon
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... This won't go down well but we need better CM's then Barry is to push on. He has ,in my mind at least, ever been a top CM. He can do certain things well but he can never control a game. There is a reason City are looking at his position as the area to improve on. Don't over look that fact. We were not much better in the CM then we are this one. Now if MON wanted to play Barry as a left sided midfielder then i would have him back in a flash. On loan first. I really doubt Barry would come back though. |
Mike Carter
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... It pains me to say this a great deal guys, but I really think the scum have more money at their disposal than we do, at least for this transfer window anyway. |
John Samuels
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... I don't understand why people aren't up for Boyd. He will cost £1.5m and has the best goal scoring record in the SPL....EVER! Worst case scenario is he does nothing and we lose £1.5m and he buggers off in the summer. Middle of the road scenario is he gets a couple of goals, stays for a while, we loan him out and make a couple of million on him by selling him back to Scotland or a promoted club. Minimum risk in my opinion and there is a voles whisker of a chance he could get 10 goals between now and the end of the season. I'd take a punt in a nano second. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...Man City buy and see if we can tempt away Santa Cruz or Bellamy before buying lower league quality Good call. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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...... So you be happy to waste even more money on a player most know just won't cut it. Everyone knew that Harewood wouldn't be up to it as well. And because of wasting money on guys like this we have over looked players like Diarra and Defoe because we didn't want to pay them the going rate in wages. No wonder if we are going to waste in on rubbish like that. |
John Samuels
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...So you be happy to waste even more money on a player most know just won't cut it. You don't know tho do you. I remember what people said about Larsson when he was up there. And yes I would be happy, £1.5m is sod all in the scheme of this season, let the lad have a crack at the EPL if he thinks he's so good. Steven Davis says he's never seen a more natural finisher. Harewood would not score 97 goals in four seasoons in Scotland. |
Andi
said:
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... SANTA CRUZ would be nice as would KENWYNE JONES but i still think for 1.5 million lets have a go with BOYD and sign one of the others aswell ! |
Damian
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... ak_27 i dont think it will go down any other way than accepted as probably true when barry was a villa player, when supporters spoke about him they had claret and blue tinted glasses on. now they've had a chance to see hi play for someone else, they might take those glasses off every now and then and they will probably actually see that you are right. decent player, sure, but what he is good at is doing the basics - he doesn't do much else we berate players for failing at doing more but if those players did only the basics and what was safe and never tried the extras then we'd praise them .. we need someone that can do the basics and has a little more in the engine and ability department |
heskeyshead
said:
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... i cannot believe Man City are after Viera. That is ridiculous, he is 33! There is a reason Wenger got rid of him 3/4 years ago. I watched Inter Milan play Arsenal and i remember Fabregas making him look amateur for 90 minutes. If they do sign Viera then they have Barry, Ireland, De Jong, Viera. They are all nearly identical players aside from Ireland who is a little more box to box. I cannot see who will stay and go! De Jong has been decent and Barry has been there best player next to given and bellamy. |
John Samuels
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... ak & Damian, He's better than Sidwell. I'd take him as an option, but he isn't better than what we already have. Delph will surpass him in 18 months. |
Michael panizza
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... I'd have Barry back, for a couple of millions only though. Pride aside, between Sidwell and Barry who would you choose? |
neil bangor
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... I'm with JPA on all. Look at this: 1. Gareth was one of our best players for years. 2. He is still a good player. 3. He probably still has a home in ?Sutton Coldfield? 4. He knows we are very ambitious. 5. He will get a pay off. 6. He is one of the most versatile players in the league. 7. He rarely misses penalties. I would defo have him back. More of a chance than Damo falling asleep in Megan's presence GBN KJN KBN Lets have the whole f...ing lot |
Chrisodon
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... JPA, Petrov in his first two seasons played in the position for us and celtic and didn't do much, Infact fans wanted him benched. And While Boyd might be cheap or free depending if we wait, Would you not prefer if we bid 8 to 10 mil for someone like Babel ?. Rather than gamble on players like Boyd & Beckford, The Hare was a stop gap. We now need to push on from Stop gaps to actual quality if we want to be in the top 4.And lastly we might have a hard working team but we moan carew doesn't do enough, And Boyd would do a hell of alot less for us. |
Car Frost
said:
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...Do you think he would want to come back to villa park after how the majority of villa fans treated him when he came with Man City? It's not France heskeyshead - this is England the country of morals - I would flip the question .. if your girlfriend left you for a rich guy then he died would you take her back? |
Darragh McGeown
said:
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... With regards Boyd, I agree that the Scottish league is not the best place to prove your worth but its a good indication to your abilities. Let's not forget that you're only as good as the players around you and by moving to the premiership you work with better clubs, players and coaches which will in turn make you a better player. KB has got better and better each season proving that he has the capacity to improve and that he is not a one trick pony. I think this relatively small investment is well worth it considering the potential return |
Mike Carter
said:
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...It's not France heskeyshead - this is England the country of morals - I would flip the question .. if your girlfriend left you for a rich guy then he died would you take her back? Did she inherit any of his money? |
heskeyshead
said:
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... Barry did more than "basics" damian. he was our best passer of the ball without a doubt. and from centre midfield he scored 6 goals (good penalties) and 7 assists in the EPL alone, and many considered last year not as good as 07/08. Is it no coincidence that we haven't scored as many goals this year than last year? |
jesus
said:
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... i'd rather barry in the middle than petrov. he's one of the most naturally gifted english footballers of his generation and england would be a lot weaker at the world cup next year without him. don't get me wrong, petrov is a good player but our midfield has never looked strong with him in it unless we play with three in there. and as for whoever it was earlier saying barry did nothing for us except mug us off, get a life mate. |
Christian
said:
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... I'd absolutely love Barry to return! In fact, reading the above 'rumour' made me feel a bit giddy Some people don't like what he did, but he didnt murder anyone, Man City were/are a better prospect for his trophy cabinet, and let's not forget, he's a footballer- they don't adore any club they play for like the fans do. I'd love to see his composure in the middle of the park again and that sweet left foot picking out Downing, Milner, Young and co. But it'll never happen, if he does move I think it'll be to cuddle up with Redknapp  All this talk about Beckford, it's very rare to find an unpolished 26 year old diamond nowadays- scouts and clubs pick up kids/young men every single day, he'd be a very unlucky player to have been overlooked for this long in his career. So that tells me he doesn't really have the ability. Does anyone remember another 'lower league diamond' we signed.... Michael Boulding |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... Please Randy, get that nice Mr Oniel to get on the phone to Gareth and get him back to where he belongs, namely the club he really loves and the club that made him an England regular. They say you should never go back, but he could be just the person to propel us into the top four. Him and Bobby Zamora would be nice. Bobby Zamora?????????????? i here you say, and yes i did dismiss it a few weeks ago, but think about it. Hes better than Heskey, hes Villa through and through, and has a good work ethic. Could turn out to be our new Dion |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...I remember what people said about Larsson when he was up there. Well whoever said that didn't have a clue. He was complete player. Boyd is not. Larsson played up in Scotland when the level was far better. It is at an all time low right now which is why Boyd has set this record. £1.5m with another 2m we could have Victor Moses a player with real potential. Like i said before Boyd would not get the chances put on the plate down here like he does up in Scotland. We do not create that many chances that could accomadate a goal poacher (which is why we should also stay well clear of that dutch guy with Ac Milan). Finally JPA you nad many others on here are always going on about the importance of not upsetting the dressing room spirit. Have you followed Boyds career? He has thrown the dummy out twice for both Rangers and Scotland when he wasn't getting picked. He has a terrible attitude and he would be on our bench most of his time down here. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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...He's better than Sidwell. I'd take him as an option I agree but i would fear MON would not then look to bring in the needed upgrade CM which we need. I still think that Barry was at his most influntial out on the left wing where he was a playmaker type. |
John Samuels
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...Would you not prefer if we bid 8 to 10 mil for someone like Babel ? There is nothing about Babel that suggests he would be a better goalscorer in the PL than Boyd. In fact I fancy Boyd would be sharper in front of goal. Babel is a good player and i'd like him, but he's just as much of a risk and 15% of the price. I would sell Carew and bring in Jones and Boyd, but that's just me. I like a bargain and I trust O'Neill's judgement. He knows more about the SPL than any of us and he worked with Henrik up there too. I think he knows what makes a good striker. Also is it not a testament to Mon that Petrov was our best player last season. If Essien went to Celtic he'd probably get 10 goals a season, does that make him a poor PL CM and mean that the SPL is shit....no....he's a good player and so is Petrov. All this comparison stuff about Boyd and the SPL is rubbish. It's bargain. Would you prefer he go to Brum and finish top scorer? Then we can make an offer in the summer when he's valued at £8m. |
John Samuels
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...petrov is a good player but our midfield has never looked strong with him in it unless we play with three in there. He was pretty good in a 4-4-2 in the wins against Man U and Chelsea...get your facts straight. |
neil bangor
said:
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... Is there any way of retrieving a post? I pressed the wrong button in error and it went  Thanks. JPA will know |
Damian
said:
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... heskeyshead we only scored 4 more goals by this time last season but at the same time, it is worth saying that with barry in the midfield last season we had also conceded 4 more goals - so it sort of evens itself out dont you think? funny that actually - the goal difference is exactly the same at this time last season ... but people will always have different views on barry |
Christian
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...Do you think he would want to come back to villa park after how the majority of villa fans treated him when he came with Man City? IT was dog's abuse, some of the worst I've ever heard. But it was to be expected. In our/his favour: He wrote an allegedly heartfelt letter to the fans. He didnt celebrate Bellamy's goal. And at the end of the game he applauded the Holte, who suddenly stopped jeering and whistling and gave him a clap. It was quite a poignant moment, but none of the newspapers picked up on it. I'd say ties are not totally severed based on that, but he still wont return. Just lazy journalism. |
Damian
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... re. retrieving posts - unfortunately no as it isn't in the database until submitted |
jesus
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... actually juan pablo i felt that the midfield was the only place in both those games that we looked vulnerable! and these aren't facts, these are my opinions. |
John Samuels
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...still think that Barry was at his most influntial out on the left wing where he was a playmaker type. Rubbish, CM is his best position by a mile. No pace, awful on the wing. Finally JPA you nad many others on here are always going on about the importance of not upsetting the dressing room spirit. Then sell him! Mon is a manager who has a good record of getting the best out of players, especially those that spat the dummy like Bellamy and NRC. £1.5m is NOTHING!!!! Take a chance and strrap some on. Speculate to accumulate. Well whoever said that didn't have a clue. He was complete player. That would have been everyone, including every PL manager who never signed him and all the pundits and probably you although you'll never admit. Rnagers have a first eleven, they don't rotate that often and the first thing Boyd would have to learn is Villa rotate, you play well then you play more often. Fine you don't want him, I can't see why it's a cracking opportunity to see what he can do. Big Eck was gonna splash £4m on him last year and he's worked with the player extensively. |
Chrisodon
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... I'd laugh myself purple if he went Brum as we would have dodged a bullet, Babel might cost more but is less of a gamble imo, as he was being touted as the next henry and arsenal along with some other big clubs wanted him before the FSW bought and benched him. Also to be fair if essien did go to celtic i fancy he'd score alot more than ten. |
mikey18
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... JPA no the worse case scenario is this... We sign Boyd on a 3 year deal for 1.5 mil plus i'd say about 25k a week, which is an additional 1.3mil a year. In playing him Heskey and Carew are left out, which causes unrest amongst them and the rest of the squad. In playing him our performances as a team dip. In Buying him he scores a couple of goals up until the end of the season and MoN thinks we need to look no further in the summer transfer window. Hes utter crap the next season and refuses to be sold to any other club and sits on the bench picking up his 25k a week because its triple what he'd earn anywhere else see Harewood! Indirect disadvantages might be our clubs reputation is tarnished by signing such low quality players. Makes us a laughing stock amongst fellow football fans. might discourage other players from joining us. Might adversely affect where we finish in the league. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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...Rubbish, CM is his best position by a mile. No pace, awful on the wing. Remember that goal againest Spurs? In fact he scored far more goals from play on the left wing. No pace. I agree. But he is actually better at going past players then Ashley is due to his ability to put defenders going the wrong way by dropping his shoulder. He has a great knack of making space for himself on the left wing. Could really work well with Warnock. In the centre he just was comanding enough for me. Not good enough for where we want to be going as City have found out. Bentiez came out in the summer and said that he had planned to play Barry on the left wing as he thought he would link up great with Torres. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... I still rate Barry as a player, but would I want him back? Not a chance. And I'm glad it's going wrong for him. Never mind, think of all the millions in the bank Gareth you greedy get. Made my day, this has |
neil bangor
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... I want Barry. I wrote a huge text on the benefits. Lost it Basically,like Milner,he can cover a host of positions. My son says Boyd is a smashin player and a snip. Would piss off the scum if we got him ahead of them Does Gareth still live or own a house in B'ham? GBN |
John Samuels
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... jesus, actually juan pablo i felt that the midfield was the only place in both those games that we looked vulnerable! and these aren't facts, these are my opinions. That's fair and I suppose you have a point when he was playing against the maudling pedestrian nobodies in the respective midfields of two of the best teams in the world that we manages to beat....I thought he was very good in both games, a captains performance. Chrisodon, what is Babel's scoring record before Pool? Is it 97 in four seasons? If Kris Boyd was called Kristoff Boyddsson and played in the Swiss league with a scoring record like that, you would all have your c**ks in your hands knocking one out. |
Adrian Kilgallon
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...That would have been everyone, including every PL manager who never signed him and all the pundits and probably you although you'll never admit So are you comparing both players to each other? Because they are nothing alike. One isn't fit to lace the others boots. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... Christien said But it'll never happen, if he does move I think it'll be to cuddle up with Redknapp Rumour has it that Gareth's wife has found it hard to settle up there, and that she misses the Midlands. That rumour has been doing the rounds now for a good couple of monthes. If true, then i think he would jump at the chance. You dont play for a club as long as he did for us, without having a deep feeling for it. I would definately be putting the feelers out on this, especially since Martin was only admitting how we miss him last month. WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!! |
John Samuels
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...So are you comparing both players to each other? No i'm not, i'm just trying to say that saying he's rubbish because he's doing it in the SPL is not an argument. I would argue that he's doing it at all, which means he has a pretty decent chance of succeeding. Cuellar was good up there and he's good down here, the same for Petrov. |
mikey18
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... JPA i just think we should be looking for players with a bit more proven quality and who suit our style of play. Boyd is a poacher, who contributes little to the overall team performance, which is not what we want from a striker! But if MoN wants to sign him i'll back him, just like i backed collin's who turned out to be a smashing player! |
Steve Hadley
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... Babel is complete horse w**k! Let him go to the scum and we shall see how many we can score against them in the return fixture. You can give all the money in the world to those chavs and they wouldn't have a clue what to do with it...they would to Selfridges and end up coming back to buy a shell suit on the market! Boyd has to be worth a shout at 1.5m, that's very little rsik for a player who obviously knows where the back of the net is...don't you think? |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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...No i'm not, i'm just trying to say that saying he's rubbish because he's doing it in the SPL is not an argument. I would argue that he's doing it at all, which means he has a pretty decent chance of succeeding. I agree with you about not judging a player on the league he plays in but i just don't see where he would fit in? I just don't rate him. He is getting the headlines because he scored 5 in one game and thats all. Where exactly would he play for us? And at what cost to other targets would his signing be? He is not what we need right now. |
Damian
said:
|
... Hadders7 i read that babel rumour today .. they want £12mn for him apparently after paying £11.5 - those scousers are a cheeky bunch |
heskeyshead
said:
|
... lol, there is no chance Gareth Barry will come back to Aston Villa. Were you people not at Villa Park for Villa vs Man City. It was really bad! how must he have felt since! would you go back? |
Paul Theiss
said:
 |
... I'm with JPA regarding Boyd. For the rumored money, I'd take the chance. I don't see any (likely) downside. And, Mikey18, I could contrive an equally far-fetched scenario in which Boyd scores 15 goals in 15 games and powers us to the league title. |
longman
said:
 |
... `I think what a lot of people miss (as Damo said thru claret & blue tinted spectacles) is the stuff Barry doesn't do. He is ridiculously bad at tracking his man when a team breaks which was the cause of many goals we conceded last season and why our defence so frequently looked so wobbly. Look at Man City, watch the goals they concede and you will see EXACTLY the same thing there, opposition teams often have a midfielder free around the box because Barry has lost him, this puts pressure on the CBs as they don't know whether to stick with their man or go the the free player. Granted, his passing and penalties are class, but I don't believe he is amazing as many think he is and has MAJOR flaws. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Mikey, we have tons of hardworking players, I just think taking a punt on someone who does nothing but stand in front of the goal and selflishly kick balls in the back of the net is something we don't have and may feed off the industry of Agbonlahor, when Gabby drifts into the channels and squares a ball to no one, you just wish someone was gambling to get on the end of it. Saying he isn't proven just because he plays in Scotland is not an argument. What about all the foreign players people want? They're unproven in our league and most of them can't even speak the same language. Boyd is a low risk punt thet might work it might not. Signing players in January is hard and when you're in the market for a proven 20 goal a season striker you need to be one of the best clubs in europe and you need to be shelling out over £20m. Villa are not and MoN will not be spending that sort of money in January. He might sell Carew or Heskey and put the money towards a replacement for £10m or £12m, but we will not be signing Torres or Villa. If we make a huge marquee signing it will be in June so he can have a full pre season and we get value for money. Boyd would be a gamble, but if it pays off we might make top four and a shed load of profit on him. If not we lose nothing and sign someon in the summer, which is what I think MoN was planning on doing anyway. |
jesus
said:
|
... agree to disagree then JPA. i fealt our defence, our taking of chances, and that little bit of luck that we need as well as our overall team effort were the reasons we beat them. i just feel we look weaker in midfield when petrov is there than say NRC. he's not a box to box midfielder (like NRC), he dwells on the ball to often (unlike GB/JM), he doesn't play the quick, incisive passes forward (like Fabian showed he's capable of against Blackburn). He, for me, is just a good player, and a squad player at best if we intend to be where we want to be in the next couple of years. anyway, as for Boyd, a poacher is exactly what we need. someone who will be in the right place at the right time 90% of the time. with the quality of our delivery, he'd get quite a few imo. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Jesus, go to the gaurdian website and look for Petrov on their chalkboard tables. |
jesus
said:
|
... ok mate i'll judge petrov on what someone else says about him instead of what i see. like i said agree to disagree. |
mikey18
said:
|
... I do concede that our forward play is our problem. We don't score enough goals. But thats not because we don't have a poacher its because our approach play is shocking. Regardless or Boyds scoring ratio do you think he would of got a sniff against liverpool or arsenal? He wouldn't have because out style of play wouldn't suit him. We are a smash and grab outfit which wouldn't suit a player with no pace. our passing and possession especially in the final third is poor in comparison to our rivals. Villa and Boyd are a poor fit. Boyd's quality is also in question. I would like to see his goals to games ratio in the champions league or even the UEFA cup. They got to the final a couple of years ago so he should have played a fair few games in the competition. Villain from Texas the downside is that Heskey and Carew, players or better pedigree, are left out to accommodate Boyd. This would be my main concern. |
mmm66
said:
 |
... damian, where did you get this info on barry from? was it a reliable source because you seem to say a lot of rumours that never come into fruition de la red anyone? |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...when Gabby drifts into the channels and squares a ball to no one Gabby doesn't even know what he is trying to do half the time and Boyd wouldn't have any hope of keeping up with his pace. God help us if those 2 are paired together. We are bad enough at linking the midfield as it is without adding another limited player to the mix. Also bringing in Boyd would be a kick in the teeth to Delfouneso who is regarded as a poacher. 4 goals in 6 games and he still can't get a game so why bring Boyd in without giving our own a chance first? Thats why i just don't see it happening. |
neil bangor
said:
|
... I cant believe you are knocking Barry. FFS, look at the big picture, he is bloody good. Re: Boyd. He has scored 5 goals in ONE match, not bad IMO. Cuellar must know him, if he agrees, get him in. Back to Barry. Keane went back to Spurs and was welcomed with open arms. I believe,the poor git actually supports Liverpool Barry at £6 mill would be a snip |
Damian
said:
|
... mmm66 i hold my hands up about de la red - show me one other rumour that i have published that hasn't happened? you say that i say a lot of rumours that never come into fruition so all i ask from you is to show me one - go on, just one .. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... mikey, i'll tell you who does suit our style of play. Did you look at the Kenwyne link I left on the last post? jesus, go for it mate. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...AK, are you saying Gabby is a headless chicken? Not a headless chicken but not the brighest of footballers/ people either it has to be said. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...rds/create jesus, look at your mate NRC compared to Stan. Have a look at the site mate, you can run comparison on a number of attributes for any player, any team in the EPL for the last three seasons. Interesting stuff, stats don't lie. |
Geoff
said:
 |
... I wouldnt mind Boyd if its for cheap. He will compete with Heskey and theyll bring the best out of each other. It probably means theyd get rid of Carew. Who is a poacher that doesnt score a lot and is slow and negative. And, like him or not, Boyd does score goals. With this squad he will get his chances. Backkford, why? Stay away!!! He is a late bloomer, but we dont need that. Barry - HAHA. I'd never take him back, hes a mercenary now. Go to Chelsea or Liverpool, hell fit right in. I find it GREAT that they are bringing in Patrick Viera to send Barry to the bench!! HAHA. Hes a freaking bench player now! How great is that???? Serves him right!!!!! Another guy with a bad attitude I dont want around the locker room anymore is Ashley YOung. I love his talent, when he is on. But he showboats around out there and does little work the majority of the time. He is a diver and a whiner. I dont like his attitude at all. He could be the d@#$head in the lcoker room thats holding this team back from reaching its potential... my solution? sell high on him. Call up Spurs. Offer Young plus Sidweell for Jenas, Bentley, Bale, and 10-15M. MON would get more out of those guys than Redknapp has. Thats what he does. He signs English guys (Bale is Welsh) and gets them to perform better than they did on their other teams. Take the cash, sell NRC and Carew, thats over 20M in cash now, and go find someone who buries the ball without hesitation when they get it near the area. If that fails, call Kris Boyd. |
Michael
said:
 |
... barry or sidwell - definitely barry barry or reo-coker - definitely barry barry or gardner - definitely barry barry or salifou - definitely barry barry or delph - definitely barry barry or petrov - petrov barry or milner - milner so id take him back, as either as 1st choice substitute central midfielder or he would get into my starting line-up if we played 5 in the middle. as for beckford and boyd - no thanks, villa dont have the best of luck with strikers, but if they went to another club they would probably hit 15-20 goals, knowing our luck with strikers over the past 10-20 years. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...I love his talent, when he is on. But he showboats around out there and does little work the majority of the time. You can go on the Guardian chalkboard sit too and look at the passes, tackles and interceptions Young made in games this year. Doesn't work hard enough? give me a break. |
classof13
said:
 |
... Not sure about Boyd to be honest he scores goals but not seen enough of him, if he is a poacher and his goals per chances ratio is high I would sign him for the right price. Barry is a tough one, he is a class player but in the City games I have seen he has not been as instrumental as he was for Villa over the last few seasons. If he lost is England place I would have a very big smile on my face. |
heskeyshead
said:
|
... young works his B*ll*cks off! if anything because he is working so hard defensively he has lost that burst of attacking play which saw him make fools out of defenders. he still does it just not as often. |
Villan57
said:
 |
... Barry is a class act , have in back in a second to replace Petrov and play alongside Milner awesome ! I suspect there would be a queue including Spurs Liverpool , and most other premier league clubs with any sense |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... JPA you are getting caught up in so many different discussions/ arguments today. You must be as busy as myself here at work. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...JPA you are getting caught up in so many different discussions/ arguments today. You must be as busy as myself here at work. I'd finished all my system testing by about 11 Can't do anything else cause half the office didn't come in cos of snow.....suits me |
mmm66
said:
|
... damian, well i can't really remember haha maybe kyle naughton? is the info on barry reliable then? I just don't want to get too excited about the rumour because I always get disappointed come the end of January You've got me excited about the January transfer window! |
John Samuels
said:
|
...... i'll defend him and say that was pretty close to happening unitl twitcher poked his massive melted nose in it.  |
Andi
said:
|
...barry or salifou - definitely barry have you gone mad ???? Salifou is a legend just like Zidane |
mikey18
said:
|
... JPA 3 goals in 19 european games would be my main concern when it comes to Boyd. That's not very impressive. I'm not sure what foreign players you were referring to that people want but most of the names i've heard are proven internationals who shown abit more quality on the european stage. Boyd is often left on the bench at rangers and brought on late because of his lack of contribution to all round play. He was left out of the scotland team by george burley because of this. Its a bad gamble. Owen would of been a good gamble. My best friends a Sunderland fan and said Kenwyne Jones is hit and miss. World class 3 times a season. I wouldn't say no but would rather Berbatov, Keane or even Carlton Cole! |
neil bangor
said:
|
... Mein Gott Some arse thinks we should sell Young? Wise up. He works his socks off and is the best crosser in the league. He is in a lather by full time. FFS, all Beckham could do was take free kicks,quite well,one must admit If Barry wants back,have him. |
dave210
said:
 |
... I'd take Barry back for sure, then i'd want to see us play 4-3-3 attacking and 4-5-1 defending, team would be Friedel, Young, Warnock, Dunne, Cuellar, Young, Downing, Barry, Milner, Petrov, Gabby. Petrov and Barry sitting and distributing the ball, Milner just off Gabby and Young and Downing down the wings, we can dream hey!! UTV |
BobbyPark
said:
 |
... Barry is a fantastic player, he has the ability to create space when sorrounded by 2 or 3 opponents, this is why he is regular international, also plays brilliantly with Gerard. I'd have him back like a shot as competition for Petrov , he's also a very decent wing back and would be cover in that position as I suspect we won't see Bouma Aagain. I couldn't bring my self to boo him at the Man City game, he served us well and acted with dignity before and after the transfer, I thought those that jeered him were dickheads. COME ON GARETH COME HOME !!!!!! |
Car Frost
said:
|
... Barrys wife? Patrick Viera is why Barrys unhappy.. he's going to be replaced by a dinosaur in the next few weeks and he bloody well knows it. Mancini sees nothing in him. Back to Scotland are we forgetting where we got our King from? Bloody hell if Boyd sits on his arse for 80 mins, loses the ball over and over again but bangs in 15 dirty, poachers goals from 5 yards each season I'll be happy and I suspect O'Neill would. Like someone said above we've got the work horses, we've got the crossers we just need someone who will finish more often than not unlike Gabby, Carew & Heskey :S |
Andy
said:
 |
... GB still owns his house in Ullenhall because we still clean the windows on it! Anyone completely writing off Boyd is a joker, I'd rather have someone lazy on the becnh who knows where the net is than two big moronic guys who only head the ball in random directions and score as many as a defender should. For a mere mil and a half he's definitely worth a gamble, I'd offer them harewood in exchange. |
Chrisodon
said:
|
... I Can't understand Man City they wanted Veron and Vieira ?. I Wish they did get them as we could have took Ireland and maybe Barry or De Jong. They'll try and buy Zidane next. |
Car Frost
said:
|
...Anyone completely writing off Boyd is a joker, I'd rather have someone lazy on the becnh who knows where the net is than two big moronic guys who only head the ball in random directions Love it! Still have a soft spot for Big John but goals and assists are what counts. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...My best friends a Sunderland fan and said Kenwyne Jones is hit and miss. World class 3 times a season Which means he has it in his locker, MoN will get him working hard and I fancy he could turn that 3 into a 20 which would suit me. Honestly he would fit our system perfectly as a replacement for Carew. He is quick as hell, excellent in the air and very strong. He needs motivating, Sbragia got some good performances out of him and he would certainly get the crosses that he doesn't seem to get at Sunderland. They play balls in behind more which is why Bent does so well. JPA 3 goals in 19 european games would be my main concern when it comes to Boyd. Being in a sh*t team might be the reason, he'd get more chances at VP and we have a much much better defence and midfield. |
Dale wootton
said:
 |
... Now look barry back in a villa shirt looks right everytime i see him in that city shirt i crindge to the max i think he slips straight back into the middle of the park just think 433 man stilian gareth james gabby ashley john up there music to my ears guys who wouldnt take that if it was offeref now we have to money city name your price time to vome home gareth. |
Chrisodon
said:
|
... Boyd or Fred ? http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Brazilian-striker-Fred-desperately-looking-for-European-club/4786/ |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...I'd rather have someone lazy on the becnh who knows where the net is We have delfeoseo on the bench for that. He knos where the goal is as well. Also Boyd has managed a massive 1 goal in the old firm matches. He can't do it when up againest decent oppossition and he will be up againest far better then decent oppossition in the PL. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... ak Also Boyd has managed a massive 1 goal in the old firm matches. A stat like this is fine, but the nature of an old firm derby is that it is a cagey messy affair. Also Smith tends not to play him in games like that where work rate is required and opts toplay 4-5-1 and Boyd is no lone striker. He fell out with Le Guen for Supporting Ferguson when he was dropped. He also donated the majority of his signing on fee for Rangers to help fund Kilmarnocks youth setup. I just feel his goal record can't be ignored. He has scored five in a game TWICE and is the only player in SPL history to finish top scorer for two different clubs in one season. He finished runner up in the european golden boot award and is the second fastest player to notch 50 goals for Rangers in History. Definitely worth a punt for £1.5m It's a no-brainer surely. Delfouneso is young and his chance wil come. Are you saying don't sign a striker and just play Delpfouneso? I think MoN knows what he's doing with him. He is slowly breaking him in, giving a little more time each time he uses him and blooding him slowly. |
All_for_barry
said:
 |
... I'd have Barry back at the drop of a hat, our performances this year have been terrible without him, the team just doesn't flow without him. I'd drop Petrov and have Milner, Barry, Albrighton & Downing as our midfield, Ashley just isn't performing. Besides we could reduce Barry's wages to compensate for the overpaid Ashley Young!!! |
John Samuels
said:
|
...I'd still prefer Fred Why? because he is Brazilian, has a worse goal scoring record and doesn't speak english? |
Chrisodon
said:
|
... Now not being funny is Fred not less of a gamble than Boyd ?. He's proven his quality in France & Brazil by scoring a good amount, He also figured in the Brazil squad. And if that report is right cost less than Boyd. |
Chrisodon
said:
|
... I Seem to recall a few windows where Villa fans have wanted him. Also how do you know he doesn't speak english ?. Not saying i do either but the guy might know enough to get by. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... I don't htink so, sure he used to play for Brazil, but I don't remember him being a first choice, in fact he only played 9 times and has 4 goals which I don't believe is an amazing record for them. He scored 34 goals for Lyon in four years when they smashed the league title seven years in a row. He could be worth a punt, but I worry about the language barrier and how he would integrate into the team. I just don't understand this problem with the scottish league. Like I said if Boyd was anything other than Scottish, playing in any other league people would be going mad for him. Fred is a decent player, but anyone who can only manage less than ten goals a season in all competitions in the French league, which isn't that strong a league for a team that was winning everything would concern me. Admittedly the SPL isn't a strong league, but Boyd has smashed pretty much every goal scoring record up there, is the highest ever SPL scorer and is available for £1.5m. The natural progression would be to see if he can bang a few in down here too. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... Yawn yawn....transfer windows are so boring! doesn't speak english Good job you weren't involved in signing Cuellar. In signing another mediocre forward in Boyd, we would be once again hamper the progress/chance of Delfouneso making a proper breakthrough. If we're going to buy one, lets get in some proven quality. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...He could be worth a punt, but I worry about the language barrier and how he would integrate into the team. I have more problems understanding Scottish people than I do any other language! |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... JPA seriously signing Boyd now will only hinder Delfoneso's development at a critical point when he needs to start getting time on the pitch. He has put nearly every chance away that has come his way. What more can he do. Just speaking of goal records(scoring 5 also) and ignoring the calibre of the league they were achieved in, does anyone remember a player called Alves that Boro bought? He achieved similar records in a league that is a far better then the Scottish and just look how that turned out. Same can be said for Huntelar who was a flop in a team like real where they do create bucket loads of chances. He is now also a flop at Milan. |
neil bangor
said:
|
... Get real, Ash is one of 1st names on teamlist. Thank fcuk none of you idiots manage the team. Carew is lazy,but,unlike Heskey,scores goals. Gareth,come home. I also am warming to JPA's argument. Rangers need the dough, get Boyd in. Who the f..k is this Fred guy. Thought for a minute Flintoff had taken up footie |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...Must have been the delay in posting it from ireland.smilies/cheesy.gif Brilliant |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Ok Chris, I just fail to understand how 34 goals in four years in the french league is better than 97 in four years in the SPL. Chris, Cuellar had already been in Scotland for a season and could speak a bit of English when he signed. As for proven quality, i'd argue that Cuellar, Petrov and Ash were all relatively unproven in this league when we signed them and they turned out ok. If Mon signs Boyd then I believe that means he has some quality. The infatuation with signing players that are established or proven is confusing for me, because all it seems to mean is they are more expensive and you have to pay them more. Surely it is more beneficial to take a player you are confident about and 'prove' him, making some cash and earning respect as well as ending up with a decent player. Surely it is about quality. I have no doubt Gabby could go and p**s on the SPL and score as many as Boyd. Therefore on that justification I would believe that Boyd could come down here and score 10-15 goals a season. I'd take that for £1.5m and we'd definitely make some money on his transfer value if he did. I'd be happy with Fred, but he isn't breaking goal scoring records in his domestic leasgue is he. He's never impressed me when he's played for Brazil and the guy who sits behind meat work is half french and used to have a season ticket at PSG when he lived there. He says Fred is ok, but not prolific enough. Govou, Wiltord and Baros regularly kept him out of the side. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... In fairness I think the language barrier with Cuellar actually was an issue last season. It was blatantly clear he and Davies couldn't communicate properly and it showed by our piss poor defending at times. Whether he's developed his English or not I don't know, but he's sure playing a lot better now. |
John Samuels
said:
|
...does anyone remember a player called Alves that Boro bought? He achieved similar records in a league that is a far better then the Scottish and just look how that turned out. Same can be said for Huntelar who was a flop in a team like real where they do create bucket loads of chances. Alves cost £12m and Huntelaar similar, so I miss the point. If Boyd was £12m i'd say f**k that, but £1.5m?????? sign him up! |
John Samuels
said:
|
...Whether he's developed his English or not I don't know, but he's sure playing a lot better now. Villa have a women in a role that helps players transitions into and out of the club and helps them settle in homes and stuff. She says Cuellar works really hard on his English and he reads a lot. His goal was to do some post match interviews and apparently it's improved his game. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Huntelaar didn't really flop at Real per se, he just never hit it off there. It started off on the wrong foot when he wasn't selected for the CL campaign and snowballed from there. 8 goals in 20 games isn't a bad record at that level though. |
Chris Harper
said:
|
...As for proven quality, i'd argue that Cuellar, Petrov and Ash were all relatively unproven in this league when we signed them and they turned out ok. Yeah....but whats the point in bringing someone in who isn't yet proven when we already have a very talented youngster busting a gut to get into the team?? Thats my point. If we are going to bring someone in, bring in someone who we know can cut it at a high level and pay more money. |
neil bangor
said:
|
... How many thought MON was mad paying £9.5million for ash? Good business If he likes Boyd,he will get him. Time will tell |
John Samuels
said:
|
...bring in someone who we know can cut it at a high level and pay more money. Or pay less money and bring someone in who could prove a hit and actually make us money. At the very least he'd provide healthy competition for Nathan (who has 12 years of football ahead of him so I don't know what people are talking about) and if he is as sh*t as you all say he is then what has Nathan got to worry about anyway. The competition might spur him on to go and realise that potential of his. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Neil, Exactly, i'm defending a player we might not even sign just because people can't see the value of it. We might not get him....Jones is the one I want, as a replacement for Carew who I think is on the way out. Fonz, Jones, Gab, Boyd, Heskey? |
Steve Clayton
said:
 |
... I don't think signing Boyd shows any ambition, do we want him because he is the striker we need to score goals or link up play or because he is 'cheap'? Surely if we want to press on we need proven quality, and for all the aruguments Boyd doesn't score in the big games so can he be proven at the highest level (even an average level?) We should be showing far more ambition if we want to break the top four, may aswell buy Kenny Miller!! |
neil bangor
said:
|
... JPA and I agree. Has anyone matched Boyd's ability to score goals? NO !!!!! He is for nothing. We paid £4million for Marlon, Boyd is worth at least £8million in comparison. JPA, even Jones is dear in comparison. BOYD 9 would look good on a shirt |
Car Frost
said:
|
... According to Sky Sports News, Estudiantes midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron turned down an offer to join Manchester City. Veron said, It’s not a fact of money. First of all is the family, and second, I have made a decision and I want to respect it, that is what I feel and Estudiantes is the place where I feel comfortable … If I would have accepted this offer I wouldn’t have been true with my convictions, with myself and with the people in my life. An Argentine with morals - what a strange day. |
frem
said:
 |
... Come home Barry. I always thought he made a stupid mistake going to city, and he has. I would welcome him back and so should evry other villa fan. He has been great service to us and is a top player. Hes what we need in the midfield. Come back. Will Oneill go back for him ? If he does leave city will he be offerd more than 120 grand a week by another club ? No. He has to realise that. Keane did it, so why cant Barry. Oneill please go for him. When city played villa, after the match Barry came and clapped the Holt End. It shows something. Also petrov said that Barry still keeps in touch with the villa players. Again it shows he still has a place in is heart for us. |
Eamon McElwee
said:
 |
... if the price for kris boyd is 1.5m i think it would be worth pursuing - a calculated gamble - if it didnt work out for him we'd get the fee back so np...he does score goals in Scotland and i admit the gulf in Premier League and Scottish Premier league is huge but u still have to get in the position and u still have to put the ball in the net - which he does...there are players such as Larsson, Laudrup(who would have scored in England, class act just never played south of the border), mcClair, Drunken Ducan etc who have scored and surely its better than going for someone who scores goals in Holland, France, Belgium etc who face language barrier and cultural differences on top of havng to score goals...think savo, bosko as recent examples |
Oscars Arse
said:
 |
... Anyone remember a certain Andrew Gray signing from Dundee Utd back in the day - untried, sometimes you have to have a gamble |
beh
said:
 |
... Harewood out-Boyd in + £1 mil in the bank. We win the central league. Barry back ? I can`t see that happening. Mancini at citeh out nuttering the FSW - increasing by the day. Linked to viera, veron ? |
DanishVillan
said:
 |
... After I read the Boyd rumour earlier today, I did not know what to think really. My impression of Boyd have always been a Pub Player and I don't really like the guy, he's just not my type of player. But then my mate, who's a Rangers supporter, linked this video to me. And yeah, I know you can't judge a player on highlights and stupid youtube videos. But he really does look like a natural goalscorer to me, and £1,5 m is hardly a gamble. Let the video talk for itself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNJGgF8BLWY |
bobvillian
said:
 |
... FOR GODS SAKE FORGET BOYD TOTAL SHIT?FOR ME GET IN MCARTNEY FROM BLACKBURN;GOOD MOVEMENT;GREAT IN AIR;STILL PRETTY QUICK FOR AGE;3.5MILLION A SNIP.GOOD RECORD IN EUROPE REMEMMBER WE TRIED TO SIGH HIM 7YEARS AGO.SURRELY BETTER THAN BOYD;BEATTIE;WHO WE ARE LINKED WITH. |
oldvillan
said:
 |
... if boyd only scored 10 goals he would be as good as any of the others and at a good price.if it doesnt work out small heath will take him off our hands.until gabby has serious competition he wont improve.ship out carew and heskey bring in jones,boyd and kevin davis from bolton. |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... beh u post 'Mancini at citeh out nuttering the FSW - increasing by the day. Linked to viera, veron ' both are quality, world class players, yeah they mite be gettin on but for a season id have either of them...Veron didnt work out at Man Utd - doesnt make him a bad player, too often played out of position didnt help and he's never been playing better than he is rite now and the fact hes played in England he would learn from this experience - older, wiser and knows what to expect...Vieira would be great for any top team..think Chelsea, no Mikel, Essien - as a stopgap he'd be great - the same with Arsenal who'd have him bk anyday...they may be getting on but for a year or 2 theyd be great signings imo |
Andy
said:
|
... We still havent replaced Maloney as stupid as it sounds, we still havent replaced that tiny bit of flair we had at top, that something different, we need a type of player different to what we've got already and although he didnt get many chances to show it maloney had that, when he played he adding some creativity up top and scored a few good goals to prove it. Even sadder is thinking we still havent replaced Merson in the sense where we still havent got a cm who can score from midfield, closet we had was Barry, sidwell, coker and petrov are gonna get about 4 a season between them. |
fastbackace
said:
 |
... -if we do get boyd we should send fonz out on loan, to get time, maybe to leeds as they seem to develop young players well. -as for barry, sell sidders, get 5 mil for him, then buy back barry for 8 mil. would be great, bit of business, and if delf isnt getting time, we should loan him out as well. gets the experience we need now, and helps further the trainning of the younglings. can e call them that? younglings? |
Sam Vicary
said:
 |
... How about one of your votes Damien...Would you have Barry back - YES/NO I reckon most would say YES?? |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... jeeze guys what is it with barry coming back...dont we remember how he left to play 'champions league' and the summer before bad mouthing the club/manager in the press...and do u think we'd pay anywher near what City pay him...he got greedy and imo he's gone backwards...the saying 'be careful what u wish for' springs to mind... |
VillaNick
said:
 |
...How about one of your votes Damien...Would you have Barry back - YES/NO I wouldn't. I think we could get someone better to complement the current team. It's a backwards step. |
Damian
said:
|
... HolteEndersInDubai you might like this, but when we played 5 in the middle i remember saying how he was having better games so if o'neill were to play five in the middle i'd say have barry back but for the life of me i cant see barry playing in a 442, he is too slow, cant track back and cant beat a man playing five, gives barry a little more time to get into the space and nobody can deny that he has a decent left foot adn if he has the time to get into the space and we have runners .. what is to say he cant find them but ask him to play in a 442 - hell, pay me £5k a week and i'll do it and we know o'neill won't play 451 so in reality my answer is no |
Stathis
said:
 |
... I'd take Beckford, provided he would cost little and if we could sell Harewood for more Barry, ahah no thnx |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... if we truly need a midfielder and i think we do - Eden Hazard would be great from Lille or Pjanic from Lyon...both young, bags of talent and we'd get either for less than 10m |
Damian
said:
|
... i've not seem him that often, i have to admit, but i would have steven defour when he started talking about coming to a great club like aston villa - if only we had the money for him ... |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... defour would be another v good signing and his team-mate Alex Witsel - bit of trouble in Belgium over an x-rated tackle that broke an opponents leg - so he'd want away...but one mis-timed tackle doesnt make him a thug and anyone who's watched him can tell the boy has talent, tireless running and can play a bit too...and due to 'that' tackle he'd be cheaper than Defour who i also rate v highly |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... its all if's and buts cos IF we can get that vaunted 4th spot we can get a better quality of player, say Jovetic at Fiorentina or Dzagoev/Krasic - CSKA..its just getting that damn next piece of the puzzle to take us to 4th...and in this Window it can be hard unless the plyer is running down a contract or his current club has nothing happening second half of the season, or shop in Russia or some other league that has finished already (see Dzagoev/Krasic) |
Eoin Doyle
said:
 |
... I see Beckford has put in a transfer request. If he knows where the goal is, sign him up, he'll be cheap, and not much of a gamble. Better option than Harewood surely?? |
Martin Clabon
said:
 |
... Boyd, hell no Barry - I go with fast back on this if we could replace Sidders with Barry at nil cost then ok. not sure he'd want to take the pay cut though |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Also Beckford, hell no. 26 and has scored a few goals at lower league level for a dominant team. Does nothing else and would be unlikely to make it in the prem even as a squad/ lower table team |
pete
said:
 |
... Boyd may be a lazy player cant really comment as i havent seen enough of him, but he certainly knows where the goal is, but being lazy doesnt make you a bad player. (THIS ONES FOR THE OLDER ONES)remember Allan 'sniffer' Clarke of Leeds now i would have him in my team you will certainly remember him Badger lol |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... BobVillain, I presume you mean Benni Mccarthy, not George Mccartney? He is oe of those who looks like a world beater for 2 months then turns shit, don't know why but has doen it at every club just about |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... sid u post 'if we could replace Sidders with Barry at nil cost then ok. not sure he'd want to take the pay cut though ' but how can we achieve getting that Judas back at no cost...his wages alone make it a no-brainer as he would be wanting more money than sidders and his transfer fee would also be in excess of sidders - so not economically viable plus as i posted b4 and its only my opinion but hes gone backwards and reaped what he has sown..so good luck to him - he'll prob join the Spanish Waiter or Arsenal and be a sub there too, a real class act |
woody
said:
 |
... Your all saying no to barry but hey first things first, he played 11 years before he left and if someone offered you 100,000 pounds a week when he was only on 50-60 with us then you'd go aswell and hey we got no one better to play his position. He's an orite player and a good playmaker so i'd have him back in the squad but i'd rather pull in a decent striker |
beh
said:
|
... Are there rumours about Kenwyn jones ? If there is you can possibly see mon`s thinking. Carew out Kenwyn in - rough diamond polished by heskey. Harewood out Boyd in-gabby to improve his goals learning off boyd The fonz will keep them all honest and may just out perform them in a season or two. It`s the big brad/ little brad scenario - excellent young shot stopper, learns positional sense and all-round craft off of the old head. |
Nigel
said:
 |
... How many people rated Andy Gray before we bought him? Laursen in his prime would've done well anywhere, yet Boyd has out scored him in scotland. Imagine if Blues bought him and he scored an hat-full of goals! Then we'd all be gutted that we failed to buy him for £1.5m! In my opinion, he has to be worth a punt. |
pete
said:
|
... just said beckford is a free agent at the end of season so mite be able to get him on the cheap may be |
cyprusvilla
said:
 |
... what about mcdonald from celtic probably the best strikerin the spl for the last couple of years |
Pennsylvania Villan
said:
 |
... Say what you will about the way he left, but I'd still take Gareth back. |
Liamo1981
said:
 |
... You say Boyd is lazy, well he couldn't be any lazier than Gabby who must be the laziest play that i have ever seen. I have moved on from barry and i dont think he is the type of player we need. I would much prefair Milner in the attacking midfield role and i doubt o'neill would drop petrov. Plus we have delph coming through and i'd like to see him get a chance. |
Proxopera
said:
 |
... Barry served villa well and even last year when he could have kept a low profile on the field after all the liverpool shit ,he still played out of his skin. I think its very churlish of villa fans to knock him , he decided to try his luck at another club (and for alot more money)and good luck to him. Would people have thought so badly of him had he gone to fulham or sunderland ,i dont think so. Grow up F.F.S!! I would'nt like to see him back at villa for his own sake. |
frem
said:
|
... People saying no to barry are mad. People saying we should get a better player than him in midfield are also mad. WHO THE HELL WHO VILLA COULD POSSIBLY GET IS GOING TO BE BETTER THAN BARRY ? He is a top top player and the kind of qualty we need. He works hard, hes strong, he reads the game well, he has a bit of skill and hes a top passer. Sorry, but we need him and miss him. Face it. Boyd and Bexford. No. We need a proven striker in the prem. Robbie Keane for me. Them two will just end up like hare and Hesk. Barry please come back and stay away from Arsenal and pool. |
Geooff
said:
|
... The French League sucks. Its not much better than Major League Soccer really. (Half-Kidding) Thats why Ill pass on Fred, and on Maroaune Chamakh. |
fastbackace
said:
|
... frem- agreed, the only other player id take over barry would be defour, and id cry if we got him. if we could get ride of sidders and get either barry or defour id be happy. i think barry has regretted his leaving, seeing now what mon has brought in, the defense and what not. i think if we offered him like 45k a week, he'd take it. as for a forward, i think beckfords goal ratio is much better than the rangers boy, but i think the rangers boy would be cheaper. if either one could score 10 goals by the end of the season id be happy. UTV -side note, we get top 4 this year, and David villa would come to us. i dont care how much we pay him, he'd score for fun, he'd fill the stands, and we'd be top 4 for ever! UTV-DVN |
Geooff
said:
|
... And Ashley Young is an overrated lug. I watch the games. Hes fast, has talent. But As soon as a fly lands on him hes on the ground with a fake injury. Im sick of watching it. And since Im sick of watching it they shoudl get rid of him. |
AVFC DAN
said:
 |
... fastbackace i agree with you totally what we need for the minute is a player to score quick goals so they means adapting quickly, i agree that we should take a punt on boyd, if it dosent come off there will be a hatful of scottish clubs wanting to buy him back, my problem with beckford is he has never played any international football like under 21. Boyd has scored goals at initernational level, also it puts one over on the blues, showing that sammy yu and co that we will outbid them for any player we both want. It reinforces villa supeiriority in the city. |
Nick
said:
 |
... There is a long list of players who have come from the spl and done very well in the PL. Sure it is a step up, but the PL is a step up from basically anywhere else anyway. 1.5 for a guy with a goal scoring record like that? I think it would be worth it. As for Barry coming back im not sure how I would feel about it. I think he and Petrov playing together limits our midfield. I think it would be a great story for him to return and drive us into the top 4, cant say I see it happening though. I do miss his penalties. |
Michael
said:
|
... if its a long list nick not nicky then why havnt u named any? and if barry is good enough for england then he is definitely good enough for villa. |
frem
said:
|
... Gareth Barry. I love him. All Villa fans should love him. He is a legend. The reason some dont like him is because he is a top player, the best player we have had in a long time if not ever and now we dont have him. I hope he comes back. I really do bwcause villa miss him. |
AVFC DAN
said:
|
... well siad mickey86 at the end of the day whos midfield is better, england or villa? easy to answer that one at the moment we want to push a top four finish without an england regular in our team all be it heskey who dosent score. Barry would be a great signing is he better than petrov? YES. Is he better than milner? Yes, marginly though. At the end of the day if barry admits he was wrong everyone should forgive him, 6 months ago he was our best player and were going not going to have him because of a decsision that was a mistake. Having barry would mean that all of our midfielders can score. Bring on the top 4 if he comes back! and i havent seen defour so i cant make any judgment on him so sorry if havent mentioned him as a signing. |
Panos
said:
 |
...And Ashley Young is an overrated lug. I watch the games. Hes fast, has talent. But As soon as a fly lands on him hes on the ground with a fake injury. Im sick of watching it. And since Im sick of watching it they shoudl get rid of him. |
Martin Laursen
said:
 |
... I don't see it happening, but if Barry does return, I agree with Damo,we would surely have to play 451. |
Eamon McElwee
said:
|
... frem u post in ref Gareth Barry' the best player we have had in a long time if not ever'...dude thats gotta be some killer weed ur smoking right there...better than paul mcgrath?, sid cowans?, david platt was better ffs, i could go on but i think ive made my point |
VillaNick
said:
|
...and if barry is good enough for england then he is definitely good enough for villa. Upson, James, Heskey, Bridge are good enough for England but not good enough for Villa! |
mmm66
said:
|
... The players you mentioned VillaNick are squad players for England apart from Heskey who is good enough for Villa because he plays for us  Barry is a starter for England and if he did move to Villa, there is no doubt that he'd be our best centre mid! |
Joseph
said:
 |
... Id take Barry back for the right price, despite the way he treated the club and fans he is still a good player and would definatly add to our team. He would add another dimension to the team, and as long as he realises he is not automatically first choice and doesnt want massive wages I would be happy with him back. The squad is looking good so far but the wheels could fall off if we get injurys to a few key players. I dont see him coming back but I wouldnt mind if he did. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... frem, Gareth Barry. I love him. All Villa fans should love him. He is a legend. The reason some dont like him is because he is a top player, the best player we have had in a long time if not ever Decent player yes, but he probably wouldn't get in my top 20 Villa players I've seen and probably not even top 10 as a defender or midfielder. villabiker, remember Allan 'sniffer' Clarke of Leeds now i would have him in my team you will certainly remember him Badger lol I vaguely remember having him in my Esso 1970 WC collection (remember that? I had the whole lot including the big gold one, what would that be worth now?) and that's all I'm admitting mate |
fastbackace
said:
|
... -Pro barry if we had him back, we could play a great formation 4-2-3-1 with barry and petrov sitting defence mid, they were great last season. its that simple. i even think those 2 partnerd were better than our midfield of petrov and milner by legs. my lineup next year guzan l young, cueller, dunne, warnock barry petrov a young, milner, downing gabby(or david villa!) |
Michael
said:
|
... Upson, James, Heskey, Bridge are good enough for England but not good enough for Villa! upson isnt an england regular, bridge isnt an england regular, james isnt an england regular(and when he was fit he was equal to bradx2), heskey starts infront of carew and dafonz so could be classed as good enough for villa. |
George Templeton
said:
 |
... Yes why would we want anyone that's ever played in the SPL, especially during the last 4 years when the quality of the league has declined so much. Whatever happened to that Carlos Cuellar fella who was the Player of the Year in that League? What'd he ever amount to. And two more things: One, Kris Boyd scored a lot of those SPL goals for Kilmarnock (not exactly a team full of quality). At 1.5 million he is worth a punt. Chiefy your very early post about Gareth Barry was spot on. The fact that he might find himself out of the City first team and maybe not in the squad for England does let you know that sometimes certain players get what they deserve! |
Lordmuppet
said:
 |
... seems to me a good test of whether boyd could deal with the EPL is his record in internationals. I just checked wikipedia and its 7 in 15 which is pretty sweet. That said though i have no idea how many of those were against san marino type teams |
Lordmuppet
said:
|
... oh no i see it now. The goals weren't *cough* exactly against the top tier and three were in friendlies. |
Mathew Dryhurst
said:
 |
... I don't get these debates about 'making the step up', often you simply just cannot tell. There have been examples of players who have been exceptional in the SPL and done really well in other leagues, and examples of players who have not. Seeing as Boyd has only played in Scotland, who are we to say which he will be? He could hardly have done better with the opportunities he has been given to date, so anything else is just speculation for speculations sake. I for one am glad that MON took the chance on Petrov, and if he determines that Boyd would be a useful addition then he has my backing. |
Mathew Dryhurst
said:
|
... Also, I would have Barry back in a heart beat. He wouldn't come back though. |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
 |
...fastbackace said:Good Shout |
frem
said:
|
... Spurs want a swap deal. Carew for Keane. I dont know what i would say. We all love carew but Keane is what we need. If i was Oneill i would say you can have Heskey plus 5 mil or you can have 10 mil straight. Bentley could be part of the deal aswell. |
neil bangor
said:
|
... I am pleased to see lots agree with me,eg Fastback,Dan,Frem,AK,JPA etc. Gareth Barry brings the Je ne sais quoi to us. That little extra which will spur us on. Would he not be an improvement on NRC and Sidders? Of course he would. If he and his family like Henley-in-Arden,where else would he go? Even with the money,he wont go to the scum. He is a good: centre mid,left mid,centre half or left back. He is willing to help out in any of those. Would he not benefit our youngsters at training? Get over it, see the big picture,get on the phone,MON,and sign him now. As FBA says,sign Boyd now then get our man David Villa in summer. Re: Beckford,Bates seems to like how we do business,could be in our favour. Isn't it great that,unlike previous years when our best players left,we know that it won't occur with MON? The club is really stable,even Damian must agree on that one? DV in summer GBN |
Tim Mason
said:
 |
... Daily Star are saying we can have Keane for 5 mil +Carew.Doesn't seem a good deal to me.What is Carew's agent up to??? so much for loyalty |
neil bangor
said:
|
... Last year keane was worth £18mill and thought to be more valuable than Barry Gareth will bring more to our squad than Keane. I'd take a short term punt on Boyd. We didn't lose much on Maloney. Keane is over the top. |
heskeyshead
said:
|
... i wouldn't have thought MON would potentially strengthen a top 4 rival to land his player. Harry also has crouch which is a similar type of player to carew - and what about Pav? he doesnt play him. |
Andi
said:
|
... Carew always gets itchy feet the guy has had millions of clubs over the years, would be a shame for him to go but he is hardly prolific infront of goal and if we can replace him with better of different then i dont see a issue, its just a shame he is a fans favourite |
Chris Parry
said:
 |
... Not sure about GB, not sure he'd come back anyway but alot of you seem to suggest he would be better than Coker or Sidwell... Of course he would but he wouldn't be happy replacing them on the bench! Then it comes down to a straight shoot out between him and Petrov for me. Not sure there's a lot to choose betwwen them but MON would prob play them both and we end up with the same midfield pairing as last season and would not have progressed. Attacking Midfielder and a striker with good control and can finish! |
Oldfart
said:
|
... Daily Star also saying we can have Bentley On the Barry issue we have got to take into account the psychology of it re the other players and also Barry's attitude.Barry would have to become a support player,filling in as reqired,even in his old positions of left back and central defender. What about his current salary of £90000.Would he be prepared to give that up for 4 years???How would Petrov feel with his position under threat as the one 'slower'player we can afford in midfield??Lots of questions.Any answers??? |
Andi
said:
|
...Lots of questions.Any answers??? BARRY is a judas and he sold us out, because of us he is an ENGLAND regular, because of us is he regarding as one of the best in his position and what did he do to us in return ??? LET HIM ROT HE MADE HIS BED NOW HE CAN LIE IN IT !!!!! |
Magicnick
said:
 |
... Damien - where did you here about GB being unhappy, I haven't heard a thing, can't see it in any papers yet. Just curious. |
Magicnick
said:
|
... I will also say that there is a gerneral consensus(Excluding villa fans)0 that GB has played quite well for Man City including under Mancini e.g. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/t...968296.ece It may not be rose tinted glasses we're looking through, but those a shade of green. |
Bird
said:
 |
... I hate to say this but I think he could be the answer to replacing Petrov in midfield, but only if we get him for no more than £6m! Although Petrov is playing well this season he still has the odd lapse in concentration and prone to mistakes. At least with Barry he is steady and always delivered for the Villa which could make him the ideal partner for Mr Milner! My guess is that if he does leave then he'll be off to Spurs or Liverpool and we should then put in a £20m bid for Steven Gerrard just to annoy rafa! |
Paul down under
said:
 |
... Why not have Barry back lets face it petrov blows hot and cold get rid of Heskey and Carew they should be workin on weston beach Sidwell isnt gettin a sniff not that his all that anyway and Reo-Coker who knows whats goin on there after the lovers tiff.Defence is sorted Ashley Young and Downing, Milner,Barry sounds good gabby up front with a more experienced forward thats where the money should go and i dont think Kris Boyd is the way to go scotish league is a different ball game all together just my opion |
John Samuels
said:
|
...san marino type teams I think it says a lot that he plays for one and still scores. |
EEL
said:
 |
... i`d take barry back but would have to warm the bench and wait for his chance. Bought him back on fifa |
Sasa
said:
 |
... I'd take Barry back. Him and Milner in midfield would be great. As for Boyd, no chance, I've seen him live and he's rubbish. Kenny Miller take's the piss in Scotland and he's shite. |
michaeln
said:
 |
... to be honest, i think reo coker gets overlooked. he is strong, fast and a really good defensive midfield option against the bigger clubs like chelsea, pool and united. works his socks off and closes down their attacking threats. gareth is not that player. he would be back up for petrov really and thats it. in my mind, taking a punt on boyd would be worthwhile (hell, its only the winnings from the peace cup we'd be throwing away if it doesnt work out), and getting in an attacking midfielder like steven ireland would be nice. provides more intricacy. also like the comment about trying to lure santa cruz away from city.. but i think we should offload heskey to make room for him. |
Villa4life
said:
 |
... Would I have Barry back???.......hhhmmmm hard one because at the moment who would you drop?..... Having barry would mean milner playing wide again or the loss of petrov!!..... because you will have Young, Barry, Petrov, Milner or Young, Barry, Milner, Downing..... but after what he did to us..... like i will leave for Champs league, so i join City.... Im sorry did he mean Chumps league because thats what he is..... a chump! |
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