Written by Chris Saturday, 04 July 2009 14:07
G’day. My name is Chris and I’m an Australian Villan. I go by CP on this blog, and this is my first post. As a long-time reader I think I have developed a reasonably good feel for how things work, but feel free to drop me a line if you feel I’m need of education.
Speaking on behalf of other Aussie Villans let me assure you, we put in our hard yards to support the club. While I’ve never sat in the Holte End or spotted O'Neill at the Belfry, I’ve turned up to work more times than I care to mention red-eyed and fatigued from watching every one of Villa’s fixtures into the wee hours.
I have a Villa flag on my wall, I drink coffee from a Villa mug, and, well let’s just leave it at that. Why am I a Villan? My mother grew up on Charles Rd, a whisper from VP. Plus AVFC dominates. Enough said.
To the footy. I’ve watched on with interest and occasionally commented as the summer transfer window has promised plenty but yielded, well, nothing so far for us at least. We’ve seen Laursen retire, Barry win the lotto move to City, and Taylor follow the same course. We’ve been linked with everyone from David Wheater to Stewart Downing and Tuncay (relegation, anyone?) and one or two others in between.
So now I’m going to lay down my thoughts, and you guys can tell me where I’m at and let me know where you’re all at too.
Firstly, I’d like to encourage a little bit more optimism around here. I know, what business does the new guy have in telling everyone what’s what, right? Well, fair enough. But I do feel Martin O’Neill is a very smart man and a sage football operator.
I think Randy Lerner is ambitious, sensible, and would sell the club tomorrow if he felt he was the wrong man for the job. He also supports the Cleveland Browns in the US and the fans love him - because he is responsible and he will always do the right thing by the club. There’s a long-term vision at play here.
AVFC will not become a super power overnight. Funds will be made available, and MON will make the right signings, and some responsible signings too. I have faith, and I really don’t think it’s blind faith either. I share in the frustrations of seeing Villa slide from a Champions League spot with an eight-point lead to sixth place. I really do. But it’s not about last season, or even next season. It’s about 5-10 years from now and the brand of football the club is creating. Our reputation under MON has already grown exponentially.
Secondly, to the players. So Barry has gone. Yeah, I’m disappointed. He was one of my favourite players, but I’m also a big believer in only having people at the club who are desperate to represent Aston Villa. I would like to have seen us sign Michael Owen, which I pointed out in a comment I made yesterday, but good luck to him. So what do we need?
In my opinion, our number one target should be Sol Campbell. Now just hear me out for a second. Everyone is saying we need to replace Martin Laursen. I have two problems with this: 1) you can’t just replace someone like him, and 2) MON has invested about 18 million in two players that will become the long-term Villa halves pairing.
Yes, I truly believe Davies and Cuellar are the future for Villa at the back and could potentially become a world-class partnership. O’Neill knew exactly what he was doing when he bought them. They probably won’t quite get there for another season or two, which is why we need to bring in someone with experience who is still passionate about football.
Campbell fits the bill perfectly. He is cool-headed, strong and knows how to win games. And silverware. Curtis and Carlos would be able to learn immensely from Sol, who in addition to his leadership, provides further competition for places.
OK so I realise this post is really long, and I’ve got to make myself another coffee before work. I’ve a fair bit more to say on other players and matters relating the club but I think that’s more than enough for now. Please discuss.
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Steve Badger
said:
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... Nice post mate and I agree pretty much with all you say. My only concern is Sol Campbell. While he was a great CB, everytime I've seen him recently, he seemed incredibly slow. But yes, I'd take him for a season, untill we get someone else. |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... G'day. Not convinced about Davies and Cuellar yet but I hope you're right. Davies needs to get a bit tougher |
CP
said:
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... Davies is young, he's still learning. What I really like about him is his enthusiasm and his zest for knowledge and improvement. MON and Capello have both seen something in him and I think he will continue to flourish. He just needs someone like big Sol to help him learn. |
Billy7
said:
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... Good post mate, Damien said in a post when we were linked with Sol that he'd take him, i questioned this at that time. But after thinking about it i actually agree with you both. He would be a great asset to the squad, but not number 1 on the shopping list for me, i think our priority is a 'lock picker' Defour sounds good but dont know much about him, Joe Cole has been mentioned, what about Elano? Benayoun even? They can pick a pass, bit of skill. Anyway, good post, keep em coming! |
Villaboy4
said:
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... I agree guys, but what i read today worries me that Big john will be heading off to spurs, i hope its not true but i would like to sign this marcus berg!!! |
CP
said:
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... I've used the 'eat my hat' promise before, but Big John is Aston Villa. Fact. So if he leaves this summer, I will eat all of my hats. I don't know much about Berg other than the U/21 highlights I've seen. We do need another striker and he's the right age and of, what seems to be, the right sort of pedigree. |
Villaboy4
said:
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... i think the signings will soon be on the way, and i realy think that sidwell can do a job given a run of games, the kid has got a sweet ping on him, i would of busted a gut to get olof back but it was not to be |
john
said:
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... G'day Chris, welcome to the blog. Nice to see some more positivity, there's plenty of us around who share your optimism. Look forward to seeing more contributions. I think you're right about Campbell, he'd be a good short term signing for us and cost us nothing. It's a no brainer really. I honestly thought the same about Owen too. I'm surprised we didn't get in there early and have him signed on a pre-contract. Clubs could speak to him from Christmas after all. As eternally optimistic as I am about the club, there does reach a point when you see others signing players you want, players you want dismissing their interest and then the club doing the same; but I learned my lesson last season. We reached a point where I really wondered whether we'd make any decent signings and we spent 50mil on 7 players. I don't know what MON has in store for us this season, I only hope at the end of August that we're sitting pretty thinking we were so stupid for doubting and then watch the villa move on up the table like this season gone. |
sazavfc
said:
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... Great first Post CP I am not sure if Campbell would be a good signing or not a good signing. All I know is that if MON signs him up, i'll have faith that it was the right decision. |
Billy7
said:
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... like i said yesterday, i heard Distin is imminent, so Distin or Campbell?? Who would be best for us?? |
Joel
said:
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... Great post Chris! And I feel you on the support of the club. No one should have to get up on a Saturday at 8am in order to watch a small window on the internet so that he can see Villa play... but thats what you have to do stateside! Next week, the signings come in boys. |
andrew
said:
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... MON will make the right signings but how many bad 1s do we have to wade through before 1st? I agree carlos and davies are our long term pairing but they need to be given time to gell as a piar and that needs to be all the way through pre season and atlest 6-7 games in the prem by then we should see if its going to work. |
Simeon
said:
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... When Sol Campbell moved to Arsenal from Spurs on a free trasnfer, having repeatedly stated that he loved Spurs, he demonstrated exactly what type of guy he is. He has no respect for football supporters in general, not just Spurs fans. He has no honour or integrity. At various times in his career his suspect temperament has been exposed. How long ago was it that he signed for Portsmouth for no other reason than the pay cheque on offer. Even if he were a top class centreback at the peak of his career, I wouldn't want him anywhere near Villa Park. The fact that he was merely a decent centreback who is now well past his best means that even on this basis we shouldn't touch him with a barge pole. So what exactly has this mercenary got to teach our current players? I'm pretty sure that Davies, Cuellar and anybody else could do without familiarising themselves with the Sol syllabus. To finish, I would like to have it on record that the treatment that Campbell has received from Spurs fans is vile and reprehensible, and I condemn it completely. However, I suspect that he would come in for exactly the same treatment from fans of any other club had he left that team for their bitterest rivals in the manner he did. |
dn
said:
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... I would like Tuncay. Think Sol Cambell is Ok but better than Wheater. Wheater is still too young imo to do a good job due to lack of experience. |
ak_27
said:
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... Sol Cambell is finished and should not be touched with a barge pole. Distin should be the one to be brought in. I can see Distin and Cullar hopefully forming a solid partership back there with Davies doing what he does best sitting on the bench and doing interviews. Just don't see anything in the guy. He isnt great in the air, is not dominant, is brutal on the ball and as far as i can see is not really blessed with any great ability to read situations so what exactly are his strenghts? |
pete
said:
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... g'day chris i would like taylor from newcastle,could see him and davies having a great partnership |
Callo
said:
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... Cuellar wont quite get there in a year or two? He was 8 million and is 28 years old, he should be for the here and now, and its clear to see he just isn't very good. Hes at the same age range as Zat, and Zat is a better CB. |
gregdavillain
said:
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... simeon How long ago was it that he signed for Portsmouth for no other reason than the pay cheque on offer. please enlighten me.... didnt he leave arsenal because he was a bomosexual and wenger released him from his contract in the believe that he would go abroad to get away from the jeering and abuse he was getting from the fans??? He was on a big contract at arsenal and i dont think he improved terms much by moving to pomey |
holte ade
said:
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... G,day chris. If you ever make your way to blighty and find yourself in aston i,ll buy you a cold one!! my mate works in TK-maxx in sutton and he said zat knight popped in yesterday to get some cheap calvin kliens and a couple of going out shirts (they are the only place that stock his size) and he said that sol cambell isn't intersted in jioning the villa.He wants to stay near the coast because he likes watching the ships coming in and going out again. |
Mark
said:
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... I'm fed up with people who watch football on the box and think it's the same as the real thing. No offence. |
holte ade
said:
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... Damian. Has anybody ever told you that you like i little bit like rodney trotter? only more attractive of course. |
Halfwit
said:
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... Why do people expect transfers soon Martin has left it quite late for the past 2 season's why would anyone think this year will be any different ? Im not expecting anything to happen for at least another month snail managers take a while to get going |
Damian
said:
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... I'm fed up of people that think they know about football just becasue they watch it live at the ground. No offence to anyone. |
Stuart
said:
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... Welcome Chris. Its nice to read a different input and also nice to read someone upbeat and personal. I run my own website which damian is well aware of but my forum has a very negative feeling about it at the moment. I agree with you, Davis and Cuellar have both shown potential but need a little time before they become a pairing. Sol Campbell has leadership and is someone the backline would look up to. I look forward to your next post  . |
john
said:
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...Damian Seriously. And I'd bet there are plenty of folk who might go to the game each week and have little interaction midweek the way some of us do regarding the club. There shouldn't be this bullcrap heirarchy between those who go every week and those who don't for whatever reason. |
Panos
said:
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...noignings will be made. believe me guys. You said yesterday that we have 24mil to spend...make up your mind. |
Billy7
said:
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... i agree Damien and johnnyuk, if i was offered a good job abroad and couldn't make it to Villa games i'd still consider myself a fan, and like CP i'd watch the games at inconvenient times, search the tinternet every day as i do anyway. So no one should be judged if they go the games regulaly or not imo. Now villa are a big part of my life, i'm agitated at the moment like most, waiting for transfers etc but if my son has a game and it coincides with a villa game then i'll watch my son and give season ticket away, does that make me less of a fan? |
Damian
said:
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... Some might even say it is better to watch on TV these days with the number of cameras they have and the instant availability of replays. |
Halfwit
said:
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... Signing's will be made i belive just not that many probably 3 or 4 which still wont be enough and would STILL leave us with the smallest team in the premership We will be burnt out AGAIN towards the end of next season if we only sign 3 or 4...Only martin can be blammed for that like he is blammed by me at least for our burnt out players at the end of last season all because he is to fussy in the market to get enough numbers to cope |
daniel wheeler
said:
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... why go for a stop gap like campbell,why not look for a longer term solution. you don't need to watch games at the ground to know football, after all it's a simple game. |
Mark
said:
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... Jonnyuk: I'm not attacking anyone or suggesting some kind of hierarchy. I am diferentiating between watching TV which generally shows us an edited version of the game i.e. what the cameraman points at and being at a game where you can experience the whole panorama of positions and runs and those little things that involve all the senses - touch, smell, pitchside sound. If anyone takes offence at that they are a football idiot. Now CP may have valid opinions on football. Firstly he may have played regularly at a reasonable level and also watched plenty of games, both important qualifications, he may also be very intelligent. If however he hasn't then it's like a food critic passing an opinion on a meal he has seen Gordon Ramsey cook on the TV. That's my opinion and I know as usual I make myself unpopular for saying so. |
Mark
said:
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...Some might even say it is better to watch on TV these days with the number of cameras they have and the instant availability of replays. They might Damian, but what's your opinion? |
Rich
said:
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... Seriously don't want Campbell hate to disappoint you but my dad grew up in Charles Road and its a stone's throw from St Andrews; not VP |
mikey18
said:
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... I appreciate marks point, if a lot of play goes through the middle of the park thats what the cameraman would focus on that area as that is where the ball is, and we can see less of what our wing backs or strikers are doing off the ball. But i don't think that you need to go to live games to get a feel of the Aston Villa team, usually the result, newspaper headlines, forum discussion, post match interviews and MOTD analysis amongst other reviews highlights where we might of went right or wrong or who played well and who didn't. Damian rightly highlighted that watching on the T.V gives you replays, it usually also provides commentary from ex-professional footballers who are watching the game live and probably know a thing of two more about the game than ourselves. Back on point...Sol's last game got arsenal was when Reo-Coker was at west ham, took the ball off him on the half way line and scored...he had a break down was subbed at half time and he left the ground...does anybody not remember this? I think Sol comes with too much baggage. Hes hated by spurs fans, disliked by alot of football fans, is a fine example of a mercenary. I think a longer term solution is what is needed. We should be looking to buy better than what we have to improve and kick on. |
Scott
said:
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... Sol Campbell has lost alot of his pace but so what with the likes of Luke Young / Davies & Cuellar he does not need it they should have the ability to trackdown and back eachother up when called upon...Sol gets a defo yes for me I would also like us to go in for William Gallas he is a winner and battler he gets upset when things dont go right but he always wants to do well. |
THE AV VILLAN
said:
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... Great post Chris To AVMARK I'm fed up with people who watch football on the box and think it's the same as the real thing. No offence. Really??? Explain!!! |
PBVilla
said:
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... Nice post Chris. I agree Sol on a free for a couple of years is not a bad deal. Dont think we will be paying him the 100 grand a week hes on at the mo! His experience is a big bonus. UTV oh and bring home the ashes boys, stick that on your barbie!  |
SlimJimVilla
said:
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... Nice post Chris...respect to all Villains worldwide. I think Wheater would be a good signing, but not to step into Laursen's shoes. Wheater and Campbell / Distin would be good. Experience and future. Wheater plays right back or centre back, he`s got a decent range of passing and is excellent in the air. Theres no doubting Campbell and Distin can do a job and we need ready made players, just add claret and blue to compliment the future stars. Middlesborough weren't relegated because of Wheater or Tuncay, and they never really replaced Schwarzer who had a great season for Fulham. I would gladly take them both. With a few players either coming back from injury (C'mon Bouma!) or stepping up from the Academy, we don't need anyone and everyone. Craig Gardener is one I expect to step up a level now Barry has moved on. Hes been a great utility player for us and a run in one position could be exactly what he needs. It`s important that we hold on to these youngsters, whilst bringing in some players to hit the floor running in August. Man City will have a lot of gelling to do, not to mention egos to manage...likewise with Tottenham no doubt bringing in another dozen faces, and with a bit of luck we can have another good start, and the strength to push on this time. |
SlimJimVilla
said:
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... As for people watching the live games knowing more than anyone else, what a load of bollocks. We're all fans and we all bring money and support to the club be it through our season tickets, shirts, pay for view, or Villa mugs. Are you saying you don`t want a global fan base? Or that people who can`t get to a match can't have an opinion? Ever been to an England match? All those part time fans who follow their country but don`t appear to know the rules? I rest my case. |
Eoin Greene
said:
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... With regard to Calamity Curtis and Cuellar - a club like villa dont spend 16m for 'future' center halves. Davies is brutal and I dont see one redeeming feature - what quality does is posess? He is neither the 'dominant' center half or the 'footballing' one. I am fed up with 'Young' and 'English' being used as the main reasons for saying a player is good. Sol Campbell was an excellent center half, the key word being WAS. I have said this a few times but for God's sake - would MoN and Lerner please go out and show some ambition. We were the smallest squad in the league and we have lost, what most would have considered, to be our two best leaders, our two best players, our best defender and our best midfielder, our penalty taker...............i really dont understand how at least some of our targets were not established months ago and bought the day after the season ended. Sure you have to wait for a few players to become 'available' but we need about 9 players!!! |
Snake Pliskin
said:
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... Ripper mate!! I'm over in Germany at the moment and various other sunny places when the opportunity comes up (not by choice!!) and i guess that now makes me an armchair supporter too. It's amazing how my knowledge of the game has begun to diminish since the last game i watched at Villa Park. Anyway, good post mate, not overly keen on Campbell and would prefer Distin if given the choice. Keep watching on the box and don't listen to anyone who tells you your opinion is any less valid than theirs!! UTV |
Mark
said:
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... Like I said I wasn't trying to belittle anyone. I've lived abroad too. But if you could properly rate a player by watching TV there would be no scouts and we would never have bought Bosko Balaban. I rest MY case! Peace and love! |
paul
said:
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... why go for a stop gap like campbell,why not look for a longer term solution i think he gave his lomg term solution in cuellar and davies |
mr_chips
said:
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... Sol Cambell just doesn't have the pace anymore to handle the real top quality attacking players in the premier league. Recently, we have acquired a lot of youth which makes a change from the numerous mercenaries employed by previous managers in order to try and win trophies. I am all for having experience but signing someone like Sol, who is on the verge of retirement, is just a step backwards in my opinion. |
Simeon
said:
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... greg, the fact that he stayed in England and signed for Portsmouth is exactly why he is a mercenary, if indeed Wenger released him because he was getting abuse. He valued a big wage packet over avoiding abuse from the terraces, supposedly the reason he left. As it is, I think Wenger released him because he simply wasn't good enough - and certainly not good enough to juistify the wages he was on at Arsenal. He went to Portsmouth because they offered him the most money. Sorry, what was your point again? |
Pastor Lovelysauce
said:
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... Very good post. As for the 'to watch in the flesh or on the box debate'. The Food critic analogy is poor. How many food critics, indeed any critics, have been successful in their chosen field? As for Sol, not sure. There, a critic sitting on the fence. |
oldvillan
said:
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... i think cambell would be ideal not only do we have to replace laursen but we have to replace the experience and stability to the defence so davis and roland rat can develop.its no good just having youngsters in the team when they lose their way they do so big time as it showed after laurson was out with his injury.its all about balance young legs and wise heads. |
James Clift
said:
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... Good post CP.. I have said myself we should sign Campbell. He's obviously not the long term answer but we'd get a good season out of him. Oh and as your an Aussie I thought i'd mention i'm off to Sydney in November. The wife agreed to let me go as long as I don't spend all our money on the Villa this year! Looks like divorce is on the cards then... |
Billy7
said:
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... How old was Mcgrath when we signed him? Not saying anyone would be half as good for us as the lord but i was young when we signed him and cant remember what the reaction was, and he got better and better and better and better, what i'm saying is....... Centre half, most valuable asset? Experience? 1 step ahead? Like said above, dont think he would be 1st choice centre back but very good squad player. Sorry to go on but as i've said in a previous post, if we signed 3 or 4 players who would get in the 1st team THEN signed Sol, great, but if he is our 1st signing it gives the impression we've got no money, until proved otherwise. |
Ken Bonker
said:
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... After thinking Sol Campbell would be a good signing for Villa, I'm thinking CP stands for "cowin puddled!" It'd be a massive step backwards, the last thing we need is a has been just to boost the numbers. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... I think Sol would be a good addition for 1 year, thats it though, he could pass on his knowledge to Davies and leave him a better player. I'd be quite happy to give those three the centre back rolls between them for a season, as I like Davies and think he can improve along side the right man, and Cuellar hasn't been given a decent run at centre back yet. The fact he is cack at right back means nothing, it's not his position - In the same way it wasn't reo cokers who has also got a bad rep because of his performances there  I have a feeling mons little trip is to Sweden to go and speak to this Berg guy and his club. Seems pretty obvious he isn't having a second holiday. |
Damian
said:
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... DanWilson82 If I were to take a guess, I'd say O'Neill was going on a short break with his wife or family and that it would probably be somewhere nice and warm. |
Sotc
said:
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... Guys to be honest I am dreading the songs next season when we have upson and campell as our centre backs. What do you think cus I'm bloody shitting it! |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Sotc - hmmm maybe we will get a nice new rainbow coloured club crest? Damian - I can't see it, not if he has already had a trip away, this time surely it's business related. If your right then I would be seriously worried about his commitment... |
David Tyler
said:
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... I'm a season ticket holder and thoroughly endorse having NO hierarchy in terms of who goes / doesn't, especially on geography grounds. I enjoyed the post, CP... helps that I agree that we need someone to complement and/or compete on an equal basis to Carlos and Curtis, who I do feel can make a quality pairing. we should then start to see Clark as no. 4 rather than Zat. DanWilson82... it is probably business but equally a wedding or something similar is a distinct possibility... and fair enough, really. The trip itself shouldn't give us more or less confidence. We'd expect a bunch of business trips around this period anyway, regardless of whether this particular one is biz or not. I'd like it to be Berg though - if nothign else because he's clearly hot property after U21s so would be a little boost to get him. True Villa - why don't you ask the Gen Fitzgerald? To everyone else - I know!!! |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Damian, interesting. I read that as you think he's in Spain chasing someone. Else why go on holiday, come back for a week and then go away again? Surely you'd just do it in one stint, even if you're moving destinations? it's not as though he's short of dough and needs to mooch through the best deals is it? Either way, he came back to do some business in between his breaks or he's gone away to do some business, imo. AVMark, I used to think the same as you when I used to go every home game and a good few aways. Nowadays I think you'll find that the percentage of EPL viewers who actually go to games is miniscule. You can't write all those viewers off mate. I know where you're coming from in that you go all the time and are rightly proud of it, but it's not that relevant anymore sadly, imo. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Billy7, I think God was about 28, from memory. His knees were supposed to be shot though, don't forget. I reckon SAF only got rid because God liked a drop, which seems crazy, looking at the sate of SAF's hooter  I suspect God was an awful timekeeper and SAF couldn't handle him. £400k, must go down as the best signing ever, imo. |
stu
said:
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... ive said to myself id like campbell to come to villa for short term, we could also get another younger centre back (early 20s) in and get rid of knight |
Billy7
said:
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... 29-30? Thought he was older. Anyway, no way i'm comparing, just think we could benefit from his experience. The lord was absolutely class, unbelievable at 400k, how much would he be worth now? With good knees and a good diet? 40 mil? Each leg? |
Zorro
said:
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... Good post - I agree totally that we need defensive experience as a priority, whether this is Sol Campbell or not doesnt overly concern me right now - however I can think of alot worse. Agreed that Davies has not shown the form of a 10m centre half but lets face it, with an initial 1 year loan option to have a good look at him and eventually the 3.5m received for Luke Moore (wooden dollas maybe) the true value of Davies was probably closer to 7m and therefore we all need to be patient. Agree that Campbells conduct when leaving Spurs was not ideal, however this alone would never be a reason for not wanting him to play for the Villa if he could genuinely add value - as football supporters we are naturally forgiving, I recall clearly how Steve Staunton walked on a free transfer to Liverpool after alledgedly pledging his future to the club - to say I was fuming for months is an under statement - however he eventually filtered his way back to actually captain the club. Jimbo Daventry - your travels sound nice but lets keep the focus on the football club now more than ever - we all know the importance of the next few weeks.... |
Zorro
said:
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... Billy7 - Paul Mcgrath was aged 29 when signed from Man Utd, apparently an obvious risk to all however Taylor knew that as long as he was sober we were on to a winner, the reaction was positive and alot of money was spent at the time on a gamble (350k) - in 1987 'only 18 months earlier' he was voted the best defender in the world by his fellow pros. Would be nice to stumble across something similar for sure... |
Holte102
said:
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... A nice refreshing post & perhaps interesting to see how we are viewed overseas. I'm a season ticket holder who usually averages 25-30 games in all, I watch re runs on the box of I can win or lose, I'd like to say that arm chair fan or not we're all villa fans & we're all on here for the same reason. Some can't can't go because of cost but in the case of cp he's an Aussie so that makes things difficult. Lets put that discussion to bed, my mate sits in the trinity and we hardly ever have the same view on certain players. Like many others I'm concerned, we play in the peace cup in 2 weeks & in what is a big summer we are doing very little. I feel maybe we have missed players, owen been one, vermalean been the other. Question is do we have a plan b? I'm not confident we do. Martin is second to none in my opinion & in Randy Lerner a top owner, he's not a sheik but he's an honourable gent and will do the right thing. Panic buying is not an option this summer, we need quality all round. Cuellar was shaky last season, his distribution very poor, short of pace and generally not good value. Jury Is out but as with petrov maybe he needs another season. Personally I think Campbell or distan would be ok as squad players but we need a long term answer, upson or hangerland or even show some ambition and get hEinze or drenthe or both.Barry is replaceable, we will miss his consistency but of we could get a player capable of getting more goals then that would go a long way to sorting that problem. Defour is a top target and he comes very highly rated. Personally I think hleb would be a like for like replacement & to add defour to this would actually be quite exciting. I think showing some ambition is key, I could list 3 or 4 others who are gettable so to speak including love & huntelaar but the question is of martin is thinking about that & unfortunatly I fear not! Up the villa! |
true villa
said:
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... mon is in afghanistan signing osama bin laden. he wants to play him up front so that he can terrorise the defences! |
Zidave
said:
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... Campbell is a poor short term solution in my opinion. Maybe you have a point about Cuellar and Davies being the future, but where we differ is our opinion of Cambell. I don't believe in signing a 34 year old who hardly displayed this cool headed player who will provide competition for the team. In what way did he impress anyone at all last year? In respects to the trophies he's won it only reminds me of how old the player is and I think people are using that as an excuse to ignore how he performs in game. Does winning a trophy with Arsenal or Tottenham 10 years ago reflect on his current ability? Not for me. He's an old bag and if we were to sign him I'd only laugh when we turn out to have another season with a defense that is no better than a 10th or worse placed team. He's 34, we'd be lucky to get a season out of him. Signing players for the sake of numbers doesn't do anyone any good. If you're unsure, what about Knight? Has Campbell proved himself to be any better or worse than him last season? Both are slow and only showed a few good games. And look at it another way, we've just lost two of our best players. If we don't show some ambition and finish in Europe again next season, I will guarantee you that come next summer we will no longer have one or both of John Carew and Ashley Young. Short term signings that do nothing to improve our current disaster train of a defense and surely do nothing to improve their confidence. |
CP
said:
|
... Firstly I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone for their support and making me feel welcome. That Charles Rd near VP is the one I'm talking about I'm afraid - Mum would never help find parking spaces for a Bluenose. AV Mark, As an avid fan of all sports, I truly appreciate your point about watching games live. In Brisbane I have the luxury of attending live matches for rugby league, football, Aussie Rules, cricket, and I've seen the Socceroos play Paraguay. As for my knowledge on sport - I work full-time as an online sports reporter so, and without sounding like a self-important douchebag, I've had a fair bit of experience with different sports at writing match reports off the TV What I can say about all that though is that I think while you can't grasp the atmosphere of live footy through the TV - you still get a very good snapshot of the game. If I could, I'd be at Villa Park in the seat next to you every, single, week. As it is, I drink plenty of coffee, pay for cable TV and hit F5 on live score updates, as spend hours every week online to make sure I'm thoroughly schooled on all things Villa. Back to big Sol - I'm not sure the baggage is a problem. That's in the past, it has nothing to do with the role he can play at Villa. He's a little bit slow but Laursen wasn't exactly blessed with pace. The key thing is he brings experience - and perhaps that settling influence and calm confidence that veteran players exude. If he's fit, I don't see it as a very high-risk move. Perhaps it doesn't show great ambition, but we have certain basic requirements first before we start adding polish. Agreed - MON and Randy have a big job on their hands. As for Curtis, I'd hardly describe him as brutal on the ball. You'd not expect him to be tremendously dominant yet - that's something you acquire with, here's that word again, experience. Personally, I think he's an impressive player in development. Obviously this is a subjective issue, but when we were on a great run last year I didn't hear many complaints about Curtis. |
Steve Blunt
said:
 |
... Chris, Great post. Sensible, balanced, thought provoking. As a fellow Oz based fan (I'm in Newcastle) it's great to hear that there are so many of us out here. I think other posters have argued the "at the game v TV" debate well. Personally I've lived out here since 1968 but have been back twice (going again in October) and caught as many games live as I can whilst there. I was born in Church Lane Aston, as was my mum and AVFC is a LIFELONG passion having attended my first game when I was 3 years old. I still play the game at 48 (you guys reckon Sol Campbell is slow ha!) and probably know more about the game, and AVFC in particular that the average fan. The fact that I, like Chris and many others are based away from the game (regardless of where in the world we are) does not diminish our support or understanding of the game, and if anything it probably heightens our passion! My next live game will be Villa v Chelsea on October 17th and Chris, and all the other non UK based supporters I'll be well aware of the extremes some of you will be going to to watch the game! Aston Villa IS a global brand with I believe the best supporters in the world! Even some of the negative ones! Bring on the new season! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...The fact that I, like Chris and many others are based away from the game (regardless of where in the world we are) does not diminish our support or understanding of the game, and if anything it probably heightens our passion! Absolutely. Regardless of what some people say, youre bloody welcome to me cobbler  |
Zidave
said:
|
... CP I definitely agree with you on Curtis. He's one of my favorite players and I see all the ability in him to potentially become a future England CB. Within the right defense he will be. |
Paul Cleveland
said:
 |
... Chris nice post. I too am a villa fan living in Brisbane and can relate to the late night dedication. The sunday games are a killer because you are up till 3am before work on a monday. Having done a junket to villa park last september to see the team play in the live i got a much greater appreciation for davies presence at the back. I too think that davies and cuellar are the center backs for the future. Last campaign cuellar had some good moments and then went missing a lot. I think some experience and grit at the back would be great (campbell). I think what we lost at the back with laursen out was that determination win the ball with confidence. The younger players are a bit too usure at the moment. Cuellar and davies need a bit more arrogant confidence in their ability. anyway my 2 cents up the villa |
ak_27
said:
|
... CP this has nothing to do with where you live but anyone who thinks that a CB choice pairing from of Cullar, Davies and a 34 year old Campell is clearly clueless. Sorry to sound like a w****r but come on how can you think that this can make us progress. Did you not watch us last season with Davies (who by the way is pathetic on the ball) and Cullar. Cambell is 34 and finished. I'll say that again. He is 34. He is not a goalkeeper. Im really find this hard to stomach that so many can come on here and agree that the signing of Cambell would be a good move. We need at least one good centre back to come in ( i actually believe we need 2) if we are to have any hope of even matching our 6th place finish. Cambell = time to get a new manager. |
cris2fa
said:
 |
... Campbell's no good and should probably retire. Taylor from Newcastle would be a good signing though. I reckon MON will come good with signings in the last week of July. If your Australian you should sign up to this site: www.astonvilla.com.au |
David Tyler
said:
|
... ak_27... think back to last September (i.e. when Paul Cleveland was over), Curtis Davies was playing well. The season had started when Carlos was signed and CD rightly thought he'd be gutted to get dropped (though wrong to externalize it) based on his form at that time and CC had to bide his time (and even then, get played out of position). Two big signings and a class incumbent in ML obviously made it difficult to find the preferred pairing and at least that decision is easier, even if it's the slenderest of silver clouds out of ML's retirement. That's why an experienced head makes sense - just as much for off the pitch as on it, as he doesn't need to be a starter. Clueless? No, it's just a matter of opinion... the first element is that we just need someone to add a bit of experience and the second is that Sol would fit the bill. I'm strongly in agreement with the first and would be happy enough with the second but no-one's saying his top, top drawer because that's not what we'd be bringing him in to be. |
Mark
said:
|
... CP: Thank you for at least responding to the point I made rather than making it out to be some silly argument about who are real fans. I still don't think you can properly judge a midfield player from the TV however I accept it's easier with centre halves. I often don't agree with AK for example however if he says he doesn't rate Sidwell I take that more seriously than perhaps I would coming from you - although of course he is wrong! |
JohnnyMcLeod
said:
 |
... Good post from the Aussie although I don't want Campbell, we ought to be looking beyond stop gaps. I do worry about MONs lack of transfer activity, and If I was Lerner I'd also be staring to scratch my head. Having lost Barry and Laursen a couple of quality signings were needed quickly to reasure the faithfull, surely it would make financial sense as well, one of the long term aims must be to increase season tickets sales season on season. My fear is that it'll all be last minute as usual & we'll end up with half a dozen 4-5 miliion pound squaddies on a par with Sidwell, Reo-Coker, & Heskey, just not good enough to take us to the next level. If we've got about 30 million to spend lets have 3 in the 10 million bracket. Berg would be a good start, I'd also think about a bid for Noble at West Ham, pure class, and a much better bet than the Tottenham dead wood we're being linked with. I'd also question what Harewood, Salifou, and Osborne are still doing at VP, are we going to be stuck with them for another season, bringing them in whenever MON feels its the right time to make our exit from the Carling Cup. Let's get shot of them even if it's on free transfers, squad places should be reserved for some of the class acts in the youth and reserve teams. |
FatKevs
said:
 |
... I think the views of the non supporting fans are valid & even better than the real supporters in some cases, but there is a big bloody difference when someone puts them self out making all sort of sacrifices to get to every game so they can be heard cheering on the lads. Its like cracking 1 off & saying you have scored. I look up to my mate Jon that has only missed a handful of games in 30yrs arranging holidays around the pre season freindlys. He is a real supporter, there is the hierarchy, just because you watch a load of war movies you were not there forget the politically correct bollocks I look up to my mate Jon that has only missed a handfull of games in 30yrs arranging holidays around the pre season frendlies. There is the hiarcy |
FatKevs
said:
|
... On Curtis Davis i have always thought from Day 1 he was a waste of money by his own words he played like a pub player. He need someone to hold his hand during the game. His body language is all wrong during the game he looks like a headles chicxken & struggles to head the ball. He seems a decent hardworking bloke but there are plenty of them about |
FatKevs
said:
|
... "squad places should be reserved for some of the class acts in the youth and reserve teams. " Great Comment |
toastman
said:
 |
... Hi Chris I currently live on Serpebtine Rd, which you should know is also around the corner. Welcome |
jerry
said:
 |
...I look up to my mate Jon that has only missed a handful of games in 30yrs arranging holidays around the pre season freindlys. He is a real supporter, there is the hierarchy I look up to my mate Jon that has only missed a handfull of games in 30yrs arranging holidays around the pre season frendlies. There is the hiarcy He need someone to hold his hand during the game. FatKev Posters told me that if I disagreed with the tone of the blog then maybe I shouldn’t post anything. I thought about it and stayed schtumm. Nobody listens to middle-aged farts anyway. Then I saw you posts today and felt obliged to speak. There’s nothing so compelling as seeing a man speak from the heart. You can feel the force of the words and it lifts you – makes you feel better about the human race. Keep it coming, fatman |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Churchill Just Keep writing There are way to many fans without an opionion other than to knock people that have one Most of that lot do not go to games & would not follow us in the 3rd division like we did I do not like the football we play now, but it is a way of life. I have always felt the club was part of my family but the yank has taken all part ownwership away. Some rich kid wanting a plaything owns our club It cannot be right |
CP
said:
|
... Thanks to 97 % of posters, but to be honest - the hierarchy is a load of bollocks. If one of you blokes was passionate about the Brisbane Broncos - I'd meet you at the airport and buy your ticket to the game. It wouldn't make a lick of difference that you live in another country. All I can honestly say is that I feel AVFC is in my blood and part of who I am as a person, regardless of where I live or by what means I support them. I do the best I can. Cheers lads, CP. |
greg swfc
said:
 |
... i've heard your after mark beevers and tommy spurr for a joint deal around £10m wat do u reckon brummies? personally they are great signins for you |
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