Written by Damian Wednesday, 24 June 2009 08:55
Stuart Taylor, before going on loan last season, had a squad number. That means we've lost three so far and our little list to the right only has a 'coming soon' for players in. We might be a little think on the ground at the moment, but they are coming.
Today we are linked with a 30 year old German goalkeeper who will surely only be brought in as third choice so even if he comes he probably won't play for us, not with little Brad sitting on the bench and seen very firmly as our second choice. But, if it does happen, he will get listed.
But signings are coming. I know that is fairly weak, but they will come, but when? Well, I fancy we are going to see players come fairly soon because our pre-season starts next week and we've got our first match in just over three. This isn't a dig at Martin O'Neill, but surely he isn't going to wait until August to bring in players?
What I mean is, the players need to come in and have a full pre-season with the other players. What is the point otherwise? We need three players just to break even and we need more to strengthen the team for our European campaign and clearly more for our league campaign so while it might be a little frustrating at the moment, they have to come.
Which then gets me thinking about quality and I fancy we'll get some quality and some squad players. I fancy Defour and Bentley are nailed on and I wouldn't be surprised if one or two others that we've been linked to come also.
So for today, we have German keeper, but that is about it. Martin O'Neill, as we speak is on the phone talking to people and trying to deals, it is happening and it will be happening soon. It has to.
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djongrass2
said:
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... A 30 year old keeper! Is that the best link we can come up with today - Jees!!! |
notsosilentbob
said:
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... fyi if anyones interested Setanta Sports UK have gone bust and ceased all transmissions |
darrenvilla
said:
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... i'm glad your post was full of positivity, i very rarely post, but i read the blog 3-4 times a day and have grown frustrated with peoples negativity. i know we have been here before, wishing and waiting, and then at the end of the transfer window - we get nothing - but i do feel, like Damian, that we will strengthen. Strength in depth is something o'neill and every other pundit and fan drummed on about all season, to not add to the squad now would be insane, and could ultimately be MON's downfall. He's very frustrating - but he's not stupid, the signings will come! Keep the dream alive! |
john
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... What makes you so sure about Defour being nailed, Damian? I've not seen him play, is he worth the quoted 13mil? If anyone has seen him play, what kind midfielder is he? Lock picker? Reo-coker battler type? Lots of questions! |
SammyFVilla
said:
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... completely agree damo, signings must come soon. O'neil understands about the squad needing time to blend during preseason so im sure we will have the first one within the next 2 weeks |
taglor
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... I see what you are doing there Damian, and to look at it from that perspective yes all that you say makes sense, especially as we are a professional fotball club in arguably the best league in the world. The upsetting thing is we all know what happens every summer and I anticipate us getting 1 good player and only 2 or 3 work horses, and all of these past the pre season.  |
adam
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... why does the july 1st date keep getting mentioned on other posts? is this when players contracts run out? does this mean all of our signings will be free? come on MON pull ya finger out |
Adey Stuttard
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... johnnyuk, A lot of people on here get carried away on the "tidal wave" with regards to signings - I have never seen Defour play so cannot comment, however £13M seems to be a lot of money, as does Naughton at (allegedly) £7M - he won't be a first eleven player, will sit on the bench and make the occassional appearance - ok, yes he SHOULD be one for the future, but so were the likes of Luke Moore, Stefan Moore, Gary Cahill, etc and they all disappointed/moved on, so I really think £7M is a gamble at this stage. |
SammyFVilla
said:
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... jonnyuk Heres a pretty bad video showing a few of Defour's goals. Hes an attacking midfielder. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZE2UUedbuA&feature=fvw Heres his wiki page as well http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Defour |
Law
said:
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... I have to completely agree you have to fancy that we need to and should be seeing a new face appear at some put during this week! God knows who, but we need some players coming in. Personally quite like the two you have listed, Bentley and Defour both good quality players and I do think they would greatly benefit the squad. |
Law
said:
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... Today we are being heavily linked with Miguel from Valencia, just wondering people's thoughts on that? |
Ken Saunders
said:
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... Owen appears a cert too IMO. All the action happening after July 1st then?!? Must admit I'm a bit gutted about Sturridge - he's a great prospect. |
RayK
said:
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... I really can't see Defour coming to VP - not at the £13m+ being talked about. Far more likely imo is Jurado the Spanish U21 midfielder, not just because I think he'll be a good deal cheaper at £7m but because he can play attacking midfield and would offer cover for Young on the left wing too. That might also explain why we haven't signed a replacement for Barry yet too as he's still playing for Spain in the U21 championship. Well i'm hoping that's the reason  |
gregdavillain
said:
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... I rekon the signings will come too, but like all the evidence of the previous windows I do think we wont sign the 1st teamers b4 pre-seson. Now this is why O'neill does it late: It protects the new additions while keeping faith with the old team members. ie. milner didnt kick a ball for months and neither did davies. By signing late the manager often has said about new players a few months in 'oh its a pity we didnt have them for pre-season' they need time to settle etc. It also makes the new signings have to work their arses off to oust the current squad members and therefore keeping people in the squad happy and or making the current sqaud members work extra hard to keep their places. I think it would be better to get in the new players early though. Maybe O'neill offers too much protection to player or maybe again this is the right way, who knows, people often say oneill is a lucky manager but you often hear that said about successfull people 'oh he's so lucky' 'lucky git', maybe theres more to him than meets the eye |
RayK
said:
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... Re Miguel, who knows? Maybe Naughton has opted for Everton, maybe its a negotiation tactic showing that were not desperate to sign Naughton, maybe we're actually really interested - its impossible to second guess too much. To be honest its getting to the stage where it doesn't matter which one comes in as long as we get one of them - both are quality players who would add depth to the squad. |
Prashant Naik
said:
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... I agree with you and I've said all along O'Neil is not stupid (and no one has suggested he is) he know wec are well short so I expect movement of players in will happen after 1st July (contract ending etc...) I also expect Harewood to go as well so O'neil will be very busy, however don't expect to get them all in by start of pre-season, yes it would be nice but can't see that happening. |
eamo
said:
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... I agree, signings are on the way. I would like Defour, Bentely, Naughton. No massive need for this German Keeper and Portugese RB Miguel (if we get Naughton). Quality signings only please, a few reserves are well able to step up as squad members. |
Jinksy
said:
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... Why let 28 year old Taylor leave for free & then pay £1m for a 30 year old German no one has heard of Who plays for a team no one has heard of?????????? Just makes no sense. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... I don't really understand the way things seem to go down at Villa park. Surely MON knows who he wants, so makes offers for them, and either gets rejected or accepted. Player comes in for talks, they agree of disagree to terms and then they either leave or sign. Now I'm sure it's a bit more complicated than this in reality but were obviously not in for people unless the big rumours like Bentley, Naughton and Owen were true, but then MON has denied 2 of these. Why the wait anyway if they have been agreed. I have this well documented feeling that come July 1st we will have a multiple announcement but don't, for the life of me know why were waiting to announce signings. If nothing is announced then, then we obviously havn't been doing anything??? Why oh why can't we be more commited in the transfer market, getting people in so late seems crazy, players need time to gel, and it's every single transfer period. WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?! I love MON as a manager but to be honest I'm starting to join the opinion that he is terrible in the market. |
Adey Stuttard
said:
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...villa are going to finish 12th nxt season First Mr Negative of the day, who else is out there.....? |
Prashant Naik
said:
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... earno Miguel can play anyehere up the right hand side, pacy and skillfull, was a right winger who moved to right back, so I say bring him in. He would also add experience at the back being 29 yrs old. |
Nicky Villa
said:
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... O'neill philosophy of acting late in the transfer window is better than going early IMO. I put it down the gaffer not wanting squad players looking over their respective shoulders to move on. Example, Bentley and Defour come in, Reo-Cocker and Sidwell think that they are going be bench warmers rather than 1st teamers. Result they become more open to a possible move and worse still, clubs start circling like vultures looking for an unsettled player. 5 in 5 out just might not help the fight on all fronts as proven last season..... |
Tim Wood
said:
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... Damian you are living in a fantasy worls full of ickle pixies and ugly trolls!! Defour and Bentley "nailed on", dream on more like that would be a combined fee in the region of £25million it ain't going to happen mate! (Although I hope for the clubs sake that I am asked to eat my words come August) One or the other maybe and then 3 or 4 players at £4 - £5million is a more realistic target. Where is all this money supposed to be coming from Randy Lerner is not going to throw endless amounts of money at the club in the present financial climate. He doesn't do it for the Browns so why on earth do you think he is going to do it for the Villa. I stand by what I said in a previous post, our net spend this summer is going to be £0!! I pray to the holy cheese sandwich that I am wrong I really really do and before I get berated for being a sad pesimistic toss pot I don't think I am I think I'm being realistic! Abuse me like the bitch I am  |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Stuart Taylor doesn't really count. I mean, I know he had a squad number, but come on, he doesn't really count does he? A 3rd choice keeper who didn't play a minute of football last season? No loss at all. It's not as if we really NEED to replace him. At very worst we'd go into next season with Brad and Brad Jr and use one of the kids (Parish or Bevan) as our 3rd choice and you wouldn't know any differently. |
Anthony Laud
said:
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... well still no signings. pre season next week. Well done Mart. we had the smallest squad in the prem anyway and now do by some distance. If he uses the small squad excuse at any point next season he can f$ck off! we cant be going to sign naughton, Bentley, owen or defour anyway according to all you happy keep the faith brigade can we. You constantly bark on that oneil keeps his transfers close to his chest (which he clearly doesnt as past dealings show). without laursen and barry last year where would we have finished - 10th at best? I cant belive oneil is going to go into pre season with such a significantly worse squad that has fallen behind man city, everton and spurs. what a prat! |
Adey Stuttard
said:
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...I'm here! smilies/grin.gif Yeah I read your post!! Love the "holy cheese sandwich" though  I think MoN keeps deals close to his chest so that the Fat Harrys of this world don;t steal in and nick them....? Hey, I'm Mr Positive  |
Steve Sims
said:
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... Hahaha, a bloody keeper - of all the additions to the squad that we need we look like bagging another keeper! Anyway, that's 3 out and, if said keeper joins, 3 in - him, that Carruthers kid from Arsenal and that other lad from Northampton Town. One more from another U-16 team and our squad will be bigger than last season's, plus Lerner will keep the bank balance in the black. Everyone's happy!  |
Richie P
said:
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... o'neil likes to keep things hush hush, im hoping he has kept everything that quiet we dont know who he has signed and will parade them out on july the 1st when the window officially opens. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Sorry off subject but I had to share this, what a tw*t - http://www.manchestercity.vita...p?a=158701 |
Mysterious
said:
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... Villa should Sign Miguel - 5m Owen - free Bentley - 7.5m Naughton/wheater - 6.5m/9m delph - 5m avf 25m out - gardner - 4m knight - 3m salifou - 1m reo coker - 7m Shorey - 3m total 18m 25 - 18 = 7 million spent? and improves the team alot. |
Paul Egan
said:
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... gregdavillain - I agree. I don't think we'll see a rush of players before pre-season. It hasn't happened before so I don't think it will happen this summer. I think the earliest signing we made was Reo-Coker and that wasn't very early. The player will come but there will be no rush. |
Richie P
said:
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... oh i thought officially it wasnt open till july 1st, thats why ronaldo hasnt had his picture taken with the papers at madrid holding his shirt etc |
Gwhizz
said:
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... I goota admit I like the thought of Naughton on the left behind Ash. Both can play that side and we've seen a glimpse of how well Ash can play with an attacking leftback behind him and overlapping, look at the England game where he and Ashley Cole rulled the left side. Perhaps we're after Naughton (left) and Miguel (Right). A very attacking approach which is what MON would love and that would give you 4 players delivering quality (Ash,Milner,Naughton & Miguel) add Bentley, Wheater, Owen and Defour in the mix and wet my pants.  |
eamo
said:
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... Prashant Naik: I see what your saying but why go for a guy with the same attributes as a guy 9 years younger. Luke young is enough experience in that position. He will be an ok buy if we don't get Naughton but if we do then we should forget about this guy. |
RayK
said:
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... DanWilson82 - I agree with you it. The only thing i can think of is that - to use an appropriate footballing cliche - the goal posts keep on moving. Using the right back as an example, maybe it goes something like this... MON checks on Naughton's availability late last season and he's quoted a £4m price and then just before he goes on holiday he's told he's no longer available. On holiday he sees Everton are also interested and checks to find out that Naughton is available but the price is now £5m. Its in Sheffield United's interest to start a bidding war between Villa & Everton so drag their feet until MON gets back from holiday. In the meantime news of the Glen Johnson transfer fee means that United now want £7m. Everton and Villa think that's a bit toppy so don't show the same sort of interest as they would do at £5m and start looking at other options. Miguel's agent will no doubt have picked up on Villa's interest in Naughton and contacted MON and said he could get Miguel at that price. MON may still want Naughton, speaks to the lad but given that he showed an interest in Miguel previously feels that he should look into it, only to find that Valencia actually want £7m ... etc etc etc etc |
winsforvilla
said:
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... Everyone is so besotted with buying big! Have we all forgotten that our reserves have won their league for 2 years in succession, playing against teams that included top players from the likes of Chelski and the Arse? We should be hoping that MON knows which of our players can provide cover for the likes of Ashley and Petrov. He should also be aware of which of the players can give options in style and formation. Then he needs to give them much more of a chance than he has done to date. But above all we do need a new captain, and he must be worthy of a regular place in the team. We also need more effective play down the right and more attacking options in the middle of the team, and a proven goal scorer. If that means buying big then so be it. |
gregdavillain
said:
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... timmyrara, you stupid ugly useless little bitch.............. well u did ask for it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
gregdavillain
said:
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... tonebone we cant be going to sign naughton, Bentley, owen or defour anyway according to all you happy keep the faith brigade can we. well if its not goin to happen id prefer to support and be upbeat instead of a miserable self hater. If oneill hasnt the funds what the f**k is he supposed to do? rent out his hole and bring in funds all by himself, if the money is there it'l be spent, if we have no money what better man to overachieve with clutch of mostly average players???? Maybe bring back O'leary???? |
rob h
said:
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... the miguel thing i agree could be a smoke screen to haggle naughton. Who remebers when kaboul was a cert to join us then all of a sudden cuellar was signed and kaboul vanished into the pompey reserves. Mon knows what he is doing. as i said yeserday just wait another week and the whole thing will become apparant |
Prash
said:
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... erno Naughton play's on the left and we are not sure the state of bouma, tried to find out how he is comming along. I know theres shory but the jury is still out on that one. anyway having some options is not a bad idea as we need depth. |
RayK
said:
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...1874AVFC said: Nah, I'd end up playing myself up front instead of Gabby But if that's what its really like (and that's before you get into the salary negotiations with players / agents etc etc) AND you're trying to get 5-6 players in with similar sort of hassles then I guess the lack of signings a bit more understandable. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't have signed anyone and MON doesn't help himself by largely limiting himself to existing PL / SPL players. If he expanded his targets to include overseas players or more players from the Championship (of the Young, Naughton quality obviously) then I think we would have signed a couple by now. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Apparently Man City are putting a 15 million bid together for Lescott and are willing to pay 80k a week wages. If this is true why couldn't we offer the same transfer fee and slightly less in wages. If he is interested in his football and not just the money Villa would be a far better option for him the year before a world cup. |
gregdavillain
said:
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... dan wilson why would villa be a better option dont get me wrong im not talking down my team but in fairness since january look at who city have signed... given, kompany, de jong, bellamy. santa cruz, barry, all on top of robinho, ireland, elano, etc.... im not trying to scarmonger but thats frightning |
rob h
said:
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... 10 mil gets you a vidic, a skrtl, an alex, a gallas et etc. we need to sign from abrouad to get value. simple as that. bouma can play cb dont forget and is an international. he cost 3mn |
rob h
said:
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... some one please tell me how naughton untried outside the amatuer league is worth more than heinze or bridge? he aint worth 5mn so forget it. a player with some potential he may be but he aint worth that. |
Daniel Wilson
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... I would pay 15 million for Lescott any day, he's quality IMO & I don't think Man City will be any more of a force than they were this season, too many new big names that won't be able to play together. Look what happened to Spurs at the start of the season. They also have a weak manager. |
Adey Stuttard
said:
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... gregdavillain, Bellamy, De Jong, Barry, Given, Santa Cruz - frightening? You had too much coffee this morning!! Not sure of Kompany, but Elano hasn't exactly set the Prem alight either.... |
Billy7
said:
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... Small Heath have signed a 7mil striker, 2 center backs, 1 ecuador and scott danns, joe hart on loan (great signing imo) now had a bid accepted for roger johnson from cardiff. They.re going for it next season. Survival that is. Would we be happy with these signings? Not at all, and it takes longer to buy quality, which i hope is the hold up!! |
gregdavillain
said:
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... danwilson: come on you cant really base mac city on spurs, i agree what u say about spurs but they had too many light and untried foreingers ie modric, man city have gone for premiership players with expierience bar de jong and kompany, and come on saying hughes is a weak manager? i wish he was........... 1874avfc hahah i think maybe i hadnt enuf coffee my brain isnt working yet, elano under eriksson in his first season was pretty class although he did fade last year, and when i say frightning i mean in terms of the amount of players they are signing, the size of their squad and come all those players have quality, kompany and de jong are big strong guys and i bet will be big players next season. who would u prefer friedal sidwell heskey or given dejong bellamy??? |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... Gregdavillain - I can honestly say that I would rather have our team at the end of last season above Citys. Since then we have lost Laursen which is a big loss and Barry to them which I don't think is a big loss. They have also signed Santa Cruz which like I said yesterday could be a complete waste of 18 million, I'm predicting 5 league goals and atleast 3 months in the treatment room. You also listen Bellamy as one of thier 'frightening players', that was a joke right Then they have Robinho, great player when he fancies putting in the effort once every 5 games. But bless him, it does get cold in manchester and you can't expect him to run around and make an effort if it's a bit nippy even if he's on 100k+ a week. Honestly, Man City won't be doing anything special this year. Hughes is just picking big random names from here there and everywhere and shoving them together and expecting miricles to happen. Provided we actually sign 3-4 good first teamers in the coming month I fully expect us to wipe the floor with them again next season. |
VillaMitch
said:
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...Gwhizz said: Prash said: Naughton's a right back and will provide much needed cover for Luke Young. Naughton, Bentley, Delph, Defour and Owen and I will be a very very happy man! |
ak_27
said:
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... DanWilson82 if Bellamy stays fit he is a really good player. I think if City sort out their Def mifielder and centre back pairing they will be a very good team. I fancy they will push one of the big 4 very close. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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... ak-27, we pushed one of the big 4 VERY close this season, it's not just talk either, it happened. Man City can start getting above themselves once they actually achieve something, until then, I'm giving them no credit whatsoever, and honestly, theres no chance Bellamy would get a starting 11 place at Villa, we have a better team then them, simple as... |
gregdavillain
said:
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... dan wilson, well when u put it like that i hope ur right. As for Hughes he identified they are leaking goals and brought in de jong as holding midfielder and they were lacking presence up fron so they bring in roque (granted he will prob be injured most of da time)when they cudnt get carew so he can identify his problem areas. Bellamy is a good squad player but they say tevez n eto'o are still possabilities. i think they'll gel next season and after the way they played us off the park at eastlands i think u might be underestimating them a small bit. Same with spurs they did buy a lot of players last year but after xmas they gelled and if we'd picked up as many points after xmas as them we'd be in the champs league and the funny thing about it is they were in europe the same as us but were able to finnish strongly, maybe coming into the summer months our english players cudnt hack the heat the same as they cudnt hack the clod early on!!! with 4r5 decent acuisitions theres no reason we shoudnt be there or thereabouts but i expect it to be a lot closer this year with no room for 3 month slumps |
Nik Skilton
said:
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... none of them are players that i would have welcomed to B6 (with the exception of the permanent transfer of Hart), however, it does seem that the blues have a good idea, and are doing their business early. They have signed Hart, Dann, Benitez and now Johnson, for around a £20m outlay. However, i am not yet concerned...... |
Dan Price
said:
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... Rob H 10 mil gets you a vidic, a skrtl, an alex, a gallas et etc. we need to sign from abrouad to get value. simple as that. bouma can play cb dont forget and is an international. he cost 3mn ---------------- 10 million gets you a vidic? A little early in the day to be that high dont you think? |
ak_27
said:
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... DanWilson82 i can see City being really strong at home this season. I think you are putting us miles ahead when in reality we are(were) really on a par with them at the end of the season. Now we have lost Barry and they have gained Barry. You add Tevez and god knows who else to that team and they will be strong this season. I for one can't wait for it to begin but City at home will be going into most of my accumalators this season. |
bob
said:
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... Damo... Good Man... Like the positives today (big thumbs up), MON always buys later than we want and always buys less than we want, but it always happens and it usually all works out well, 3 or 4 in, a few youngsters progressing through the ranks and our numbers will be back up again. |
RayK
said:
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...Dan Price said: DanPrice - think Rob was talking about what they originally cost, not what they would be worth now. |
vogra
said:
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... Dan, cant agree there buddy, i think Man City have completly over taken us in terms of having a better team, apart from maybe Carew and Young i couldn't see many others getting in there team.. Given or Friedel --- Given Micah Richards or Young ---- Richards Dunne or Knight ---- Dunne Bridge or Shorey/Bouma --- Bridge Wright Phillips or Milner ---- Wright Phillips..just about,for me anyway Stephen Ireland or Petrov --- Ireland Robinho or Gabby ---- no contest, Robinho Barry or Reo Coker --- Barry De Jong or Sidwell --- De Jong May have missed out a player or two but you get my drift Man City are in a different league when it comes to spending power and who they can attract,especially when it comes to wages. |
GG
said:
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... Lescott & Owen would be perfect signings for me - bugger getting any more midfielders, we need a strong character in defence and a natural goal poacher up front. Lescott's obviously not going to be tempted by us over Man City, and Owen seems to think he's become a corporate brand. Anyone else match these requirements? |
gregdavillain
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... dan wilson and 1874 villain re:vogra Given or Friedel --- Given now thats my point better explained!!!! frightning but with 4r5 good signings we'll be up there |
VillaDude
said:
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... How long is everyone giving MON in the transfer market before they get nasty? People are telling me to be patient, that MON has in under control - but when will people turn and think maybe MON, when it comes to transfer windows - hasn't got a clue?! |
YamYam_Villain
said:
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... You know what im gettin bored of hearing the same thing week after week after week after week. All we seem to hear is 'the signings are coming' 'the signings will come'. We hear the same every year and they never happen untill the last feww weeks of August. I love MON, but because of what hes like in the transfer market i could strangle him! I know we've got to keep the faith, but its getting pritty hard to even do that now. Could i be wrong, only time will tell UTV! |
Daniel Wilson
said:
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...Given or Friedel --- Given I'd have it more like this... Given or Friedel --- Friedel(just) Micah Richards or Young ---- Richards(just) Dunne or Davies ---- Davies Onuoha or Cuellar ---- Cuellar Bridge or Shorey/Bouma --- Bridge Wright Phillips or Milner ---- Milner Stephen Ireland or Petrov --- both great but i'd take Petrov on last season Barry or ?New signing? ---- I'll judge when I see who we bring in Martin Petrov or Ash Young ---- Ashley Young Robinho or Gabby ---- Robinho (def 1 in 5 games when he bothers turning up) Santa Cruz or Carew ---- Carew you seemed to forget half our good players and listed subs in your list? |
bob
said:
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... BTW: I really only think we need DEFENCE: - First Choice Centre back - Competition for Right Back MIDFIELD: - Attacking Midfielder(Merson Type) who can play central or behind front two and/or - Left Winger, (A.Young can then play left or revert to attacking Role behind the strikers) and/or - Right Midfield (Milner can then play right or drop into the centre of the park) ATTACK: - Prolific Goalscorer (Give Owen a chance) |
ryandavillain4life
said:
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... if villa can sign: defour delph gudjohnson owen miguel naughton henry ronaldo kaka messi etoo bellamy santa cruz modric WE WILL GET CHAMPIONS LEAGUEE NEXT SEASON   |
VillaDude
said:
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... Bob - I think everyone agrees 6 positions are where we should try and get players in, and players are available... lets hope MON is working on it... |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Now I'd like Hleb at the Villa. Went for £11.8 mill, so he has to be someone we could go for? http://community.footballpools...ton-villa/ |
Christian
said:
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... I think you summed it up very nicely there Vogra. The worrying thing is you can start doing that kind of thing with a lot of our close rivals, and by the end of the summer the balance might have tipped further. But fingers crossed Rob H, I normally agree with what you post, but I think you compared Bouma to Vidic, Alex and Gallas!! Heat stroke mate??! DanWilson, Bellamy is 10x the striker Gabby is! He works a hell of a lot harder too. If he wasn't such a c*ck and injured all the time he'd have settled by now and would be very highly rated. And your comparison list is crazy!! Friedel better than Given??! Petrov better than Ireland?! Onuoha and Cuellar?! Have to disagree on this occasion mate. I got shot down yesterday by Keefvilla for saying I don't see the necessity for Kyle Naughton. Sure, he may be a top prospect and would add depth to our squad, but of everywhere we need players (and with an apparent small transfer kitty) should we be spending £5m on an understudy for Young?? |
vogra
said:
|
... Dan, what subs have i mentioned?..apart from Sidwell i've pretty much listed first teamers that played for us most the season..good players i've missed, i hope that doesn't mean Heskey and Davies..lol Santa Cruz or Heskey...i'll leave that one up to you. But hey,we can argue the toss all day about who's better than who, that's the beauty of football..we just state our own opinion. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Sorry Christian but I believe Dan to be far more accurate than you. Cuellar is easily better than Onouha, and based on last season there's very little between Petrov and Ireland. Some people don't realise exactly how important Petrov was to us last season, he was 10 times better than Barry. |
YamYam_Villan
said:
|
... vivavilla, Couldn't agree more mate. Petrov is alot better than Ireland, Petrov is one of them players that does a quality job and hardly gets noticed. Seriously, without Petrov in our midfield, we'd be fu*ked. |
Christian
said:
|
... But vivavilla, Cuellar couldn't even get in our team until injuries let him in! Like you, I heard great things from Scotland about him, but from what I saw last season the jury's out. No pace whatsoever, cannot pass the ball to a villa shirt under any circumstances and jumps about 2 inches off the ground. Allegedly he reads the game well, but not from where I'm sitting. Hope I'm wrong and he settles and makes me look stupid. Ireland was a revelation last season, like Petrov, but IMO Ireland is box-to-box and does the business at both ends. Stan looks uneasy when getting forward. |
FatKevs
said:
 |
... I would take 12th to have a decent cup run. We are not going to be contenders for anything else we do not have the money or a manager that can attract or spot players that are not proven or outside UK |
ak_27
said:
|
... vivavilla Cuellar and Onouha cannot even be compared to each other as one is a full back and the other a centre back. Secondly Ireland is the best young player in the league at the moment. He doesn't play the same role as Petrov so you can't really compare them either. But no way is Davies better the Richard Dunne. If MON has any cop on he will sign Dunne. He is an inspirational leader which is something we are crying out for at the back. He will probably be available for £5m as City will be looking at some superstar deffender no doubt but Richard Dunne would make a huge differance to us if we were to sign him. By the way Bellamy had setlled in very well at City and had scored a lot of goals before he got injured. he is a w****r no doubt and he is very injury prone but he has turned into a very good player over the last 18 months. But come Jan he may be surplus to requirement if City do bring in Tevez, Eto and god knows who else so i wouldn't be surprised to see him in a villa shirt at some stage. |
Rich
said:
 |
... Mysterious No way should we let Gardner go, especially for 4 Million. Neither Reo or Shorey |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Vogra, I wasn't having a dig, and your right, we are all welcome to our own opinions I just think if you want to compare the teams you should go on the list I stated as that is our 2 starting 11's or near enough, weather you agree with my choices of who i'd rather have is another thing. At the moment Man City have a lot more strength in depth and thats where I see our problem, but not if MON starts to pull his finger out and get some more players in. If we started the new season right now I could see the same sort of thing happening as last year with us starting great and then falling away. Christian - I'd have to disagree on Bellamy being 10x Gabby. Gabby is so young and I think doing what he done so far with so much pressure on him is brilliant. If he can work on his downfalls then he could become the finished article and become one of the hottest properties going. Bellamy will never be more than average to me. |
Christian
said:
|
... Ak_27, that's pretty much my point of view. I'd really like to see Bellamy at Villa (provided he didn't wreck the dressing room). MON's a great man-manager so perhaps he could tame Bellamy. I think Villa are a bit too 'nice' too. Players like Bellamy, Bentley, Hendrie etc are loathed and I think we need a touch of that arrogance in the side. For instance, Robbie Savage was worth his place in the team for the effetc he had on the opposition alone. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
...For instance, Robbie Savage was worth his place in the team for the effetc he had on the opposition alone. I think I have just lost any respect I had for your opinions |
Christian
said:
|
... Hmmm DanWilson, I hope you're right and that he lights the Prem up this year, like he threatened with a opening day hat-trick last season. I just feel that Gabby doesn't have much of a football brain and an abhorrent first touch. If he loses some of his pace I don't know if he has anything else to call upon. I think we'll get 3/4 more good years out of him then he'll move on, minus a bit of pace and we'll see it as good business. |
jim
said:
 |
... Our 2009/10 season is already on it's arse! As things stand, we will not finish higher than 7th, and that's only based upon any of our closest rivals making NO MORE signings!!!! MO'N has taken the club as far as he can, and this season he may even take us on backward step. I'd love to be wrong. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
...I just feel that Gabby doesn't have much of a football brain and an abhorrent first touch. If he loses some of his pace I don't know if he has anything else to call upon. I kind of agree and thats what I mean about working on his downfalls. Working with someone like Owen for a year might help to fix this but I just think it's too early to write off Gabby. This time next year we could all be hailing him as one of the Villa greats after a 20+ goal season. Atleast I hope we will... |
ak_27
said:
|
... I think Gabby doesn't have the technical abilty to be a really great player. But i think the way we actually play doesn't really suit him also. I would love to see him operate in a team that can pass and keep the ball and then pick the lock and try and put Gabby through on goal with his amazing pace. At the moment he ends up chasing 60 yard passes into the corner where his lack of technical ability then hinders him as it is then you need skill and trick to lose or beat the defender when he has you tied up out wide. I can't remember too many oppertunities he has had running in straight on goal(like againest Arsenal away). Maybe if we get a playmaker that will change. |
Christian
said:
|
... Yeah I'm just in a bit of a football-deprivation-induced bad mood today. So I apologise for burdening you all with my depression |
colm tarpey
said:
 |
... Dan Wilson, Agreed, Gabby has been a central player for us for the last couple of years and lead the line very well on his own for a couple of months....it was his work during that time that has half of this blog crying at MON to use a five man midfield every other day! |
Jason
said:
 |
... Villa should Sign Miguel - 5m Owen - free Bentley - 7.5m Naughton/wheater - 6.5m/9m delph - 5m avf 25m |
Christian
said:
|
... That's a very good point AK_27. Do you remember Henry at Arsenal, it seemed every game they would set him free straight hrough on goal after some intricate passing and he'd stroke it past the keeper- he never had to chase long punts into the corner! |
Jason
said:
|
... buuggered up the last comment sorry! Mysterious Villa should Sign Miguel - 5m Owen - free Bentley - 7.5m Naughton/wheater - 6.5m/9m delph - 5m avf 25m This adds up to £33million not £25 million. Also, we won't sign 2 right backs. |
ak_27
said:
|
... Christian1983 i was just thinking that Gabby would score bagfulls of goals if he was playing for Arsenal with Fabresgas and Arshavin threading balls thorgh for him to run onto. |
colm tarpey
said:
|
... plus, the guardian seem to think the window dosent open until july 1st either...here is the first paragraph of the rumour mill : there are SEVEN DAYS to go until the transfer window opens, and the Mill is getting giddy with excitement. But until then, there's not much to do except for rehash old stuff or invent new stuff. So without further ado, here are today's news headlines:...... maybe there is something in the club ot declaring up to now...? |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Havn't actually done a wish list yet this end of season, I'd like to see us get in Naughton, Hangeland, Delph, Defour, Bentley & Owen. Not a big Bentley fan but it would be good for Milner to have some competition and give us the option of bringing him inside. Owen would be good for Gabby to learn off and would score a few. This would leave us with: Friedel, L.Young, Davies, Hangeland, Bouma, Milner, Petrov, Defour, A.Young, Carew, Gabby/Owen Subs: Guzan, Owen/Gabby, Cuellar, Naughton, Reo-Coker, Delfouneso + Heskey, Sidwell, Bannan, Albrighton, Parish, Shorey & Some youth players. Have probably missed someone out too no doubt! but that would be a stronger squad that could maintain a challenge throughout a whole season IMO. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... and Bentley doh, well that just says how much stronger in depth we would be! |
ak_27
said:
|
... Id like to see us bring in: Dunne Distin Tuncay Naughton Bentley Defour And sell : Sidwell Knight Harewood Saliou |
Jason
said:
|
... A bit off the topic - but i read that Sturridge is off to Chelsea, all agreed except for the compensation. Now as he went to the same school as me and i know a few people who either know him or his family, this has come as a shock. Everyone told me he was interested in moving to Villa. It suggests to me that either MON wasn't interested in him or wouldn't pay his £50,000 per week wages. I would be quite happy to pay them, he is going to be a great player and it's always nice to have a villa fan playing for us. A bit like Gerrard at Liverpool, you just find they put more effort in. |
Christian
said:
|
... The biggest thing next season will be our home form. If we can get that right and make it a place nobody wants to visit (like the big 4, Goodison, Wastelands, Craven Cottage) we could do alright, because our style of play suits us on the road. I think the only way to fix our shoddy home form is to buy a creative midfielder, a 'lock-picker'. If we could pick up, say, 40-42 points at Villa Park we'd be seriously pushing if we can maintain our away form/good luck |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Does anyone know with 100% certainty when the transfer window is open?? If it is July 1'st then this would explain why nothing is going on yet and would put a lot of people at ease. But if it is 1st July then why have Barry & Ronaldo & Vermaelen moved already?? |
Rich
said:
|
... DanWilson Not convinced we should be buying players to go on the bench (apart from possibly Owen as an impact player if we need to change the system). We have enough of those already, Sidwell, Reo, Gardner etc. Also it may block a possible gem from the youth set up coming through. Not sure how good Bouma will come back either. Perhaps would stick with Shorey at left back and have Young at right back. I do like round pegs in round holes!! Definately agree with Bentley (bring Milner inside), Hangeland and Defour (or Jurado as a cheaper option)as our creative midfield player. Gives a 5 man midfield with big John up front. Bentley, Milner, Defour/Jurado, Petrov, Young Bench: Gabby, Owen/Heskey, Reo/Sid/ Gardner, Cuellar, Bouma Now we are starting to look strong |
Harry Stanton
said:
 |
... Think someone has mentioned it already but surely no-one can criticise MO'N on this summer's signings (or lack of) until the summer is over, or at the very least until pre-season starts. Granted that pre-season is approaching rapidly and I am getting a litle nervous but for people to call for O'Neill's head is, in my opinion, short-sighted and forgetful. I find it hard to believe that some people do not trust MO'N even after he has propelled us to even daring to think about an assault on the top 4. Of course we should be aiming as high as possible and criticism will no doubt ensure that he doesn't get complacent, but to suggest he has taken us as far as he can (when we have improved our points total each season consistently, ffs!) is idiocy. God help our chances of doing anything memorable if he goes and takes over some team like Everton where their chairman backs the manager even after he has a 'blip' season. Not every team in the league can buy a player at will. |
Keith
said:
 |
... ak_27 I'm not convinced with either Dunne (slow) or Distin (past it). I would rather take a chance with Christoph Metzelder of Real Madrid. Hardly played last 2 seasons due to injury and the form of Pepe and Ramos. He is big and dominant in the air, and Real need the money. Would agree with signing Naughton, Bentley, Defour and Delph but would keep Sidwell, he will come good. |
ak_27
said:
|
... keefvilla can't see us attracting Metzelder with the type of wages we would be offering him. I get to see how good Dunne is when he plays for the ROI. He is what we need in my opinion. He might not be quick but he can read the game very well( a bit like McGrath) and is as solid as you can get. He could form a good partnership with Davies. I like Distin too and they have played together at city. Both could be brought in for £7m which would be good business in my eyes at least. |
RayK
said:
|
... Damo's post on this a week or so back is right. http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...er-league/ In short the transfer window 'opens' as soon as the old season finishes but you can only start registering players on 1 July. That means (i think) that until the 1st July all the transfers announced (including Barry's) will be ONLY subject to / conditional on the successful registration of the player with the FA. If all of a sudden we wanted Barry back or Barry came to his senses and realised VP a much better place to play then Villa / Barry would be in breach of contract and there would be damages to pay Man City. In other words the transfer window is open and 1st July date is a small (but crucial) technicality. |
Rob The Villain
said:
 |
... I remember last summer, there was the same negativity then we signed a shit load of players and everyone was happy! So just hold on and they will come. It's not like this is the first transfer window we've had with MON, surely you should know what he's like by now! Come the close of the window and nothing has happened then you have my permission to go ape shit! How do you lot know if things haven't already been put in place! MON keeps it quiet and pretty much every transfer we've done is rarely leaked before it's happened or atleast at the last minute. Harry Redknapp has kept his droopy face quiet so there goes the main source of our transfer leaks! (My reaction to Villa's transfer window last season)  |
whining_villain
said:
 |
... im not one to disagree with people about players but come on id rather have no rumours at all than naughton im from sheffield and my uncle supports sheff utd so ive seen them a few times this season and he has been appauling but bentley isnt the best either and i cant see why some of you are over the moon being linked with players like naughton and wheater, wheater had one goo season and thats it and now hes the dogs bollocks why cant MON actually hold talks with players abroad like dindane and jurado and have you heard about that kid called eden hazard he looks ace!!!! |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... RayK, thanks for the explaination, now I can only hope that MON being the good sport and gentleman he is, has wrapped up 5 signings but wont announce them till the 1st at which point he isn't stepping on any toes. |
Rich
said:
|
... ak_27 I also like Dunne. He puts his head in where it hurts and loves defending. Also agree on his ability to read the game makes up for his lack of pace. Not quite McGrath but who else is!!!!! Would partner him with Hangeland though. |
Jason
said:
|
...Does anyone know with 100% certainty when the transfer window is open?? If it is July 1'st then this would explain why nothing is going on yet and would put a lot of people at ease. But if it is 1st July then why have Barry & Ronaldo & Vermaelen moved already?? Yes the tranfer window is 100% open - the reason people talk about July 1st, is because players contarcts start from e.g. - 01/07/06 - 30/06/09. Tranfers can still be agreed and a contract signed, it just comes into effect on that date. (which means we are probably paying Barry currently and his new contract starts on 1st July) It isn't always the case as some players are signed in January. Also you could start a contract when ever - it's up to the club, this is just the most common. |
vogra
said:
|
... Cool Dan, i do see where your coming from, At least we know most the Villa players play for the shirt, some how i don't think that's the case at Man City... Off the subject slightly, i have two fcuking ba$tard magpies in the tree in my garden, they wake me up at 4am every fcuking morning, and they squark all fcuking day when i'm in, apart from blowing them away with a gun does anybody know how to to get rid of these mother fcukers?? |
Paul Egan
said:
|
... I'd like to see our most important signings in the bag by 24th July, rather than the very start of pre-season. That way, they can be on the Peace Cup tour in Spain for essential bonding and decent games against tough teams. Did you know we would win 2 million Euros if we win the cup?! |
rob h
said:
|
... Vogra just wind them up about being relegated to the championship that normally gets rid of the magpies that annoy me! |
Damian
said:
 |
... Timmyrara I think I said, I fancy they're nailed on, not that they are nailed on. Big difference. |
RayK
said:
|
... DanWilson82 - I suspect you're right re MON Well it will be interesting to see what the posts on here are like come 1st, 2nd 3rd July if we haven't signed anybody - all the excuses will have gone (managers/players/agents/cleaners on holiday, 1st July registration date, U21 championship / Confederations Cup finished etc)!! I do expect one, maybe a couple, of signings in early July but I can't help but feel that the majority will come in late July / early August and people's nerves fail. The resolve of clubs holding out for every last penny will start to crumble but in our case we'll start bricking it and overpay in order to get numbers in. |
Mowgs
said:
 |
... There seems to be a certain degree of confusion surrounding the exact dates of the transfer window... This is my understanding of the situation ... There has been a lot of talk suggesting the window is already open - technically it is not. My understanding is that deals will not be sanctioned by the Premier League until July 1. However, as has always been the case in Premier League history, clubs can agree deals outside of these windows with a view to the final seal of approval, i.e. player registration with the FA and the Premier League, being granted once the window opens. I do not believe this is effected in any way shape or form by individual players contracts. Hence the likes of Ronaldo not having been paraded with his Madrid shirt yet. Transfers tend to get agreed once the season has finished for obvious reasons. However this is not always the case, especially for signings from foreign leagues - if I remember correctly Tottenham signed Modric last April / May time but he wasn't a registered Spurs player until July 1. So theoretically clubs could have deals in place to go through a week today. Once again there are obvious advantages to keeping transfers silent until they are completed. Only last week Bentley spoke out of turn saying he was in talks with us only for the club to dampen reports. I'm certain this was because MON told him to keep his trap shut. |
Mowgs
said:
|
... On a slightly more comical note [url= http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo...riker.html Page 12 is my favourite - 'cool'. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... I'm bloody sick of this "is the window open?" rubbish. YES IT'S BLOODY OPEN!!! For England that is. Most of Europe doesn't open to July 1st, which is why everyone goes on about it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfer_window Hopefully that clears it up! |
rob h
said:
|
... A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him. Morals of the story: (1) Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy. (2) Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend. (3) And when you're in deep shit, it's best to keep your mouth shut! |
Mowgs
said:
|
... Never trust Wikipedia or you'll end up like my poor friend who got a 3rd on his degree course... http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...ted-aguero A week to go yet. Hence my not open comments. But for all intents and purposes clubs can sign players. So in theory it shouln't impact significantly. Bottom line is we can make transfers. |
Fitzy_7
said:
 |
... i think this summer is going to be like a bad christmas so much hope yet the presents turn out to be shit or non exsistant... come on santa please just once can i get that shiny bike that little timmy down the road has... please |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Bloody hell Mowgs. Damian posted an E-mail he got from the FA/Premier league! I suppose they're wrong too? They only make the rules, after all. FFS, it's open mate |
Barry Martin
said:
 |
... Jesus this is getting painful, for christ sake mon sign someone very good very soon please |
Mowgs
said:
|
... Well let's wait and see if there is any movement next Wednesday - after all that's what we are all praying for. That should indicate the significane of July 1. I for one have a strong feeling we'll get at least one signing next Wednesday. Most probably Bentley. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Mowgs, I for one have a strong feeling we'll get at least one signing next Wednesday. Most probably Bentley. I'd say that's definitely in the bag. From what I've read there seems to be very strong rumours in London that we've got him. |
Mark
said:
 |
... Damian I would agree with you about the pre-season side of things however MON left it late last year and we had a storming start so I think in that respect we both have to bow to his better judgement. All football contracts run to July 1st, therefore although the transfer window is open, this creates another reason for delay. For that reason Michael Owen is a Newcastle player until the end of this month then he is a free agent. Technically he is not able to sign for anyone until 1st July although Newcastle could sell him. |
James Clift
said:
 |
... I don't understand all this talk of Defour. I look at the on line papers, newsnow etc etc every morning and not once have I seen a solid link that says he might be a Villa player next season. There's been a bid but from its from the alloy wheel stealing brigade not us. I hpoe your right and the signings are coming. I agree they have to but they should be coming in now. O'neill is messing about again like he does every year. Its so bloody fustrating. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Apparently it's Villa and Everton in a race to sign Spud's Hutton now; http://www.fansfc.com/story/12993.html Bloody hell, this is so boring. Can't they make some decent stories up???? |
RayK
said:
|
... Damian - where did you get your 1st July date in the post below? http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...er-league/ AVMark - There is nothing in the Premier League, FA or Fifa rules and regulations that I can see that stitpulates players contracts must run until 30th June. It may be market practice, but odd that clubs are prepared to pay players an extra month of wages if they didn't have to? But anyway from looking directly at the Premier League, FA or Fifa rules it does seem like the transfer window is well and truly open. |
Altan Kargaci
said:
 |
... Sorry off subject ... Usa v Spain tonight on bbc 3 . If mini Brad playes it will be good to see how good he is . I think he might have a lot to do ..! |
kohoutek, abroad
said:
 |
... RayK- You have it right in explaining why it's not always as simple as people would like to imagine to sign players. MON may be frustrating in the way he goes about things, but the sillier suggestions like "he's only just started looking," etc., are just, well, silly. Perhaps he is too tight with the money, perhaps the weekly wage bill is the real hindrance, perhaps he's less inclined than a Redknapp to have constant turnover of foreign talent looking for an EPL stepping stone. Who knows. We may not like the results, but I do think he's out there working as hard as any manager, and has his list, etc. |
Damian
said:
|
... RayK that was somewhere, not sure where now and i'm mobile so cant really search on this device but i'm thinking either bbc website or fa or premier league |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...perhaps the weekly wage bill is the real hindrance I think this is definitely one of the main problems. Even Portsmouth were paying more than us, but look at the state they were in financially before their buyout. |
Joel Rawlin
said:
 |
... http://www.eatsleepsport.com/a...15785.html i just found this on news now apperently kyle naughton for 7 million WE NEED PlAYERS and need them before pre season hopefully we can get 4 in before pre season defou, naughton, bentley and owen then add a suprise return gary cahil before prem starts then i would be happy mabey a couple of resever bench players as well to add depth |
Chater1703
said:
 |
... why wud anyone want owen.....hes a has been.....cud get better strikers than him... |
Anthony Laud
said:
|
... rob the villain and many others. can we please cut the crap now once and for all about mon keeping his transfers quiet and close to his chest. its utter BS. look at his past transfers reo coker went on the whole summer, same with sidwell, heskey he even talked about the window before, davies was months and months, young the season before even ashley young everyone knew about a month before he was coming. MON doesnt keep things close to his chest. the same people on here that say this also think we will sign bentley which i also do. but it kind of destroys any argument that oneil keeps anything quiet when he even said he tried to sign him last summer! |
Joel Rawlin
said:
|
... owen is still class that is why people would want him he is a goal scorer and his record proves it his scoring at newcastle was still quite good somthing like 65 games 30 goals that is better than what we have in goal scoring records according to wikipeadia agbonlahor 120 apperances 32 goals carew 70 apperences 27 goals ashley young 86 apperences 18 goals harewood 29 apperences 5 goals |
TrueVillan
said:
 |
... if we dont sign someone soon im gonna get fired from work! someone is bound to see the aston villa website i have open all day long waitin for news that never comes! cahill, defour, bentley, naughton/miguel, owen/gudjohnson that lot should give us a few more options and then lets test our youth policy for the rest! |
Mark
said:
|
... RayK I don't know why players contracts run to June 30 but they generally do. My guess is that clubs run their financial year to that date for obvious reasons and it fits into that. |
RayK
said:
|
... AVMark - yes, i agree financial year end could be a reason although not all clubs will have the same year end date. Besides unless a player's contract actually expires on 30th June (eg Owen?) i can't see 1 July date being that important as the player is still under contract. On a separate note, it seems as though Gardner has been assured that he has a role to play for us this coming season - it would be madness to sell him at this stage. |
kohoutek, abroad, but now home, and unable to use name
said:
|
... I saw also someone mentioning something about the Browns. For a number of reasons, comparing NFL success/lack thereof, business practice, acumen, etc., to the EPL are pointless. Among them: Salary cap (which means all teams are limited to spending the same amount on contracts, ie, wages. The only exception is money spent as a signing bonus...this is where teams with more ancillary revenue can have a leg up) Free agency The nature of the game. In American football, you're essentially assembling two teams of 11 players. It can be devilishly difficult for this to all come together, given injuries, etc. Almost as important as anything else is the importance of quarterback. Real winners at the position are few and far between, and some teams have been earnestly looking and failing to find a good one for more than 30 years. |
Ben
said:
 |
... Defour is a class player - he tore Liverpool and Everton apart in Europe even though they lost to Liverpool he was man of the match. A very clever player but I doubt he'd want to come to Villa. If Villa have wanted him as much as is said they'd of done the deal by now. But MON doesn't know how to wrap deals up! |
ak_27
said:
|
... Badger Pompy were in a state alright but i think that we should be able to match them at least regarding wages as we have nearly double their capicity and would also expect Villa to make more money then Pompy with regards to merchandising due to bigger populaion and larger oversea's fan base. It is going to be hard enough to get quality to VP without adding this extra hurdle for ourselves. |
Benj
said:
 |
... i would guess that the reason players contracts tend to run to June 30th because officially the transfer window dosen't actually open until the 1st July. |
RayK
said:
|
...Benj said: Benj - read the discussion... |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... ak_27, Badger Pompy were in a state alright but i think that we should be able to match them at least regarding wages as we have nearly double their capicity and would also expect Villa to make more money then Pompy with regards to merchandising due to bigger populaion and larger oversea's fan base. It is going to be hard enough to get quality to VP without adding this extra hurdle for ourselves. Yeah, you'd think so wouldn't you? But take a look at these frankly incredibly disappointing figures, imo; http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...eague-debt |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... See what I mean? No disrespect to Pompey, but how can what is basically a poxy little club like them come within £5 mill of our turnover? For us to get some of the players we're talking about, we'd need to see a fair price hike for season tickets. Trouble is we don't sell out even now. Spurs, who I see as very similar to us, have a waiting list of 20,000 for season tickets. We have to face it, money-wise, we can't compete. |
ak_27
said:
|
... Especially having a turnover 45m less then Spurs. That is just wrong. Must be a legacy of good aul Doug. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Well, this is what I'm hoping, in that RL sorts it out. If Pompey can turnover £70 mill, there's no way we can be maximising our revenue streams at £75mill. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... I wouldn't mind a pop at Landon Donovan, skilfull player and has a lovely cross on him. Just what we're after. |
ak_27
said:
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... Awful forehead though vivavilla. I don't know if i could look at his head for a whole season. |
ak_27
said:
|
... It would take me to lose a bet on a teams first defeat in 35 games. Im some Jinx. Villa should pay for me to back the opposition for the whole season. Bloody Spaniards. |
Villa4life
said:
 |
... I don't know why everyone gets so high rate for..... just forget the transfers....they will happen......just in the last week of the transfer market!!..... MON has always done this with Leicester and Celtic..... and for two seasons did the same here..... we have to accept the fact that it will only happen in the final week..... i for one gave up looking ages ago |
Zorro
said:
 |
... Jimbo Daventry- Where have you been hiding 'the moon?' Defour is mentioned every day pal, step aside as this blog is for proper villa fans |
FatKevs
said:
|
... AK Gabby does not have Goals in him there is no natural instinct he missed/well never looked like getting near, a bag full of chances this season. i would hate to partner him Badger people would q up for Villa tckets If we played football but in all honesty how many games at VP have you walked away from thinking we have taken the Game to a Team. |
Daniel Wilson
said:
|
... Fatkevs - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/h...efault.stm Come on mate, thats the leagues top scorers with Gabby out of sorts for half a season, imagine how many he would put away if he worked on his game. This Gabby digging is going to get no-one anywhere. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... Fatkevs, Nice one, reasoned arguments. Perhaps my bitching at you has paid off a bit Badger people would q up for Villa tckets If we played football but in all honesty how many games at VP have you walked away from thinking we have taken the Game to a Team. Not many to be fair, but I've enjoyed a lot of the footy we've played. You can't say it's not exciting mate. The stoke game springs to mind. We battered them, but never got the result. By the same token, I agree, some of it has been poor. I have also said we need genuine quality, especially in CM, but we're not massively far away either. I share everyone else's concerns, about the so called brilliant kids etc. As for queueing up, I really don't know mate. I was a kid when I was in that 48,000 crowd in the third div against Bournemouth. I remember the expectation and the "dawning of a new era". It was brilliant. I remember my old man telling me how good it was going to be Why can't we sell out now when we're top 6? |
ronrabbit
said:
 |
... Our turnover is so low because we dont have a shirt sponsor, or much advertisment around the ground. We dont have any high profile players that game sponsers are really looking to have their picture taken with. We are not that attractive a proposition for companys to put money into. Its an old buisness saying i know but its true, you have to speculate to accumulate. Think about the Beckham transfer to real madrid, they made the money back on him in shirt sales with his name on the back alone. I have to agree with what someone posted earlier though, if we dont have the money to spend on players that we would like, why not sell the shirt sponsor? Its all well and good holding out for the right money, but if thats not going to come having acorns on the front isnt going to make a big company think we are any more viable as a source of advertisment. Also to those that think putting up ticket prices is a good idea can well go **** themselves. football is to expensive anyway, and putting prices up takes football away from the people who got it to where it is know. Besides the fact it wouldnt make that much difference anyway. Assusme all 40,000 seats have a season ticket holder and there price goes up by &100 each, thats only 4 million. Who we gonna buy for 4 million? harwood? knight? |
Keith
said:
|
... ronrabbit Randy Lerner paid 32red £2m to end the shirt sponsorship deal early. He is a christian and hated having a gambling site as our sponsors. I know that was before the credit crunch but I think he would have got another shirt sponsor if money was a priority. |
Nick
said:
 |
... We dont need another keeper. Play the kids in the reserves and let the Brads' battle it out. dont do it mon put the money in the piggybank and get us another Ashley Young. one who can cross and deliver from set piece! |
colm tarpey
said:
|
... Apparantly Tevez is choosing between city, chelsea and 'one other team'.....hmmmm has Martin's veil of secrecy reached as far as the Kia's office? hope so! |
RichT
said:
 |
... Check out this- www.BBC.co.uk/dna/606/articles...=Football Some guy thinks Owen's on his way! Hope so! |
Ave It
said:
 |
... Martin o neill sign loads of players ? No chance he is like a snail in the transfer market loads is impossible for him he loves selling tho addicted big time We need a new manager |
Halfwit
said:
David Lewis
said:
 |
... Sky Sports transfer clockwatch... 7.27 Carlos Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian has hinted Manchester City are in pole position to sign the Argentina international, although Chelsea and another mystery club are also in the running. We can dream!! |
zepplin
said:
 |
... loads of players won't be coming because they never do. if any descent amount come the majority will be as MON puts it value for money signings |
ak_27
said:
|
... The one club that we should be looking at is Spurs. We hve always been (in my mind anyway) a bigger club then them. So how is it they can go and get a turnover of 45m more then us each year with a smaller ground? |
rob h
said:
|
... spurs turnover is higher in part to their location. London prices and wages are 30% higher than in Birmingham. so they make 30% more on each short sales, ticket sale, advertising board etc etc. on the flip side their running costs would be higher so their profit would not be proportionally higher as the turnover. |
rob h
said:
|
... zepplin we dont need to sign a load of players thats why!!!!! the youth players need to be promoted and get a chance we only need 3 or 4 quality signings thats all it could well be who we already think owen, bently, huddlestone and defour |
rake
said:
 |
... does anyone out there know why,considering the transfer window is supposed to open on july 1st man city for example are signing players now,and as per usual villa are doing nothing? |
Manchester United
said:
 |
... Excellent post! this case study gives me a lot of things to think about. I think this would be nice and helpful to others. Thanks for the post. Manchester united |
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