Written by Doc Bowles Friday, 17 July 2009 07:51
Okay, so I've banged on a bit in the comments threads about the Downing signing. The point I've been making, for those of you who aren't already sick of it, is that I think it's as much about freeing up Ashley Young as providing him with competition on the left flank.
But having read Martin O'Neill's comments on DJ Stew's signature, in which he emphasises that he sees Downing playing on the left, in the hole and possibly "coming in off the right", a whole new perspective opened up. And I wonder whether MON might not be considering a very Spanish-Liverpudlian way forward for next season.
Last season there was a pretty lively debate on these pages about the relative merits of 4-4-2 or 5-4-1. The catalyst was the largely unpopular signing of Emile Heskey.
But I wonder if O'Neill might not just give us all the slip and switch for 09/10 to a very scouse 4-2-3-1. It's certainly not beyond the realms of possibility: Sidwell and Petrov sit in front of the back four, one going and one staying where necessary - and Young, Milner and Downing play a fluid three making the play behind a lone striker, hopefully big JC.
The loser in the set-up would be Gabby. But then - and you'll shoot me for this, some of you - Gabby didn't make the progress we would have expected last season and, at least from the New Year onwards, was looking far from a top six striker with deadly impact.
I can see the formation working, and also allowing O'Neill to play around with the attacking set-up so that Villa don't become as readable as they did last season. Whether Carew is mobile enough to cope with it is the biggest tactical question - but a few games on the bench should see an Agbonlahor renewed and hungrier anyway.
All we need now is for MON to put on a couple of stone, grow a silly goatee and buy a Spanish phrasebook.
Dos cervezas, por favor, Manuel - sorry, I mean Martin.
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Damian
said:
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... I'd love to see us play like this .. the three are all workers which is the important part .. and you'd hope Martin O'Neill would see that we got better results last season when we did play 4-5-1 ... |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Agreed on Gabby, he's a bit part player at best at the moment until he can prove otherwise. The only change I'd make to your proposed team would be to swap Sidwell for Reo-Coker. That defensive midfield role is pretty much the only place NRC can play effectively, so we may as well let him play there. He wouldn't have to worry about doing things he struggles at, you know, anything that involves having the ball at his feet... he'd just be our rock to win the ball. |
John Flynn
said:
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... I agree with what Doc is saying, that formation could work depending on Carew staying fit of course.. If we are to play that formation we should have Coker and Petrov together, that way Stan can push up when needed. I just find Sidwell to be a liability and we need to get some cash back for him before his value plumits even more..! |
Chrisodon
said:
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... I Said about that formation in a previous blog, It would be a great formation and i can see it working but only if we have a CM & CB who can both actually pass the ball on the grass and not just hit it up for carew like we did most of last season. |
johan!
said:
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... oh, this formation excites me! Young, MIlner and Downing!?!?! we will tear teams apart!! (well...i hope anyways!) Distan to sign for 2m as well? today/tomorrow? |
jerry
said:
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...The loser in the set-up would be Gabby. But then - and you'll shoot me for this, some of you - Gabby didn't make the progress we would have expected last season and, at least from the New Year onwards, was looking far from a top six striker with deadly impact. I wouldn't shoot you Damo, I agree. He's not good enough on his performance last year. That 4-2-3-1 you proposed looks very exciting - mobility is the key. |
Sheriff Kimbo
said:
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... Yeah I have been saying for ages that we need to have more fluidity to our play and the signing of Downing appears a step in the right direction. |
Milk
said:
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... rob81, love the formation mate. Doc, I completely agree with you concerning Gabby. Since MON came out and said Young was staying it made Downing a much more attractive signing because he could never replace Young but is a great addition to play along side him. |
TrueVillan
said:
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... totally agree, gabby does not deserve a starting place every week! in fact i dont think it has helped his development playing him every game, he has become lazy and looks like he cannot be bothered heskey is nothing more than cover for carew, with both their injury records, they would get regular games anyway! we still needsome quality defenders, including fullbacks (i know MON would sooner have no fullbacks, and use midfielders out of position!)and most definately, a couple of quality midfielders, certainly one that can either attack or pass a ball over distance! |
adam
said:
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... great formation but we still need 4 or 5 squad players and i hope we get em sooner rather than later |
SteLewis
said:
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... That would definitely work. I'd play Reo-Coker & Sidwell until Downing is fit (Depending on who we bring in). Still hoping we bring another forward in & let Marlon go. |
rob h
said:
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... swap gardner for reo!!!!! gardner needs games now, can pass short and long, can tackled and could chip in with some long range bullets. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... I really, REALLY wouldn't rely on Bouma being the answer at left back anymore. A major injury like that, coupled with a whole year off competitive football, and the fact he's 31 - I'm not sure we'll see the same Freddy these days. The talk about retiring wouldn't have just been a coinsidence, that could have genuinely ended his career. I think we need a new player in that position if MON doesn't have faith in Shorey. |
Steve Sims
said:
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... we hit long balls in the 2nd half of last season because we were always a man down in the middle of the park and were chasing shadows. When we got the ball there weren't enough options and fatigue will mean a hoof. We have the players to pass it, they just need the system to encourage them to do so. |
FatKevs
said:
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... I think that is a great option but we would have to change into it halfway through the season once DJ is fit. In saying that it may also help looking back on last season when we did not show up for the 2nd half, it would work with Mons slow retions to change things & he then may win a game in march |
Damian
said:
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... The only concern I have with 4-2-3-1 as against 4-5-1 say, is what happens if someone is injured? Its as much about continuity as it is formation and the ability for the team to know how to play a role ... 4-5-1 is easier to replace and we played well in it last season. 4-2-3-1 requires, i think, a bigger squad |
Carl Main
said:
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... I really hope MON does start playing this formation! As far as Gabby goes, I think with his injection of pace, he could be an effective impact player coming on in the 50-60th minute replacing any of the attacking midfielders or JC. I still think we need to buy more attacking options though. Bentley, Vagner Love, Dos Santos, some South American gem, just to mix up our options and to come in when injuries arise or cover is needed. |
jason smith
said:
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... I like the formation, but it doesnt really give us much option in the midfield department. 4 - 2 - 3 - 1.. so we have 6 defenders, or maybe 5 as one of those 2 would be going forward (petrov) but then..three in midfield? and if we play against 4 - 4 - 2 or even 4 - 5 - 1..we'll struggle. the games would be a dead end with a draw. im going to try it on fifa later to see if it works haha.. one formation i like to use (ahem..yes) on fifa is the following. Young - Cuellar - Knight - Bouma Petrov - Sidwell Young - agbonlahor Hesky - Carew but like your formation, our midfield doesnt have much options. Our team is looking a little unbalanced to me. MON plays players outta position way too much I'd love for us to have the 4 - 5 - 1 formation with young, downing, petrov, sidwell, and milner in midfield with carew upfront. maybe later in the game bring gabby on for sidwell, move milner into the middle and have pace on either wing. if that doesnt work have 4 - 4 -2 with carew and gabby upfront. ohhhh we'll just have to wait until the start of the season. BRING IT ON! UTV! |
Villain down South
said:
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... I like the formation - think it could really well. The only difficulty is injuries. If JC was injured, I couldn't see Gabby playing as a lone striker in front of those three.....maybe heskey can play there, but it loses some of its threat i think then. You also need the 3 to seriously contribute goals as well which would be a concern....you can't just rely on JC to score otherwise we again become readable. |
Andy Pepper
said:
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... my only concern is with Downing injured till sep/oct do we still play 442 or do we slot someone else in and play a new formation.I have a feeling it will be 442 until downing is fit |
Mike Carter
said:
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... I don't know Damian, I think we have the versatility in the squad to cope with injuries in midfield. Sidwell and Petrov could be used in an attacking role as well as a defensive one, Gabby could be used as winger (giving us 4, potentially) and we have Gardner to fill in as a defensive midfielder. Plus the myriads of players still to come in of course  |
Ant0004
said:
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... Although I do like this formation, I don't think it fits well with big JC. He may be one of our better players but for this system to work you need a hard working, agile centre forward as pool have got in torres. The other problem with this is who out of the midfield 3 will take on the 'gerrard' role and chip in with 15-20 goals... Not sure we have either. |
Damian
said:
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... Either way .. as long as we leave 4-4-2 where it should be left, that is all that matters, but I suspect O'Neill isn't going to. |
Villain down South
said:
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... Also, that would mean without Downing at the start of the season, we would have to start with a different formation....unless Gabby played as one of the 3 to start with. |
Nick
said:
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... A lot of our success while playing 4-5-1 was the fact we could hit any ball forward and Agbonlahor would turn it into something for us. If we were to play 4-5-1 with Carew up front we would be playing a totally different game. Which isnt a bad thing, it is just the question of can we adjust. Can we pass it better? Can we ping balls directly to John and get runners off of him. With Agbonlahor as the lone guy it was sort of easy, suck teams in and then lob balls over the top and into the channels, he would normally win us possession with his feet or by winning a ton of easy throw ins and corners. With the players we currently have, 4-5-1 fits our team best. We have a very creative and hardworking trio in Milner, Young and now Downing, you could also (barring they're not upfront) throw in Gabby, Heskey and or the Fonz in that sort of attacking wing/mid role. Petrov, Sidwell, NRC, Gardner mopping up in behind. But as you can see I like your thinking Doc. It makes logical sense, but MON works in mysterious ways and we just might be seeing the same 4-4-2 we finished the year with. |
ak_27
said:
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... That formation wouldn't work with Sidwell playing. There would be far too much work left for Petrov to do. If you were to play such a formation both CM need to be able win the ball. Sidwell showed very little ability to do this last year and i wouldn't be counting on him to do it this year either. We need another CM to come. |
DavidC
said:
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... Gabby was exceptional for us when he played as the lone forward last season. Away at Arsenal he played that role to absolute perfection. MoN recognised it too. Agree that 4-5-1 is the best fit for the players at our current disposal. But I'd be very, very surprise if the '1' in it wasn't Gabby. |
Doc
said:
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... Villain down South - Gabby started off playing wide right in a 4-5-1 and it looked pretty good to me. He couldn't cross the road, but then he can't finish either. |
snake pliskin
said:
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... What's wrong with 4-3-3?? Shows attacking intent & can easily be reverted to 4-5-1, if necessary, without having to change players.....Rob81, like the team but expect Cuellar to come good this season and show us what we paid the big bucks for (thats if MON plays him at center back!!) |
ak_27
said:
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... Damian 442 would work fine at home if the right personnel were brought in. WE need to have 2 fb's both playing on their favoured sides that push on and over lap the wingers. Also have a playmaker in the centre and at home we should be more then capable of beating most teams at home next season. Away from home yes then change formation to suit the opposition but 442 at home should be the preferred option except for when we play top 4. |
Villa@herts
said:
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... I love this blog (although my work laptop has now blocked me accessing the site, which is now deemed as inappropriate, since the intro of Megan) and look forward to your contributions Doc, as they are always insightful and worth reading. Although I agree that Gabby lost his way after the New Year and looked disinterested when we were playing 4-5-1 with Gabby up front he was at his best and his fall off coincided with the change to 4-3-2 on big Johns return so I would not right him off in this formation. I know I have said it before on this site but I think if MON brought 4 or 5 of the reserves into the squad along with another 2 or 3 good signings we could be a real force next season. |
Steve
said:
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... Mon is more likely to go with: ----- Petrov Milner ------ Gabby ---Ashley---Downing -----------Carew----------- He is to besotted with gabby not to play him |
Simon1
said:
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... I'd love a 1 striker system. only problem is that this would effectively be the end of heskey and carew. They will be the options on the bench and not Gabby. In this system, you need your strike to work tirelessly. hang on to the ball and run channels. and definetley pace. If Im a centre back and i see carew by himself. its easy, you push your backline to the halfway line and play in villa's half. Carew as a lone striker just will not work!! and for all the people who keep saying where will be without him; well as far as I remember we were about 4th in the league until he got fit again. And these Bent links confirm to me that he is looking to play 1 up top. Bent has proven to be a master at that already (charlton!) and Gabby has proved himself for us there. The only thing he needs is that confidence and self-belief that he had until our 'fans' started getting on his back and ruining him. Also its crazy that when carew is not in the team everyone sings his name. That kills the confidence of the players on the pitch (esp gabby and heskey, and then we wonder why they dont score enough. they know they will get berated if they miss that is why!), and puts unneccesary pressure on the managaer to change things. It is just senseless. This post is a plea to all fans. And I hope Damian helps spread this message to as many of our fans as possible. Please dont boo, please support all of the players, and For F@!# Sake show this manager some respect cos he's alot cleverer when it comes to this football lark than we are. I never rated downing, but I trust M'ON and will support the team. |
Damian
said:
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... ak_27 the thing is though - i believe it is about consistency and not changing formations if you are at home or away bottom line, it is about the team working 100% for 95 minutes and playing to the strengths of the players we have ... having a variation of 5 in the middle means (as long as you have some attacking players in the middle, which we fortunately have) that can work and run hard, that we can be quick to attack but we also have numbers available to track back, support and break up opposition if you play with 4 in the middle, home or away doesn't matter, we saw this so many times last season against teams that do play 5 in the middle, we get beaten as they always have the extra man and players don't need to be changing week in week out call it 4-4-1-1, 4-2-3-1 or even call it 4-3-3 - what it basically is is 4-5-1 - you want to have 5 men in the middle that track back and break it all up and when you are moving forward, you've got ability, vision, speed and options ... everyone knows i've banged this 4-5-1 drum for a long time. if o'neill does it and we have the right players (which is looking good) - i fancy top four is ours next season |
Simon1
said:
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... Apologies for the rant. I know hardly any fans agree with me. But if O'Neill doesnt think carew is good enough to take us to the top four. then please dont F@#! it all up for us, by singing his name and complaining that hes not in the team. Because its only detrimental to the players on the pitch. Anyway rant over, I got to get back to work. |
ak_27
said:
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... Damian i personally put those defeats down more to our inability to keep possession more then having 5 in the middle. And even when we had 5 in the center we were dominated away at Everton, West Ham and elsewhere. 5 may work if different personal are brought in but until we bring in a few more CM's it will only work on occassion. Teams now know not to push out and leave the space for Gabby and co to run into. But im sick of watching our CM being beaten by average sides and that was with Barry in there. Until we have maybe someone like Fallini in there along with petrov and a playmaker that 5 man midfield won't work. |
NeilG
said:
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... I think we all agree that 442 has to go. And I think we have the squad to play 4231 or 451 or 433 - Which if you think about are are all basically the same players with the wide men moving upo or back. And this is where we get are versitilty! Gabby would have a massive role to play coming off the bench also could be switched with any of the three attacking mids. The only thing I think is that JC might need cover - Bent would suit this formation amazingly. Plus until Downing is fit Sidwell can play in the middle of the young and milner or even gardner so we can start as we mean to go on. This would massively play to our strengths and give us so many options - the key being only one out and out striker - Its all very man u-esque!!!! I love it!!! So if this is the qay to go its all about a new defence aqgree with the need to replace bouma but I hacve faith in cueller its the other CB's I don't! |
Ronan Kenny
said:
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... Good article this, but Sidwell is way of the pace, if we had a creative midfielder and Petrov holding this formation could be very effective. Gabby needs to step up his game again this season, defenders are aware of his pace now so he needs to improve in others areas i.e hes needs to be alot more clinical in front of goal. |
Simon1
said:
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... Oh and im not completely sure we will play 4-5-1 all the time next season. For some reason, I think we may see Downing on the right, and eventually Milner will be like the twelth man, filling in wherever.I just have a feeling that Downing and Bentley was the choice for the right sided play-maker type position and hes gone with a left footer so he can come inside on his stronger foot. wingers who lack explosion, but are technically very good often work better like that. Think Pires, but on the other side. |
vogra
said:
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... if it was up to me Gabby wouldnt even be close to starting,i give him his due's at the start of the season...he was good,no doubt about that but he just never pushed on, he was shocking the second half the season,he's got a crap first touch and ok-ish in front of goal..if he doesn't improve he's going to turn into a Vassell clone. Any decent offer over 10mill id'e get rid of him, Carew needs a real goalscoring threat up front with him, like Kenwyn Jones,Peter Crouch or Craig Bellemy. Emile Heskey isn't going anywhere... Also what i cannot fathem is why aren't we in the hunt for Hunntaler?? fcuking Stuttgart...you must be having a laugh |
villaparkes
said:
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... When Bentley was linked I put forward this formation as the best way to utilise the the midfielders we already had at the club. Gardener, Reo or Sidwell playing alongside Petrov with Milner, Ash and Downing (when fit) interchanging in front of them would be a test for many defences. Speed and mobility fron Gabby or strength and power from Carew would further compliment this formation. Ash's speed and skill as the supporting striker in the 'hole' postion would be a better way of breaking down teams that come to VP and put 10 men behind the ball. Tuncay would be another great option here as well. Spend big on a CD and things look a lot rosier, Distin is not the answer. |
ak_27
said:
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... vivavilla totally agree with you on that about Bouma. I think we need 2 more full backs to come in. We have no idea what Bouma will be like and alos what happens if Luke Young gets injured? Are we going to have to watch yet another CB or CM play there and totally wreck the balance of the team? |
villarobin
said:
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... Great Idea for a formation, also I think with Gabbys pace he's a brilliant substitute to bring on in the last 25mins. |
villarobin
said:
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... I agree with the 'Why are'nt we after Huntelaar' comment totally, and all the Real Madrid cast offs , some crackers in there ! |
mikey18
said:
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... I think Reo-Coker has been a servant to the club and deserves his chance to see what he can do. Sidwell couldn't play a holding role, but could play in the midfield attacking 3 whilst downing was injured. Also Delph would be a great addition he is a CAM. Gardner is still young and could provide cover in CM. Gabby Agbonlahor will be a better player than Carew, we just need to get behind him and support him. When he played the Lone Striker last season he was AWESOME he scored with left foot right foot and headers, he ran channels and held the ball up. and with his pace in behind always a threat. Top 6 goal scorer in the league..Those that scored more Robhino, Torres, Gerrard Ronaldo Anelka!! Also got 8 assists, which puts him in the top 11 for that, but only 3 other strikers managed to get more assits. That Van Persie, Kuyt and Berbatov. Gabby is 22 and will improve! hopefully it will be with Villa. Yes he had a poor second half of the season, but so did the whole team. It coincided with the change back to 4-4-2 which i feel Milner and Gabby were particular victims of. |
Damian
said:
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... mikey18 i like reo-coker but how many servants do you know that get paid £2mn. a year? |
Mike Carter
said:
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... How does one earn the title of "servant" anyway? Reo-Coker hasn't really done anything above and beyond the line of normal duty, so by that logic anybody who's been at the club for 2 years becomes a servant. |
jonnie 5
said:
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... jonnycarew spot on m8 100% agree with your team selection. Petrov and Milner would give us the work rate in the middle while also being alble to play the ball out to the front running player. |
johan!
said:
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... "The only concern I have with 4-2-3-1 as against 4-5-1 say, is what happens if someone is injured? Its as much about continuity as it is formation and the ability for the team to know how to play a role ... 4-5-1 is easier to replace and we played well in it last season. 4-2-3-1 requires, i think, a bigger squad" Damo - which position would concern you if we got an injury? ? |
mikey18
said:
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... I take your point Damian but servants in football are few and far between. Steven Taylor would play and has played all over the park for Newcastle and played out of his skin before they went down. Jagielka has even played in goal for sheffield his boy hood club. Reo-Coker has played CDM, RM, RB and spent hardly anytime in his favored position without complaint. This is a rare quality in a player and is something which should be rewarded. When he first came to us yes be passing was poor, but whos to say it hasn't improved. He was 22/3 when he joined hes now 25! He's gone from playing with shite at wimbledon and West Ham to training with Barry, Petrov and some fine coaches. I think he deserves a chance to play CM and it would also free up funds for us to invest in a commanding CB. I would love to see us to bid 25mil for Lescott and see what Gardner and Reo-coker can do rather than 12ml for a CB and 13ml for a CM. Also Damian you seem to share the opinion with many others on here that Gabby isn't good enough! Im not sure where this lack of support stems from but he is only 22, is there a better striker in the prem out there at that age? the statistics speak for themselves but people seem to take the view he was shit in the second half of the season...not good enough. Rather than the WHOLE team was shit in the second half of the season, Petrov and Carew stood out that was it. If the team would of kept its momentum its safe to say gabby would of and if that was the case surely would of scored 20 goals +? which is what we are all crying out for!? |
kieron
said:
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... No use worrying about formations until weve got the players in. Whats the story with Distin? heard it could be today if he makes a move. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Incidentally, take time to read this article if you get chance: http://www.spurs.vitalfootball...?a=7501604 It's written by a Spurs fan who actually appears to be very knowledgable and even seems to know more about Ashley Young than a lot of Villa fans I know, and I agree with him on pretty much all the points he makes. So there you go, a sensible, intelligent Spud. Who'da thunk it |
Simon1
said:
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... Until we have maybe someone like Fallini in there along with petrov and a playmaker that 5 man midfield won't work. I completely agree AK47. Fellaini is just the type of player. Petrov is like a deep lying playmaker who screens the back four. we need a presence someone who hunts the ball down higher up the pitch and offers a goalthreat. Fellaini is ideal.and i know what you mean about the creative guy; someone who can take a player out of the game, with a bit of skill and play a pass. I have the feeling M'ON thinks downing is that man. |
DavidC
said:
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... I must watch a different game to some on here as all I see week after week is how critical Gabby is to us. But hey-ho, thats opinions I guess. Defence is where we should be focusing now. If we don't get that sorted (a commanding centre-half and a left-back - bouma too risky due to fitness concerns, storey just not good enough) we'll let in an absolute bagfull regardless of whether we go 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or 4-5-1. |
mikey18
said:
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... rtvilla, Wayne Rooney is one of the best footballers in the world of course he is better than Gabby, but for gabby to be mentioned in the same breath proves my point. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
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... I know its only the Daily Star, but they are reporting that the Scum are to offer £5m for Craig Gardener. |
IrishVillan
said:
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... I like the sound of the 4-5-1, in theory and on paper it should work great, but I agree with ak_27's point about the Everton and West Ham games, and a few other I remember during that run, where we were dominated and the midfield were ineffective, although the results looked good, I don't remember being too impressed by a lot of the performances back then. But in saying all that, if MON teaches them how to hold on to the ball a bit better, then I'd choose 4-5-1 over our oh so one dimensional predictable 4-4-2 any day. |
rtvilla
said:
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... DavidC Gabby just needs to improve if he and Villa are going to crack the top 4. His first touch lets him down.He needs to work on that area. The finishing will become better with experience. |
Rob The Villain
said:
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... Sidwell just wouldn't work in the defensive 2, if anything he'll be back up for the attacking 3. Has to be Reo in the defensive role with Petrov, he's proved he can win the ball, but also proved he can give it away a couple of seconds later! It's down to MON and his staff to get Reo to choose the 5 yard pass to anyone else! Really exciting stuff with the attacking 3 though. Gabby gets a lot of unfair stick, his game has improved greatly over the last few seasons and would love to eventually see him in the lone role. At the start of the season when everything was going in for him no one was having a go at his finishing, it was clear that his head eventually dropped and it definately didn't help with everyone getting on his back. I'm a big Gabby fan (and so is MON), every season he seems to bring something new to his game, last season being his hold up play. I have every confidence in Gabby. (Isn't it crazy how one signing has got everyone excited!) |
Tim Wood
said:
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... Viva Villa you beat me to it! I started reading the article thinking it was going to be another typical spuds blog but the guy does seem to talk sense!! Amazing!! I also agree with others that think Gabby is not yet good enough. We need another striker! |
rtvilla
said:
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... Exactly Timmy not saying Gabby is crap. Just not quite ready yet. He has been fantastic to get us here and is learning. Love a local lad to be top goal scorer and he is capable so long as he works at his game. Don't want him to end up like the Moore brothers. |
Mozza
said:
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... Don't know why people are criticising gabby - all 3 of our main strikers can play the lone striker role. We have probably got the best 2 forwards in the league for holding play up in hesk and jc and with downing milner and ash pushing forward it should make for exciting times this season. As somebody has already stated gabby gives us another option in that he is able to get in behind or use his pace to get on to the long balls which although look bad do often work! And finally gotta be petrov getting forward but still very defensive and NRC rooted infront of the back 4! That would be quality! |
mikey18
said:
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... every player at any club in the world needs to improve, because thats what football is about. Footballers are constantly learning. Obviously Gabby, the coaching staff and the fans want him to improve but at the moment he is good enough to start for Aston Villa. We are a top 6 club, he is a top 6 striker with the potential to be a top 4 striker! If he improves too quickly i wouldn't be surprised if he left after being booed. I'd prefer Petrov rooted in front of the back four and NRC using his pace and energy to get box to box! |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... Even with a terrible 2nd half of year Gabby had a pretty good return last season (goals plus assists). While he is lacking something (mainly touch and subtlety) he has a lot to offer as well, not just pace, 1st half last season his composure on front of goal was good. He could play in that formation either as the lone striker (which I thought he did well last year) or on the right as part of the 3. Think if he was coming in to squad rotated or off bench could have a hige impact. MON like 442 though |
ak_27
said:
|
... I think Gabby isn't suited to our system which may sound mad. I could see him being a hit at a club like Arsenal where they would tread balls through the centre for him to run one on one with the keeper. He was a good finisher until his confidence went. With our style for a lot of games last year he had to chase 60 yard balls into the corner where when he got it his lask of technical ability and basic football skills and tricks leave him down. He needs a playmaker that can see gaps and deliver that killer ball and he needs our back line to stop using him as an easy option of just lumping it the lenght of the pitch for him to run after. I don't think he will ever be a really top player but we are not really using him the way we should be either. |
rtvilla
said:
|
... I can honestly say i have only ever booed one villa player in my time. In my younger days. Nigel Callaghan |
PAUL WARREN
said:
|
... Why slate a homegrown talent like Gabby who cost us nowt, and run his knackers off for most of last season? Where as ex-scum Heskey cost us money and has had 1 or 2 decent games. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
|
...I can honestly say i have only ever booed one villa player in my time. In my younger days. Nigel Callaghan What about that muppet Alapy? |
Dadvilla
said:
 |
... (Isn't it crazy how one signing has got everyone excited!) And lets not forget Downing aint fit until November so at the moment we we still have no Barry or Laursen replacments. there fore we are in a far worse situation than we were last season where we couldnt win a game in the second half of the season so I fear the worst. unless we see at least another 3 signings before the season starts. come on MON get your pen and cheque book out. |
Tom
said:
 |
... Think I said this exact same thing yesterday about the 4-2-3-1. :-) Anywhoo, ignoring the defence for the time being as we obviously need improvement there. I think the midfield 2 in behind would be fine, I'd like to see Re-Coker do the meaty stuff in the center, much like Mascherano does. I know Reo can't pass, but Javier very rarely passes over 10 yards. Stop the opponent attack and give to your passer, Petrov, Sidwell. The key is the mobility and work rate of your attacking 5. Milner we know will get back and get forward all day. From what I've seen of Downing over the years he's not afraid to put the yards in. The question would be over Young really. Add in Gabby and Carew you've got 5 for the 4 positions. I'd bring in another striker and another winger or specialist attacking central midfielder for cover. Thay way you've got fluidity throughout. I'd then bring in Delph / someone young in that center slot to learn. IMO 2 players for that midfield and attacking 6 is all we need. |
RayK
said:
 |
... MON will still start with 4-4-2 as Plan A on the majority of occassions, but I'm sure we'll see plenty of 4-5-1 as our Plan B. 4-4-2 will be: Friedel L Young/Milner Cuellar Distin L Young/Shorey A Young Reo-Coker/Milner Petrov Downing Agbonlahor Carew Depending on who's delivering the goods up front, simply by bringing on Milner / Reo-Coker for Carew / Agbonlahor, MON can flip to the following 4-5-1 formation: Friedel L Young Cuellar Distin Shorey / Bouma Reo-Coker Petrov Milner Young Downing Carew/Agbonlahor Agbonlahor Carew |
Damian
said:
|
... Dadvilla I don't think everyone is excited yet, but I take your point .. Also, all this excitement is based on O'Neill changing formation, which again, he might not do ... even if people have been crying out for it for months. |
Simon1
said:
|
... Im liking the gabby fans coming out of the woodwork. now lets have a blog demanding that we all get behind him. because his potential is great.It is up to us the fans to keep his head up and his self-belief high. To be honest WE have alot of making up to do. i hope we havent already ruined him with the negativity |
RayK
said:
|
... just a correction , I'm not trying to play Gabby/Carew twice... I'm probably going to get slaughtered for this but as much as a God Carew is (and he is), he simply does not have the mobility to play the lone striker role effectively. I think more often than not it'll be Carew coming off when we flip from 4-4-2 to 4-4-1. |
Az
said:
 |
... Think we should have a little more faith in Gabby, he did a quality job playing as the lone striker last season IMO. He was shocking admittedly when we switched to 4-4-2 but it's clear to me he has the potential to be a top striker. Saying that, after the season Carew just had it would be hard to pick anyone ahead of him, if he can continue that form he'll get 20+ goals easy  |
Woodinho
said:
 |
... The problem with 442 is that every manager in the land already knows how to play against it, it's the oldest and most boring formation going! To change to something like 4231 gives us a small phsycological edge as other managers will have to really think on thier feet to oppose it and get their formation right! While they are doing that villa can already be working on passing movements using the 4231 to our advantage... It's all about being one step ahead, I'd welcome this change in formation with open arms! I'd even go as far as to say this would give top 4 teams a head ache to come up against, go on Mon, lets give it a bash! |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
 |
... One thing I've noticed from reading Boro blogs and comments is their high regard in Disco Stew's abbility to keep the ball and spread it intelligently over long or short distances. I think this could really improve our game across the middle of the park as so many seem to be of the opinion that we gave the ball away too easily last season. JPA |
Mark Johnson
said:
 |
... Gabby was great, until he got a major sniff at the England squad, then I think he beleived his own publicity, he went off and bought himself a lambo and started bigging it up. Now I don't mind what he does with his cash OR how he behaves with his mates, BUT it does bother me when he's not performing ON the pitch, Gabby seemed to lose his sparkle, his cutting edge, his desire after Christmas. yea he was given a tough role as a lone striker, but for goodness sake he should lap the opportunity up not dissapear into obscurity, which he did in quite a few games Jan/feb. I like the kid, I think he's a good striker and an important member of our team. but don't do a Lee Hendrie and become a tosser!!! UTV |
james
said:
 |
... i totally agree doc, this looks like exciting stuff. it's funny how one signing can completely change the mood on a blog site!! but this is exactly what we need in terms of competition, i think if gabby knows he's not guaranteed a spot on the team sheet every week, he'll have to step his game up and thats good for everyone. |
rob h
said:
|
... chaps still on subject kind of just have a think and list out the players you think are top 4 quality or potential top 4 quality. my reason being this should show just how far off people think we are from the top 4. I think the following Guzan (don't know but throw him in on what i have seen) luke young - i thought he was awesome at times last season and is comparable to wes brown, aurelio, clichy for me cuellar - based on rangers uefa cup performances bouma - on previous form but time will tell now petrov young milner (potentially) downing carew so from that I think we are probably a cb, a lb and a cm or top4 quality to do it |
GG
said:
 |
... Nice formation on paper but big target men (which MON seems to like) work best with a nippy partner (which MON doesn't seem to appreciate). Owen liked Heskey cuz he provided plenty of assists for him, but stick him on his own and he's useless. Carew's better but it's essentially the same problem. Young isn't an Owen, he's primarily a creator...not sure what Downing's goalscoring's like...Aggie looked a good fit for a while but until he sorts his confidence out, he's buggered... so I can't see where the goals would come from in this formation. I still look at our striking options and think Morley/Withe/Shaw - we've got Young/Carew/but no-one in Shaw's role.... or Mortimer's come to that! |
Mark Johnson
said:
|
... thanks paul, I have friends who live near Gabby and he is becoming a little bit of a tosser in his private life.. don't screw it up son you have so much potential |
Mozza
said:
|
... Mikey I don't disagree but I think petrov would be the more dangerous going forward as he is capable of a shot from outside the box which we lacked last season with Barry getting forward more often. Also his passing is quite a bit better than NRC. But at least we agree that it should be those two in that holding role. Think gardner could do well instead of coker too! Just need Distin, another quality CB and a quality CM.... Come on MON! Utv! |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
... On the subject of changing formations and team consistency, why don't we take a look at the champions. Man U rarely play the same eleven week to week and are constantly fiddling with team selection because of the size of their squad but only seem to change the formation depending on the players at their disposal, I really wouldn't be suprised to see them play (boring, predictable, old) 4-4-2 with rooney/owen & berba up front and two conventional wingers valencia/obertan/tosic/nani and they'll more than likely win the league again. It is simply a case of playing the formation that gets the best out of your players and i think MON is clearly looking to move to a more fluid 4-5-1/4-3-3/4-2-3-1 which are all essentially the same formation. Liverpool showed this year how devestating this formation can be, but I do agree with Damien in that you have to watch out for injuries. When Torres got injured they had no-one to replace him as Keane just isn't a lone man up front (Berba is the reason he scored so many at spurs by creating space and stretching the defence) Couple that with an injury to Gerrard and they threw the title away. Strength in depth is what we need, I say sign Bent, Tuncay and Delph and we could almost certainly pull this formation off next year. I also agree that whatever way we play this coming season we need two new FB's and two new CB's That's Seven more players in........i think we'll sign four and leave ourselves a bit short. But that's just me. MON has already shown thaqt if the right ones aren't available he'd rather manage without. JPA |
Halfwit
said:
 |
... I just hope milner dont end up at right back it's something i could see martin doing infact |
ak_27
said:
|
... Elvis at Left Back any guy that gets 3 birds pregnant at the same time has to be a tosser(well if he was just a tosser maybe he wouldn't have done so much damage ) and also extremely stupid. |
Ghost Rider
said:
 |
... I like this formation and it wolud reprensent a step forward, i can t help thinking we got found out towards the end of the season and a variant may wel help this. M |
true villa
said:
 |
... just on bill howells live wenb caht, he seems to think that distaniis a done deal and that we will sign bent later in the summer for £12m!!! |
celtic_villain
said:
 |
... good shout simon1 the way gabby was treated was terrible. yeh i think this particular formation call is is hope more than belief damian, point is sidwell isn't capable of playing that role, petrov needs a ball winner beside him to flourish as well. i think mon has lost faith in reo coker. the only way i will believe this is the plan is if we buy a player in the vieira mold... |
RayK
said:
|
... I've said this a number of times before but we really don't need a huge influx of players - we've believed MON's hype far, far too much. I honestly believe that to maintain 6th place, assuming no injuries and that Downing and Bouma back to full fitness, we only really need: - 3rd choice keeper if Parish/Dau/Bevan not deemed good enough - one quality CB to replace Laursen (two if Knight goes) - cover at RB If we do get a couple of injuries or want to improve on 6th, then yes we do need more players but even then I think all we need is: - an attacking central midfielder - a top quality striker But I don't think there's much point bringing in the likes of Delph or Bent for those positions. That's just more of the same. I'd much rather we go out and spend £15m - £20m on each player and for me those players would be Ozil/Defour and Huntelaar/Love. I'd be happy with just one of those this Summer and mabye the other in the January window or next Summer. |
rtvilla
said:
|
... RayK Problem is we are not the lluckiest team in the world with regard to injuries at the moment are we? |
Phil Round
said:
 |
... I agree Doc, the system would work well, and i'd love to see Gabby as the loser to the system. Simply because he is as over-rated as Fat Frankie, his attitude stinks, he can't finish (i know he scored 11 last season, but they were put on plate for him, and my mum could have done better), he can't pass, he's greedy, and all he has in his locker is pace!! We must replace him, because i want him to think he is no longer untouchable, which is hard because he is MON's pet project. But Big JC is by far the better player, and he would thrive in the suggested system, and with that system, i could see him ending up as the 20goal man we all know of which he is capable, and need.... |
Phil Round
said:
|
... Petrov will get the captaincy! Me? I think it should be Curtis Davies.... Bit young i know, but he is quality, and would thrive on the extra responsibility!!!! |
vogra
said:
|
... Fridel L Young C Davies C Cuellar W Bouma Petrov Sidwell A Young Milner Downing Carew |
Mark Johnson
said:
|
... this bill howell webcaht is pants, He should look at this site to see how it's conducted properly, England doing well at the Cricket. Aus 11 - 2 Eng 425 AO |
Matthew Smith
said:
 |
... Morning All, I don't know if anyone else has posted about this, if they have I'm sorry, but I haven't read every post. Think back 3-4 years and remember what kind of player Barry was, He was being used to fill holes all over the pitch and no one seemed to know his best position, not even gareth himself. Then MON arrived at the club and acknowledged he would make a very decent play maker in the middle of the park and almost built the team around him. If you take into account the characteristics of GB and DJ Stewie, then I think you'll agree they're very similiar players. Both left footed, good distrubtion, keep the ball well and have decent engines. I wouldn't be at all surprised if MON grooms Downing as a direct replacement for Barry. Therefore I predict we'll sign a right sided midfield too, someone like Bentley and I bet we'll see our midfield line up something like this: Young - Milner - Bentley Downing - Petrov But the beauty in what MON is doing is that all of those players can adapt into different positions. If young is injured, Downing can play wide left and NRC/Gardner can replace him. If Bentley got injured, Milner can move out to the right and Heskey/Gabby/Carew can play in the hole. Or you can move Ashley in the middle, DJ stewie on the left and NRC in the middle. My key points being: Just because MON buys a player that is used to playing in one particular position for his previous club, don't assume that he'll do the same at villa. My other point being, MON views versatility as a key attribute when it comes to midfielders and that might be why he's shying away from the likes of Defour. UTV. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... What does Bill know? That piss taking of Bill Howells by Damo with the nursery rhymes a few months back was some of his finest work, very funny. It also led to my favorite quote on this site along lines of "throwing an old man down the stairs is the act of a coward" which admittedly is only funny in the context of the banter but made me piss myself. Can't rememebr who wrote that but hat's off to you sir, you are a comedy genius |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Jeddy - When will all this knocking of MON stop. Where is your evidence that he is grooming young boys? |
RayK
said:
|
... rtvilla - we were unlucky with Bouma but Laursen was always on the cards. On the whole, we were luckier than a lot of teams were. If we do have a couple of injuries, then I think the biggest difference from last season is that we have players like Delfouneso, Albrighton, Bannan, Clark, Nathan Baker, maybe even Gary Gardner who could all come in and do an excellent job. Obviuously you don't want to go out with 3-4 of those players in the same team over 2-3 Premiership games, but they are likely to be 3rd or 4th choice anyway. I mean ffs, think of the width we now have at Villa Park - Webcam, Downing, Milner, Bannan, Albrighton. That's five players for two positions!!! In CM we have Petrov, NRC, Sidwell, Craig and Gary Gardner - again five players covering two positions. At CB it looks like at least Distin, Cuellar, Davies, Knight, Clark and Baker - that's six players covering two positions. We should have a lot more confidence in the strength of our squad. |
rtvilla
said:
|
... I agree RayK but some of those players are very short of experience. I know they can only get that by playing games. I rate Nathan Baker especially but not sure he is quite ready for a Premier game yet. Still think a CB is crucial |
RayK
said:
|
... ... and I think Kasper Schmeichel would be a fantastic signing on a free transfer as a 3rd choice keeper. |
rtvilla
said:
|
... RayK - Do you think it is MON's plan to introduce some of the talented youngsters into the first team? |
Rob The Villain
said:
|
... MON's come out saying that he enquired about Downing in Jan, just goes to show how quiet he keeps things. Did anyone else hear anything about us trying to sign him in Jan because I didn't, and I like to think I'm on top of all the rumours going around. Just goes to show that there's a lot more going on than we know about. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... true villa, with your less thasn perfect trackrecord on accuracy I think I'll wait for confirmation before I celebrate |
RayK
said:
|
... rtvilla - no, I don't think that is MON's plan but MON would be mad not to use them in order to keep our first team fresh. I would have no problem pairing Clark alongside Distin/Cuellar in a League Cup game, or bringing on Bannan for Downing in the last 15 minutes of a PL game for example. If they don't get that sort of experience this season then it really is pointless having them on our books. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Ray K, what about Forrester - class. Will be good to see how Carruthers, Halfhuid (spelling) and the lad from P'trbro do. I've lost count of the number of wonderkids we've signed over the years who never actually make it to the first team |
Rubben
said:
 |
... why is barry a tw*t he has to keep coming out with his comments doesnt he the fat slow pr*ck |
rtvilla
said:
|
... I think MON may well use them in the League cup. When you listed the names its a great reminder that the young talent is out there. If just a couple of those players come off i would be a very happy man. I think all of those names could come off. If they are given a chance |
RayK
said:
|
... SidCowanslovechild - absolutely Harry Forrester, James Collins, Samir Carruthers should all be given a chance if they're delivering the goods for the Academy or Reserves. It is totally pointless fielding a team of half a dozen reserves like we did in the Uefa Cup last season. It is better to throw them in for 20-30 mins or play a couple of them from the start in the early rounds of the League or Europa Cup. Lets keep the first team for the PL, FA Cup and latter stages of the Europa Cup. |
arrlui
said:
 |
... As much as I would love to see us play 4-2-3-1 I think MON will stick with his: Friedel Young Cuellar Davies Bouma/Shorey Ash Milner Petrov Downing Gabby Carew |
Damian
said:
|
... By the very nature of the job Bill does, he will get bits of information before us .. and some will be right and some will be wrong. Don't be surprised if Distin signs any day or even today .. but remember when Bill published the story and remember when we did - there was a good few hours difference |
ak_27
said:
|
... RayK i couldn't disagree more. We need far more player in then 3. We need 2 FB'b, 2Cb's and prob 2 more CM (one defesive and 1 playmaker) and a Tuncay type striker. That is 7 more players required in my book. We are still a long way away from top 4. Now they don't all have to be 7/8/9m pound players but we need to bringing in 19/20 yrs olds from across europe that woudln't cost too much. MON needs to get over this stupid English thing he has as all it will lead to is a squad too small that cost far too much for very average players. You telling me that there aren't better strikers out there for far less then £12m like Bent would cost? I mean look at what fegie is doing : http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-united-sign-diouf-from-molde-1750872.html |
RayK
said:
|
... ak_27 - sorry but 2 fb, 2 cb, 2 cm, a striker in addition to Downing - that's a nearly a whole team!! it just ain't gonna happen. I don't disagree with you about the need to constantly scout across Europe for talent but I guarantee you that had we signed that Diouf rather than Fergie everyone on here would be calling him another Salifou. |
steven
said:
 |
... alrite damo i think villa might be going scouse or i might be going brum.i am an everton fan and was on your blog yesterday having an interesting a chat with villa fans.i think this is a fantastic blog and wish everton had a blog like this.i have a lot of time for villa and villa fans and wish you every success this season. |
Eoin Greene
said:
 |
... As long as MoN is manager of our club we will play 4-4-2. Deal with it. Players win games not formations. Players keep possession and not formations. And as for all these youth players. MoN will never give them a chance. What about last year and playing players out of position - this was the opportunity to give young players a run but he never did! Even changing formation to accomodate the injuries. We need to sign about 7 players - 4 straight into the first team and 3 bright prospects. Good performances lead to good results - not always in a particular match but always over a long period. Most seem to forget that we played really really poorly with 4-5-1 yet stole victories. |
RayK
said:
|
... eoin1981 - i agree with you that 4-4-2 is still likely to be the favoured formation and that its players that the most important thing, not formations. Sure, if MON doesn't rate players like Delf, Clark, Bannan and Albrighton then yes, we do need 7 or 8 players. But bringing in another 7-8 players of the quality you're talking about before end of August is as likely as MON going out and buying 3 young South American 20 year old prospects. |
ak_27
said:
|
... RayK you are right it is very unlikely now but it is what is required if we are to have any hope of making any chellenge at getting a champions league spot. I just hope MON has remembered this time that we can also bring players in on loan. |
Keith
said:
 |
... Reading all the posts, the signing of Downing has obviously given Villa options in personnel and formation. ak_27 I too told Damian he was wrong last season and said we should play 4-4-2 at home. We then signed Heskey, we started to do so and fell apart. So I'm with him on this one. Rob The Villain I agree with your estimation of Mr Howell. |
Blitz
said:
 |
... According to Goal, we are after Kasper Schmeichel on a free....: http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/07/17/1387784/aston-villa-manager-martin-oneill-eyes-kasper-schmeichel |
Anthony Laud
said:
 |
... i dont see how the signing of downing who prob wont play till xmas is papering over the cracks in mosts eyes! we are still down on last seasons squad both in numbers and quality! Its a joke! Once again we are going to get to Feb/march then everything will go down hill because we dont have the squad and depth. Oneil will be using the same small squad excuse again! FFS sort it out!! |
TrueVillan
said:
|
... anyone read the downing interview, he states he will return to middlesborough one day and has even spoken to gibson about it! christ, he hobbles in on crutches to sign, wont be available until xmas and is already negotiating going back to boro, prob when/if they get promoted! to join a new club and then make a statement like that make me wonder about his commitment, nice for the boro fans to hear but not us, dick! |
Mark Johnson
said:
|
... Like I said yesterday, there are far too many Villa fans who are jumping on MoN's back, He's our manager, he aint done a bad job so far, leave him alone and judge him come August or better still next May. It irritates me to say the least that there are people who could manage AVFC better than the current incumbent. Yes it's about opinion and as you know opinions are like arseholes... everyone has one BUT don't get on his back this early...  PS Welcome Steven |
Mark Johnson
said:
|
... Truevillan.... I read that too but thought it more of a statement to make them (boro) feel better. they can have him back when we've finished with him |
ak_27
said:
|
... keef it could be a case of the right players more then formation like Eoin said above. |
rtvilla
said:
|
... I for one can't knock MON. He has got us going again. At least we have some good football to watch. Anyway, If he was to go, who could replace him? |
Mark Johnson
said:
|
... http://www.dailystar.co.uk/foo...n-Gardner/ more crap. small heath wanna sign craig gardner |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Better players help, obviously, but my main concern with 4-4-2 is it doesn't do Young any favours whatsoever. He's far better suited to a proper wingers role, which you can't achieve in a traditional 4-4-2. For him to have that killer impact, he needs to be part of a 4-3-3 type attack/midfield. |
steven
said:
|
... thanks guys.i have friends who support villa so i always keep an eye on villas results.that young goal at goodison was a choker.ha ha.i was in the doug ellis upper for the 3- game last year and while i was disappointed i have to say that ws a hell of a game. |
vogra
said:
|
... need some advice guys. We've just had some student girls move in next door...before you ask i wouldn't fcuk them in a million years. They just stuck on there CD Played Bros...fcuking BROS...so loud my pictures have just fell from my wall..i've banged the wall which had done no use, apart from physical violence how can i stop this sh*t.. By the way the song now playing is "Cat amongst the Pigeons" |
Steve
said:
|
... how dare a manager sign a winger who is out for three months...MoN clearly doesnt know what he is doing..sack him. well how about the fact Sir Alex Ferguson has signed obertan, a winger who is out for 3 months. Get off MoN's back..more signings to follow! |
Rob The Villain
said:
|
... I'd just like to elaborate on my "Bill Howell is a dick" post. He is THE most negative person and seems to know nothing despite claiming he is "in the know" and has "many contacts" within Villa. So far he hasn't given any further insight into anything, he seems to re-word things we already know whilst putting a negative slant on it! Example, MON's comments about Young, Howell said that he is sure that Young will leave because MON has said Young won't be going anywhere. You what!? MON HAD TO come out and say those things for his own sanity not because he is worried! I mean, is this guy a Villa fan or what? He should be shot! Many fans asking him whats happening with Distin etc etc like he has some kind of insight into the whole thing. His answer was "it'll be happening in the next few days". Really? You don't say? People like him are just there to start fires without any proof whatsoever, perhaps he should work for the Daily mail! Judging by the stories made up by people "in the know" and who have "many contacts" then just about every one of us on here is qualified to write a "story" for a newspaper! |
ak_27
said:
|
... vivavilla i think part of the problem with Young getting snuffed out last season was down to the fact that he had very little help from his full backs. If we had an over lapping full back giving him options then he would hopefully have a bit space to operate in. Shorey did look like he was finding his feet at the end of the season and was begginning to bomb forward so hopefully he will have more confidence this season and get forward more often. |
vogra
said:
|
... Move...thought about it.. New Kids On The Block...i might slap on a bit of "Step by Step..oh,baby,your always on my mind...step 1, You can have lots of fun, Step 2, There's so much you can do, Step 3, It's just you and me, Step 4, I can feel you more, Step 5, don't you know that the time has arrived....holy fcuk...i even know the tune..thats having a younger sister pumping that boll0cks thru the wall..scarred for life.. |
rob h
said:
|
... vogra tell them you will give them a 50% off pot noodle voucher at cost cutters if they turn the music down |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... A supporting fullback would help I agree. However, I think the main problem is that Young just isn't being utilised properly until he's in an attacking position. If you give him the ball at the halfway line most of the time he's going to lose it or be forced to put in a cross from an inferior position. I know he has a reputation of taking on defenders, but a fair few defenders stopped him quite easily last season. |
rob h
said:
|
... gregdavillain I have had it on good authority john carew is leaving. He has been spotted in a foreign country in a compromising position lapland |
vogra
said:
|
... Keefvilla...never thought of such a childish but brilliant act of knocking the door at 7 in the morning...brilliant |
gregdavillain
said:
 |
... vivavilla i agree, young is a good dribbler but he really lacks strangth to take on and beat defenders repeatadly in fairness da quy is looks weak and he does like to jump out of the way a lot. even in his last england game it was the same, he tried to much and lost the ball a lot. i think he eould benenfit a lot from coming into the middle where he can go left or right, i also think he should be doing weight traing and bulk up a bit, for 23 he is a bit of a weed |
vogra
said:
|
... rob h.....yeah nice thought, i have a Nisa down the road from me in Moseley, that'll do nice, before them ho's moved in next door i had images of three beautiful girls (just like them girls from Hollyoaks moving in)..happy days, had the drill out ready to drill a GLORY HOLE in the wall...when i seen the first ugly cnut walk in the house i put my drill away.. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... He could quite easily add a few pounds to his frame without compromising his speed. American Footballers do it all the time when they come out of college to make the step up to the NFL. I do think he should be given the chance to play the free role again. He's a fairly intelligent player (except he sometimes doesn't know when to stop trying a move that doesn't work), and I think he can judge where he should be positioning himself. |
Steve
said:
|
... I find all this talk about, "AY was class first half season, crap second half of the season" somewhat baffling. He was still our only creative player and with Carew our only threat. I think the problem Ashley Young faced at home in the second half of the season is that we took to long to give him the ball and when he did receive it he was stationary for most of the time. Its alot easier to beat someone when you are running at pace which is why he had more success away from home. Its the same with any winger. I think he would benefit from being played in the hole at home because he could float around, not have 2 men on him and pick the ball up when hes already on the move and can drive at people. Away from home he should stick on the wing as he will get space there! |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Can we leave this "advice" discussion for somewhere else? It's getting a little vulgar and it's not related to the article in any way. |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
 |
...Simon1 said: I, for one, agree with you. I like Carew, he's fine in a 4-4-2, but he's not a lone striker. As Damo said, not agile enough (mobile, I think he said), and even though I've seen him track back, etc., doesn't work hard enough for me, and can't cover enough ground. He's just not threatening unless he's in the box. Heskey's conversion rate is poor, but he's a better "athlete" than Carew. In a 4-5-1, it really only makes sense for the "1" to be Gabby amongst the current squad. And really, if MON played a 4-4-2 with Heskey and Gabby, Heskey dropping back more in support, that wouldn't be so bad. I just think Carew is too one-dimensional overall. Good to have, but shouldn't be the focus. |
vogra
said:
|
... vivavilla..come on mate, it's just a laugh... aren't you a tad bored with either.. 1)Mon isn't signing anyone.... 2)Distin is signing..or not. 3)What should be our formation 4)i've had my source,or friend,or rumour,or the guy who works at Villa saying we're going to sign some player who's never going to sign for us.. Who was better Ruel Fox or Andy Sinton...thats what i'm thinking |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
...ak_27 said: Yes. Ashley also did this to himself. He kept running and taking on the two defenders coming out to head him off, getting in too close, instead of laying the ball off (fullback, where are you?), or simply playing across. Sometimes he got around/through them, got some dangerous balls in along the touch line back into the six-yard box, but not enough. And a lot of moves died over there as result, with the team stretched and racing up, only for Ash to run into a wall and give it up to the counter. |
adam
said:
|
... vogra its got to be dog shit through the letterbox me thinks or borrow a pals p.a speakers and blast em on a sunday morning when they got the hangover |
kohoutek, home now and name still not working properly
said:
|
...eoin1981 said: This is the truth. I've said many times, it wasn't MON, it wasn't the "small squad" (he can see in training throughout the week whether they've any legs left), it wasn't formation that brought about the collapse. It was a lack of heart. The players saw fourth, did not believe in themselves, and failed to hang on to it. They bottled it, and the Stoke result was the perfect example. That horrid, panicked, ridiculous defending...That was fear of failure (which usually ensures failure). This is why I wasn't that fussed about Barry leaving...he added no character down the stretch. And this is where Laursen's absence really figured. Not just the actual playing, but the heart, the will, the leadership, the lack of fear. I think, as much as anything, it was the "character", experience, etc., in Heskey that MON was buying in January, not just cover for Carew. Didn't really work, obviously, but the team caved...they didn't have the will to keep finding ways to win. |
vogra
said:
|
... rvilla, i always liked Sinton, just thought Ruel Fox is another Aaron Lennon,or should that be the other way around.. keefvilla, i'm a pretty sick person myself, in the head that is.. childish pranks are the way forward |
Mark Johnson
said:
|
... see you guys later, this is getting out of hand, yes funny banter but not a whole blog which is they way it's going. |
vogra
said:
|
... Sorry to take it off the subjest damo... i'm still on the lets get Peter Crouch back at Villa Park...to miss out on this guy will be criminal. I'm also up the signing Landon Donavan from Beckhams side Galaxy, he's quality, played for B Munich, every time i see this guy play he impresses, i remember him from the World Cup 2002,he was USA's best player,and also was superb in that last competion when they played Brazil, he's only 27.. i rate him |
jinksy
said:
 |
... Can everyone who mentions Reo-Joke & the Villa 1st 11 plaese go to spec savers because you are either bind or have never seen the rubbish play......... |
RAZ
said:
 |
... for me, if we were gonna play the three of them behind JC i would say we would then be in need of a grafter type midfielder next to petrov as all the flare would be there in any case and petrov would supply the simple passes to milner and downing for them to play with young and carew. With a roy keane mould of a player that would ensure we had the right balance between attack and defense. would defo buy hangeland next and pay whatever fee fulham require. would also buy tuncay as it would help bed downing into the squad and would provide a hard working goalscorer for cover for JC and gabby. lets not just discard gabby tho. people find it easy to forget what we already have and how good it actually is. we can't afford to leave him on the bench, he's someone who can score vital goals (b'ham st.andrews anyone??) so we need to ensure he gets as many games as possible anyways UTV!!!! it looking positive now and we can restructure after the sale of barry |
RayK
said:
|
... RAZ - i agree, take your pick from NRC, Jenas or Delph. For that role I'd rather have NRC than Jenas or Delph. And we would be totally mad to sell Gardner or NRC for £5m or £6m only to then pay £7m for Delph. If he was that good he'd be at one of the Top 4 already. |
VillaDude
said:
 |
... Pat - where you hear that? I heard he sold his house in london and wants to come back to bham. |
rob h
said:
|
... I have had a shite day. i blame mon, lerner, downing, gabby ............. have i forgotten anyone? |
scott
said:
 |
... please go for the the 4-2-3-1 formation but get a GOOD cb in upson hangeland? NRC will be fine as part of the DM's next season and gardner can play dere anyway  |
Mike Carter
said:
|
...And we would be totally mad to sell Gardner or NRC for £5m or £6m only to then pay £7m for Delph. If he was that good he'd be at one of the Top 4 already. A little naive, don't you think? I mean where do you draw the line? Rooney signed for United when he was 18, surely if he's that good another top team would have signed him earlier? |
steven
said:
|
... there will be a few broken legs in the premier league next season now barry ferguson has signed for birmingham.anyone agree. |
TrueVillan
said:
|
...Just heard that Upson will sign 4 £10m next week |
steven
said:
|
... alright doc i see what your saying here but just let me clarify something.when you say villa are doing it the scouse way you mean they are doing it like everton.what you should of said is villa are doing it the norwegian way or the pakistani way or the arab way as liverpool fc dont have many proper scouse fans the kop is like the pakistan embassy.if you catch my drift.everton fc have proper scouse fans hence the reason we are called the peoples club on merseyside.believe me doc you dont want martin o'neill to end up like that fat spanish waiter.he is one horrible scummy bastard. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Steven, we aren't too keen on Rafa either but we take a very strong line on racism so take care not to over step the mark |
RayK
said:
|
... vivavilla - Delph is 19 and will be 20 in November, ie already a year older than when Rooney left Everton For ManU. We're not talking about a 15/16 year old anymore, like when Pennant or Walcott went to Arsenal. And a better team than United, who the season before (2003) were PL champions? Delph is playing in League One (the old third division!!!) and so totally unproved in the PL. Rooney was already 'established' as a PL player. If you're telling me that you think paying more for Delph than we could generate from NRC or Gardner (both proven in the PL) is a good deal, then that is really dumb. Sorry fella. |
steven
said:
|
... sid there was no racism in there at all mate i was simply saying liverpool get more fans from other countries than they do from liverpool. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Steven, not having a go, just have to step carefully in that territory - like Pakistan embassy could be misinterpreted |
TrueVillan
said:
|
... rayk totally agree! i do keep posting to sign delph, i actually mean to put defour! done it again in comment222!! they are trying to get us to pay for potential, but there is no guarantee h will come good, a better deal would be built around games played, international call up etc unfortunately, spurs are now involved, and so desperate to sign someone, that they will probably pay over the odds it will be a shame to see delph and naughton go to spurs, they are a club with no record of progressing youth, and f they do not come good within a short period of time, i expect then to rot away like bale MON, sign defour, he is the real deal! |
RayK
said:
|
... steven - I thought Scousers were a friendly lot - what's wrong with an Everton blog? We're miserable Brummies!  |
steven
said:
|
... fair enough it wasnt a racist comment i am not racist in any way shape or form.i just hate the scummy red shite bastards and i hate benitez.i thought o'neill did him like a kipper last year with the gareth barry saga i was made up over that.someone needed to stand up to the fat bastard. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Understood Stephen, let's forget it and back to the footie. Rafa is indeed a fat bastard and the way he moans about Barry going to City when he couldn't be bothered to put a bid in himself just shows what a tool he is. This is a fact, I'll give you facts you fat fck Funny how you can get away with fat insults but not race insults! |
steven
said:
|
... rayk there is no everton blog mate no one can be arsed doing one.so villa are the only team i like in the premier league so ive come on this blog.if im honest i like interacting with other clubs fans.i think damian has done a great job with this blog i wish eveton had a blog like this. |
TrueVillan
said:
|
... forgot to metion, if schmeichel rumours true, why in gods name did we not do the deal with either barry sale or more likely the taylor deal, a basic swap! MON seems to only be able to deal with one thing at a time, has as good as admitted it at times, and misses the chance to force other teams hands when they have something we want, we should have demanded richards or ireland as part of the barry deal, they will both soon be surplus, but we never seem to act or are way to slow |
steven
said:
|
... yeah i know mate he is shitting himself now because ciy are spending big money.we all know barry went there for the money and hes just pissed off because he cant compete with man city.hes got the cheek to call xabi alonso disloyal and last year he was all to happy to sell him to juventus.he is a nob. |
Tim
said:
 |
... Im still not convinced by MON ! We have now missed out on Naughton and the other young starlet we should be buying Defour looks like He will be snapped up by Everton. Im not going to be rushing to buy a season ticket or any ticket if Downing & probably Distin is best MON can do! Hardly going to make us a force in the Prem are they !!!Ill spend my money elsewhere and watch the farce that is now unfolding at Villa Park from a pub if i can be bothered !Oh what could have been ! |
steven
said:
|
... im a bit pissed off fitzy if im honest but if were going to sell him i want more than 15 million for him if glen johnson is worth 18 mill and hes had 4 clubs in his career then joleon lescott is worth at least 20 mill in my eyes.glad moyesy is standing firm but money talks mate.i think it will be down to lescott in the end. |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... Tim, Why don't you wait until the window has closed? You're only making yourself look a mug, imo. |
steven
said:
|
... f**kinel at least you have signed someone tim look at everton we havent signed anyone yet and kyle naughton is set to snub us for fat harry. |
rob h
said:
|
... tim how do you know martin wanted naughton? if you don't ehn he can't have missed out then can he? why should be looking to sign defour? cuz you say we should? |
RayK
said:
|
... Tim - How can missing out (possibly) on a Championship 'prospect' (albeit a good one but who would only be cover at RB) outweigh the fact that we've just signed the regular England international left winger??? I don't know how you could have been more excited about seeing Naughton play than Downing???  |
stu
said:
 |
... kasper schemeichel would be a good addition, he started well for man city, i liked the look of him, he could become just like his dad, him n guzan would be great back up plus friedel aint gonna play forever. wot makes kasper even better is that hes free lol =] |
spike1990
said:
 |
... Richard Dunne to the Villa Value for money been good up until the last season so MON sign him up |
mikey18
said:
|
... Naughton and Delph are worth so much because they have sell on value. Even if They don't work out for us we could get 3/4mil back selling them to a championship side!! I think they would be good investments for the future but also provide cover for this season as well. signing 7 players is out of the question, it would completely destroy our team, wouldn't be able to get them to gel. I think we need to sign 3 more, Naughton and Delph for cover at RB/LB (naughton can play both) and CM, LW (Delph can play both) and a CB. Depending on how much money we have. If we can't afford a two marque signings for CB n CM now then let Gardner/NRC/Sidwell show what they can do. Look how petrov improved over time, and given the chance! Then go all out to sign stevens beloved Joleen Lescott and bring him home to Villa park!! |
steven
said:
|
... spike the word on merseyside is if we sell lescott to city dunne will be part of the deal which i would quite like as i liked him when he was at everton the 1st time. |
mikey18
said:
|
... Steven you reckon Moyes would sell for 25mil? we spent 12 on downing and need a CB twice as much, and i personally think we need lescott hes left footed which will help bring balance to the side, good in the air in attack and defence is very athletic and can play left back! Id be happy if all we signed were Lescott and Downing! |
MichaelJacksonatRightback
said:
|
... kohoutek It was a lack of heart. The players saw fourth, did not believe in themselves, and failed to hang on to it. They bottled it, and the Stoke result was the perfect example. That horrid, panicked, ridiculous defending...That was fear of failure (which usually ensures failure). You da man. |
mikey18
said:
|
... Might cause an absolute uproar here but i'd take lescott for Young! I was always taught you build a team from the back! Quality Centre backs are few and far between. I trust we could get bentley in and he could do a decent job! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Might cause an absolute uproar here but i'd take lescott for Young You're joking mate. Young, if he continues to impress, with be worth loads next season and if he does go I'd expect enough money to buy at least 2 really top notch players. As much as I'd like Lescott, he's only one. |
villa biker
said:
 |
... alright lads sorry if my prediction about veloso did not come in but the lad who is working at vp. keeps on saying the whole place is talking about three players who will be presented all at once. well we no the one but who are the others |
Nick Humphries
said:
 |
...Im not going to be rushing to buy a season ticket or any ticket if Downing & probably Distin is best MON can do! Hardly going to make us a force in the Prem are they !!!Ill spend my money elsewhere and watch the farce that is now unfolding at Villa Park from a pub if i can be bothered !Oh what could have been ! Tim, Call yourself a fan? Your just a glory hunter wanna be. I'm sure all the "real" fans on here would carry on supporting us if we were in league 2. Thats why its called supporting!! We're not like players who play for numerous clubs we're Villa till we die! |
Pat
said:
 |
... Upson 4 Villa next week,my das cousin lives beside Curbs in London.PS God Bless BIG BAD John Hartson,get well soon.. |
rowleyvillain
said:
 |
... How about swopping Ashley for Tim cahill.Guarantee you 10-15 goals a season if he can stay fit. |
Rich
said:
 |
... Mikey - Just signing Lescott and Downing leaves us no better than last year in terms of numbers when everyone knows our squad was too small to compete on all fronts. In fact worse off as Barry and Laursen are better players. Pat - Sincerely hope you're wrong. Upson is overpriced and over rated. Also if Distin signs we'll have a combined age of 61 in the centre of our defence and zero pace. |
TrueVillan
said:
|
... villa biker alright lads sorry if my prediction about veloso did not come in but the lad who is working at vp. keeps on saying the whole place is talking about three players who will be presented all at once. well we no the one but who are the others if he had the veleso one so wrong, why would this be right? and who is the one we all know, you talkin about distin? |
Rich
said:
|
... From a Leeds fan on 606 - prob bulls*** "Leeds and Aston Villa have agreed a £5 Million deal to take young Leeds United midfielder Fabian Delph to the midland club. The deal also involves an extra £2 million based on domestic and international appearances, and Aston Villa starlet Nathan Delfouneso joining Leeds United on a season long loan. Fabian is expected to travel to Birmingham to enter contract talks and complete a medical when Leeds United return from their current tour in Ireland." Heard anything at your end? |
TrueVillan
said:
|
... re prev comments guessing you mean downing having thought about it!! although why they would wait for the other two before presenting him is beyond me! |
James Clift
said:
 |
... Rich, Lescott is as good as Laursen without a doubt. He's a great defender and scores goals. We won't sign him though so pointless conversation. |
Rich
said:
|
... Pasted and posted by a Leeds fan on BBC 606 from another source. May well be an unreliable one! |
Steve Clayton
said:
 |
... All these rumours and stories about a friends, dads, gardners, girfriends mom once slept with the next door neighbour of Barry Fry and overheard him talking about his health - which rhymes with Delph so reckon we're in for him are ridiculous. My girlfriend said something about Messi earlier, we're either getting Lionel of she's moaning about my dirty under crackers on the floor again. Give it a rest! |
Wez
said:
 |
... LOL @ squirrell my mrs said something about hammering ronaldo but she must of meant her cu...... Nevermind |
MON
said:
 |
... Think we need at least another 3 players to come in. Saw a article the other day were Big Ron mentioned Branislav Ivanovic chealsea defender. From the few games he has played he was a rock in defence a looked real quality. Could comfortably fill Larsen role in the centre of defence. He is also very versatile and can play at right back and defensive midfielder as he has done so for chealsea. If were going to offer 8 -10 million for Upson of Hageland why not go for him. |
AVpage
said:
 |
... Jimbo... Lescott is as good as Laursen without a doubt. He's a great defender and scores goals Please explain to all why Lescott is without a doubt as good as Laursen - apart from the fact that Lescott is a great defender who scores goals doh... |
Kevin Curtis
said:
 |
... its really is unfair that berg signed for hamburg tonight, shame on you martin o'neil, next season berg will be linked with a 20 million plus deal to a premiership team, breaking news in the sun tomorrow upton will only sign for us if only campball signs first. hmmmmmmm i wonder why 7 days until we sign our next player |
Fitzy_7
said:
 |
... apparently we face competition from spuds for Fabian Delph, surprise surprise im sure everton will be thrown into the equation at some point |
Kevin Curtis
said:
|
... we must have morons has scouts, are they on the same pay role has spuds and hub caps fc, isn't about time we give our scouts extra spending, and up grade them to flying instead of catching trains, is it me that we are always after english players who are greedy and lazy 7 days to go |
Abdul Kashif
said:
 |
... Landon Donovan would be a good shout for Villa.. similar to Tuncay in many ways. I don't think he'd play as an out and out striker,but more of a support striker.. But after all the Beckham hoo haa, I can't see MLS letting him go unless it was a exceptional offer. I watched him play last night against NY RedBulls and he was top class, and also scored a stunning goal. I know people will say 'it's only MLS' but there are some very good players who could cut it here, in my opinion. |
meregolfclub
said:
 |
... we all have our wish lists for incoming players to vp. mine is naughton delph (for the future) hangeeland and the fox in the box, but does anyone think we should be looking for the leade of the pack the bryan robson, tony adams , patrick viera, roy keane, denis mortimer type of player who inspires the rest of the team to perform that extra 10% to get the result. all the above are winners and leaders - dare i say it what we have lacked over the last few years. just a thought. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...I watched him play last night against NY RedBulls Who I think are bottom of the league and only have one decent player (JPA)? I'm not saying you are wrong, mind. Having said that, I went ont the RB site earlier and saw JPA's scoring record for Villa. One season apart, it's pretty shocking imo. Certainly doesn't seem right as I loved the bloke. He's banging them in over there though, which proves my point somwhat, I think? |
Tim
said:
|
... To all my Knockers ! Ive watched Villa since 1970 through 3rd division hard times and to the good times of 1982 European Cup, i think im entitled to question the Ambition and Quality of the Club !! I just cant see that Downing & Distin are going to take us any further than last season. MON needs to be buying World class players to take the club into the next phase and higher, Defour is a highly rated player so why not throw some ching at Standard Leige to get him ! MON has had 3 years to buy us success so where is the ambition ? Everyone went mad over our UEFA exit because we have no quality backup players, all im saying is im not happy spending my hard earned cash if it is going to be wasted on poor players season after season. I hope im proved wrong then i will appologise, but until i see a couple of signings that will win us silverware and let us compete at the top of the Prem ill be asking WHY NOT ? |
John Jordan
said:
 |
... TIM...A COUPLE OF SIGNINGS TO WIN US SILVERWARE!!!!..."TEAMS" WIN SILVERWARE,NOT A COUPLE OF PLAYERS!! |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... RayK - sorry but I disagree entirely. Every talented young player has to start somewhere, and being at Leeds he'd receive a lot less media attention. How old was Ashley Young when we bought him? 22. And he's good enough to play for a top 4 side now, or so everyone seems to believe. That pretty much proves it really. |
Abdul Kashif
said:
|
... Badger: I knew someone was going to bring up that point about 'it's only MLS' and how it's a weak league. Angel had 2 good seasons for us but, yes, for NY he's banging the goals in. The current NY team is the weakest team in MLS, probably in it's history. The point I was trying to make was that I think that Donovan is a good player and quite experienced and could do a good job, similar to McBride and Clint Dempsey. Even if it isn't a strong league, there are some decent players to be had. |
lee
said:
 |
... i travel from belfast to watch villa i cant help thinking we need to sign players of a better quality now no harm but gabby just aint goodenough and we have to many workman like players now m oneil has to step up to the mark and buy the players to move us on we were caught out after xmas last year |
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