I live in the north of Gloucestershire and I want to tell you about the shopkeeper in our village, a guy called Pat. Pat's a Mancunian. And he's a City fan.

The thing is, I'm surprised by Pat. I would have thought that he'd be quivering with excitement at the amazing developments at Eastlands. I would have expected him, every time I go into his store to buy a 4-pack of Stella and a couple of bottles of red, to be full of it. Full of the massive star signings and the seemingly endless transfer budget.

But he's not. He's actually quite distraught, is our Pat. And the reason is, he's not quite sure who or what he supports any more. He's been a City fan for 40 years, and he loves the culture, heritage and history of the club. He enjoys the quirkiness and eccentricity of supporting Manchester's second club, and everything associated with it.

It's a wonderfully English point of view. Pat has always hated United and their fans, and he detests the fact that half the kids in our Cotswold village "support" United. As if they could even locate Manchester on a map of the British Isles.

The really interesting thing is this.

Pat has confessed that he is immensely jealous of me as a Villa fan. A bit bizarre, as I would love Martin O'Neill to have Mark Hughes' budget. But that's what he said.

And the reason is this, according to him: Villa are a British football club with a British manager who are trying to build for the future. Villa haven't chucked away their history or culture in a mad dash for immediate success. On the contrary, their owner (Randy) has been careful to nurture, protect and encourage the club's heritage. That gives people something to stay faithful to.

Pat won't be able to take his kids to City any more on the four or five occasions each season that he has the chance. That's because the prices will be ridiculous and the vast majority of seats, just like Stamford Bridge, will be taken up by wealthy entertainers with little idea of real football.

I know that many commenters on this site will disagree vehemently. But if you have half a brain, you will look at the Premier League stats and see how often the title has been "bought". Blackburn, once. Chelsea, once. Key word: once.

Pat's comments have a real resonance with me. I'm grateful that I support a club with a sense of its heritage. I'm happy to support a club with a longer-term vision. In a really weird way, I'd rather have Stewart Downing than Wesley Sneijder.

I don't want it all, and I don't want it now. I want Villa to stay Villa. I want us to creep back up to the top where we really belong, but I'm prepared to accept that it will take many seasons of excellent chairmanship and managership.

Or, we could sack O'Neill and bring in Harry Redknapp. Now he's real fun in the transfer window..........!!!!

Comments (180)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Damian said:

... Thanks for this Doc .. I´m driving this morning so there is every chance the club will announce a player and well, I´ll miss it but please someone send me an SMS if something does happen!

Comment 1, made on July 09, 2009 at 8.52 am

TechnoTurkey said:

... Interesting point of view, and one I'm inclined to agree with...

Comment 2, made on July 09, 2009 at 8.54 am

wc said:

... here here

Comment 3, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.02 am

Mark said:

... Doc your last two posts of have been inteeligent, thoughtful and reasoned (no that's not a back-handed compliment in any way). I agree with you 100% and I would go so far as to say that if I thought the posts on this site were a proportionate reflection of the views of right thinking, playing, watching supporting fans of Aston Villa I would give up. It's people like you and the Man C fan you mention who help me keep the faith.

Comment 4, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.02 am

Danny said:

... "In a really weird way, I'd rather have Stewart Downing than Wesley Sneijder." That's pushing it a bit! I would rather we had City's budget. I just want success. Seeing Villa in the CL would give me far more joy than sitting in 7th and being 'proud of our values'.

Comment 5, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.04 am

toastman said:

... you hit the nail on the head, selling your soul to the devil for short term success is not worth it. And don't forget the financial problems this country is going to face has not even started yet so I am expecting some people to start to pull out of clubs, when the financial system crashes.

Comment 6, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.08 am

Milk said:

... Great post Doc. Really great!

Comment 7, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.08 am

londonbasedvillan said:

... There is a certain amount of pride that can be taken from doing things properly, and I can assume that everton fans feel the same way, two clubs knocking on the door of the champions league and having made steady progress. The days of spurs buying a couple of £20m 'superstars' and having to listen to their fans tell us how it is they that will break the top 4, only for them to have a terrible start to the season, sack their manager and offload their superstar in january, have long gone. Now we have a spurs side who cant compete with the likes of a man city side who want to buy every superstar and smash fee structures with no business acumin whatsoever... what will be the result? Villa and Everton still being closest to breaking the top 4 strangle hold I should think... We almost had the gooners last season, come on boys!!! UTV SOTC!!!!

Comment 8, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.11 am

Billy7 said:

... i TOTALLY AGREE....... A Manc talking sense! I renewed mine and my sons season ticket, £490 in total, what would it cost at the clubs who buy the title?(once) i am PROUD to support VILLA. keep the faith! Great post!

Comment 9, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.13 am

Enda said:

... Nationalism is a load of balls. The club is owned by a Yank, managed by an Irishman, and soon to be captained by a Bulgarian. Our best player in the past decade was a Dane. I don't care where John Carew comes from. Ticket prices are an important issue and it's a shame to see a place being too expensive for kids to be brought to by the average guy. But that has very little to do with whether the club is British or Brazilian.

Comment 10, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.15 am

Carl Main said:

... We've been linked heavily with Downing today...Please NO!...If MON signs Downing, I will really start to question his ability in the transfer market!

Comment 11, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.15 am

jinksy said:

... I would just like all the excitement that surrounded Villa getting a Billionaire Chairman to have bared some fruit. Some big name signings etc. But it hasn't and we've still got a small squad, have to play players out of position & never have a clue what to do if it's all going wrong. You look at our bench & you know that the answer isn't there, we do not have squad players that can change a game unless he puts Coker a right back, moves young to left back & takes off Shorey because Coker is paying crap again. My Point is that Pat wants to get over himself & embrace the excitement that being a City fan is going to bring him. I'd swap our Chairman & Manager for what city have. I mean will they be signing donkeys like Heskey? No they wont.

Comment 12, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.17 am

Rob81 said:

... Great post Doc. Agree with all what was said. Danny says he just wants success but it isn't that simple. Even if we went out and spent 100 Million this summer we would not win the league, we might not even qualify for the CL. Although i think we should have signed a couple of players by now, if you look at the whole picture, the manager and chairman are going about it the right way.

Comment 13, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.17 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... Here bloody here , I live on the south coast between Portsmouth and Brighton and I can tell you im the only Villa fan for miles. Walk into any sports shop and all you see is Man U , Pool , Chelsea and Arsnal shirts everywhere . The same with pubs on matchdays full of supporters of these teams . When the Villa play Im all alone in my Claret and blue and I love it. No one gives me shit though as there seem's to be a nationwide respect for Villa . It's almost like were everyones second favourite team. A massive part of me would never want that to change. I'm as proud as proud can be to be a Villa fan . UTV

Comment 14, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.18 am

Warwick Kirk said:

... Agree Doc, but I think the City way is different to a little gamble here and there. We've been here before so just need something a bit different to push us on. Just that couple of extra special players that will fit in but give us all that extra buzz around Villa Park.

Comment 15, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.19 am

mikey18 said:

... Very good post doc. its hard to voice that kind of perspective on here! I've lived in Manchester the last 3 years, and been to United and Liverpool games. I've gone to the occasional match at both and if you look around you see a lot of people who are just there for the 'premiership experience', people that aren't football fans, and definitely aren't united or liverpool fans! They are the gullible public/tourists that have bought into the brand of the premier league! who support cristiano ronaldo or steven gerrard! These people know nothing of what it means to support a football team! I'm proud that when i go down the villa whether its 38,000 or 43,000 that everybody in there supports the claret and blue 100%, they are high when we win and low when we loose and thats what it means to be a football fan!

Comment 16, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.19 am

rob h said:

... exactly. thank god i can look on this blog and see some reasoning. Doc this is exactly what i have been saying on here and getting shot down. Rome was not built in a day and the harsh lessons of overspending, risk taking and non sustainable growth have culminated in the worst resession ever. 1 in 8 people will be jobless by the end of the year so think how many of the bloggers on here will be moaning about losing their jobs when some bloggers are actively encouraging that villa do overspend and take risks! Well done, well done!

Comment 17, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.24 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... Was just thinking, if we really are interested in signing Downing how it would work bearing in mind he is injured. He wouldn't be able to do a medical . Can't think of any other players that have moved while being injured. Example, we sign him he returns to full fitness , plays a couple of games and then f**ks his ankle and is out for a year!

Comment 18, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.24 am

TheJohnnyVillan said:

... Brilliant read Doc. If you keep building on what you have, it will provide a base that will be able to stay at the top for longer. Our Randolph isn't daft.

Comment 19, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.25 am

1 New Villa Blogger said:

... Quality piece, Theres not many good British historical clubs left in the PL, and i'm proud to be part of 1 of them. Me and my mate (a baggies fan) have a mutual respect for each others clubs and how we go about things in a proper old fashioned british way, and both of us are in total agreement......the Small Heath pub team are certainly the runt of the litter! p.s. not sure about Downing, remember MON wanted Sneijder before he joined Unreal Madrid!

Comment 20, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.30 am

Ferdinand the imposter said:

... Too true, buying every good player in the world does not guarantee success or generate a lasting following. Its building a team that counts, one that has strengths as well as weaknesses but works together to win. Mind you why we don’t buy Berg is beyond me - one for the future there

Comment 21, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.30 am

jinksy said:

... Our Randolph isn't daft You're dead right he isn't. He'll make a fortune when he sells the tener he brought for a fiver if you get my drift. When he shows us the colour of his money i'll stop being such a none believer.

Comment 22, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.33 am

Villain down South said:

... Great post again Doc. I think you should be making more posts on this site - your points are always balanced and well made. I totally agree - I have to say I am extremely proud of Villa - particularly when you see so many young English players doing well. Yeah we didn't quite make it last season, but it was bloody exciting when we were there challenging. If we and City both cracked the top 4 in the same season (yeah I know unlikely) but which team do you think more of the country would warm to? City made up of overpaid imports or Villas home grown and nurtured talent!

Comment 23, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.34 am

NickC said:

... I'm inclined to agree with most of whats been said although I think there's an element of trying to justify nothing happening from someone who wishes to remain positive whilst there's alot of transfer movement all around us. Most of the transfer business is either the clubs at the very top or the newly promoted clubs that need to get people in quickly and try to bed them in and also the lower clubs. However, the clubs in and around Villa are also doing nothing, waiting for the top 4 and Man City to finish their dealings before making their moves. I guess that is probably the sensible way to do things because whilst the big fish have their cheque books out, the prices are going to be a few million up on what they might be when they put them away. Not many of the clubs around us are in a position to splash the cash and make big mistakes so, as frustrating as it is for us all, we all have to sit and wait for the market to settle a bit before MON gets who he wants. If you think about it, everyone is saying we need real quality now and we all know thats what we want. MON almost certainly knows who he wants and is just playing a game of poker with other clubs in order for him to get who he really wants. We just seem to spend alot of time trying to second guess him.I'm sure if there was a deal to be done, he'd do it. Saw Kyle Naughton on the TV last night in Malta so guess he wont be negotiating with MON on anything for a few days unless of course, the deal has already been done but somehow, I dont think so.

Comment 24, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.36 am

jinksy said:

... Ferdinand the imposter - So when are we going to start to build the team? Or are we going to carry on buying rubbish like Coker, failures like Sidwell & shockingly past in goal keepers like Friedel?

Comment 25, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.37 am

Blitz said:

... Enda, totally agree with you opinion. I dont see why buying English seems to get so much praise and yet even teams that win the league have maybe four, five at the most really good english players. Also the wealthy entertertainers at City, also include British players too, so its not a wholly foriegn thing that issue either. I dont see how City have chucked away their culture just because the owners want success, albeit immediately. Is it becuase they bought foriegn thats the problem, or the fact that they have a lot of money? I dont think anyone is saying Villa should be spending stupid money, but when you get linked with the likes of downing, crouch, naughton and other teams are going for better, it makes you wonder about things. As for having Downing over Sneijder, thats just absurd.

Comment 26, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.39 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Doc, Again a cracking post, thank you (Damian take note ) I think the negative posts will come from the younger XBox, PS3 generation who see winning things as a couple of evenings in front of FIFA 09, or whatever the current game is. Jinksy, our American owner has improved Bodymoor, renovated the Holte, and spent millions on improving the ground facilities in the last 3 years, therefore one wold hope of making VP a more attractive proposition for new players. The players will come, and although I am not a big fan of Heskey, he isn't the donkey you refer to him as - perhaps you are forgetting he play regularly for England - why? Downing? Not sure, but he will give Ash and Milner a bit of competition, alng with a Bentley signing and we will be a lot stronger OVERALL in midfield, stick in Hangeland and Naughton and that covers the back four...

Comment 27, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.41 am

toastman said:

... Enda nothing wrong with Nationalism and i'm asian, Man City have sold there soul and have told there youngsters you've got no chance of progressing at this club. they will do what chelsea did, pull out there cheque book when they need to. It won't last.

Comment 28, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.42 am

kieran84 said:

... WELL SAID.

Comment 29, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.43 am

Barry Davies said:

... Totally agree with you Doc, 100%. I'm getting tired of the increasing level of impatience displayed by some Villa fans. Like I've said before I'm getting the impression that they themselves are fairly new to being a passionate member of the Villa faithful and therefore haven't been subjected to some of the drull that Villa have played on and off over the last 20 odd years. I've never been happier as a Villa fan myself. Some Villa fans need to step back and get some real perspective on our current position as a club, just go and ask a few rival fans and they'll tell you how lucky we are.

Comment 30, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.46 am

TomTom said:

... Throwing in a cat here but how long does it take to build a squad and do you think the new owners at United, City, Liverpool and even Roman at Chelsea are not banging the same drum about heritage and pride? Dont misunderstand me, I love what is happening at Villa and if we can truly consolidate our top 6 place next season it will be a great achievement, but when did football become about feeling content and stop been about winning things? We have no debt and a billionaire owner so shouldn't we flex those muscles to move it along a little quicker?

Comment 31, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.46 am

Danny said:

... It's great that we're all so proud of our club, and Lerner has done a great job in revitalising the club since Ellis left. But are we seriously suggesting we wouldn't rather be in Chelsea's position? A big club that suddenly had a huge injection of cash, turning them into a major club? We wouldn't want that? It's interesting that people are talking about selling your soul and the devils money etc... Do you think the Chelsea fans that saw their club win the title care about that? Or the Chelsea fans who saw their club play in a Champions league final, do you think they wish they were 'doing things properly' like we are? Look, i'm not getting at Lerner or the club. Things are infinitely better than 4-5 years ago and we're progressing nicely... But come on guys! Are we seriously saying we wouldn't want to be competing for the best players and winning titles.... Do we really prefer 6th or 7th to that? I guess what I'm saying is, I wouldn't have Downing over Sneijder. I'd have the latter every time, in spite of the cost.

Comment 32, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.53 am

jinksy said:

... 1874AVFC - Before you start telling me i'm 11 and play my play station lets get something straight. I went to my 1st game in 1971, i've had a season ticket since 1985 & i love Aston Villa. Heskey is a donkey a shockingly poor player that plays up front but can't score gaols & is slow. How he plays for England god only knows. Were you at Bolton?? If you was you'd have seen a prime example of how bad this bloke is. Onto the Chairman...... He has spent nothing on anything. The money spend was all generated by the club not out of his pocket & if it was he will be owed it from the club. Do you think a clever man like Learner would throw his family's future away on a Football Club? No no no he is investing & making his investment worth a dam site more now than when he brought it. Mate that is why the money being spent is on the infrastructure & not the team because of obvious reasons. Now show me some facts & i will believe but the facts are we haven't improved the squad size & we haven't to date brought top quality players that we all thought would come because we have a billionaire as a chairman.

Comment 33, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.57 am

testie said:

... Good post Doc. Altan i totally agree mate i'm living up north at the moment and have only met a couple of other Villa fans up here. I have found that Villa are a team respected and liked by other fans. I would hate people to think about Villa the same way I now think about Chelsea. Although I crave success, I would not want success without respect I would hate to buy the league. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't mind a few big name signings lets hope they come soon. On Downing i think he could be a quality player. When watching him for England my views were tainted a little because i always though Ash was a far better player on the left and that he should be playing. Downing could be the replacement for G.arry calm, good passer and very slow. I think he could shine in a Villa shirt. Not sure what would happen with the injury though, would we get him for a knock down price like a dented can of beans at Tesco?

Comment 34, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.00 am

Mike Carter said:

... I would suggest then, that Pat is somewhat dellusional and in an extreme minority, because 99 out of 100 City fans will tell you it's the greatest thing to happen to them.

Comment 35, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.01 am

Dubai Dave said:

... Doc, I liked the post and i agree with you, but.... i as a fan would never ve jealous of any other team, and would never ever admit it to anyone, not even the bird, if i was. The point is: all this Pat's jealous' and Pat's confessions stinks of a hatchet job to me. Does Pat live in the bottom of the cupboard next to Mr. Shirt and Mr. Boots?

Comment 36, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.02 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Danny, I can see your point, but what Doc is saying is that Chelsea have spent an absolute fortune over the years and what do they have to show for it? One Premier League title - yes, of course we all want that, but we want to do it the sensible way, and that may take time. Someone stated earlier about ticket prices - the real Chelsea fans have been pushed out due to the increase in prices, only the rich "fans" (coughs) can afford to go now, would you want that at Villa? I wouldn't for sure. I remember a Liverpool fan saying that they want the "day trippers" not season ticket holders, because they spend money in the club shop on their 3 visits per season to Anfield, and the regular locals are being forced out...

Comment 37, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.03 am

Dubai Dave said:

... oh and didn't chelsea buy the league twice?

Comment 38, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.04 am

pjvilla said:

... Have said exactly he same things many times before. I'd be gutted if some rich Arab ripped our football club apart and turned it into his play thing. You would then start to question what t is you support about he club. I like the way we are building in he old fashioned way, just maybe need a little more imagination on the transfer front. Its not just black and white, their way or our way, there's a bit of middle ground that I still think we need to find!

Comment 39, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.06 am

danvillachamps said:

... "Key word: Once" isn't strictly true as Chelsea have bought the prem twice. They also came second twice, won the FA cup, League Cup (twice), Charity Shield as well as reaching 2 champions league semi/finals. I'm pretty sure most Citeh fans will be chuffed with half of that, even if it's bought.

Comment 40, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.06 am

Ferdinand the imposter said:

... jinsky, we are building but it takes time - I am as impatient as the next man but you dont build a house by putting the roof on first you need foundations. We have bought some good players Carew, Milner, Young, Petrov (eventually), we have players coming through from the youth team etc. We need to compliment these - and yes there will be mistakes - some players will not gel into the team and will move on it happens everywhere. Alex Ferguson did not build his winning Man United team overnight nor did Arsne Wenger, they bought players tried things out and developed a winning team, the real art is once there to stay there and improve, something Villa have failed to do over the years when they had the winning formula.

Comment 41, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.08 am

pjvilla said:

... Some fair points jinsky but if Randy was looking at things from purely an investment point of view why buy a football club in the first place? Not exactly world renowned for their financial stability. Things are a bit slow for my liking but you can't deny we're moving forwards!

Comment 42, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.12 am

Danny said:

... 1874AVFC - Chelsea won the league twice. They've also won the FA cup twice, the league cup and been to a CL final. They have a fair bit to show for it! In terms of doing it the sensible way... Impossible. The best players cost the most money. The best teams are made up of the best players... If you don't have significant funds, you won't win the league. Nodody can even afford to get in the top 4, let alone challenge for the league. Again, I reiterate, I love what is happening at Villa... But if asked the question 'would you like to do a Chelsea?' Hell yes I would! If that would mean we got loads of day trippers and had to extend the size of our stadium, great!! That'd be a price I'd be happy to pay to see the words 'Aston Villa v Man United' at the top of my Champions leage final program!

Comment 43, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.15 am

Villafortune said:

... Doesn't look like were in the race to sign Berg anymore - "Those two clubs Fulham and Hamburg are the only ones left who are now in conversation with us when it comes to Marcus Berg." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_5421990,00.html

Comment 44, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.16 am

Simon said:

... The only reason i could imagine MON would want to buy Downsindrome is that we (the Villa) have received a stupidly outragious offer for Webcam. Now this is not improbable and i guess MON would want to bring someone in before letting Ash go. I hope i am miles from the truth, but you never know

Comment 45, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.17 am

1 New Villa Blogger said:

... http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/...2-details/ Joe+Cole+set+to+sign+new+Chelsea+deal+as+Spurs+bid+fail s/article.do That clears up the chance of Coel coming to us!

Comment 46, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.21 am

Simon said:

... With regards to Doc's post. Perhaps he should get a job as Villa PR guru. You know what they say, tomorrow never comes, so lets act today.

Comment 47, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.22 am

Billy7 said:

... symbas...... No need for comments regarding down syndrome mate, could offend. Joe Cole set to sign new deal at Chelsea!

Comment 48, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.22 am

jinksy said:

... pjvilla - Because he was buying a club with assets of over £100m for £68m & with a little investment could be worth over £300m. a no brainer.

Comment 49, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.25 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Danny, But when the ticket price doubles and you can't get one, you wouldn't be able to read that programme! We'll agree to differ on this one

Comment 50, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.25 am

true villa said:

... official, i work at the bupa hospital in little aston, and villa have booked in medical for 2 players on friday morning.

Comment 51, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.26 am

Dubai Dave said:

... True Villa, i hope you're not full of shite because you have just made my day that little bit happier.

Comment 52, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.29 am

Warren Aspinall said:

... One is Fabian Delph, not sure who the other is.

Comment 53, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.31 am

Jake Gardner said:

... Once again doc a fantastic post. I would be happy for us to keep the steady progress up and not get the the champions league for another 5 or 6 years, knowing that we have kept the history and culture, unlike man city and chelsea who have thrown it away for instant success. when we get to the top we will be happy as larry and still have what makes Aston Villa F.C the greatest football team in the world. if/when city do it, sure they've won the league, but they have thrown away 100+ years of history and culture with it.

Comment 54, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.31 am

confusedvillafan said:

... dubaidave...true villa is a bullshitter and he needs banning from this site,go back and look through some of his posts.

Comment 55, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.32 am

jk92923 said:

... http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.u...36,00.html

Comment 56, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.34 am

jk92923 said:

... tuncay and downing?? 18m??

Comment 57, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.35 am

TrueVillan said:

... good post and nice sentiment, BUT, when we get knocked out the cups and dont qualify for the CL, i wonder if our fans will still have a warm glow when they turn to the fan of the club that has just knocked us out and say 'yeh, but we are a traditional english club' i dont think so! the most disappointing aspect of all this is after years of having a chairman who would not invest, we now have a manager that wont spend! there have been a few windows where he did not use the money we had, now the money is not so available (or so we are led to believe) its a little ironic that MON is the type of manager doug ellis would have loved! also, if you take the value of the pound into account then doug ellis funed a bigger buy in Juan pablo angel at 9.5mil than randy has in milner at 12mil.that is dissapointing from our billionaire owner!

Comment 58, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.35 am

Warren Aspinall said:

... To clarify my post, I'm lead to believe that we are close to signing Delph. However, I'm also pretty sure that any medicals we undertake during any transfer window are at Bodymoor, not a Bupa hospital.

Comment 59, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.36 am

Danny said:

... 1874AVFC - we will have to agree to disagree, because I personally would HAPPILY pay more if it meant we had world class players and were challenging at the top and playing CL football. I know several Man City fans, and they all think it's the best thing that has ever happened to their club. I think this Pat might be a sole voice of discontent.

Comment 60, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.37 am

RayK said:

... true villa said: ... official, i work at the bupa hospital in little aston, and villa have booked in medical for 2 players on friday morning. I know absolutely nothing about how medicals in football work but I somehow think that they take place at the club or training ground with the club doctor, physio etc..... Nice try, and I hope I'm wrong

Comment 61, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.38 am

jinksy said:

... 1874AVFC - So you'd rather have failure and cheap tickets against Champions League Football? haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa go support Walsall then. I'd pay double for my ticket if it got us winning things & we had decent players. I can't understand so peoples strange views.

Comment 62, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.39 am

pjvilla said:

... Jinksy, surely that little investment to make "£300million" needs to be on players. Which is what you are saying Randy is not prepared to do. What use is a new Sky Lounge and a revamped Holte Suite if we are in the Championship? I'm no financial adviser but i'm sure there's better investments out here, if not why did Doug let something worth "£300 million with a little investment" go for £68m, He wasn't stupid! My point is that yes we are doing things slowly but I for one wouldn't swap Randys millions for Man Citys billions!

Comment 63, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.40 am

FatKevs said:

... I agree totally with the sentiment of this post & i wish that was what we had. But we fans no longer own any part of the club as the Yank forcibly took our shares of us. Secondly we are in debt to the tune of £73m 400 fans were kicked out of their seats to make way for the corporate fans. We chose not to compete in cup games to chase CL for the glory hunters that is not the image i want for my team, we lost a lot of respect from the neutrals that day THe only difference is we do not have as much money as man city

Comment 64, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.44 am

Mark Johnson said:

... good post, we all know what's happening at man city, it happened at chelski a few years ago. I have every faith in MoN he's very shrewd, yes I wish he'd bring some players in mostly to shut the negative backstabbing moaning ungrateful muppets that post on this site. let's wait til the start of the season.. nay, the end of August before we start to snipe at our manager, chairman and our club.

Comment 65, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.44 am

Dema said:

... I've been saying this since the City takeover. =)

Comment 66, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.45 am

martin o'neil said:

... True villa is just a wind up merchant and a bad one at that!!! every day he's on here with stupid comments like m.o.n out. Take no notice.

Comment 67, made on July 09, 2009 at 10.59 am

dave said:

... as for medicals they are usually done at training ground but will all be under insurance instructions i.e downing would proberly be ar a hostipal

Comment 68, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.00 am

dave said:

... hospital sorry rushing

Comment 69, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.01 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... So you'd rather have failure and cheap tickets against Champions League Football? Jinksy, I can't understand how you have been a Villa fan for as long as me can see us being a failure? O'Neill has conslidated and improved year on year, we are a steady 6th with a chance of breaking the Top 4 without having to rape the fans for more money, that is the point I am trying to make.

Comment 70, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.02 am

Az said:

... 18 mil for both Tuncay and Downing would probably be a good deal, depending on how much you rate Downing. Must admit I'm not a big fan but Capello seems to like him and you have to accept he knows a 'little' more about football than us Personally I'd be more excited by the signing of Tuncay. How bad is Downings injury? you gotta feel if we do pay a big sum of money for him then MON has a different plan for either Young or Milner.

Comment 71, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.04 am

Martin Clabon said:

... I take the point about Man City losing their sould or at least their quirky individuality but think we are kidding ourselves if we think they will not be successful. Top 4 for City this season I reckon, makes it even harder for us to progress.

Comment 72, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.08 am

Altan Kargaci said:

... Just seen this on a rumour site . I know I should know better but it still scares me . "Ashley Young is going to be unveiled as a spurs player on Friday. Bentley and Huddlestone are going the other way +£8m. Seems like a good deal for both clubs as Randy Lerner is not keen to spend much cash this summer"

Comment 73, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.10 am

RayK said:

... I'd much, much rather have steady progress than some arrogant oil billionaire coming in - with no appreciation of our history or Brum - and treating our club like some toy. What grates me is the view that you have to invest £100m in the close season in order to stand any chance of breaking into the Top 4. Its just stupid logic that CASH = SUCCESS, it doesn't. Lerner and MON are going about things the right way. That's not to say that they've got everything right so far as I don't think they have. Yes they have made mistakes but every manager does and those mistakes are normally seen with the benefit of hindsight. I genuinely think we ONLY need a net spend of £30m this year (for example Hangeland, Cahill, Bentley/Downing, Naughton, + striker coming in, Knight & Harewood out) and I genuinely think we'd have a cracking team. Then next summer maybe £10m - £15m on a new keeper and a CM. All that can be sensibly finance without burdening the club with massive debt. The main thing I'd like to see MON do more of is invest in emerging overseas talent in the way that ALL the Top 4 sides do. Invest £5m-£10m in some 19 year old Serbian defender, Croatian midfielder, South American forward (the usual cliches...) and let them settle into the side over a 12-18 month period. For me that is the biggest difference between ourselves and the Top 4 and is likely to be the main reason for not breaking into the Top 4 over the next 2-3 years - NOT because we don't go down the Man City route.

Comment 74, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.10 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Sid, Do you think so? They have bought Barry (top 4 material?) and Santa Claus (sorry Cruz), top 4 material? Nah, think they will be below us again this year, maybe the following season or is that just wishful thinking....?!

Comment 75, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.11 am

martin o'neil said:

... That spanish u21 goalkeeper we was linked with sergio (something)has joined A-madrid for 5 mil . MISSED OUT AGAIN!!!

Comment 76, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.11 am

Janne said:

... Good post. I totally understand Pats frustration. As I understand it Pats been around for sometime. He has a long history as a City-fan. As have I as a Villa-fan. I want our great club so push forward but not at the price of loosing our identity in the process. It´s difficult this one.

Comment 77, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.13 am

ingers said:

... Excellent post Doc, you and the majority of posters here have renewed my faith that I'm not out of touch with reality. Unlike the 'buy it now' boom and bust thoughts of many others. Building slowly on a sensible budget - strong foundations, good youth policy, improve facilities, consolidate etc etc.... Yes it would be great to have loads of cash to flash about a la Man City and I am as eager as the next fan to see us bolster our threadbare senior squad- but its just not sustainable, long term, for our club. The model has to be early days Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, Liverpool of the 80's - build sensibly within a well considered budget. We don't have a Roman or 'Mr Etihad' sugar daddy - so its irrelevant to look with green eyes. We are in the best position we have been in since I first went to down to VP over 25 years ago. A couple of questions for those who want to buy success.... Who would you rather have spending/blowing the 'funds' than Martin? Do you really want some bored rich fella playing billionaire 'subbuteo' with your beloved team? What happens when the money man gets bored and pulls out? Who does your grandson support? Martin is on it - in the real world, not in the media driven world of Galaticos and Sky Sports CL is the be all and end all. I wish Man City all the best, as they have for so long been very similar to us, I just hope there is a Man City for my grandson to watch at Villa Park. I'm with the Doc - lets build it slowly and it will taste so much better, safe in the knowledge that its built on solid foundations and will be there for a long time...

Comment 78, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.13 am

Andy Gray said:

... “Villa is a club with no debt, with a chairman who is hugely supportive of the manager. “They have a manager who is a winner, so why shouldn’t Villa fans be upbeat and positive? “We have some of the best young footballers in the country. “If Villa fans aren’t upbeat and positive now then they never will be.” Andy Gray PS - Ok he got the debt bit wrong but everything else right imo.

Comment 79, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.15 am

Keith said:

... Doc excellent post - Pat seems to think much higher of Aston Villa than a lot of "true" Villa fans on here.

Comment 80, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.19 am

ak_27 said:

... I think why so many people here differ on this is because some believe we are closer to the top 4 then others believe. My opinion is we didn't improve at all last season. I honestly believe we were better the year before. Now we have lost Laursen and Barry so i don't see the steady improvement that a lot do. Maybe im wrong but that is my opinion. This season will tell a lot but im just wondering now is where would we have to finish this season for many of the MON believers to question his leadership? Im not trying to start an argument here im just wondering if we finish 7th this season how would that be recieved?

Comment 81, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.20 am

Keith said:

... ak_27 The reason I believe that we improved last season was that we played European football which gave us a lot more matches and made it harder to play our strongest XI each game. Our players will have learnt from that experience. It was also the first time that we challenged for a Champions League spot, and we did get a couple of more points the the season before. Of course at this moment we are weaker with the loss of aursen and Barry but do you really believe MON will not sign anyone to replace them? We are moving in the right direction.

Comment 82, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.26 am

Keith said:

... Andy Gray We have no debt, we owe Lerner money if and when he sells he will get that money back.

Comment 83, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.27 am

ak_27 said:

... Keef i do believe that he will replace them. But i also believe we were still a good bit short with both Barry and Laursen. So we need 6/7 players in by my reckoning. It's down the spine of our team is where we badly need players. I really fear for us if we don't bring in at least one more CM with hopefully 2 C's.

Comment 84, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.33 am

Villain down South said:

... 1110 BST: Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing could be out until Christmas with a foot injury he picked up at the end of last season. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8141642.stm We'd be mad to buy him before the Jan transfer window!

Comment 85, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.47 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Villain down South, I think there was a rumour (as always) that we would take him on loan with a view to buying him when fit. Don't know how that works, but maybe to take him Boro's wage bill?

Comment 86, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.51 am

VillaMitch said:

... martin o'neil said: That spanish u21 goalkeeper we was linked with sergio (something)has joined A-madrid for 5 mil . MISSED OUT AGAIN!!! Missed out how exactly? We have one of the best and most experienced keepers in the league and a very capable understudy who is currently 2nd choice for the USA behind Tim Howard - also one of the best keepers in the league. Why do we need to pay £5m for another keeper and where would he fit into our plans? £5m for a 3rd choice keeper is ridiculous. The fact that he was available and has moved to Athletico Madrid doesn't mean we missed out - it means we didn't want or need him. We can't buy EVERY player that's for sale you know! I doubt a 3rd choice keeper is top of MON's transfer list - that's what youth team keepers are for.

Comment 87, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.52 am

colm tarpey said:

... Altan, that Young stuff is a crock....it would be one of the biggest transfers of the summer (probably the biggest in the EPL) and there has'nt been much about in the tabs, and nothing lately....plus I know villa park seems to be airtight but you think those clowns down south could keep a secret?!

Comment 88, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.53 am

Keith said:

... Sportinglife say Downing could be back playing in October. http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/07/09/SOCCER_Middlesbrough.html

Comment 89, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.54 am

martin o'neil said:

... express n star reports that villa are about to bid 6m for delph.

Comment 90, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.55 am

Platypus said:

... I live in Manchester and the lifelong, die-hard City supporters I know all reminisce (spelling?) about 'the good old days' where they were in a relegation or promotion battle every season. WHEN Villa get there, I know it'll feel better knowing that we've truly earned it.

Comment 91, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.01 pm

ak_27 said:

... What would it take MON to accept a bid for Young from UTD? Would he take Nani + Park plus say £5m?

Comment 92, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.01 pm

Swepal said:

... Recommended link if you wants a look at Fabian Delph. Looks good to me!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyFfb9JhWHM

Comment 93, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.02 pm

Warren Aspinall said:

... Hmmm. Delph? Who would've predicted that....?!

Comment 94, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.03 pm

martin o'neil said:

... Villa MITCH so how long do you think friedal is going to carry on for , i dont think guzan will cut it at no.1 at this point. the spanish keeper is rated as one of the best young keepers around guzan's not. 5mil would be an investment not a waist.

Comment 95, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.03 pm

Taglor sucks dick said:

... Jk I'll answer you seems others are more worried about putting the club down once again. I think tuncay is exactly the player we need we haven't had that type of player since carbone. Worth 10 mil any day would be decent sitting behind Carew like. Would need mon to get in first before Liverpool lose alonso or mascherano and need to strengthen because he would certainly be on his way there! Downing is unfortunately the best winger available that mon would consider buying and thanks to stan the man we could get him on the cheap because not so long ago his price tag was 15 mil. More than 10 mil now would be insane!! Would be a quality addition to the squad and could change a game off the bench too. I would get both plus hangeland distin naughton bentley and defour. If only.........

Comment 96, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.03 pm

RichT said:

... Nice post Doc. I feel very +ive all of a sudden! Bring in Downing, Tuncay and a decent defender. Let Marlon and maybe Zat go. Perhaps add some young lads too- Delph..? Keeps the rest, rotate the squad and use subs more and I think we're in good shape. Forget the fantasy football. We don't need the ex-Madrid types. Martin will pay good money for solid PL player to build a solid PL team. We'll never win the league unless a salary cap is introduced so lets enjoy who we are and what we are. Maintain our PL status and go for some silverwear in the cup competitions. UTV.

Comment 97, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.03 pm

RichT said:

... Where's my meerkat??!!

Comment 98, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.13 pm

Nath said:

... Doc, FANTASTIC!

Comment 99, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.17 pm

Danny said:

... "What would it take MON to accept a bid for Young from UTD? Would he take Nani + Park plus say £5m?" No chance! The deal would need to be to the value of £30m for MON to even think about it. Nani + Park are not worth £25m, nowhere near in fact. We'll do a straight swap for Rooney though?

Comment 100, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.17 pm

VillaMitch said:

... martin o'neil said: Villa MITCH so how long do you think friedal is going to carry on for , i dont think guzan will cut it at no.1 at this point. the spanish keeper is rated as one of the best young keepers around guzan's not. 5mil would be an investment not a waist. Friedel will be our first choice next season and possibly the season after so what's the point of spending £5m on a 'prospect' now? I can't recall Guzan making many (if any) big mistakes when he was called upon last season - he looked very capable to me so saying he won't 'cut it' is a bit unfair - you don't really have a clue how good or bad he is. How many times have you seen Asenjo play? You don't even know the guys name so why suggest he is better than Guzan and suggest MON has made a mistake by not buying him? Personally I prefer my keepers to be more experienced as they are less likely to drop clangers. 'Hot prospect' young keepers tend to get a lot of early headlines then go completely sh*t and get slated. A couple of years ago the hottest young keepers in the league were Joe Hart, Kasper Schmeichel and Carson - where are they now? In a few years time they will all be decent keepers but they have hardly set the world alight have they? And for your information its 'waste' and not 'waist', but what do you expect from someone who can't spell O'Neill!!

Comment 101, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.19 pm

scott said:

... man city rival villa for bentley.mon dragging his feet again!!!

Comment 102, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.21 pm

Tim Wood said:

... Apparently Man City are now in for Bentley, so he won't be coming to us!

Comment 103, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.26 pm

Altan Kargaci said:

... 4 games on sky just been announced... Fulham and Chelsea at home + Brum and Wolves away .

Comment 104, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.28 pm

RichT said:

... Bad attitude Bentley can go and sell his soul to City. He'll fit in well with Bellamy the p***k and Robinho the rapeist. Maybe they should take Barton back! I'd take Downing over Bentley anyway. Still allows us to move Ashley into that central play-maker role and Downing is a model pro.

Comment 105, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.33 pm

Altan Kargaci said:

... How about this for a shoute .....Jermain Pennant ....!!! I know he went to "How to be a complete nob" school with Bellamy and I know he used to play for the scum but I beleive he is available on a free . Fast, tricky and has a good cross on him . UTV

Comment 106, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.44 pm

Edsouthwestvillian said:

... MON has got us to very good level so really don't think we will have to spend stupid money this season we might not like some of the links we are getting or the fees we might have to pay. We all know the squad needs to be bigger but we seem to have a really team sprit at the place but to the point all we do need is NAUGHTON 6M, HANGLAND 10M, BENTLEY 8M, J.COLE 10M, CAMPBELL FREE, DOWNING SEASON LONG LOAN Thats 34m spent but with Barry going only 22m all would come only osbourne and Harewood to leave

Comment 107, made on July 09, 2009 at 12.47 pm

steven said:

... hello villa fans i am an everton fan and you are in exactly the same boat as us we dont even look like signing anyone the only person we might be signing is jo on loan and we had him last year.just letting you know your not the only ones just sitting around waiting for something to happen.

Comment 108, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.03 pm

Paul Egan said:

... Great post, Doc It is also very encouraging to see that the majority of people on here agree.

Comment 109, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.03 pm

Jinks87 said:

... Didnt Chelsea buy the title TWICE?? Im pretty sure they won it 2 years in a row

Comment 110, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.05 pm

Steve said:

... Am starting to get a bit worried now with a squad size of about 16 this is getting serious. The annoying thing is, the players who could come in and do a job are readily obtainable: Defence: Distin 2 mill Sol Campbell free - both could come in for a season and plug the gap in defence and improve the likes of davis and cueller Naughton: 6 mill - should play in cup games to get experience and provides back up and a bright future Midfield: Bentley 8-10 mill, wants to leave spurs and would come Defour/Veloso approx 13mill for one of them. Again both want to leave and would join villa Delph - 6 mill, the next England holding midfielder, the boy is pure class and could play in cup games for us next season Players like Joe Cole and Sneijder for me aren't realistic but there is no harm in bidding for them. No real interest in Downing or Tuncay (too slow for me and wouldnt fit into our style of play, would rather have Young as the play maker than him) What worries me more are the constant links for Young and Carew, we CANT afford to lose anymore players or what is the point. Sell Young/Carew and bring a player in to replace them, no doubt not as good, and still have the same squad size. Utterly ridiculous if O'Neill sells either of them. If anyone at villa reads this, we aren't expecting huge name signings, just sensible well priced ones as above that can keep us competitive in all competitions. And pls dont sell anymore players and in Feb say we have a small squad as this current regime has been here for a good period of time now and that is no excuse

Comment 111, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.08 pm

croni said:

... Spot on this era of instatnt success and gratification is ruining football i want to support a football club i can be proud of and at the moment i couldn't be prouder

Comment 112, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.22 pm

steven said:

... has anyone heard anything of nigel reo coker signing for everton.

Comment 113, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.27 pm

Neil Cassidy said:

... I don't know why we're all kidding ourselves thinking that signings are imminent. I take a fortnight's holiday in the last 2 weeks of July every year - it just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have to pay £3 for a paper every day to see if we've finally signed someone!

Comment 114, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.28 pm

jerry said:

... Damo, today you gave a platform to a great poster and a great post. You have redeemed yourself.

Comment 115, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.28 pm

sazavfc said:

... er, churchill this was posted by Doc. Not Damien

Comment 116, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.39 pm

James Clift said:

... Loads of talk of Fabian Delph today. Some people are reporting he's the next Gerrard. If that was the case surely he would have been snapped up before now?

Comment 117, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.41 pm

steven said:

... when they say hes the next gerrard all that means is he bottles djs in bars ha ha.

Comment 118, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.44 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... For what it's worth, I think the reason we haven't bought Bentley yet is because that would give Fat 'Arry funds to go and buy Downing, therefore MoN will seal the Downing/Tuncay deal, then Bentley will come to Villa as well, you mark my words

Comment 119, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.44 pm

clarkamus said:

... delph link really starting to get firm hope we snap him up asap

Comment 120, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.45 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Hello There, Can't help noticing that everyone keeps using a couple of transfers as evidence that MON is shocking in the transfer market: Salifou, Routledge, Harewood and even some people have mentioned Sidwell! I'm sure I can't be alone when I say that surely these players were not bought as long term solutions and merely because we needed a little cover in certain positions. Salifou cost virtually nothing on the last day of the transfer window before we had Sidwell, Milner etc and gave us the opportunity to send a few of the kids out for experience on loan rather than just sitting on the bench in case someone got injured i.e. osbourne, bannan etc. Routledge cost i think about 2m? Cover in a wide position which we really did not have before we signed Milner and were playing Gabby on the right wing and we recouped half of that when we sold him on to QPR. If he'd worked out and got near the form he was in at Palace we would have all been raving about the deal of the season, as it was, in on the cheap out on the cheap and no great loss. Harewood is a player Villified by a lot of people on this blog and don't see why. Sure, the guy is pretty useless but he does work hard and throws himself into the club cause. He should be sold this close season as we now have plenty of cover, but when we signed him for 3.5m we only had Carew who wasn't entirely fit and Gabby... no Delfouneso, no Heskey and if anyone can be arsed to go and check on how many goals he scored in that first season, work out how many points those goals were worth i.e winners, equalisers etc i think you'll find that we wouldn't have finished sixth if he hadn't been in the side. So whats the problem with that? MON knew he had the Fonz and Gabby coming through and needed a stop gap player who could score the odd goal and set a decent example of effort to the young players. Job done! As for Sidwell, he is an exceptional box to box player who can pass, score and will run his legs off for the team. Signed when Barry looked like leaving he was a contingency plan and i'm sure MON has him in his mind as Barry's eventual successor. The fact Barry stayed meant he was limited in terms of appearances, however when Carew was injured and we played 4-5-1 he looked class in the middle with Barry and Stan and was part of the longest winning streak we had last season. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of our ginger ninja in the middle of the park although he'll have a fight on his hands with Nigel and Craig vying for it too. Someone is gonna have to step up and make that spot theirs and who knows, they might find themselves in SA next summer.

Comment 121, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.47 pm

RichT said:

... I live in Leeds. They might be first division now but the fans have seen plenty of quality players in the past. They LOVE Delph and say he's real quality. A move to Villa could take him to the next level. Temprement could be the reason that the big 4 haven't taken him yet. Think he can be a bit hot headed (like a young Rooney). Martin'll calm him down.

Comment 122, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.47 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... MON is as adept as any manager in the transfer market. People argue that Wenger brings the awesome kids through but he's been there over ten years? MON has brought in a number of youngsters over the last three seasons i.e forrester, licaj, carruthers etc, but they are young and we will see the benefits of his youth signing policy in years to come. Others would argue that why can't we go and sign the next ronaldo like Sir AF did.. does anyone remember that he also signed Kleberson and that complete cleft Djemba Djemba the same year? Where the hell are they now? some signings work and some don't. Fortunately the ones that haven't worked for Villa, i.e Salifou, Routledge etc didn't cost the earth and we knew they were s**t to start with anyway, lets be honest and so did MON, he just neeeded cover with the smallest squad in the league while waiting for his preferred targets. Briefly, on players we are looking tob bring in i think Downing, Tuncay, Delph, Naughton, Distin, Campbell and Bentley would all be appropriate signings to improve the squad (Hangeland i'd really like or wheater but can't see it....wait and see i suppose) a good mix of youth and experience and cover in a number of positions, all are realistic targets and wouldn't cost the earth to sign. Competition for places is the key this season, more of what we already have. Wouldn't it be nice to sign Delph and Naughton and see them make the same sort of progress Ash did in his first season? Campbell and Distin are both excellent defenders although i'd argue that Distin is more mobile and would be a better bet, but if what Davies needs is to be coupled with a no nonsense centre half with oodles of experience (always wanted to use the word oodles) then either would be a great steadying influence and we could get both for under £3m!! I've always liked Tuncay and can't wait to see what he'll be like in a really decent team which can also be said of Downing, a player who can play on the left or in the middle, something I'd like to see Ash doing next year too. With the additions of Bentley, Delph and Downing, all wingers with great deliveries, range of passing and good touch I think the midfield will have enough without signing a definitive Gaz Baz replacement. Sidwell and Milner are capable of playing there and as part of an attacking, pacey,winger driven midfield possibly with a central three then i think we'll be as dangerous as anyone. What does everyone else think? Kind Regards Juan Pablo Angel

Comment 123, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.47 pm

ak_27 said:

... Is Delph a central midfielder or a winger?

Comment 124, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.50 pm

jerry said:

... er, churchill this was posted by Doc. Not Damien sazavfc I know the article was from Doc Bowles but Damo gave him the platform. Just as he gave the same platform to that moron yesterday.

Comment 125, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.51 pm

villamoon said:

... O'neil back from Italy this morning !

Comment 126, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.53 pm

steven said:

... has anyone heardcthe rumour of nigel reo coker signing for everton

Comment 127, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.54 pm

James Clift said:

... In reply to the great post by Doc: 'I don't want it all and I don't want it now' I agree to a point but I've been waiting 30 poxy years for 'something' so 'something' would be nice. (even another carling cup would do right now)

Comment 128, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.55 pm

steven said:

... sorry has any one heard the rumour of nigel reo coker signing for everton

Comment 129, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.55 pm

ak_27 said:

... churchill everone is entitled to an opinion. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't mean it shouldn't be posted.

Comment 130, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.56 pm

Warren Aspinall said:

... Steven- no. I've heard a rumour that's he'll be heading to Spurs in exchange for Bentley. Given that they've just sold Zokora I think this is a distinct possibility.

Comment 131, made on July 09, 2009 at 1.59 pm

Timmy said:

... Possibly the best post I have ever read on this site

Comment 132, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.00 pm

TheJohnnyVillan said:

... In the last 30 years we have won the european cup, the league and the league cup twice!

Comment 133, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.01 pm

In MON I Still Trust!! (well sort of!!) said:

... Rumours everywhere about Delph...can anyone spread any light? MON loves his young english players, which in my opinion is no bad thing. Add Naughton to that and we would have picked up 2 great prospects for the future. We could have 6 England regulars in a few years...Davies, Naughton, Delph, Milner, Young and Gabby!!

Comment 134, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.04 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Delph is a central midfielder, good on the ball and excellent distribution. likes to get forward too. Would fit straight in and we have more than enough room for him.

Comment 135, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.06 pm

steven said:

... thank god were not signing reo coker

Comment 136, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.09 pm

ak_27 said:

... Juan Pablo Angel im hoping he is a CM to be honest. Would be happy with players like that coming in.

Comment 137, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.10 pm

Warren Aspinall said:

... thank god were not signing reo coker I have heard that you're getting Lee Carsley back though...

Comment 138, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.12 pm

stevemm said:

... Nice one Doc. I really enjoyed reading this. Makes me feel good about been a Villa fan. UTV!!!

Comment 139, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.18 pm

Mark said:

... churchill everone is entitled to an opinion. Just because you don't agree with it doesn't mean it shouldn't be posted. AK I agree but if that's Churchill's opinion the same applies right? Was it Fatkev (someone who I hardly ever agree with) who said that thing about political correctness? That's the point I'm getting to now because I have bitten my tongue many times. I am starting to think call a spade a spade because undoubtedly there are a lot of knobs coming on this site to spout claptrap. If saying it for what it is (in my opinion) results in Damian politely asking me to leave so be it. I hope you don't see that as a dig at you because I think by now we both know we have agreed or disagreed many times - so be it but at least there is some thought and understanding behind our opinions so I have tried to respect and actually appreciate yours.

Comment 140, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.22 pm

steven said:

... yeah carsley is a great player just like david unsworth ha ha ha

Comment 141, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.22 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Good god, I just saw this article on News Now and almost had a heart attack http://www.kentnews.co.uk/kent...news=sport

Comment 142, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.23 pm

JSINGH said:

... VIVAVILLA: WTF imagine that! What a knightmare that would have been

Comment 143, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.28 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... 1874, they have signed solid players and will sign Tevez and probably Etoo and more. I reaaly think they are going places - could be wrong but I'd be amazed if we end up above them. Still, I'vee been wrong many, many times before Point is, bar raised, more difficult than ever to finish high up.

Comment 144, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.29 pm

steven said:

... as i say im an everton fan and have the same fears as you sidcowanslovechild

Comment 145, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.32 pm

Dan Price said:

... I think Nottingham Forrest are pround of their heritage too... would you rather trade places with them, or either Citeh or Chelski? Heritage is all well and good, its important to have it and important to not just buy the league, but given that bookies now predict our most likely league finish next season is 8th, I cant say Im overly happy, nor am I enthralled by the notion of watchin the squad of 15 mediocre players bar a few that we are on track to have come the start of next season. I mean why not sell Ashley for £25 and buy a few good english youth players or spuds rejects? its more important to keep tradition than win anything right?

Comment 146, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.33 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... Steven, yes rumour is NRC is going to you boys. Decent player, not sure where he would fit in to Everton's midfield unless Moyes is goingt o continue his no striker policy!

Comment 147, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.35 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... Dan Price, i think the Doc is just trying to say slow and steady wins the race? not that we shouldnt have any drive or ambition to succeed

Comment 148, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.37 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... Dan, Have you gone mad? I mean why not sell Ashley for £25

Comment 149, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.42 pm

steven said:

... well ive just read steven defour wants to sign for everton its down to the two clubs to agree a fee so hopefully fingers crossed we will sign him instead of reo coker.

Comment 150, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.42 pm

Smyth said:

... VFC_Pete If, every year, the big three and City buy all the top talent and we continue down the "slow and steady" route, when exactly can we expect to see Villa engraved on any kind of silverware again?

Comment 151, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.43 pm

Mozza said:

... Steven i've seen that NRC to everton rumour. Hope it don't happen cos we won't find another squad player half as good!! Would swap him for rodwell though. if that happens I'll eat my own face!

Comment 152, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.44 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... Delago, i didnt say i agree. just thats what i think the Doc is trying to say. Also, just read that the scum have spoken to Viera!!

Comment 153, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.45 pm

ruffy said:

... Great post. Agree a long term view is needed, but we still need some investment this summer to avoid going backwards let alone forward. As a side note lets consider WHY we have a good Chairman and a bright future: The wiley old git (Ellis) DID have enough savvy, and love for the Club to ensure that he didn't sell it to just about anyone. He looked and many interested parties before making the right choice on buyer. It took him ages to sell and we all wanted him to just go but in the end the wait was worth it. Lets just hope that he passed on that ethos to Randy, and that if and when Randy does sell up,(He isn't likely to be the owner for all of our lives) he takes the same care when finding the right buyer as Ellis did. Having said that I hope Randy isn't bored with Villa already (explaining the lack of transfers!)

Comment 154, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.48 pm

steven said:

... yeah rodwell is going to be a cracker mate you can have him if you let us have ashley young though ha ha ha

Comment 155, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.50 pm

Steve Badger said:

... Juan pablo Angel, I like your way of thinking and agree with most of what you say mate Steve (everton), Most of us don't listen to rumours anymore. Whereas a lot of clubs get some insider stuff, it rarely happens at Villa. I think the only person who knows where or if NRC is going, is MON himself mate.

Comment 156, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.51 pm

Dan Price said:

... Slow and steady wins the race? I feel like stephen hawkings lining up against usain bolt at the moment. To be honest Id be up for a salary and transfer cap so nothing stupid happens but right now the inequality is a joke.

Comment 157, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.54 pm

steven said:

... yeah i agree mate rumours are a pain in the arse as i say efc and villa are both similar clubs we dont have wads of money to splash about so oneiil and moyes have to make sure they buy the right players at the right price.

Comment 158, made on July 09, 2009 at 2.55 pm

ak_27 said:

... AVMark i agree with you.

Comment 159, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.07 pm

Matthew Clark said:

... Delphs' goals looked really good, if we do sign him i hope we don't change him into a defensive midfielder, or a right back, or a left back, or a goalkeeper, or a youth coach....

Comment 160, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.13 pm

DavidC said:

... Could be in a minority here, but I'd wager we'll finish above Man City again this season. And above Spurs as well. Unpalatable as that may sound to some of the doom merchants on here.

Comment 161, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.18 pm

steven said:

... well if thats the case everton will finish above city and spurs aswell.

Comment 162, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.21 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Cheers badger, i always end up writing essays on here but i used to work nights and i din't htink anyone ever read anything i had to say cos i posted at 3am!

Comment 163, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.32 pm

Peter Dragoonis said:

... To be honest Id be up for a salary and transfer cap so nothing stupid happens but right now the inequality is a joke. I couldnt agree more

Comment 164, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.34 pm

Damian said:

... AVMark Is it your time of the month; why would I ask you to leave? Just playing Mark..

Comment 165, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.38 pm

Adey Stuttard said:

... Could be in a minority here, but I'd wager we'll finish above Man City again this season. And above Spurs as well. Unpalatable as that may sound to some of the doom merchants on here. I'm with you on that DavidC. I think we will get at least a couple of players in who will go straight into the 1st team, and a couple more that WILL be used off the bench and I think we will be there or thereabouts. People on here are whingeing about not having signed anyone, and they need to gel, blah blah, but City have only signed 2 so far (of note!) and any others will need time to gel. If we get the targets the press have been publicising, most play in England which is half the battle....

Comment 166, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.45 pm

Steve said:

... Guys two things: 1. why are we selling NRC - I thought we are attempting to build a squad that can play in league, fa cup, joke cup and uefa cup. We cant keep selling a player and bringing one player in. MoN needs to learn how to keep 18+ players happy by rotating and using subs. 2. I have seen Delph play live about 6 times this year as i have a leeds fan as a flatmate and the boy is a defensive midfielder who has an ability to always be where the ball is ie like claude mak (not as good obviously) but he is also decent with the ball in possession and can drive forward. Would be a brilliant signing

Comment 167, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.48 pm

Aero-For-Villa said:

... with you 100%. Villa is a real club, supported by real fans! We are not glory hunters like the ones at Chelsea and the kids of Manchester United - "supporting" them for association to "the best team" who they really know nothing about. I would never trade my passion and love for Villa, for a few Billion pounds to take us to the top of the League. Passion is priceless - something the Chelsea, Man U and City glory hunters will never experience! Here Here Doc, great post!

Comment 168, made on July 09, 2009 at 3.59 pm

Andy Young said:

... Does somebody have a link to the page saying that we're selling NRC?

Comment 169, made on July 09, 2009 at 4.14 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... I'm not in the doom monger space, I just Man City are going to be very good this season - hope I'm wrong but even if I'm not we need to make signings to progress. Not panicking yet though

Comment 170, made on July 09, 2009 at 4.28 pm

Enda said:

... toastman - there is something wrong with nationalism when it means you'd rather Simon Downing over Wesley Sneijder. Doc is right to consider that line of thinking "really weird". Sure, there's plenty of room for liking local lads like Gabby get a chance. But beyond that, well, it's a game of football not a game of who-was-born-nearest. Follow the nationalism line of thinking all the way through and you have Ivanhoe starting ahead of Carew...

Comment 171, made on July 09, 2009 at 4.42 pm

GG said:

... jinksy, here's a fact for you: Randy Lerner took over a club that had just nearly been relegated, and turned it into a top-four pretender in 3 years. That's way faster than I thought possible.

Comment 172, made on July 09, 2009 at 4.59 pm

Juan Pablo Angel said:

... Does it not make sense that the higher you go in the league the slower the progress? We just need to keep going, keep building and be patient.

Comment 173, made on July 09, 2009 at 6.12 pm

Andy said:

... I enjoyed that,thanks.

Comment 174, made on July 09, 2009 at 7.03 pm

Deano avfc said:

... Enda that would be weird, Simon Downing over Wesley Sneijder! I would have to think if it was Stuart Downing though.. UTV

Comment 175, made on July 09, 2009 at 7.43 pm

Doc said:

... Dubai Dave, Pop into the Cotswold Store in Northleach any time from about 4pm Friday to 6pm Sunday. Pat's the greying, slightly weathered-looking bloke behind the till. And he's always up for a chat about football.

Comment 176, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.16 pm

taglor said:

... Whatever doc writes i think the exact opposite every single time, and he writes with such a superiority complex too. He is a better fan and has better opinions than anyone else. Well at least in his mind.

Comment 177, made on July 09, 2009 at 9.47 pm

John R said:

... Great post Doc totally agree with you lets get behind our club UTV

Comment 178, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.12 pm

Doc said:

... Hi Taglor, good to hear from you again. Your point is interesting, but actually pretty worthless. I don't have a superiority complex at all, but I do have a very strong desire to attack cynicism wherever I see or hear it. That's just because I view cynicism as no more than a coward's mask. To be positive, you have to stick your head above the parapet and be exposed to possible humiliation. That takes guts. The cynic's route, on the other hand, is easy, lazy and cowardly. Bet on a shit outcome and then say "I told you so". All your comments are formed on this basis. What I'd really like you to do is write a piece yourself and submit it to Damian for publication. You're clearly a bright guy, so why not have a go? It may even help you get that huge chip off your shoulder

Comment 179, made on July 09, 2009 at 11.22 pm

salty said:

... I'm not hung up on a Champions Lg place and I'm not thrilled about the Europa Lg, but I do want to see my team entertain us and win matches. Frankly, the standard last season was very, very average and we lost/drew a lot of games that we should have won [and in many cases, were winning] comfortably. Its not MON's ability in the transfer window or the amount of money available.Its his tactics that mystify me. The squad was good enough to have easily finished 3rd last year and to have entertained more.

Comment 180, made on July 10, 2009 at 11.05 am

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Add Comment Preview