It’s been a dizzying few days since speculation about Fabian Delph joining City ramped up. The bargain buy-out clause, the missed trip to Portugal, the medical supposedly scheduled for Saturday. A wake-up and a change of heart.

It looked for all the world when we went to bed Friday night that Villa’s most dynamic and important player was set to follow in the footsteps of Milner, Barry, Young and Downing. What made it worse, if such a loss could’ve been worse, was that we’d been led to believe (wanted to believe?) that a move like this wasn’t on the cards. At least not so soon after the love-in surrounding Delph’s new contract.

Make of all that hype what you will. I do understand the cynicism regarding Lerner and everything he touches, and how deeply rooted it is in Villans’ hearts, disappointment flowering almost non-stop. The years of relegation battles, disaffection with the managers, cost-cutting, poor PR. And of course, every decent player seemingly banging on the door to get out at the first opportunity.

(For the moment, let’s hope Lerner is soon to be a moot point and that a sale is still moving forward. Let’s also hope that the devil we don’t know is better than the devil we do.)

Beyond that spectacle, though, and the words spoken, as a player, Delph was the real bright spot from last year. A non-stop, all-action midfielder who thrust forward to launch attacks, and tracked back to stop them. Tireless, seemingly fearless. A bit of a chip on his shoulder despite the slight frame, a bit of an edge to his game. He started to become the player we’d hoped he might’ve been all those years ago when he arrived from Leeds.

And he seemed to be the one man in claret and blue who was willing to take responsibility on the pitch, and try to turn games by his own force of will. The player that can give belief to others. He seemed to be a true captain.

So to see him apparently jumping to the head of the exit queue was absolutely gutting. It seemed to signal Villa’s slow-motion death spiral had no end.

Then Fabian Delph apparently woke up and decided he wasn’t leaving. Will we ever really know why? Dunno, of course. I hope he simply had a change of heart, felt a responsibility to follow through, wanted to be the kind of player we just don’t see anymore. And of course we hope he doesn’t change his mind again.

What I do know is that what looked to be a disastrous development may turn out to be a defining moment for Villa.

Perhaps I’m naive and gullible. But it seems we do have a captain. It seems we’ve got someone who isn’t a mercenary. It seems at least one Villan isn’t going to have his head turned at the first opportunity having earned the cursed England call-up.

Maybe that’s where the rot finally stops. With Delph staying, the Richards and Gueye signings, and continuous rumors of more players being tracked at the sorts of price points Villa need to be shopping at to move forward, this may well indeed turn out to be a defining summer. That illusory—almost mythical—corner might finally get turned.

But Fabian Delph can’t save Villa on his own. Nor can Tim Sherwood. They seem up for trying, but they need some backing. Delph’s statement shouldn’t be wasted. It should be a marker around which Villa rally.

Now we need someone at the helm who’s up for the fight with the rest of us.

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John Clark
John is co-owner of AVL, and has followed the Villa since the '70s. A journalist by trade, he is, by most accounts, a very nice person. You can follow me on Twitter @JClarkKohoutek. It's an astonishing experience. Or a complete waste of time.

Comments 328

  1. Mark King

    Thanks jc i think we will have wait for delphs book for the truth.
    Im watching the match gil is playing as a 10 nzogbia is slimmer too. Young lad called mason in the holding role? Richards ch bacuna rb richardson lb and baker gabby up top robinson out left and westwood in cm

  2. Rags

    Great post John, especially given the shirt turn around! Thanks for this. I was also gutted about Delph leaving but I didn’t feel betrayed. Over the moon he’s staying of course. The prospect of both Delph and Gueye is really exciting! UTV

    Oh btw I have a link to the game if anyone is interested. It’s half time.

    http://www.new-tubes.net/live-astonvilla-vs-fulham

  3. Rags

    ALso watching the game Mark, Gil is really busy but Zob and Gabby non existent! Lets hope that has some kind of impact on Gil’s long term prospects.

  5. Ian

    Hey Guys
    Two days ago I was disappointed in Delph jumping ship but with the increase in pay I also thought strike while the iron is hot.
    When he signed a 4.5 year deal he said he wouldn’t dream of leaving Villa in the lurch.
    When his 8 mill buy out clause was brought to light we all thought he was gone as MC wanted him.
    Well that wasn’t the case was it? So who ramped up all the speculation? The damn media doing a large amount of shit disturbingb that’s who. Not once was there a quote from the man himself and what his thoughts were. The media prey on every fans worst fears. And do a good job of it. Not once have they been kind to Villa or a lot of other teams IMO. Separating the wheat from the chaff in British media is a futile process as there is no wheat. I really don’t know if the British conscious is 65,000,000 hand wringers or not but the media certainly play to that possibility.
    Now, what about Benteke? Have we heard any quotes from him? Or just a few shielded comments from his agent? In reality $32.5 mill isn’t worth a good run in next year’s season and Benteke can give Villa that. He won’t go and it appears that Sherwood is making strides to a much more talented side.

    It’s not what you read in the papers or see on TV. It’s what your don’t see or read. Look how quickly they gave up trashing Grealish. Do you really think he’s that much of a tosser?

  10. Rags

    haha, It’s in the middle of Bournemouth, where the football stadium is located. Quite rough (relatively speaking- it’s no Nechells)

  11. Mark King

    Hello rags ts is defiantly giving youngsters a go along with gil.

    Watcha ian long time no see mate hope alls well.

    With gardner kosak on we are looking better

  14. Ian

    Hey Mark
    I was disappointed with the FA cup and couldnt come up with anything. Got really busy in the yard.
    I kept an eye on Villa though. I’m looking forward to the new season. It appears a bit of talent has arrived and with Delph staying it feels like a new signing. HaHa
    How have you been?

  16. Mark King

    All good mate except for a thick head from a wedding do
    If you think about it we have gardner, kosak, senderos, sissoko robinson gil who are yet to feature under ts even tonev

  26. Rags

    Still think Sinclair’s pony. Doubt he’ll make the team- I don’t think we would have signed him unless it was pre agreed; it was like we were coerced into it!

  29. Rags

    Mark, I hope he regains his Swansea form but lets face it, it was one season,maybe it was just a fluke. I think Robinson is probably a better player right now.

    The defence looked crepe, certainly a lot of work to do.

    Ian, no mate I’ll be starkers!

  34. Jenny Truman

    Evening all and Thank you John for your article on the Delph situation so eloquently written.
    It was a big blow to learn about the 8 mill release clause and of Delph’s medical scheduled today. It wasn’t just the press stirring things up, the Bham mail have insisted the club told them he was going , hence “the Villa officials were also stunned at the news here in Albufeira and defender Nathan Baker reckons it could be a hot topic as the days progress.

    VIEW GALLERY
    “There might be a few words tonight!” said Baker when asked how the news went down with the players.” Tonight’s mail – so it seems Delph was off and really did have a last minute change if heart and Neil Moxley has tweeted that the club were surprised and it had nothing to so with the social media back lash against him
    Great news he has made a U turn but the 8m release clause still stands and the summer isn’t over yet . If Liverpool came in for him would he not be more tempted ? Hopefully, the man city debacle has made this unlikely .
    I didn’t see the game tonight , will be good for TS to get an idea how much work needs doing – quite a bit by the sound of it !

  35. @RonnieBiggs

    What can I say Lifers! Surprised and thrilled. This is exactly what this football club needs to reestablish itself. Cleverley was always a loaner but Delph is one of our own! This is a boost on a number of levels. Not only does it mean one of the core pieces on the field is in place but always it should help us to attract other good players as a result. Would love to see Townsend brought in next. I honestly believe that with Sherwood at the helm and the club in better financial shape now (wasn’t a fan of Lambert as a match day manager however he did meet his mandate in that area of his job and Villa is better off as a result) that playing for us can, will propel certain players into international contention with the Euros coming up. Happy days. UTV!

  36. @RonnieBiggs

    Hi Jenny!
    No he’s here for as long as the project shows progress imo. I couldn’t, wouldn’t blame him for going if we went into freefall until Xmas but if we can make 2,3 more quality signings I only see good things moving forward so expect him to stay and for us to be solid midtable this season with more to come in the future! COYVB!

  37. Trinity

    JC
    “But Fabian Delph can’t save Villa on his own. Nor can Tim Sherwood. They seem up for trying, but they need some backing. Delph’s statement shouldn’t be wasted. It should be a marker around which Villa rally.”
    Well said! and good to see you writing again.
    It’s good to see Lifers happy.

  38. John Lerwill

    Well written, JC. 🙂

    Delph’s latest stand brings us back to our centre … we were drifting away from hope (I think) about the club’s future, but I see Delph’s stand as a bit akin to a General’s decision to make a stand whatever the result, and raising the colours for the troops to rally. There’s hope now, in other words.

    Talk is now emerging about Man U having taken an interest in CB, but I think we’re expecting him to go anyway, so no real shock there. Will Kozak be able to take over the mantle?

  39. Jenny Truman

    Hi Ronnieb
    Yes it is a show of faith and good example by Delph and major boost for us.
    That said , we mustn’t forget that both Delph and Benteke were part of the the am that finished 17th so we mustn’t let the Delph show distract us from the need to improve the team substantially for next season. With Guayere and Richards we have made a good start and it will be interesting to see who is coming in to join us .

  41. steamer

    Hello JC, good article nice to see a balanced view.
    Obviously great news about Delph, some folk on other blogs owe him an apology for the abuse they gave him. Looking at the bigger picture it tells me that the takeover will take place, Lerners jet arrived in Brum went back to Sardinia and returned to Brum before going back to Sardinia all in one day. In my opinion it was either to take FD to meet the new owner or the new owner to meet FD, something significant happened for Fabian to turn down an approximate 150k per week pay increase. Sardinia at this time of the year is full of billionaires, Asmunov is there to name one so guessing is futile, but it does give us hope.

  42. runtings

    enjoyed your leader JC

    Very happy with Delph , his actions are the sort that can put the soul back in the club in a very souless game these days

    i think both us and tesco’s must be very close to an announcement re the takeover — a lot of reports suggested mid July

    respect Fab

  43. Mark King

    JL I thought Kosak looked lively worked hard and took his goal well. Hard to say how he’ll be played as first half Bacuna was firing in crosses to the abs-cent gabby,( cant man city buy him he’s english 😉 ) second half a different pattern of play with Kosak up top. Gil did himself no harm and cole looked lively. I was surprised to see a much leaner looking nzogbia! still wasteful though.

    TS included several youngsters who must of grown a foot in one season all looked tall and athletic, mason Calder and Donecian looked useful squad players. Gardner didn’t look out of place and would like to see him, delph and Gueye in midfield. the combinations are endless but that one excites me most.
    the defence gave 2 goals and a mix up cost the first so no change there.

  45. Rags

    Interesting comments mark, I agree that gards at the base of the diamond is where he belongs but where does that leave Westwood and Roca? If Roca improves this year (as many overseas players do in their second season) could be a hell of a player. I think GG may be used as a sub and that may signal him to leave the club next year.

  46. Mark King

    Rags- I think GG was used as a DM at forest for the first time, he’s really a box to box goal scorer. Of all our mid-fielders I’m confident he could be our Lampard 10 goals plus if played right. He can be very Platt like at ghosting into the box, better than cleverly was at it so I would give him that role. I am of course talking of his past endeavours but people were saying the same about cleverly. What he has in spades is a brain and is brilliant from distance he’s the only player we have with that threat. Gueye plays that sanchez role too with more forward threat.

  47. Mark King

    also we now have 3 playmakers cole, gil , grealish only one will play Imo although Gil can play right wing. I don’t think 433 suits our personnel unless we buy a stonking left back as we have been rumoured to be linked with then we would be less one dimensional in that format.

  48. Rags

    Yeah he was a box to box player but I keep coming bad to his ‘terrible’ form at Brighton. I guess logically that could have been due to only recently recovering from injury but it could be his injuries have taken some mobility from his game hence why Pearce used him as holding. The good thing is it seems we will find out answers to these questions and more this season, I can’t wait!

  49. @RonnieBiggs

    Wow, can’t believe how excited I am for the start of the new season in July! Benteke will most likely go but the Delph news is invigorating and there is competition and depth there now with hopefully at least two more quality signings to go along with a good new owner. I’m confident we can improve by at least 5,6 places this season and hopefully push on from there. Pleased that Sherwood is giving everyone a chance even the likes of Tonev and Gil which is the way a good manager/leader should operate imo. Lambert clearly had his favorites and once u were in the doghouse it was game over. Bring on the new season with or without Benteke (although I’d love for him to stay but that’s in the hands of the footy gods now). UTV!

  50. @RonnieBiggs

    Runtings: ‘Very happy with Delph , his actions are the sort that can put the soul back in the club in a very souless game these days’ One of the better quotes from a Lifer I’ve heard. COYVB

  51. Mark King

    rags could be mate, although I’m clinging to the return to goal scoring cleverly achieved before vacating the villa. GG has never had real pace and hopefully his brains still intact. Also the quality of those around you matters very much In my opinion. You can make runs all day but if nobody sees you it can make you look bad, that and Villa has hardly been the place to showcase your talent with full scale panic every match 🙂

  52. Mark King

    I think Sanchez could well be off, TS has seemed to prefer westwood and now has bought gueye, everywhere I look says he’s a holding midfielder so not really a cleverly replacement. in fact if you count GG as a DM that’s 4 we have.
    On another note we need a striker regardless of whether Beneteke stays, if Kosak provides the number nine option we need a foil for them both, Sinclairs an option but Austin should be brought in ASAP I think he’s different enough to work with either tall men.

  53. Jenny Truman

    Well I’d be happier to see Benteke in a united shirt than a Liverpool one as I think he will be able to realise his potential there and under BRodgers, with his style of play , it coukd have ended miserably . With VG I think he will do better , particularly with his latest signings . Maybe no one will meet the 32.5 mill – we can live in hope ( if clutching at straws!)

  56. OldVilla

    Afternoon all, good to see and feel the positivity coming back onto this board. Still can’t quite get over what Delph has done, but incredible respect to him and I hope that his faith will not be misplaced.
    Now all we need is for Tekkers to see the light and realise that we will be pushing for a champions league place this season 🙂
    Good to see Gil back and playing ok, Kozak doing what he does best and GG being given playing time. For me zog shouldn’t even be in the squad and I remain unconvinced about Sinclair, but maybe he does has a role to play as a squad player.
    Three or four decent signings and I think there is something good to work with, but goals will be a problem whilst we rely on one or two players to provide the majority of our goals.
    The next seven or so days will, I think, be very important and critical to the well being of AVFC.

  58. Mark King

    Sinclair at his best is a decent finisher but needs to be put through. He wont beat a load of players and score on his own but he’s good at breaking a defencive line if the service is good. He may be good off of a big man with the likes of gil, grealish putting him in and the odd flick on.

  60. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    But Serena was pushed a bit by both Heather and the Spanish finalist. Both could have beaten Serena if they’d had a tad more self-belief. Especially as Serena gets moody when she’s under any pressure – which is rare!

  61. John Lerwill

    OV,

    As CB didn’t play at all yesterday it makes me think that he’s effectively on his way.

    If he goes to Man U or Chelsea I’ll not begrudge him that.

  62. proxopera

    For any of you who have’nt seen top tier hurling , the cork vs clare senior qualifier match this evening on sky should be very entertaining . The munster final is just underway between Waterford and Tipp and i think , the highlights are on later on sky.

  63. John Clark

    Likewise, if he’s leaving, I’d rather see Benteke go to the top, not Liverpool. We’ve figured he was off for a while, so as long as TS gets the full fee to spend, we could find ourselves better off.

    We need to get the goal-scoring more distributed, which is what was happening when TS had us playing so well. I’d really like a Charlie Austin, someone who would exert more pressure when we’re pressing, gets about a bit more than big CB.

    Can’t ever fault his goals, and the seeming ease with which he can find the right spots and the back of the net, but he does make other players have to work harder, and isn’t really all that good with the ball at his feet. For a big side, he makes a fantastic option.

    For us, he’s been a lifesaver, but going forward we could be on a sounder footing if we’re set up differently.

  64. Jenny Truman

    John , What Serena has got is the ability to step up under pressure and like you say , Heather did test her and experience and mental strength won the day .

    Well Delph did the honourable thing – and as you say Mark – “shocked ” ??????? I hope he isn’t regretting his very public pledge of loyalty – as it does seem that he feels bad about going back on his word and if social media outrage has played a part then that’s good for VIlla. Poor Delph , his wife’s just given birth , he seems genuinely unsure but he has made the right choice , and at least he can look himself in the mirror in the knowledge he’s some the decent thing . This is a great boost for our team morale . Respect to Delph : a great role model to our younger players too .

  65. Jenny Truman

    The funny thing is that I am reading that Delph and Benteke had been airbrushed out of promo photos – can they air brush him back in

    Also Man City had prepared the welcome video in anticipation . Good on you Delph – jilting Man City at the 11th hour !

  66. Jenny Truman

    @No1shaygiven: Thanks to all the staff,players and fans @AVFCOfficial I wish I had of played more games but wasn’t to be, wish u all well for the future

    Tweet from
    Shay .

  67. Mark King

    JC spot on about Benteke, when he’s on and moving we play well, when he can’t be arsed to run we lose our go to option and are easily stopped. I would like us to break out of that too. we have to have more than one goal threat or we will be at the bottom for ever. funnily enough I thought Kosak added something when he played and we had a purple patch teamwork wise, nothing spectacular but we lost that one track attitude. An Austin/Kosak duo could do us well where as Kosak/Benteke? not so sure it would work.
    I’m reading nothing into tekkers absence as several didn’t play including Grealish and Okore. If he goes he goes and it just might change our season for the better.

    Jen I’m struggling to believe a word that’s said these days and more importantly what’s not being said 😉

  69. Mark King

    Can’t believe nobodies mentioned England beating the Aussies, especially as the Aussies have come in blowing the big horn. just shows you what a change in coach can do.

  76. Mark King

    so not a cricket fan steamer, I like the ashes for the wind up and the chance to beat the aussies.

    Rags- watched Kosaks goal again, GG carries the ball from midfield goes for a one two with Cole on the edge of their D, as GG makes his run into the box cole slides Kosak in. Hope to be seeing plenty more of that from him and he will get goals.

  78. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    Funnily I didn’t read it as you say! 😉

    I felt that Serena won both rounds I mentioned as her opponent finally wilted. The Spaniard picked herself up from 1-5 down to be 4-5 but just didn’t have the push to get back. Serena in fact had some fortune in that last game.

    Not knocking Serena at all – but I do think there are potentially better players around – like the Spaniard.

  80. Jenny Truman

    Yes Runtingz – easily the greatest female tennis player ever . She’s won 29 out of 31 finals, an incredible stat and there’s still a big gap between her and anyone else . Her 110 mph serve and her athleticism – all at the age of 33 is incredible. I like the fact that she’s come from a poorer background than the usual tennis champ (no fancy tennis schools and private coaches for her in the early days) and no doubt her grit and unfailing desire to win every game comes from the extra work and commitment she’s had to put in .
    I just can’t watch cricket Mark , of rather watch formula 1 – and that’s pretty boring too !

  82. Jenny Truman

    With Sterling signing for Pool , I hope Big Ben doesn’t accept them if they meet the 32-5 release clause now , which is likely . Man U need to snap him up . Hope his agent doesn’t mess things up for him .

  83. Mark King

    Jen I don’t watch much of it myself I just keep an eye on it, some of the games during the ashes can get really tense toward the end. I must admit I’d rather play any sport than watch it and that includes footy

  85. steamer

    We could have been minted too if it wasn’t for Herbert,
    JL.
    That was a funny show, all good comedy actors. Les Dawson came up in conversation yesterday, brilliant. Do love a good comedy.

  87. Mark King

    You have to say whatever the reasons the choice was not taken lightly by Delph, it could ruin his career progression and label him as unambitious. whatever his reasons it wasn’t mob rule IMO

  88. John Lerwill

    Steamer,

    Les Dawson was a genius i.m.o.

    But do you remember that feller who Dawson copied in some skits – especially the cross-dressing skits. If I remember right the feller I’m thinking of was named Norman Evans – appeared on 1950s B & W TV.

  89. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    Yep … Serena has done fantastically well. But I have to say in a time when there have not been many great women players. Go back 20 or 30 years there were usually *at least* 2 great women players on show in any one era. I think Serena would have a hard time against Margaret Court or Steffi at their best to be honest, apart from the others like Navatrilova.

    Looking at the former British champions in the crowd – Virginia Wade and Ann Haydon-Jones (the Brummie!) they seem to come from some bygone era. And they do.

  90. Jenny Truman

    John , I wonder whether Serena would beat the greats you name if she was playing them in their prime . Because she is so powerful (doesn’t she have the fastest recorded serve fir a woman ) I would venture a yes. Purely hypothetical I know, it’s like whether the best football teams now could beat say the England team of 66.

  91. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    Of course, you have a point. I’m however going on the basis of remembering players like Margaret Court, BJK etc but that’s not to say my memory’s perfect. I actually remember some tennis feller challenging BJK to a game and got fairly walloped!

    But the point I’m really making is that those old players would have given Serena a tougher game then other modern players i.m.o., and as I think that Serena is not as *mentally* tough as those oldies, she may have lost a fair few against them.

    BTW, I also remember Althea Gibson, the first black Wimbledon champion (in the 50s). She was pretty good too.

  92. John Lerwill

    Mental Toughness in Sports

    Thinking on from Serena…

    I noted that Andy Murray was getting upset with himself in the semis and yet when his opponent was in difficulty you sensed self-control being applied. Reminded me of Bjorn Borg and all the great Australians … Rosewall, Hoad, Laver, Newcombe. And Samprass I think.

    Not saying that you don’t win when showing emotion (McEnroe was a good example of that) but players must lose energy when succumbing to any level of emotional outlet in a game.

  93. Mark King

    JL/Jen Its very hard to compare old to new in sporting circles as the standards/records do appear to be rising in athletics still. One never talked about aspect is population or a greater pool of athletes to go with improved facilities/methods. The shear volume of athletes from countries that would never of had the chance to compete before and bring there regions genetic traits into the Arena such as the Ethiopian runners do cant be discounted. You could say that the food is now poorer quality though and the population more sedentary. One things for sure Athletes are bigger especially in contact sports such as rugby and American football but they are mobile non the less.

    doesn’t look like reports of Richards/Sinclair putting Delph off are true either

    http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/13/micah-richards-responds-to-speculation-about-his-influence-on-fa/?

  95. DarrenO

    On the Tennis debate, there are greats for their time but racket technology and athelitcism are very different within each decade so no ability to compare an Evert/Navratilova to the Serena sisters of today. Same in every sport where technology plays a part.

    Back to Villa, I do hope Delph looked at his football career club and country wise and decided Villa was the best option, I hope that this will galvanise the team as there was some amount of vitriol across social media between fans and directed towards Delph.

    Need Benteke to take a leaf out of Delph’s book or sanction a sale as quickly as possible so we can move on and re-invest in a Chicarito/Austin partnership

  96. Mark King

    DOR- fair shout on the technology, footballers of today play with a beach ball and slippers compared with there forebears and different rules and tactics.

    The only conclusion I can come to is Delph wants to play football and city wouldn’t guarantee him that, why would they? nothing else would matter in the grand scheme imo, villa fans would of booed him so what? city fans now think he’s a bottler.
    If Villa hadn’t of come up with the tub thumping in January no-one would blame him, if he came up with the idea more fool him, he made a rod for his own back. This club is one big illusion to pull in money regardless of the reasons behind the marketing, be it profit, survival or glory we would be fools to think otherwise.

  97. Clive Evans

    I was welcoming this post as I was getting a numb mouse finger scrolling down the previous submissions; however, the level of response has left be scrolling again but to read football talk not dietary matters.
    What a relief we didn’t get this media attention by Delph leaving for Citee

    http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/open-letter-raheem-sterling-liverpool-6054005

    closely followed by
    http://www.thedaisycutter.co.uk/2015/07/an-open-letter-to-jim-from-liverpool/

    I saw on the other place that we are looking at a Barnsley left back as an understudy, so that shows the development strategy.

    I’m still bemused by the ownership situation as a change of ownership could result in a change of direction even a change of manager. So roll on the season start and let battle commence.

  98. runtings

    JL – re mental toughness

    i think as we are all different we handle pressure in different ways and these elite sports people live with pressure and handle it in different ways – but if your a winner then clearly how you handle it works no matter how it may seem from the outside looking in

  99. John Lerwill

    DOR “On the Tennis debate, there are greats for their time but racket technology and athelitcism are very different within each decade so no ability to compare an Evert/Navratilova to the Serena sisters of today. Same in every sport where technology plays a part.”

    Well sorry to say I disagree! 😉

    As far as tennis is concerned, it’s easier in that racquets are so much lighter now!!

    And though I agree on the degree of athleticism having increased, Martina Nav or Steffi had a game of their own which would have put a lot of pressure on someone like Serena. As I stated before, there are signs that Serena does not like pressure (and doesn’t have to face it very often) but you put one of the old champs in front of her and in my view I’d say Serena would wilt in many matches.

    But actually the big issue is that Serena has not had to face a lot of great competition – if there had been someone up there at her level in today’s game we would have seen how good Serena really is – or not, as the case may be. Mentally I don’t think she’d figure that well if up against someone of her technical and athletic competency and who was self-controlled.

  100. John Lerwill

    Following up on what’s been said before, though it’s blatantly obvious that all sports have developed considerably in my lifetime (in golf I was still cleaning golf clubs with hickory shafts and non-stainless steel heads when I was a boy! – bloomin’ hard work, that!), each sport is atill about human beings and how they approach their sport.

    Give me the sportsmen of the 1950s and 60s (up to about 1970) any day, for artistic ability and attitude. That picture of Bobby Moore and Pele after their 1970 encounter still sticks with me to this day, as much as the quality of the match itself.

    And when we talk about dietary control, the likes of Stan Matthews and Tom Finney firmly believed in it. Even our Johnny Dixon was a tea-totaller and non-smoker.

    In my opinion, quite a bit in sport has given over to making machines out of sportsmen, including their mental equipment.

  101. Mark King

    JL- I remember watching Borg play and in those days the rallys could go on for a while with guile playing a big part. These days I don’t watch so much as it seems more power based and rarely do the rallys last long. The players seem taller and stronger and have huge serves, what comes at you is travelling faster, reaction time and ability to cover the ground quickly seem paramount over shot selection. I might be talking out of my arse but that’s what I’ve noticed. It may be Serena is a beast and her peers the equal to yesterdays greats. comparisons like this would truly have to be run like an experiment to get an answer . Money too is a driver as social class dictated years ago whether you even got to play tennis at all, these days its attractive to better athletes because of the pay off.

  102. southwestvillan

    I seem to have a different take on the Delph situation and don”t get me wrong I am glad he is staying but I worry about the release clause and the figure, for me £8m was always dangerously too low for a player of his ability, but more importantly why agree to a release clause because all that tells me is he would have jumped ship if things had gone pear shaped.

    Are we over playing the loyalty card when he was willing to leave if things got tough, does this still leave the door open for some other club to make a move, nothing ever surprises me in football anymore.

    AVFC

  103. John Lerwill

    Mark: “It may be Serena is a beast and her peers the equal to yesterdays greats”

    That’s a reasonable p.o.v., but I don’t see real evidence of that. Sharapova (sp?) for example hit far too many double faults and didn’t look like the quality article she’s supposed to be, for example.

    Players like Heather Watson and the Spanish girl were the only ones to put Serena under any kind of real pressure, but those two are still apprentices and – hopefully – will take over from Serena at the top in the next few years.

    I really can’t think of another female tennis player (other than Serena) who comes close to the top players of 20 or 30 years ago.

  104. John Lerwill

    BTW, Mark, there were very big servers in the old days too (meaning the 60s and 70s), but the players of guile always seemed to win most of the pots going.

  105. Mark King

    SWV- He simply wouldn’t of signed without a low fee get out, at that point he’d hardly played for England so I’m guessing that next summer is his priority and after that who could blame him for going? especially if things don’t change much at villa, add to that a new baby and a wife who wouldn’t need the stress.

  106. Mark King

    JL I bow to your memory John but I think the Onus is on not getting the ball hammered back at you from service these days hence taking more risks. I have to say one sport that hasn’t improved is boxing, especially the heavyweights, Maybe there is money to be made elsewhere without getting punched.
    Some people are just meant to be at the top, like McGrath at villa with no knees!!? I have to say there are not many sports that have been improved by speeding the play up excessively, Formula 1 being the worst.

  107. Mark King

    Sherwood on Idrissa Gueye, looks like he wants to play box to box. There’s me thinking midfielders should be able to do it all anyhow?
    Theres a theme here, we are signing players that are dictating where they want to play, go to a bigger club and that chance goes out the window. Richards wants to play CH, Idrissa Gueye wants an attacking role, could work well for us or we could find out why other teams didn’t play them there?

    http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4860535,00.html?

  108. DarrenO

    Sorry JL , do you disagree with the assertion that technology is not an influencing factor in not being able to truly compare greats from different generations, then I’ll disagree with you.

    And you seem to dismiss your argument by saying rackets are lighter so technology is a factor, also imo it doesn’t make it easier it makes it more difficult as ball speed generated is far in excess of those generated years ago.

    So outside of technology and granted all athletes that rise to the top of their game are extremely fit, determined and skilful but training methods, recovery methods and dietary knowledge is very different today than 15/20/30 years ago. So surely an influencing factor as well.

    Different eras, different technology and supposition on your part because it’s not possible to create that level playing field between generations. Easier to agree that the greats of the 50s,60s,70s,80s,90s,00s,10s are all great in their timeframe without the futility of trying decide who is better across the generations.

  109. John Lerwill

    DO’R,

    Sorry, I think we’re getting into a muddle, but in any case I suspect we have to agree to differ I’m afraid! 😉

    Today’s racquets do have a larger head than before, as well as being considerably lighter, so in some ways it is made easier for the tennis player. I played with the old rackets at league level and can vouch for how much an improvement the modern racket is – but it still makes play easier in my view.

    More power can be generated by the modern racquet but because of the increased utilisation of topspin or sidespin by your opponent I don’t think it’s *always* possible to release that power potential. A good deal of the play I see today (not all, of course) does not seem to be greatly faster than what was seen 50 years ago.

    Despite all of what’s written about it, the *overall* difference in speed in the game of today with (say) 50 years ago seems not to be easily identifiable, apart from serving speeds. And as I said before, there were some very big servers 50 years ago – it’s not just a modern thing.

    This page gives a good account about rackets i.m.o.:
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2577483/

    It would be good to hear the views of someone who played at a high level with old and new technology to understand the differences more accurately, I think. And it’s not only the racket but the ball also that has changed.

  110. steamer

    JL,
    Was that comedian on channel 4 or channel 8 ?
    I think Bobby Riggs barely scratched the top 200 at his peak and was 49 when BJK whupped him.
    The tennis players i admired most were Jimmy Connors and Leyton Hewitt who never knew the meaning of defeat, they’d turn a hostile crowd to favour them. Lost interest in Wimbers when the great Aussies disappeared and the baseliners took over.
    SWV,
    It’ll be interesting to see if anyone else tests the water with Delph, even B&B are in for 10m players.

  111. Mark King

    one factor is height, it gives huge advantage in the serve connors, bjorg and McEnroe all under 5’11” federer one of the shortest at the top at 6’1″

    on villa matters it was good to see TS play a mixed team in both halfs, no this is the first team and these are the stiffs

  112. Ree Khalid

    Afternoon lifers.

    What a relief this Delph saga turned out to be. On Friday I was genuinely gutted, losing Delph would have been worse than losing Benteke. We know Benteke is going, if not soon then eventually. But Delph showed his commitment to the cause by signing the new contract and looked every bit the leader on our run away from relegation. I think the biggest idiot in this piece is the mug who agreed to a £8m release clause. I feel like that was something insisted on by Delph’s agent which Delph agreed to, but seriously… £8m???? Surely they should have fought for at least £12 or £15m, something that would make a potential suiter think twice.

    I think the agent got the £8m clause and when City came calling Delph had to listen. But it didnt sit right with him and Im glad he backed out, shows what kind of person he is. Makes those quotes from January look real instead of making him look like liar. I think Villa need to look at improving his contract and getting rid of that fee asap. Get him in line with the top earners in the club, which I believe would be Micah Richards. Maybe Delph is staying to see what kind of route Villa will take when the new owners (hopefully) come in. Im more than glad he stayed though, we were looking at another season fighting relegation if Delph left. Sherwood commented on how Delph is his voice on the pitch, that kinda thing is invaluable.

    I dont think Delph is as good right now as Milner was when he left us. He has won silverware at City but his potential has stalled as to how good he could have been. We saw the best of him, he will come good again for Liverpool but his best years are gone now. I do think Delph has the potential to be better than Milner was and a top player in the future.

  113. Ree Khalid

    Just seen that Begovic has been signed by Chelsea, just shows money > pride for most modern footballers. We were in for him apparently, either an enquiry or a bid. Looks like he prefers to pick up a paycheck sitting on the Chelsea bench than being a regular. Shame cos he’s a very very good keeper and we really would have benefitted from having him at Villa. Now his career will be wasted in that graveyard of footballing talent Stamford Bridge.

  114. Mark King

    If I’m honest Ree losing Delph wasn’t a problem for me other than the message it sent out and the crap fee (still better than nothing). He needs to start putting the ball in the net this season to bring his stock up or his just another bit part player. Turns out Idrissa Gueye is a Delph clone and potentially better, Planned replacement for Cleverly or Delph who knows.

    heres the top ten midfield scorers he’s got his work cut out

    http://imgur.com/r/soccer/ZAkU8Yj

  117. Ree Khalid

    Mark, I think Delph has big potential. Was there a better box to box midfielder in the country since Sherwood took over? I dont think so. He’s not exactly young but injuries have held him back, if he takes the form he was on into next season I think it could be a breakthrough season for him and we will have the big boys knocking on our doors again.

    A for Gueye, he looks decent from the videos Iv seen. Decent touch, good awareness, decent passing. Stats show him having a really good tackling and interception rate. Sherwood has compared him to Ramires in that he can play the CDM or the box to box role. Seems as he has a more footballing brain than Cleverly, but I think the person most under threat would be Westwood. Jury is still out…. but I would have preferred Fer definitely!

  118. vivavilla

    Steamer: “I think Bobby Riggs barely scratched the top 200 at his peak and was 49 when BJK whupped him.”

    Can’t let that one pass – only surprised that JL has! Bobby Riggs was world number one just before the war, won Wimbledon (singles, doubles AND mixed) in 1939 plus the US Open in 39 and 41. Granted, he was no less than 55 years old when he lost to Billie-Jean – some say deliberately, to cash in on bets and clear his debt to the Mob – and, earlier in 1973, he’d beaten Margaret Court in straight sets!

  119. John Lerwill

    Vivavlaar,

    Well don!

    I had to go “off-stage” and attend to a chore – like getting me old tennis racket out to see whether I stood a chance of entering Wimbers next year! 😉

  120. Mark King

    ree- Ramsey, Ramires, Osman, Wilshere, Toure. Delph can put his head down and run but his final ball ain’t that great, tackling so-so , heading the same, shooting not all that. he’s got a good motor and doesn’t give up and maybe TS and wilkins will add some finesse to his game. I doubt he would of cracked the city 1st 11 whereas an ageing Frank Lampard didn’t look out of place.
    Don’t get me wrong I’d rather have him and think he’s ok but I’d rather have a Cowans or Ian Taylor, I still think GG will come good and he’s 4 years younger.

  122. John Lerwill

    Old Days at Wimbledon

    Just went through some old results and in particular the first Open at Wimbledon in 1967.

    We were talking earlier about how today’s game is “easier” (perhaps) and that they’re now more athletic etc etc…

    How about this result in the Third Round of 1967… England’s Mike Sangster won 6-8, 6-4, 9-7 and 16-14 and then lost in the next round 10-12, 9-11, 3-6. This kind of scoring was a regular feature in the old tennis!!!!

    In the 1954 final, Jaroslav Drobný defeated Ken Rosewall 13–11, 4–6, 6–2, 9–7. Drobny, btw, played in the Olympics at football and ice hockey as well!

    And how about Pancho Gonzales versus Charlie Pasarell in the pre-tie-break days of 1969, 22–24, 1–6, 16–14, 6–3, 11–9.

    But I have to admit that it’s in modern times that we find the record match length. The 2010 match between John Isner versus Nicolas Mahut went to 70–68 in the 5th set. The match took 3 days-worth of play.

  126. runtings

    Mark i feel that was a very harsh assesment of Fabian

    he has very quick feet and rarely loses the ball ,,, he has to be one of the best ball winners in the country …. he has immense drive and determination —- he has a thunder bolt of a stike …… his crossing is very good …. his composure is at the higher end of the scale

    not forgeting that has been playing in what is close enough to a championship side since returning fully from injuries

    if he went to citeh he would have flourished in a better team that mostly has the ball – and only yaya is better in there centre mid imo

  127. Heroes-and-Villans

    Im a big fan of delphs. But has to kick on and provide more assists and def should be getting near the 10 goals a season. But love his energy and has great feet and the pace to glide past a man.

    I reckon wilkins arriving could well save gill. Bet he rates him

  132. runtings

    Awesome footage Steamer

    it seems to me a lot of us villans don’t actually appriciate what we have until it’s gone
    i remember him at leeds and he was touted as the new stevie G
    The only thing steve has over him is the passing range — and hopefully as the who squad improves we Fab will be able to express himself more rather than running around putting out fire’s all the time and we can all appriciate what a fine player we have — and realise what a great thing he did in staying with the villa

  134. Mark King

    Was Delph playing with better players at Leeds in div1? he won their player of the season that year too. His tackling has improved or he’s been less reckless, he used to scissor tackle a lot someone may have pointed that out to him. 14 goals in 186 games, Ashley Westwood has 18 in 202. As I said I’d rather have him than not but he’s not fantastic, not clever enough for me, hope he proves me wrong this season.

    here’s a proper goal 😉

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmE91_0hqOU

  145. DarrenO

    30m plus a player is a good deal for Benteke, not sure if Lambert will get any game time with us so give him a year and he’ll be off and no loss.

    But the 30m if reinvested in playing staff could propel Villa up the league with some real quality signings and get us away from the mire of relegation.

    A period of mid-table obscurity with a cup run or two will do me fine as we progress. It will also put an end to my newsnow sabatical.

    Final opinion on Delph he may not be the next Yaya Toure but he is a driving force for the team and set ups how we fight for the ball so an excellent captain to have around, tackling, shooting can be improved but maybe with the players around him he’ll relax on his responsibilities and progress at what he does well, remember we’ll have a Gueye, Gil, Grealish and Gelph as a possible midfield (only Delph is preventing me from using G-Force), Westwood or Sanchez protecting the back four and a new striker upfront.

    UTV

  147. runtings

    You never know but i can’t see tekkers leaving for pool unless the new incoming board are not what we hoped for but more of the same

    he said he wanted champs lge football only – well he is unlikely to get it a pool under brenda anyway

  148. Ree Khalid

    Mark – Dont agree with your list of midfielders who performed better than Delph since Sherwood. WIlshere hardly played, Ramsay possibly but Id say Delph was better. Ramires and Osman definitely not, Toure hasnt had his best season, still world class tho and Id say Delph outshined him for the last third of the season. Stats back me up, but empirically id say the same.

    Delph may not be young but he still has the potential to be much much better. Like I said I dont think he was as good as Milner during his last season with us (he was outstanding tbf) but he can get to that level maybe even pass it. First half of the season Delph was terrible tbh, I felt he let that England call up affect his game and then he got injured. When he came back he did better but really stepped it up with Sherwood. He does need to add more goals and assists to his game but I feel like hes got that in his locker.

    DoR – I think that midfield looks really good, really think Gil and Grealish would work well as the two 10’s.

    If Benteke stays:

    Benteke
    Grealish Gil
    Delph Sanchez Gueye

    Looks good to me!

    Also did more digging about Gueye and his stats via Squawka are really encouraging. He was rated 9th best midfielder in Europe by their performance rating system! Theres always the worry about how he will adapt to the much faster, much more physical Prem (he’s not exactly an imposing figure) but the stuff I hear sound encouraging.

    UTV

  150. Mark King

    Ree- those are a list of players he needs to be more like IMO to be that step higher. the fact you rate milner as a better CM says it all, the same milner that couldn’t hold a place down at city.
    I don’t think he would be automatic choice for a lot of the present top clubs. He may end up being all you say and I hope its for us. To be a top midfielder you have to do the business consistently, his game is based around fitness not making and finding space for himself. His seems to be continually having to skip away from players, a good trick to have but the best make time and space for themselves and wade in with goals and defence. He’s not in that league yet and may never be, I live in hope and have a hat ready to eat.
    All IMO of course before runtingz gives me a shoeing 😉

    Heard on the radio Jordan Amavi nearly done

  151. Mark King

    Ree- I also posted a french review yesterday that put Gueye in the top 100 players in the French league, also intimated he has started to push forward more and in doing so has lost some of his effectiveness. It seems that’s were he and TS see him playing so we shall see. looks like we are sticking to 433 with the players we are linked to, attacking full backs, quick mobile midfielders. If we are not careful we may wind up with the same leaky defence.

  153. Ree Khalid

    Mark – I read that article too. Take a look at these:

    http://www.squawka.com/news/the-top-10-midfielders-across-europe-this-season/388446

    http://www.squawka.com/news/europen-window-bargain-xi/393983

    Incidentally Amauvi is on that second list too as, most tackles of any defender in the top 5 EU leagues. He looks a really good prospect if we can get it done.

    Back on the Delph thing…. Milner had a phenomenal season the last he had with us. 12 goals 5 assists from CM, although I think he did take over pens from Barry. But his overall play was outstanding and I think he won PFA young player of the year. Thats a tough mark to match considering the team Milner played in (battling for CL) and the team Delph now plays in (battling relegation). But I do think he’s capable of that and more hopefully. Milner had plenty ability but his main attributes are his work rate and tenacity. Similar to Delph. Milner has never repeated the heights he hit that season due to the sheer amount of quality players City had in the position… Barry, De Jong, Toure came in etc. But even after players left he was never really given a chance in that position, imo he could have done better than players like Fernando did. Now he’s at Liverpool with a chance to play CM again but who knows if he will ever reach that level again.

    What I said was Delph is not at that level Milner was right now. Delph’s best years are ahead of him, thats in no doubt. I cant say Milner is a better player than Delph right now because he has regressed at City. If I was putting money on who will be the better player in the coming years I would honestly pick Delph.

  156. Lionheart

    TAKEOVERS DEAD..

    While WBA are getting brought for 150M we can’t be sold for some reason..

    Penny pich again this season and there is only one direction we are heading….. Championship.

  157. Ree Khalid

    Just read about it now. Really bad news, was hoping a new owner would give us a cash injection going into the new season meaning we could make some big signings. Now it looks like its austerity again for the time being. From Sherwoods words it looks like we will have to sell before we buy. Hope the Amavi deal is still on tho.

  158. Mark King

    Ree- Milners versatility became his achilles heel unfortunately, the same is happening to Bakuna to some extent, his favoured position is CM. I actually think Milner is a far better player than Delph, reads the game better. City offered him a huge rise to stay but he wants to play CM, Liverpoo may have a bargain as he’s a very fit lad.

    Gueye looks promising but they all say tackling is his strength but it seems tim has promised him an attacking role, maybe why he’s come to us?

  159. Liam Scahill

    STRANGERS How are you all 🙂 ?

    I hope you are keeping well, what jolly news about dear old kind claret & blue hearted Randy eh lol. You gotta to give it to the guy he fools the masses every summer.

  161. runtings

    GULP

    so randy managed to pick the wrong ;lot to buy the club — hope the chinese pull out and come back for us as we are a much better base to buld on

    Amarvi signning would be a biggy for us imo – immense talent even though we wouldnt hold on too him for too long

    it will be interesting to see what comes out of the club n the coming days

  164. runtings

    UP SIDE

    If randy continues to back tm who is brnging in so far the types of players i personally want to see n a villa shirt – i.e players currently linked heavyly then it could be an exciting team and season

    if he does what he has the last 4yrs from here on then we are a dead club walking

  166. Lionheart

    Laurie WhitwellVerified account
    ‏@lauriewhitwell
    #avfc closing in on £9m signing Jordan Amavi from Nice. Bid accepted, personal terms no problem. More at @MailSport

    Let’s hope this is true..

  167. Liam Scahill

    Hey Mark, how are you mate ?
    Work and the time difference doesn’t allow me to get on as much as I like but I have checked in over the last few months. I’m still in the mines of Western Australia gathering my fortune and drinking it at the same time 🙂

    Shocking about Randy and Tim in his interview even states “afew will have to leave before more come in”. I thought as much when the chat about Guzan being made no1 again emerged. I can’t envisage much progress I’m afraid despite the quality links, the size of the squad is pathetic.

  168. Mark King

    I’m good Liam Thanks, good to see you haven’t succumbed to black lung yet 😉
    Its pretty much back to what the wage bill will allow, looks like TS will have a strong core of higher earners and rely on the youngsters for the rest of the squad. when I saw the squad in Portugal I thought it was the under 21’s 🙂
    at least we have Kosak, GG, Robinson pretty much like new signings to flesh the squad out

  170. Liam Scahill

    Us Health & Safety boys are rare victims of the black lung & manual labour 🙂

    If TS can see worth in Cole surely he will see the light with Gil !? Will Randy ever bugger off ?

  171. John Lerwill

    The Villa non-Takeover

    Well, so long as RL signs the cheques as he’s advised then I’m frankly not too bothered.

    But t’ scuppering of the ol’ museum idea doesn’t please me too much (assuming that’s the case).

  172. Mark King

    yes Liam alls fine as long as those with Black Lung follow procedure and don’t ruin the companies no claims bonus 😉
    cole actually looked good the other day, he must have one level of fitness year round when the others get fit he’ll look slower. Gil looked very lively him and cole the stand-outs along with Kosak

  173. Heroes-and-Villans

    Im ok with ts and fox but want learner gone. But the main thing is we inject money in the squad and spend it wisely…..dont really matter if its learner or anyone else signing the cheques.

  174. Mark King

    just watched the ray Wilkins interview on the villa site, I’m impressed he may just be our best signing this season. No bullshine, calm, funny and knowledgeable, perfect counter balance to TS’s passion. Don’t get me wrong he wants to win and he knows what it takes, glad we have him.

  175. John Clark

    With Lerner and the sale…We don’t know much of anything. WBA, though, can’t be any more of an attractive prospect than Villa.

    It could be Lerner is sanctioning spending figuring on the TV money. If we’ve bid £9m each, basically, for Gueye and Amavi, that’s a complete turnaround.

  176. Mark King

    It is JC but as TS stated it has to comply with FFP, this statement says it all for me.

    “To be exact, clubs can spend up to 5million euro more than they earn per assessment period (three years). However it can exceed this level to a certain limit, if it is entirely covered by a direct contribution/payment from the club owner(s) or a related party. This prevents the build-up of unsustainable debt.”

    So that means we have 3 years income to spend depending when the period started.
    wages need to be kept in check at around £54m and can increase by £4m paid for by growth each year, players fee’s are put against tax over 5 years so £9m = £1.8 a year so only £5.4m in a 3 year period the rest outside. so spending big once in a while is doable for us if the wages are in check. Long term you need a sugar daddy.

    http://www.financialfairplay.co.uk

  178. southwestvillan

    Take over in the pipeline guys get your season tickets here roll up roll up before they all go, new owners big marquee signings hurry to avoid disappointment, blimey Lerner may have done it again the blokes got a bit more about him than we first thought, make a few signings but only spend the Benteke money and a bit of the new tv cash, and hey presto let Tim work his magic and keep us out of the bottom three.

    You gotta love the guy.

    AVFC

  180. runtings

    can someone check that steamer hasnt gone down to villa park with an axe pls 🙂

    it proberbly a good idea he gives it time before her posts on this matter as i imagine he is pretty furious about randys latest trick

  187. runtings

    he looks tidy Mark

    i would hope we get rid of the likes of richasrdson and cole and then bring in another 3 good players -Amavi included — and if possible get a better lkeeper in and sell guzan –which would make for a useful starting 11 and room for the youths to get games as well

  188. Mark King

    Runtingz- Guzan has said he doesn’t know where he stands after Givens departure? surely they must talk at Villa? maybe he’s putting the feelers out. wouldn’t want to go into the season with steer and bunn for all Guzans faults at times he’s kept us up.

    Cole looked good the other day but you know he won’t stay fit, Richardson is just average and injury prone not a good combo. If we keep Cole he has to fight with grealish, Gil and Nzogbia for a place plus whomever we buy on top, no chance. Did Bennet go to portugal? he didn’t get a game.

  189. runtings

    Yes Mark Guzan has had his moments but is not the way forward for me and i think we can do better there — forgot about bennett — i doult anyone would buy cole off us but he deffo isnt good enough at this stage – but at least most of the dead wood has gone — if we can get anything for Zogbia we gotta snap there hand off as for all his ability his has not shown the balls needed to drive us in the right direction

  191. runtings

    someone did mention on another avl thread that the club would try and damp down any rich takeover talk to keep prices down of new players – and with Amavi being very ambitious if he signs he must have been convienced thast he is not joining also rans and teams in champs lge want him

    fingers crossed

  192. DarrenO

    Thank god that Sterling crap is over, 49m for someone who has achieved less than Gerry Taggart, no disrespect meant to Gerry.

    Now, the media can really focus on helping Liverpool spend their cash, starting with Benteke, due to an over-inflated opinion of themselves, a proven goalscorer in the Prem which they severely lacked last season isn’t good enough and especially not at 32.5m, the bindippers have it sussed. The fans are right, open your eyes Brendan and realise Liverpool are better off without him. That way TS can plan for his inclusion this season and build the attacking play around him.

    Really need a statement from Randolph as to whether bidders are still being encouraged, interest is still there or if not what his plans are in terms of the chairman role. I don’t expect any comment to say we are financing the player additions through tv and other revenue or borrowing off the back of the Benteke sale but just some clarity around what to expect re ownership. I obviously won’t hold my breath but this vacuum only serves one purpose – mis-trust of the owner, which is already at high levels.

    UTV

  193. Mark King

    Runtingz- that’s if we can attract a decent keeper? we are linked with up and coming young players untried in the prem still, regardless of the fee. although that should be a fare indicator that they are better players its not nailed on (see list of failed foreign buys we’ve had before Balaban etc). As for players linked to bigger clubs (chumps league) they can’t all play for Chelsea etc, we could well be their chance to get a big move rather than be the big move. Or as you say there’s truth to the sale.

  194. Mark King

    DOR- we haven’t really spent any more than in previous years yet have we?we have sold a few and lost a few big wages got a couple of frees one decent in richards, sinclair for peanuts. wouldn’t be surprised if we spent £25 in all.

    Benteke is our glory seeker magnet, they will see him and how much he’s valued at since coming from genk whether he stays or not imo.

    http://www.astonvillanewsandviews.co.uk/villas-net-spend-under-lambert-compared-to-the-rest-of-the-prem/

  195. southwestvillan

    Darren,

    We may be playing in the chumpions league before you get a statement from Lord Lucan he seems to have a problem with communicating to the fans but if I remember rightly didn’t the Browns fans have the same issue.

    Think Steamer is down VP trying to get a refund on his ST or he may be round John Doyles gaff trying to get some cheap cruise tickets.

    AVFC

  197. runtings

    yes mark if it was lambert buying players i would be a lot more worried than having whoever is currently choosing the targets as we are so far looking at definate quality compared to what we have in the main.

    saying that lambert was paying pennies which is clearly only going to take us one way if we continued in that market.

    i think the players are out there that will improve the team and if TS is allowed top continue rebuilding the way he has started to we wont go far wrong imo

  198. southwestvillan

    Mark,

    Let the knobs have a dutch auction starting at £32.5m lets see who wants him the most, lets be fair we know we are going to lose him so we may as well get the best price possible.

    AVFC

  199. Jenny Truman

    Good afternoon all .

    Thanks Mark for the article on the organic farming methods : I am a convert !

    As my nan would say with a shake of the head “don’t count your chickens before your hatched” If Teckers finds himself at Anfield instead of OT he may be regretting that favourite – because the Liverpool fans won’t forget it. He probably doesn’t know about the intense and bitter rivalry between the two clubs but it would be similar to one of ours favouriting a move to Bham City. This rivalry is historic and not based on location so he is probably totally unaware of it. I am sure most on here know more about it than me but I have a sketchy knowledge about it going back centurys and relates to trade and the ports of Liverpool. Cue John L our resident historian.!!!!!

  201. Jenny Truman

    For anyone whose interested – this is on wikipaedia . I heard someone talking about this on the radio about 12 months ago – can’t remember who though !!

    “The Liverpool–Manchester rivalry is a rivalry that exists between the English cities of Liverpool and Manchester. The cities have many similarities and differences, which have intensified the rivalry and both lie at the heart of North West England – the most populated region outside of the Greater London area in the United Kingdom.[1]
    The rivalry is generally agreed to have ignited after the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal. Manchester merchants became disenchanted with the level of dues they had to pay to export and import their goods. Consequently the Mancunian merchants decided to construct a ship canal. The Ship Canal would become the largest in the world upon opening in January 1894 and highlighted the length the merchants were prepared to take to avoid paying dues.[2]”

  203. Mark King

    Runtingz- I’m going to don a tin hat and say Lambert had plenty of the same quality players lined up but got knocked back by Lerner and wage constraints. nobody would buy the crepe we have unless they were unable to pay more, even the Scottish half-wit. Reilly seems to be the scoutmaster general.

    here’s the answer to the have we got funds, probably not a lot but enough if we sell six or seven!!!!!?

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3162573/Aston-Villa-manager-Tim-Sherwood-admits-struggling-offload-unwanted-players-summer-targets-four-arrivals.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

    Jen I thought it was down to who had the silliest gangster strut and funniest accent

  206. Jenny Truman

    Haha – his agent has gone into over drive now saying Man U aren’t and never were interested . Must be desperate to get his commission and sees Liverpool as the most likely to cough up .
    He’s unfavourited now but the daily mirror have already reported it . Is another u turn on the cards ? He’s manage to upset both clubs now .

  216. Frem

    Hey People

    no idea who this guy from Arsenal is but I’ve seen Moneyball mentioned and that’s no bad thing. Wenger said they signed someone based of statistics and he was mentioned. I love Moneyball and what they did was unreal

    Benteke to United. I’d wish him all the best in the world if he goes there. Anyone but Spurs or Liverpool. Pool fans have been hating on the Beast. As long as TS gets the money to re invest, but he won’t with Randy staying. Don’t want Austin as his replacement. Completely different type of strike who can’t play up top on his o

  218. Jenny Truman

    Sports Director – or jobs for the boys .
    Hello Frem – long time no hear ! Also hi to Liam if you’re looking in from your
    mine down under !
    Waits to see what steamer thinks of the money ball new look AVFC 🙂

  221. DarrenO

    I’d take an Austin/Chicarito partnership in place of Benteke.

    Ball on the ground, no longer out to the full back to hoof up the line to Gabby would be a dream come true. Remember Alan Wright was a specialist in the hoof, I know it was under orders and he was a fine defender but it was so predictable.

  222. Ree Khalid

    Really fed up of the Benteke rumours now. If Utd or Liverpool want him just bid the damn asking price, everyone and their dog knows what it is. Then we can get the money in and spend it on a few quality signings that will improve our squad overall. Doubt we will find a striker better than Benteke – another thing that pisses me off is people thinking he’s not good enough, these fools dont have a clue. Definitely top 5 striker in the PL – I would only put Aguero, Sturridge and Costa (though imo Benteke is naturally more gifted than him as is Falcao) ahead of him. Better than Cavani, better than Higuain yet these are talked about with huge figures. People say Benteke aint worth 32.5m when Bony cost £32m and Lukaku £28m. Stop messing around if you want him and pay the effing money let us get on with bringing in players to improve the squad.

    For the money we get for him, Id splash it on a QPR raid with Austin, Philips and Fer. Not entirely convinced by Austin, he has quality and can finish. Just wonder how consistent he would be in the future. But he does have a proven goalscoring record and will get you goals, probably better than taking a risk on an expensive foreign import.

  223. Mark King

    ree- I’d have no problem with Austin I think he’d bring us something different, I think he is as close to shearer as you can get today. 216 goals in 350 appearances, he seems to average 20 a season pretty consistently whatever league and seems far more robust than tekkers, good injury free record. him and someone similar to Jordan Ayew would give us some decent options along with Kosak and Gabby.

    DOR- I agree, If I see one more hopeful cross from bakuna it will be one too many. TS stated we wont play the same way this season lets hope he’s not talking BS.

    anyone wondering who the 7 he’s willing to sell are? especially when he only wants 4 in??

  225. Ree Khalid

    The 7 – possibly

    Cissokho
    Tonev
    Either Richardson or Bennet
    Herd
    Senderos?
    Nzogbia?
    Sanchez?
    Guzan?

    4 in:

    Amavi
    Gk?
    Winger – Philips/Sakho?
    Striker – Austin?
    Possibly a CM?

  226. Rags

    Afternoon,

    The 6:

    Senderos
    Cissoko
    Okore
    Bennett
    Herd
    Tonev

    7th could e either Guzan or Kozak

    On Benteke, I called the Man Yoo move months ago, should have put a few quid on it! I do think he could still go to Pool through, if anything the May Yoo interest has probably focred them to pay the buy out clause.

  227. Ree Khalid

    I dont think there will be a bidding war, as long as they meet the 32.5m clause he can talk to anyone, unless Villa made a clever move and put a clause in the contract where he could only speak to the higgest bidder if more than 1 trigger the clause. Doubt they would have tbh.

    Man U have forced the scousers into action. Given the choice there will only be 1 destination. Shame cos I dont really see Utd playing him so much, he will be back up for Rooney as the tweet says.

  229. Mark King

    Rags- Okore? if that lot go he needs to buy a backup defence 😉
    Kosak will stay especially if tekkers goes and I still think Guzan will be no1
    especially looking at the back up Keepers.

    Tonev has to go surely, Bennett has he travelled?, sissoko defo, richardson,
    senderos, Herd and maybe Mutton but not likely. zog a poss too.

  230. Mark King

    Ree- some of them are a bit strange though like “I didn’t know him last season”? did he know everyone else? perhaps BH is so big he missed sissoko too 🙂

  231. Ree Khalid

    I think he meant he didnt know his charachter Mark, didnt know if he could trust him in a big game occasion. So he went with Nzogbia who did well tbf.

  232. Ree Khalid

    I think we will face competition from Newcastle and possibly West Ham to sign Austin. Hopefully we can get it done though, I cant see many better options in the PL. We def need a replacement. Giving youth a chance is all good but they dont need that kind of burden.

  233. Mark King

    Ree- in that case to be fair he doesn’t know him this season either yet does he? 🙂

    I’m amazed Austin hasn’t been snapped up at £15m, maybe he’s a villa fan, not. I met a chap that knew him on a building site, the story is he was a bricky, the truth he was he is the bosses son who owned the firm.

  234. Ree Khalid

    No but he’s getting to know him personally on tour, he’s said as much. Gil possibly had moments of petulance that would have put Sherwood off during a relegation battle.

    As for Austin, looks like betting has been suspended on him joining Newcastle. Villa better get in there quick if we’re interested otherwise we will be in a dark place looking for a new striker.

  237. Jenny Truman

    Liverpool fans problem with Benteke must be because he’s come from a 17th finisher . He’s a world class striker and if they’d watched him then they wouldn’t be moaning .

  241. James Gill

    never has a club needed men in boardroom that know a bit about football our transfer dealings since mon walked
    IRELAND 7M WASTE OF SPACE

    MAKOUN 6M DISASTER LOST ABOUT 3/4M ON HIM
    BENT 18MGOOD FIRST YEAR
    SO A LOSS OF 28M ON YEAR ONE

    GIVEN 3.5M FEW GOOD GAMES BUT WHEN INCLUDE MASSIVE CONTRACT DISASTER
    HUTTON 4M O FOX WHY DID YOU GIVE NEW CONTRACT
    ZOG 9.5 /10 M DISASTER
    JENAS LOAN 30MINS FOR 1M WAGE
    SO A LOSS OF 18M FOR YEAR 2

    HOLMAN ON A FREE SO NO ODDS
    STEVENS IRISH LAD NO LOSS

    LAMBERTS REIGN
    GUZAN OK
    LOWTON LOST 2.5 M
    BENNET SEE A LOSS OF 2M COMING
    VLAR 3.5 PLASTIC RON POORVALUE
    BOWERY EVEN A SIGNING AT .5M LAMBERT LOST MONEY
    WESTWOOD OK
    KEA LOST ALMOST 2M
    BENTEKE ONE DIAMOND
    SYLLA NEVER PLEAGUE STANDARD
    SAY 10M WITH BENTEKE SALE TO COME

    OKORE STILL HOPING COME GOOD
    KOZAK DITTO
    BACUNA POUND FOR POUND BAR BENTEKE BEST VALUE SIGNING
    TONEV JOKE
    HELNIUS
    LUNA
    GRANT HOLT STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT HIM
    ON GRAND SCALE NOT WORST WINDOW

    SENDROSS JOKE
    COLE JOKE
    RICHARDSON JOKE
    SANCHEZ HAPPY ENOUGH WITH HIM
    SISSKO DITTO
    GIL HOPING CAN RESHOW EARLY FORM
    SINCLAIR DITTO
    CLEVERLY NEVER WANTED HIM 3 GOOD GAMES OUT OF 36/40 SAYS ENOUGH

  242. Mark King

    I thought TS was going to be upfront and man to man with the players? not according to Sylla

    “Yacouba Sylla has admitted after his move to Rennes that he never actually spoke to Tim Sherwood.”

    “I’m going to be frank: I didn’t receive any news from him. When I returned, I felt that I was not part of the manager’s plans. I did not have the chance to have a discussion about my future with him.”

  243. Mark King

    James our handling of signings and contracts has been abysmal and amateurish at best since Lerner appeared, the only difference is Mon spent more in a shorter time and picked up 3 reasonable players, downing, young and milner the rest were mostly losses and contract terminations. Lets hope this new sporting director from arse is switched on.

  244. southwestvillan

    Well it looks like it is going to happen CB to the red scouse I am not expecting a Delph type turn around which is upsetting because his goals have kept us in the premiership, what is more gutting is the thought of Adebayour coming in to fill his shirt, this might sound a bit crazy but what about a cheeky bid for Dzeko seeing as it looks more likely Austin is off to Newcastle.

    AVFC

  245. Mark King

    Jen- I think most fans only watch their own teams games plus a bit of MOD.
    if I’d seen benteke or any villa player in the FA final I’d draw the same conclusion but Benteke has been outstanding against liverpoo for 3 seasons now. They of all teams should see his worth, He’s not worse than Stirling that’s for sure.

  246. Mark King

    SWV- its like watching paint dry, all the striker links seem to be continental.
    I think TS is spreading his pot and a prem froward would be big bucks. that said I’m expecting to see goals from more areas this season and Kosak could fill benetekes role. Adebayour would be a poor choice on big money, cant see that one happening lazy journalism.

  248. Mark King

    Maybe Andrew but Here’s a reminder of what Kosak can bring. I think he’s livelier/more aware around the box than tekkers can score with head and feet and is a better team player, possibly more mobile too. nowhere near as physical so not a target man as such but he is brave and clever. takes a penalty too so has bottle. Lets hope he’s fully recovered, because with better players around him than his last outing and a different approach he will get goals I’m sure of it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIQy9Em2pQE

  251. Mark King

    By the way £24 for the pre-season games ain’t bad on AVTV £40 for the season . The new HD format is very good. 6.30pm kick off tonight against Braga

  253. Heroes-and-Villans

    Mark

    I like kozac, def has a goal in him.

    We are left with kozac, gabby, grealish, nzog, gill sinclair as attacking options. We need 2 strikers and a winger and goal scoring cam imo

  254. DarrenO

    Not too worried by the continental approach to signings, it may well be that the scouting structure we’ve needed is starting to kick in, identifying young talent who can not only improve our squad, win ratio and the style of football but as we are a selling club (much as it pains me) we’ll also either not lose our necks or make a handsome profit on a future sale. The approach is a lot better than young and English lower league, these are players playing in their own top division which can only help us.

    Big thank you to Benteke for goals that kept us in the Premier League. Very grateful for what you did for the club.

    Not sure who is driving your thought process in placing your career eggs in the bindipper basket as the Top 4 writes itself and beyond that teams will flatter to deceive, the Saints last year as example and certainly there are no gaurantees the bindippers will get beyond 5th ever, so you play for a team that may win more games but thats it. still no glory, still no medals.

    You’re not wanted by the fans or at least the internet warriors, and if the majority don’t want you now, you’ll have some job if you start off like Balotelli and end up like Borini, you’re already being touted as a Rodgers sack weapon, best of luck in your big house in Southport cos that’s all you’ll get from this.

    Heads up Lifers, we’ll have some quality players coming into the club on the back of the Benteke money and we’ll see the back of any relegation battle from now on. Can’t wait to see how our new first 11 will shape up, roll on August.

  256. runtings

    gonna hold fire on the thanks for everything tekkers post

    apperently pool have activated his release clause , so what is he doing in portugal with the lads still ?

    based of the fact he says he wants to play champs lge – t is clear he won’t get it there possibly ever

    as for villa . who knows whats around the corner , deal or no deal ? but we are definatly going for a higher calibre of players and it seems TS is being allowed to build his own sqaud

    dont be supprised if teks has no intention of joining pool

  257. Ree Khalid

    I liked the emotion Benteke showed – it was a sign that he hating losing not so much petulance as is the case with Balotelli. I think Kozak can score some goals for us, he seems the sort that can sniff out goals, just happens to be in the right place. He has scored a few important goals for us the few games he’s played, we havent seen how much he has to offer yet but I dont think he can match Benteke’s quality. Maybe 10-15 goals if given proper game time.

    The biggest loss in Benteke for me is that moment of magic we need at times to get that all important goal. That overhead against Norwich, the goals against Baggies, Chelsea and this season Utd and that hugely important free kick against QPR all spring to mind. All individually created and scored. We will be better this season and I believe we can replace (most) his goals but we will be missing that magic. Will Delph, Grealish or Gil provide it? Gabby has had some in the past.

  258. Ree Khalid

    If thats true Runtings its a huge boost for us and a huge blow for Liverpool! If he really wants to play Champions League and he’s happy with the way we’re playing under Sherwood it might make sense for him to stay another year. Esp with the Euros coming. How do you know he’s still in Portugal tho?

  259. Mark King

    Runtingz- I kinda feel the same but the wanting to leave previously and the comments linked with him and his agent doesn’t suggest he wants to stay.
    Part of me also wants to see what the money will bring and maybe a less one dimensional pattern of play. I do think Liverpoo would have to adapt more than manure to get the best out of him though. Young and Valencia would feed him all day. He may surprise us all and change his style.

    If he gets game time this evening it will say something maybe?

  260. Mark King

    Also did he not give his reason as wanting European footy not champs?

    Ree- his passion has got him sent off twice, don’t mind will to win but red mist not so good or silly petulance and naivety . wasn’t what I meant anyway, I think it can make him easily lead by his Agent.

    maybe it will allow Gil?Grealish to provide the magic and GG takes a better free-kick than anyone at VP

  263. Ree Khalid

    Id love Gards to succeed but atm his position is one we look strong in. Seems he adapted well to the CDM role at Forest being a big physical presence and intelligent in his reading of the game. But in that position we got Sanchez, Westwood and possibly Gueye – although I think Gueye might be more of a direct replacement to Cleverly. Maybe Gards will be more of a box to box player? All depends what formation Sherwood goes with tbh. Theres a good chance Westwood will be sold

  265. Mark King

    Must admit Ree Gards is the one player I would love see succeed, along with Grealish he’s Villa thru and thru. If he breaks through he would be our Stevie G and stay. Would hate to see him leave without a run in the team.

    Have watched him for a good while now he really is a player we should be putting in front of goal regularly. Sometimes wonder whether he could play No9 he’s 6’2″ ? pace is the only thing he hasn’t got for me.

  268. Ree Khalid

    I think we all have followed GG’s career. That article said he had 1 long term injury but he had another just after. He’s had 2 long term injuries keeping him the best part of a year out. And the timing of his returns didnt help being in relgation battle n all. But hes fully fit now, got some invaluable game time at Forest so we will see what happens this season. I dont think we need to strengthen that area of the pitch anymore.

    Runtings i bet the Delph thing is all rumours based off some random image that could have been of anybody really. How can he do a u-turn after him making his comments that he’s staying? The media really is hysterical at times.

  269. DarrenO

    is this someone causing mischief by posting a picture from the first time Delph went to citeh and the gullible press picking up on it as an EXCLUSIVE!!! so they can throw a huge bet on Delph staying and cash in, hold on, back in a second.

  270. Mark King

    ree- I know the article was in Mcleish’s time just shows how long he’s been out and how well thought of he was back then.

    wouldn’t surprise me if they are just looking for more money to be placed on him going got to be rubbish surely?

  271. Ree Khalid

    It unbelievable how many media sites have jumped on the story. Do they have any information we dont know about? So far it all seems based on one photograph which could be anything and the MEN reporters saying its back on. It all smells really fishy but everyone talking as if its all done and dusted.

  272. runtings

    that picture isnt delph 🙂 but the media are hell bent on selling viila’s most prized assets for us .

    it has been relentless since the end of the season with tekkers and now delph i in the mox

    it will take a big turnaround for the media to have anyb type of respect for aston villa

  273. Gareth Stevens

    Found this on Sky Sports:

    ‘There is a picture doing the rounds on social media apparently of Delph going for a medical and Manchester Evening News reporter James Robson has just tweeted: “Confirmed City move for Delph is back on”.
    We will keep you updated with this story when we hear more, but here’s what Delph said last week: “I’m not leaving. I’m staying at the football club and I can’t wait for the start of the Premier League season.”‘

    He’s staying and that’s that! Shocked at how this story has exploded and how many media sites have gotten on board… Idiots!!!!

  274. Mark King

    they were talking about it on talkshite and also said tekkers has had a medical this morning don’t know what to believe should be a law against this crap.

  276. Ree Khalid

    I have no clue whats going on. Judging by the image comparison with Sterling leaving the same building it looks to be a bigger person than Delph…. but with all the media reporting it is hard not to believe its true.

  277. DarrenO

    it was completed last week and he failed it, then he had a u-turn and decided to stay at Villa to save face, now some manc is having a laugh at the media and unfortunately our club is in the frame.

    Villa PR, work finishes at 5pm, still half an hour to speak to Delph or TS and get the truth out, clock is ticking, just imagine your jobs are on the line and you need to get a story out now. you can do it. it’s what you are paid to do.

  279. Ree Khalid

    This is a complete joke. Iv seen the sky footage and it is Delph.

    Fu(k this lying tw@t!!!!!!!!!

    How can you go back on your word in 1 week? Fu(k this sh!t I hate football these days. Villa are fu(ked……….

  280. DarrenO

    Ree, Villa aren’t fecked, Delph is a lying barsteward, in work so I can’t see sky sports but if Barry thought he was hated for moving to citeh, Delph ain’t seen nothing yet.

    Villa are bigger than Delph, Delph has another 9 years of football, Villa will be around forever.

  281. Ree Khalid

    Darren I know that but we’re losing our 2 best players. Everyone expected Benteke to leave eventually it was just a matter of time. When Delph came out and committed to Villa last week it was a massive relief – even if Benetek left at least we had someone to lead us into next season and I had faith in Delph. Now we’re fucked… we have no leaders. We dont have enough talent in the squad to get over losing out 2 best players. How can you replace that? Even if you bring in replacements they will need time to settle. Who’s gonna step up?

    Sherwood has a massive job on his hand. Its a relegation battle again.

  282. Ree Khalid

    I didnt hate Barry or Milner for leaving. Barry gave a lot of great service to the Villa. I didnt hate Young, he gave us an extra season. I dont hate Benteke, we always knew what the deal is ever since he handed in his transfer request years ago. Downing leaving left a sour taste in the mouth – even tho I wasnt concerned in footballing terms.

    Delph leaving in this manner is disgusting in the way he’s handled it but more importantly, it leaves us in the sh!t too. Just when it looked like we are showing signs of re-emerging as a club we get sh1tted on again. Im sick of this sh1t and Im sick of football with these players who only care about themselves!

  283. Rags

    False promises, broken dreams. All the excitement I had for the new season and seeing Gueye and Delph in the same team has gone.Thanks Fabian. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Benteke is going to Pool.

  284. Ree Khalid

    Im absolutely gutted. £30-40m to save Villa. Who the fuk do we buy? We need to replace Delph and Benteke with that money. How? We are not in the business of making big established stars – they cost too much. We will buy potentially good players, meaning we’re taking risks with our Prem status. This is a disaster. I hope Sherwood’s scouting is good cos it needs to be.

    Maybe some of the kids like GG can step up, maybe we need to buy a big potential star like Will Hughes. We need a midfield maestro to replace Delph.

  285. Rags

    Ree,

    The question is who would want to come after this PR disaster. Destro from Roma? Martial from Monaco? Not a chance. It will be adebayor and we’ll be told to be happy about it. I’ve never been this disenchanted with Aston Villa and Premier League Football the club represents.

  286. James Gill

    too get one stupid yank lerner unlucky to get a second FOX UNBELIEVABLE
    since fox has come to our great club players like COLE SENDROSS RICHARDSON HAVE SIGNED new contracts for GABBY HUTTON UNREAL PLUS LAMBERT UNREAL
    thensaid sacking lambert would nt help team
    gives delph new contract BUT PUTS IN 8M RELEASE CLAUSE WHAT A JOKE
    NOW WE HAVE LOST PROBABLY LOST GIVEN VLAR CLEVERLY PLUS DELPH BENTEKE FROM CUP FINAL REPLACED WITH bunn who richards almost asinjury prone as vlar and some unknown senagalese

  289. Rags

    Apparently season ticket sales have soared on the back of the Delph staying announcement. Anyone who has renewed/signed up should be allowed to take it back and be refunded in full. The people in charge of the club are an utter disgrace, why should the people continue to line their pockets? Clueless deceitful morons.

    Seriously though the fucking cheek of publishing this post on the website today, I’ll absolutely livid.

    http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4867219,00.html

  290. Frem

    Really thought we’d see good change at Villa this summer, but its getting worse

    3 weeks away. We are losing our best players, and have only bought 2

    Prepared ? Ha

  291. Mark King

    Apparently he told lerner yesterday, part of me thinks the worst part is the club feeding him bullshit lines but he’s a man and could say no, so he has now become my least favourite villa player of all time, a complete arse. Don’t mind a man having ambition but talking bullshine to endear himself is wrong. He could now be a laughing stock, he’s done “a delph ” will become urban slang. I hope Clarke breaks him in two next time we play the arse.

  292. Ree Khalid

    Damn right Rags its a PR disaster. The name of Aston Villa has been dragged thru mud today and its all down to Delph. What kind of man pledges his loyalty one week and turns his back the next? A man who deserves no respect.

    But money talks, not only for Delph but for whoever we attempt to sign. Trouble is we’re seen as a stepping stone now and its the same as most clubs in the prem. Money is truly killing the soul of the game

  293. Rags

    Tell you one thing Runtz, I’d be worried if I was Delph’s Missus that he’d leave me for a better looking richer and younger model just 6 days after getting married 😉

  295. James Gill

    delph will go down in history as one of most despised villa players ever after this week coming out saturday saying what he did ,downing yorke bossie hodge never stooped that low,
    but i never rated him and don t understand where he plays, poor tackler no goals assists and who is he going to keep outcity team silva nasri toure 2 fernandoes sterling navas
    plus hodgson going to be pretty happy delph ings picking up splinters on there arse all season sturridge as well

  296. Ree Khalid

    Funny thing is i expect Delph to start for Man City. Hes better than Fernando and Yaya aint an all round midfielder anymore. He will start. Buggest question is if he can keep up to the expectations. A few bad games and hes out. Sitting on the bench for an extended period of time. If he doesnt deliver they will just replace him in Jan or next summer. And after his words last week, bever have i wanted a player to fail so much

  297. Ree Khalid

    I just read his words saying ‘it was the hardest decision’ and bigging up the club and supporters. But its all hollow, his words have no worth. Saying he let his emotions get the better of him thats why he stayed. Whatever the reason, he said one thing and did the opposite. Hes not a man of his words so deserves no respect and I hope he fails miserably. He would have gotten more respect if he left last week. Then the person to blane would have been that IDIOT who put a release fee that low into his new contract. If that fee was £15m or even £12m we wouldnt be in this situation right now. As it is £8m is just loose change to the vultures

  298. Heroes-and-Villans

    We have seen better players leave than delph…..but the trouble is we are shite and he is one of our best players, throw in tekkers leaving and well, we are doomed.

    Sad day this is. Nothing to be excited about.

  299. Ian

    Ok guys. No more venting. Life isn’t fair but all the bile isn’t worth it. Forget about them. Our energies can be better spent on the players that villa have and are going to get. We need to be behind the team.

    Fcuk ’em

  300. bibulus

    Thats right Ian well said.
    Footballer in talking blox shocker – footballer in thinking he is better than he is shocker –
    Whatever happened to all of our heroes ?? Our clubs truly great players would simply laugh at the likes of todays football players.
    Long live the villa.

  301. Mark King

    Its a pisser people, instead of £58 mil we could of potentially got we have £40m to rebuild. considering ts wants rid of 7 I’d say we are in the shizer.
    watched the remaining heroes tonight first thought how did Gil not play in this team last season? it boggles the mind. second TS clearly see’s gabby as first choice, Kosak has yet to see the pitch with Gil. defo need 2 fullbacks
    GG and Westwood looked tidy together, Sinclair still looks lost but so does Robinson on that side, cue new fullback or left sided midfielder please. of the young lads calder and donecian had their moments but there is a lot of work to be done and little shape as yet

  302. Ian

    Mark, it’s still pre season. All that needs to be done is evaluate players. It’s going to look poor at times but it’s guys trying to get fit, fit in, and make some kind of connection with teammates

  304. Mark King

    Agreed Ian but most of these blokes know each other in training from last season. really would like to see Kosak on the pitch with Gil I think they will click. I thought TS would get his pattern of play drilled in early too but looks to be the same as last season. and with not long to go he is still accessing players, with no recognised spine that’s a big ask. I’d expect the next match to start with close to a first eleven.

  305. Mark King

    Ian what really riles me in this world of release clauses is how come our prize players release amounts became common Knowledge? surely a team should enquire first not get told and say thanks for that?

  306. Mark King

    My idea would be get rid of players agents for transfers, sponsorship fine but let the teams talk first and then the player is given a solicitor/agent for a set fee to talk terms/refuse etc. Not tout the player about like a cheap suit and stir up shit.

  307. Jenny Truman

    Evening all .
    The biggest surprise to me was when he did the u turn to stay . So no , I’m not surprised and oddly enough don’t feel any animosity towards Delph . Delph acting stupidly in pledging his future to AV when he signed the contract – and allowed himself to be usedike a puppet by the club – both times , first to deflect attention from Lambert and secondly, to revive season ticket sakes. I believe he genuinely did change his mind and yes he looks stupid but , I think he genuinely didn’t know which way to turn.
    As I said at the outset – his route away from AV was put in place when the 8m release clause was put in the contract . AV didn’t expect Delph to stay as they knew that anyone could meet the 8 million release . The most annoying aspect for me isn’t Delph’s three u turns , but the clubs comedy PR handling of this . Delph can be forgiven – his job is to play football – but Tom Fox’s role us to raise our profile and secure the best deals on players . He’s failed on both counts as we are the laughing stock in the media today – who is going to want to join this circus .

  308. Jenny Truman

    The release clause is for the player ‘a benefit . It allows them more freedom to move as it allows the player to terminate the relationship of the sum is met rather than the club having control . The players lawyer would be wanting the same fir their client as the agent . The club know that allowing a release clause, particularly one as low as Delph ‘a means one thing – they are free to go. You can’t blame Delph for keeping his options open .

  309. Ian

    I’m guessing the low buy out was to guarantee Delph’s services for the remainder of last season And to have some financial gain at this moment. All the gum flapping was to keep the masses happy. And if for some reason it was to boost ticket sales well maybe we should all move to the Baggies.
    The state of football is really in the toilet even the governing body is full of rot.
    Lots still want to be part of Villa but Villa have to be a little bit more astute and maybe pay up for weekly wages.

  310. Jenny Truman

    Delph was a good player for us , was one of the few recently who have his all. He hasn’t gone out to deceive IMO which is why the sheet outside VP with “Delph is a snake” is unfair. There was nothing snake like about what he did – he just changed his mind , which demonstrates that it really was a difficult decision for him to make . I bet he’s still in turmoil now . I wish him all the best as I think deep down he’s a decent bloke albeit naiive . This episode shows us , there is no loyalty in football and we are wrong to expect it . Where’s the loyalty when players fall out of favour or get out in the reserves . Clubs show them no loyalty so why should players in fve he short career pretend that it is anything more than paid employment . Because if we got offered a better deal by another employee I’m pretty sure we’d not hesitate in taking it . Players aren’t fans – as Michael Owen said , and that’s where we get it wrong .

  311. Jenny Truman

    That’s true Ian but the frenzy being whipped up by the media around Delph, his think he’d murdered someone – encouraging villa fans to hate him . He’s changed his mind that’s all . We have 40 mill plus to play with , this is where Tim Sherwood and Tom Fox can show their worth . I think the Adebeyor is a smoke screen fir who they are really pursuing . We may yet be pleasantly surprised .

  312. Ian

    Hey Jenny
    I’m on the same page as you regarding the media. The loyal ones are the fans and we expect the players to be of the same mind. Until the movement of players is fixed we will be witness to this twice a year. No one really benefits. The top teams with hollow victories and the rest left with nothing. It’s time to emulate North American leagues where teams have a good chance of starting the season on an even playing field

  313. Mark King

    I don’t agree jen, Delph has the right to leave as any human does except the Army/Navy etc. where its wrong is he has helped sell us a dream car then taken the £2000 pound extra media system out, its fraudulent and dishonest in my opinion and he is as guilty as the management as he is a man and should have some moral fiber at minimum. the whole changed his mind after seeing the fans reaction real or not is now 20 fold. The only thing he felt was cold feet not loyalty. The last season was his best the rest pretty ordinary or injured, hope the city bench is really uncomfortable. I’m sick of these liars declaring love for gain

  314. Mark King

    For the record I felt a savage loyalty to every team members I’ve ever played for be it 5 aside or an impromptu game in the park, I’m competitive but its also tribal in nature.
    Villa is more than that its putting a mark down and about community, I could not support another team if I tried, I can appreciate players, teams, etc but that loyalty is there for villa only. I’m sure there is a psychiatric label for this but that is how it is. Its time they stopped lying to us and themselves for gain IMO.

  320. Trinity

    I hear what you guys are saying. Delph does have a right to change his mind and move on.
    It’s disappointing, but it is what it is. He’s made the logical decision.
    He should have kept his mouth shut about Micah Richard’s advice. It was probably honest advice.
    If MR has a good season, he’ll soon move on to a bigger club, too.
    Villa needs to show a lot more ambition and win something then, more players will want to stay or come to Villa.

  322. runtings

    I am totally with you on the delph issue jen

    why would a player of his quality stay around for another year of struggle

    whwn he turned down cteh sherwood came out with ”I am shocked” The sale of the club is dead in the water” and sell to buy;;

    doesnt inspire me and i guess no players a villa will be inspired either unles it’s a youngster hoping to get first team football or one of our dinosors tht no other prem club would buy

    if we are looking at blaming someone for this situation then look no further than randy lerner

    the club has no goal no ambition and is a dead club walking going knowhere
    he always seems to duck away from all the bombs h has let of at the club and the fans keep getting burnt

  323. John Lerwill


    Jenny,

    I read of a guy who recently bought his son a ‘Delph’ Villa shirt for his son at a cost of £60 something. What does a Dad say to his son now?

    No, I’m appalled – because of that statement he made last week. He should have kept quiet and waited to see what happens rather than make a statement of that nature.

    Anyway, I’ve submitted a new article to Matt based on this latest development. As I don’t have system access facility we wait awhile.

  324. Mark King

    His leaving isn’t the issue its lying not once but twice, pure and simple, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. In his mind maybe he thought he was doing us a favor by giving us £8m…. well if he really thought he’s got what it takes why not say £15-£20m buyout? he’s an English International in his prime isn’t he? worth £25m some reckon. He held all the cards in Jan, He bullshited, and has left to kiss another clubs fans arse, considering the clubs recent problems we could well have done without the extra media attention. Maybe the non-sale swayed his loyalty I don’t care, words should mean something when you declare as he did, his didn’t.

    How come we are such a poor destination? we cant be any worse than 14 other clubs struggling to survive in the league as a destination surely? You can’t tell me all the others are planning to win the league? The changes being made are real and we are just starting to get up to speed after the MON rail crash and moving into the 21st century lets hope we can survive this set-back to move up a step.

  325. Trinity

    Mark
    It is a shame, isn’t it? I agree. After his first u-turn, he should have stayed.
    Professional sports, as you know, is all about the persuit of money, trophies and career advancement. Shame those usually trump loyalty and appreciation.

  326. Rags

    I’ve written a fairly long and potentially divisive piece and submitted it to F365. The main motivation for doing so was my disdain for the MYOLDMANSAID suggestion that we all burn our delph shirts before the game on November the 7th. If it doesn’t get published I’ll stick it on here.

  327. Matt Turvey

    Rags,

    If it doesn’t get published, email me via the contact form on here and I can publish it on AVL if you so desire.

    On that point, we are looking for more contributors so if you’d like to write for the site, please get in touch with me.

    PS Apologies for the absence – just got back from holiday and had spotty internet there so was unable to do much.

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