Money Talks & It Ain't A New Thing

There was I, spirits high following Delph’s ‘decision’ and not caring too much whether the great CB goes or stays. Then life’s reality cast its shadow over the life of this Villan. And – probably like everyone else – one or two expletives passed through my head, though I quickly re-assured myself that this – after all – is footie.

The fact that it was the club’s captain that has behaved such is much more of a worry, but perhaps it’s now totally accepted that money is the be-all and end-all of the game.

Of course, I remember players of 50 years ago and more that did live according to a fair degree of integrity – senior professionals like Johnny Dixon, Vic Crowe and Phil Woosnam, and even the then-young Micky Wright and Charlie Aitken could have up-sticks and gone to Liverpool, but they preferred to stay with Villa: even in the 60s, with no money to spend at the club. But also because it was the 60s, there was more room for player bargaining following the cancellation of the player’s maximum wage in 1961, and Tony Hateley, thinking he was going to make it ‘big’, insisted on a move to Chelsea for a then English record of £100,000. He was surplus to that club’s requirements within 12 months and in came Liverpool for him, but though he did make some kind of mark at Anfield, again he did not last too long there and the slide to lower clubs then became the stark reality for him.

The reality is that certain players have been all out for what they can get ever since pre-professional days (1885). The fact that players were having their pockets illegally lined was a major reason how professionalism came into effect, and our William McGregor was a main reason for it as he recognised that it was better for payment to players to be open and, further, that players should all have the opportunity of being paid. At a time when people in high places generally disliked the usage of ‘lucre’ (as they called it), that made McGregor’s advice even more astounding, and astonishing that the powers that be listened to what he had to say. At that time, McGregor was virtually unknown to the greater football world as a force for change.

But the desire for ‘more’ remained acute amongst the players. It resulted in the bizarre situation in 1899 when two Villa players earned 60% more than the club captain (John Devey), and yet Devey didn’t seem perturbed by that anomaly. In 1901, however, the maximum wage came into effect and remained in force for exactly another 60 years. Incidentally, until 1901 Villa had paid the highest wages.

Still players wanted to find things with which to fight their employers, and the great Villa player Howard Spencer (the ‘Prince of Full-backs’ and one-time England captain) withdrew his labour for some weeks pending a dispute with Villa at the turn of the 20th century. The Villa (being ‘top dog’ in the football world at that time) were also taken to the High Court by one of their lesser-known players (and his union) to fight the long-standing issue of the degree by which clubs held control over their players. But by 1909 the Villa were virtually part of the English Establishment, and won their case with little more than a wink at the judge.

Opposition to club management from within the Villa ranks didn’t stop there as the club’s later chairman Chris Buckley, then a fine centre-half, complained about his lack of takings at his benefit match (which coincided with the funeral of William McGregor – guess who got the most attendees!) and thereby had a dispute with the club that resulted in he not playing football for two years and was eventually sent packing to the fledgling Arsenal. I’ve often wondered whether Buckley came back to the Villa (to sit on the board) in order to get some kind of revenge. Though that may sound a harsh indictment, there are various stories of how the board were led to nowhere after he accepted the chairman’s job in 1955 – and the eventual ‘magnus relegatus’ in 1967. Buckley jumped ship a few months before.

Illegal payments remained rife in football, however, mainly because of the 1901 implementation of the maximum wage. Stories of ‘bonuses’ being found stuck in players boots, or games of billiards or snooker being fixed by the club chairman to let a valued player get ‘extra’, were very common over decades.

Since World War One, Villa have been mainly out of the running as one of the greats (1976-84 – and perhaps 1992-96 – excepting) and legal issues about players rights have been in the court of non-Villa players. George Eastham’s case ca. 1960 was the start of the modern tide, and for a long time now clubs have had to live by the Bosman Ruling.

So, in today’s world we appear to have to accept that virtually all players will go in the direction where there’s most financial opportunity. Will Delph (and others) have a crisis of conscience in later life, I wonder, when they blatantly do the reverse to what has been publicly stated. I can’t imagine Delph being welcomed back to Villa Park as a Manchester City player.

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This entry was published on July 18, 2015 / John Lerwill. Posted in Aston Villa Blog, Columns. Bookmark the permalink.

The Author

John Lerwill

I'm a Villan of more than 60 years standing and an occasional writer on Villa history. For me there is only one football club worth supporting, but I am now wondering whether I will again see anything like the pageant that was paraded under Ron Saunders or even that by Big Ron and Brian Little. My glass, however, is always half-full! Click here for my Villa website.

Comments 309

runtings July 18, 2015 at 11:53 am

Indeed JL its nothing new more like the new way and the only way to win the lge since it became the premier lge

as for villa – there is no way we are going to hold onto top players when we have owner with no game plan to improve each year and being possibly the worst run club in the lge

delph could have left for free and also wrestled wth his consience when it came to bettering himself even though we are complete shhhh

if Amavi signs my bet is hsc release clause will be activated within 18mths so don’t get too attached

staying up wll be an achievement again at this stage
B6toBrasil July 18, 2015 at 12:56 pm

Hello all,good writing ,as ever John.I saw the news at 10.30 this morning , just shrugged and moved on.My interest and love for football was hanging by a thread,it has long since broken.I still follow our beloved Villa though,but find myself reacting quite neutrally to this news .
Villa,Bindippers,Spurs,Southampton,Everton etc are simply the providers of players for Real,Man U.,Chavski and City.
Anyway I hope you are all in fine fettle.Enjoy the sun,the company of friends and enjoy life.Life goes on.Be Lucky.
Trinity July 18, 2015 at 1:33 pm

JL
Like to echo B6’s thoughts-well written!

We all need to move on and forget about Delph. He’s merely another professional footballer, who’s doing what most of them do sooner or later-leave for better money and a better chance to win trophies. If he wasn’t such a good player, he would have been sold like stock to a lesser club.
I think runtings’ advice not to get too attached is wise.
Professional footballers are like anybody else, they’ll pursue whatever makes them and their dearest the happiest.
B6 is right, life goes on. Smashing game of rugby tonight-Aussies beat South Africa in dying seconds in a fiercely fought match.
Ree Khalid July 18, 2015 at 2:38 pm

Still gutted about The way it all panned out. Like i said he would have had much more respect if he moved last week instead of comminting himself then going back on his word. But we move on.

Iv been thinking about life without Delph and Iv come to a couple conclusions. Delph leaving will allow us to change formation. He is best when 1 of 3 CM’s. This is where i think he could struggle at City as they usually have 2 one being Toure, ths other charged with defensive duties. Fernandinho is better suited to that role than Delph. If Pelligrini changes formation to a defensive minded 2 and pushes Toure on, thats still not his preferred role. He would lose some aspects of his game as a box to box.

Now with Delph leaving, it allows us to go with a defensive 2 formation, 4231, and we have 4 midfielders suited to that role in Sanchez, Gueye, Garda and Westwood. It means we can have 3 attacking midfielders to supply the front man.

I had a thought… We did really well with a two 10’s formation at the end of last yr, so much so that teams started copying us and we will see more of that this year. Why not go one more and make it a three 10’s formation? Traditionally the 4231 works really well cos the wide players in the 3 track back and are ready to break. The two 10’s worked well for us bcos we didnt set the false wide players, the 10’s, to track back we left that job to the wide CM’s, meaning they were in good positions betweeen the lines when we got the ball back and also saving energy to make runs later in the game. Why not replicate this but with three 10’s? Sure it puts a lot of pressure on the 2 CM’s to do their job but they will be specialised holding players. The three 10’s will surely create a whole bunch of chances for our strikers whover it is.

That being said we need new signings. My top targets would be:

1. Charlie Austin
2. Leroy Fer
3. Will Hughes
4. Matt Philips
5. Sakho

Fer would be great as one of those 10’s eap with hus longshots. Id love to see a three 10’s line up of Grealish, Fer ans Gil. I think they would cause the opposition all sorts or peoblems. That and buying a clinical striker is where we will score our goals.

I put some wingers in there cos i do think we need a plan B when it doesnt work.

We need to put Delph where he belongs, in the past and move on to better things. There are better players out there which may suit our team more in terms of system in the long run.
John Lerwill July 18, 2015 at 2:46 pm

Hello Fellers and Felleresses,

Yes, moving on from Delph (and CB) is the only appropriate course i.m.o., but it would seem that we also have to move on from the idea that there might be any integrity left in football.

We seem to have to accept it as it is … a perverse evolution from ‘muscular Christianity’ into a commercial blind alley where what is said is never to be taken seriously. Mind you, what is happening in other parts of society is often not so very different, especially as politics seems to create a totally new dictionary for itself.

Still, I enjoyed a programme today about Peter Allis and his wizardry as a commentator/raconteur. The likes of him and others a bit like him (like Ron Atkinson) will be sorely missed when they’re gone.
John Lerwill July 18, 2015 at 2:52 pm

Ree,

The notion of “two number 10s” amuses me a bit as once-upon-a-time we had things called ‘inside-forwards’, that were numbered 8 and 10!

Anyhow, apart from that I think we have every right to start believing that we may well have a fine midfield this coming season, and that Delph (and particularly not Cleverley) will not be missed at all.

So as that bit is pretty well sorted and some tinkering with the defence as well, it seems to me that another striker will be the only position left of great concern, plus Zoggy to be replaced by someone who offers more.
Mark King July 18, 2015 at 8:00 pm

Thanks John lovely article,
Bibulus said where have all the heroes gone? I agree, men of principle have gone, in sport, in politics and general society. The forces is where we seem to waste those with any backbone theses days.
Delphs rhetoric is taken as a man in turmoil, someone who pledged his future because he thinks its the right and proper thing to do. Meanwhile a carefully placed release clause reveals the truth, he was off whatever. I believe man city’s pursuit of Pogba put the wind up him and he wanted insurance he will play for his England career. The added its Richard’s fault for telling me city are wonderful that really shows his colours, The whole thing saddens me in a way I didn’t expect it to but what’s done’s done.

Time to put this latest episode to bed, If we are going to show our feelings the entire villa crowd turning their backs when he comes to villa would be suffice I think. Many think he’s been a good servant to the club, he hasn’t, he’s been a well paid employee I’d rather clap the Tea lady.

I’m praying everyone and his dog bids for Benteke as £60m could take us a long way and god knows we will need it and soon. Things work out in strange ways sometimes I hope this is one.
John Lerwill July 18, 2015 at 8:25 pm

Mark,

The fact that Delph is giving his excuses (not to be taken as reasons) for leaving underlines to me that he has no connection whatsoever with the supporters. Shooting off statements seems to be a task to be done (as far as he is concerned) rather than a genuine communication.

But as most of us seem to be saying, let’s just accept that this nonsense is the reality and let’s enjoy the football.

I have a hunch that a month into the new season we’ll be enjoying it sufficiently to forget this incident. We already have some decent new players on board and we’ll do OK i.m.o.
Mark King July 18, 2015 at 9:54 pm

I hope so John before they separate the head from the body
Tony H July 18, 2015 at 10:11 pm

A few thoughts:
– Being Villa continues to be tough but the highs are all the better for having been through bad times.

– Delph is right to go to City. He has to back himself and hope he can win trophies. I’m glad he did what he did for us – it’s a shame that this great club is the cuckhold in a bad PR story but I’ll forget that soon enough. I hope he doesn’t spend his time on the bench and gets on well. I resent City oil money distorting an already uneven field more than I do a player wanting to get on.

– We’re taking players from lesser down the food chain. Genk didn’t want to lose Benteke. We were safe for three seasons thanks to him and now net £20m – the transfer market need not always screw us over – we just need to learn to do it better. The French didn’t want to lose Amavi – let’s hope he does a job for us.

– I’m pretty jaded about negative stories. Really sick of it and think I’ll just ignore blogs, newspapers and everything. The click bait is making mugs out of all of us and it’s becoming too much to be passive about. I might just watch games when we’re back.

– The comments on Gil staying and getting game time are more positive to me than Delph leaving is negative. I’m pretty sure we have a £20m player there for £3m. We just need to push him over the line.

– It’s reasonable to hope (but not assume) Libor Kozak is a 15 goal a season striker in a mid-table team. That’s not too far shy of Benteke. We just have to have a full season with him with the like of Grealish and Gil getting clever balls to his feet and chipping to his head in the final third.

– Richards, Okore, Clarke and Baker should be able to cover two centre half positions credibly for a season and only Okore cost money (about £4m). We can do without Vlaar whom I like but he’s a sicknote.

– Looking at our squad (as it is today) – I can’t be too positive about how we’ll do but I can be hopeful. That’s all.
Mark King July 18, 2015 at 10:21 pm

All true Tony but doesn’t it get on your wick to be treated like idiots

what richard keys fails to grasp in this article is Fabien Delph had no reason to make those statements, he could of walked on a free before and had onlt to mention £8m in the second instance he didn’t, he said what he said of his own volition nobody twisted his arm.

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/18/richard-keys-reacts-to-delphs-city-move-explains-why-its-villas/?
Andrew P July 19, 2015 at 9:14 am

Morning people.

JL, players have always been willing to move for more money, but I think what has changed is the willingness of players to jeopardise their football careers to sign for a Champions League club. The whole thing has been skewed by TV money and overseas investment to the extent that sitting on the bench at Man City or Chelsea is more attractive than for playing for Villa or Stoke or even Liverpool every week.

Previously players who moved on did so in the expectation that they would play football regularly, now all that seems to matter is being part of that Champions League circus.

Delph at least has got an opportunity to establish himself as a first team regular – but don’t hold your breath – whereas Asmir Begovic has effectively retired from first team football.

I read yesterday that Villa had offered the snake £80k a week – that’s £20 million over the next 5 years! Stoke weren’t paying Begovic buttons either. These blokes are already millionaires and for the life of me I can’t understand why playing football regularly would be so less important than accumulating more money than they will ever need in their lifetimes.
Andrew P July 19, 2015 at 9:17 am

Somebody needs to have a word with that cock Micah Richards as well, and explain that generally how it works is that when you sign for a new club you spend the next couple of weeks talking up your new club, teammates and supporters, not telling everyone who will listen what a fantastic club you’ve just left behind.
Andrew P July 19, 2015 at 9:25 am

Bibulus, where have all the heroes gone? They’re all sitting on the bench at Chelsea and City.

Micah Richards and all the other fans of that massive club in their borrowed stadium in Manchester, just how long ago was it when their idea of a good player was Shaun Goater and the pinnacle of their ambitions was beating Gillingham on in a Division 2 play-off final on penalties?
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 9:32 am

not a bad analysis of the position

http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2015/7/19/8997739/aston-villa-fabian-delph-manchester-city-transfer-news-analysis
Frem July 19, 2015 at 10:58 am

Oh dear

We just can’t get out of this mess can we. We’ve been in it for 5 years and we will be in it again this season

we need to replace our two best players, as well as improve the sqaud. No point in just replacing them because that just means we will finish 17 th again

I’d take Ady and Remy to replace Benteke. We ned another CM, CAM, RB and GK as well

Randy better spend another 40/50 mill on top of we have already spent
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 12:19 pm

I think the delph and benteke money plus any gathered from sales plus whatever Lerner was prepared to provide could see us reinvest £70 mil potentially. spent wisely we will not be awful, spent badly and we are down. Sometimes when a teams best or better players leave others step out of the shadows. Look at Clarkes emergence when the senior players were injured, maybe when the responsibility falls some will rise some will wilt but I think the likes grealish, Gardner, Calder are of a good age and eyeing those big pay offs too. I like the look of Calder has got something about him and is worth a watch.
runtings July 19, 2015 at 12:29 pm

well JL’s headline couldnt be more relivent
we are losing two top playera but will now take top players of the clubs less fortunate than us

tekkers to the bindippers is a horrible thought but they will be s stepping stone as we all know he is desperate to ply camps lge but no one wants him in that bracket strangly

delph shirts salessoared after his big speech and he should giv a refund for every childs shirt brought after his pledge
i like tims biz so far and if he can get a side together that represent hs ethics we could see improvement
there is more than one way to skin a cat – steamers – i know we are the worst run club and a bit of a joke but your club still needs you
runtings July 19, 2015 at 12:41 pm

nce to aee your post Brazil
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 12:46 pm

Vlaar injured again bullet dodged

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33585395

runtingz I think there’s always been a natural progression but now there is a ceiling on who is going to win or get top 4 on the whole which is totally money driven. TV money will improve the general quality of the players in every team you would think or teams from outside the prem will hold out for massively expensive fee’s while trading at a different level among themselves.
runtings July 19, 2015 at 12:56 pm

Totally agree Mark

one again villa get the oppertunity to bring in owners that are capable and determind to compete for honors and screw it up

couldnt dream up this stuff
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 12:57 pm

http://vilr.tumblr.com/post/124397630571/fabian-delph-deceit-greed-aplenty-as-captain
Andrew P July 19, 2015 at 1:55 pm

Mark, Runtingz, I don’t think that massive amounts of TV money have improved the quality of the Premiership outside the top 4 or 5 teams. There has always been a football food chain but the way in which the richest teams now hoover up the best players from ‘rival’ sides to pad out their 7 substitute slots is something completely new.
Costa del Kieran July 19, 2015 at 2:00 pm

It might be a bit childish but I would love nothing more next season than to see Clarke clatter Delph with one of his crunching takles. Clarke for Captain!!!
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 2:24 pm

Andrew P yes mate but the rest of the prem has to pay more for what’s left or take a punt on hopefuls, who else is going to produce the top 4’s team for them.

Costa- you read my mind

Apparently Guzan up for sale at £3m

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3167055/Brad-Guzan-available-3m-mass-exodus-Aston-Villa-continues.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 2:45 pm

Amavi

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-fans-rivals-react-9686929?
James Gill July 19, 2015 at 3:14 pm

man city have spent 160m since last summer,delph will be lucky to get on bench come november him and ings away to pool will live to regret come next summer when roy gives them the heave ho
Ree Khalid July 19, 2015 at 4:54 pm

I think it’s a very good point made by Tony and the pecking order of football. We’re higher up the money chain than the likes of Genk and Nice so we can take their best players. We can’t be too disheartened at players moving to clubs with bigger wallets than ourselves.

However the point that stinks abut the Delph situation is he spoke about loyalty then gave his word to stay at the club after the first approach, to then turn your backs on the fans who idolised you even more because of that statement is a something hard to forgive. No one could have begrudged him the move if it happened last week imo, despite his words of loyalty when he signed the contract.

Incidentally, that figure of £8m was insisted by Delph and/or hs agent. The words of loyalty are hollow when you consider how low that figure is. Still think the negotiator on our side was useless not being able to get that figure up to 12 or 15m. Always thought it was a bit funny when he said at the time ‘it wouldn’t have sat right with him leaving for nothing’. It sits right leaving for peanuts then does it?

Also funny how Delph’s form is general had been dire up to that point. He really stepped it up after to ensure he’s worth that £8m right… The guy was a snake before we just didn’t know it until now.
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 5:32 pm

Ree im guessing a low figure means he’ll earn himself a bigger wage and bigger signing on fee.
I think the 8 mil was a bottle job too as I dont think he thought somene would bother for £20m if we were in the champs. Once more the england curse comes a knocking close to a 100% players moved once in an england camp in the prem
Rags July 19, 2015 at 7:21 pm

Would really appreciate some feedback on my argument with MOMS on the plan to hold a bonfire with delph shirts before the match on the 7th of November. I think it will portray our fan base in an extremely bad light but maybe I’m wrong. See comments section once you’ve read the article.

http://www.myoldmansaid.com/new-plans-for-bonfire-night-after-fabian-delph-moves-to-manchester-city/#comment-5799
John Lerwill July 19, 2015 at 7:24 pm

Delph

Wasn’t it simply a case of Delph being able to leave without any fee for Villa at all this summer at the end of his existing contract?

In other words, we got £8m more than we thought we’d get before Villa got Delph to sign a new contract.
Heroes-and-Villans July 19, 2015 at 8:00 pm

I have forgotten about delph now, average player can be easily replaced. No need for the bonfire thing….stupid idea. Hurt him more if he thinks we dont care about him and ignore him.

Happy with reports want a new gk. id like a rb, gk, cm, cam/ winger and 2 strikers.

Its no big drama we are losing delph, tekkers, the whole squad needs revamping after years of struggle.

Looking forward to additions now
Heroes-and-Villans July 19, 2015 at 8:01 pm

Would be very happy withe ade….only be with us on a sensible contract so no dramas there.

Surly must be in for austin though!?
Rags July 19, 2015 at 8:09 pm

Andrew,

Agreed if Ade comes on a 2 year contract and a free I’ve no qualms
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 9:09 pm

Jl yes he was up for a free but he signed a 41/2 year contract and proclaimed he was in for the long run and put in the 8mil clause so straight up bull. Ok its 8 mil we might not have but but the gall is staggering
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 9:13 pm

Ade not for me.

Rags suggest a mass turning of backs for a minute and silence instead of this burning crap
Mark King July 19, 2015 at 9:33 pm

Rags we could all take a white feather to villa park when he turns up. After the film the 3 feathers, personaly id just ignore him
Heroes-and-Villans July 19, 2015 at 9:49 pm

I wonder when the window shuts how much money we willspend.

Wage bill ok now. Sold tekkers and delph…40 mill plus lowton etc is 45 mill ish.

Spent 18 ish so far. And need at least 4 players.
Rags July 19, 2015 at 10:12 pm

I’ve no issue with protesting inside the ground as long as it doesn’t get ugly and chanting as long as its not racist. I just find the burning effigies thing could be the thin end of the wedge.
Heroes-and-Villans July 19, 2015 at 10:47 pm

Gabby scored 6 last season….im surprised it was that many. Tim banter:)

Got him to slim down too…..allaluya someone who knows what there doing
Andrew P July 20, 2015 at 10:19 am

Morning people. Don’t know if this means anything but….

“Aston Villa have been backed from as big as 16/1 in to odds-on favourites to snap up Charlie Austin this summer.”

I’m not sure if that would be instead of or as well as Adebayor. I would definitely take a front 2 of Austin plus one over Benteke and Agbonlahor. Interesting times.

B6toBrasil, good to see you back yesterday, but I was waiting for your trademark “if you want loyalty, get a dog”.
Rags July 20, 2015 at 10:37 am

My mail got published on Football365 if anyone is interested.

http://www.football365.com/mailbox/9918629/Oh-Delph-You-ve-Broken-My-Delicate-Heart
Rags July 20, 2015 at 10:42 am

Andrew,

The more I think about it the more I think we’ll get Adebayor. He fits the ‘winner’ criteria, he knows Sherwood and Sherwood likes him. There’s positives and negatives IMO.

Positive
Good stop gap if right player isn’t available right now or we can’t attract the right quality of player.
Decent goal scoring record
Proven in the prem

Negatives
Not worth on high wages, especially if given long term deal (I’d be in favour but only on a 2 year deal).
Potentially disruptive
Poor recent goal ratio
southwestvillan July 20, 2015 at 10:53 am

John nice write up but I have to agree with B62B, my love for the game disappeared years ago, we have seen Barry,Downing,Milner, Young,Delph,Benteke all jump from the good ship AVFC I have probably missed some out and don”t worry there will be plenty more going the same way, I cannot be bothered with it all anymore the Sterling saga tells you everything you need to know about todays footballers.
I still follow my club and that love for Aston Villa will always be there especially after everything we have been through over the last 50 years, but the modern day game is total crap and I for one can live without it, I only keep my two sky sport channels because I like to watch rugby league other than that I would quite happily cancel my subscription.

TS has got one hell of a job keeping this lot up next season, I wish him all the luck in the world because god knows he will need it.

AVFC
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 10:56 am

Nice one Rags, still think Delph held all the cards and the decision was his alone to make. Advise him all you like but he didn’t have to do a thing. No other Villa player in my memory with the exception of Downing maybe has made so bold a statement twice, given his word no less. Vlaar and Benteke have been pretty much up front and this is some questions put to Gueye and his responses. If Loyalty no longer exists then this is how I like the truth served up.

http://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2015/idrissa-gueye-i-needed-a-change-of-scenery/?
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 11:01 am

andrew i’m hoping the £40m will be used as well as the £20m spent plus the any brought in from sales.
Rags July 20, 2015 at 11:10 am

Thanks Mark,

Don’t get me wrong I’m not too happy with Delph either! I just think it’s the club’s responsibility to protect the interests of the fans. I can’t believe that he didn’t consult with senior club reps before making either decision and if they have the interest of the fans at heart they should have vetoed it. They did so as it was in the financial interest of the club and this was the higher priority. In my job I represent the uni I work for but I’m new to academia and a bit wet behind the ears so I’ll get advice from my Prof on what to disclose to external stakeholders, co-funders etc… Quite often I get told don’t say this or that as I tend to say what I think at all times.
bibulus July 20, 2015 at 11:11 am

A week in football is a very long time.
Three weeks from the start of the season so lets just keep the powder dry and see what Wurzel can fashion out of this fudge up of a club right now.
To my mind Austin is a trade up on benteke – better goal:game ratio, less injury prone and still a decent size to be a target.
The two French kids we have signed would be seen as top top signings if they had gone to a Larndan club.
Still praying for a decent keeper from somewhere.
Adebyor – Just NO, please no – lets keep the fruit loops in the board room at Villa.
Rags July 20, 2015 at 11:12 am

Great interview, thanks for the link Mark.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 11:19 am

Rags- We are all looking at the hierarchy at villa and are asking how did you let/make this happen? maybe they were taken in as much as we have been, maybe Delph has some psychological issues 😉 I’m surprised he’s gone to Australia with his wife heavily pregnant, the reason given for his Portugal absence. I think the management were on a hiding to nothing and were out to appease Delph in an attempt to keep him.

on the up side Amavi will light that left side up and take some of delphs duties off the midfield. never thought Delph gelled with the fullback or sinclair bit of a lone wolf at times.

http://thesetpieces.com/features/first-look-jordan-amavi/?
Rags July 20, 2015 at 11:23 am

Yeah you’re right mate, it stinks a bit does that if true I mean do we know she hasn’t given birth yet? True enough, ever since Bouma we’ve need a left sided midfielder Barry/Delph to do the left back job too!
Andrew P July 20, 2015 at 11:34 am

MK, me too on the spending, but don’t hold your breath.

Bibulus, agree about Austin and Adebayor. With Austin you you know exactly what you’re getting. Sherwood seems to think he can get the best out of Adebayor because he did it before but for me it’s chancy and at £100k a week I wouldn’t want that gamble.

Last word from me on Delph is that in life, in football, in everything, I like to take everyone at their word, and I’ve got unlimited admiration and respect for people who do the right thing, which is usually not the same as doing the most instantly gratifying thing or the most rewarding thing.

Delph on many occasions portrayed himself as such a man: “I’m a loyal person and this will show everyone the type of person I am” and all of that bollocks. Don’t talk the talk and then wriggle like a worm. It’s embarrassing, dishonest and distasteful.

I agree with all of the other miserable old gits on here – good morning SWV – modern football is shit and Aston Villa-light are a shadow of the football club we grew up supporting, but that’s what we’ve got. Key word here though is “loyalty”. I renewed my season ticket before we beat Spurs last season and I can’t wait to get down there again if only to abuse Dog Shit Hutton. Who’s going to Walsall on Saturday? Up the Villa!
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 12:20 pm

One thing looks for certain 433 is the formation of choice for tim. it can work well but looking at our squad we will struggle to squeeze are best players in

up top Sinclair/robinson gabby?/Kosak/newboys/ zoggy/Gil?

middle Grealish? westy/GG/Sanchez/Calder? Gueye

defence Amavi Clarke/baker Richards Mutton/bakuna?

keeper Guzan/Bum???

If a decent replacement for benteke comes in there and ade that’s four players for one spot up top, nice to have options but how do you keep them happy/fit? some can play a few roles but the final 11? anyone’s guess.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 12:24 pm

that said a 3232 is possible using amavi and bakuna as wing back/ wide mid the hard bit is getting Gil and grealish on the pitch together.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 12:54 pm

TS on gabby and kosak

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4875363,00.html
southwestvillan July 20, 2015 at 1:03 pm

The best bet to go down this year may well be Aston Villa. Based on the stats, teams that finish 17th the year before are already in trouble, and that’s before you throw in Villa’s recent outgoings. Andreas Wiemann (Derby), Tom Cleverley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Man City) and more than likely Christian Benteke (Liverpool) have all jumped ship, meaning that of their measly 31 goal tally last year, 19 of them have disappeared.

The signing of Micah Richards is hardly going to fill fans with much confidence either…

Their odds of going down are 11/4, implying that there is a 26.7 per cent chance of Villa being relegated. We’d suggest those chances may be even higher, and the FA Cup finalists are well worth a punt to be playing in football’s second tier in 12 months time.

Oh Dear !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AVFC
DarrenO July 20, 2015 at 1:05 pm

Just to add my two cents, my facebook page was full of expletives on Friday, any Aston Villa group page i was a member of got my two cents as well in full colour. Today, the reality is Delph is gone and becomes a story for the next history book, Villa will still be around forever

There are a few of really bad things about what happened that i’d like to call out

1. The provision of another reason to hate modern football where the prerequisite of achieving success is determined by the bank account
2. My club not being in the frame for success and won’t be for some time if ever. We are a big club being run as a small time operation.
3. Villa PR’s incompetence in the situation in allowing Delph to issue statements, if he’d said nothing of loyalty, we’d be all the better for it.
4. Villa mgmt for allowing us to get into a situation of a winding down contract that Delph held the upperhand and meant an 8m release clause. Release clauses if planned correctly are there to prevent interest not encourage it, Villa mgmt are inept.

Whats being done to address, a sporting director, an absent landlord with no clear agenda, a manager losing his best (Benteke) or influential (Delph) talent and talking up Gabby as having a better season ahead. Sorry but i’m losing interest fast. Every game for me is an away game, travel costs/ hotel/ ticket/ food/ drink all add up. It even pisses me off that the extra 1.2m coming back into the club is being asked to go to away support, oh to be in a position to even get a ticket for an away game. I’m not sure how much longer I want to pay a few hundred quid for one game.

Almost finally, Gueye is looking to use us as a stepping stone to a bigger club, once again while under Villa PR mgmt, all questions and responses should be vetted before release, it doesn’t make it untrue but i’d prefer to have my blind faith for AVFC massaged by comments like – I’ve come to a big club and I can’t wait to stake my claim as a future Aston Villa great.

Said it before, now more than ever, Lerner needs to come good for Villa and invest in playing staff, he won’t be remembered for an hotel or training ground if we get relegated, Right got all that off my chest Have a great day Lifers.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 1:38 pm

SWV all true mate but most of the goals coming under TS in a third of the season, no Kosak, Gil, and sinclair a bit part. New players look decent and I for one was getting a little sick of the route one to benteke by the end of the season. It might all go Pete tong or we might do as Southampton did and surprise a few after losing half a team, It is possible. We have lost a lot of players that haven’t got us any higher in 3 years I’m beginning to come around to that fact, hopefully we are losing the losers but this is the Villa 🙂

Dor we have employed Arsenals sports director have we not?

I actually think they are getting organised, the austerity to comply to FFP was brutal but seems to have got us there by hook or by crook. With the new German director there should be a marked improvement in contract negotiation etc and someone to give us direction. If not we have cocked up again. The level of player coming in seems to have improved too and while I’m under no illusion that some will be off pretty soon at least its the honest truth, I can deal with that while we crawl from the shit and get a new owner.

£20mil already spent hopefully we will reinvest the sale money too which TS has indicated will be the way. from Lerners point of view £60m well spent should reap maybe 3 times that if they all go benteke and the contracts are tight. Maybe equalling the cost of the club. As always its the wage we can’t afford, the £20m will cost us £4m a year over 5 years the wage bill £54-£70 odd mil every year. the £40 mil is a free shot to get our heads above water in the top 10.

By the way Everton are being touted to end up out of the top 10 this year.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 1:50 pm

Just a thought, Milner playing central for liverpoo and scoring in 2 games so far, could it be he ends up nabbing Delphs England place with a full season in the middle? you have to say he will get more goals than delph at city and could be England’s Gerrard replacement/dummy.
Trinity July 20, 2015 at 1:55 pm

Mark

That would be poetic justice. That really could happen.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Trinity- this article both bigs Delph up but then also says he may be overawed by the task. Judging by the player I see for England that’s a distinct possibility.

http://www.squawka.com/news/why-fabian-delph-is-anything-but-man-citys-next-sinclair/416297?
DarrenO July 20, 2015 at 2:07 pm

Hi Mark

My point around the sports director is that it has happened too late, given Lerners limitations, this should have been a day one appointment and how many other contracts not that we have two many jewels left also have very poor terms and conditions from a Villa perspective.

Just an example of how badly run this club has been. It may be one of the reasons why we are buying from Europe because too many people talk within English football (agents/players) and we are seen as a poison chalice.
runtings July 20, 2015 at 2:14 pm

Does anyone else think it is strange that the takeover talk at the baggies has been pretty much non excistant for a while now
hoping the chinese have pulled out to come back for there first choice aston villa
Rags July 20, 2015 at 3:02 pm

http://www.football365.com/mailbox/9918929/Mailbox

Some feedback for the bindipper’s I wound up.

I guess people got bored half way through and stopped reading, or I’m just a crap writer, or both given the response. The point of the mail was to suggest that having a Delph bonfire won’t actually achieve anything, and that despite being a bit upset about Delph leaving, the blame should be laid squarely at the door of the people upstairs.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 3:11 pm

DOR
I’ve no doubt we have been badly run but I cant see that as a deterrent for a player wanting to get pitch time with an improved wage joining us. Its a myth surely about the contracts? under MON they were 5 Year on big money, under Lambert and FFP it had to be trimmed. The main problem was missing the boat to pay for it as so many did with worse consequence than ours. When you are dealing in lower wage land I expect concessions were made. As for Delphs contract being allowed to run down do we know this wasn’t the players choice?Two sides to every story and all that.

Sports director seem to be a fairly recent thing and I suspect looked at as an extra cost till now. At least now we have one.

Runtingz I’ve come to the conclusion we will know when they want us to.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 3:26 pm

To be honest its only delph who’s got the silly low get out isn’t it?
The others were on such a good thing they may never leave crap club or not. I think the blame is not entirely Lerners bar naivety, just some very Average buys by MON which crippled us at 90% wages to turnover. Yes he was a mug but he did cough up and nobody has ever called abramovich a football genius.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 3:34 pm

while I’m at it the comments by Gueye seem typical of African players in general. They don’t see the problem with total honesty 🙂 consequently the fans get rubbed up the wrong way, pinch of salt is required

http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7519154
Heroes-and-Villans July 20, 2015 at 3:41 pm

I say get rid of all the buggers, welcome players leaving.

We got the sporting director now, fox, ts and a better kit….as long as learner stays over the pond and rights the cheques who cares if he is here or not.

Delph has us over a barrell, of course he demanded it else walk for free this summer. Its the loyalty speeches that sicken me.

Mark

I heard we would set up 4411.

Be intersting to see what we do in the pre seasons now as i have no idea how we will set up.
Heroes-and-Villans July 20, 2015 at 3:47 pm

Apparently Austin has dodgy knees.

Id like a 4231 formation

Think its uses Sinclair, Grealish, Gill, Nzog better
Heroes-and-Villans July 20, 2015 at 3:51 pm

No probs going down the Saints, swans route and getting used as stepping stone. Least we get to see good players for a few years!!
DarrenO July 20, 2015 at 3:51 pm

There was no need for Abramovich to be a football genius, just he employed highly successful managers buying players at the Chelsea level, no FFP to consider, just solid investment from an individual who wasn’t using the family fund to buy/invest in a club, even at MON’s height we wouldn’t have been going after the same level of player.

We got as far as Young and Milner and later got lucky with Benteke, there was no planning, no control in what MON was doing so the blame has to be between Lerner and MON and more so Lerner because he could have said no sooner or realised that he had no concept of what MON was doing, naivety is no excuse in running any business.
Graham O'Gara July 20, 2015 at 4:07 pm

Several tweets flying about about Benteke’s medical and the stumbling blocks its ran in too… some say he’s failed it completely others say that its touch and go and the final say will be with Rodgers…
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 4:31 pm

DOR who sounded out MON? Ellis. Lerner just didn’t have Abramovichs money family or not and maybe Chelsea had a better set up with Bates there previous. How many truly world class managers have we ever had?
We all know lerner was a novice, MON wasn’t and the Manc city deal fucked us too. Maybe Lerner is the most unlucky billionaire in the world 😉

GOG – I hope it on TBH would rather see fresh blood
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 4:37 pm

DOR- Said it before but Wilkins experience is key for us this season. probably the best qualified no2 we’ve ever had (queue onslaught)
B62 Villa July 20, 2015 at 5:20 pm

Well the mass exodus continues, fans are rightly questioning the ambition of the football club and its owner. We look to be rushing headlong into yet another relegation battle, the bookies have us one of the favourites to go down, I have to say I agree with them. A poor squad which creates very little or score goals has been ripped apart, so now we have to replace all the better outgoings and try to improve in other areas all with under 3 weeks to go until the new season starts. If Adeybayor is the answer I don’t know what the fucking question is!!!!
We still need a MF, RB, ST x2 and prob a GK, that little lot will prob cost in the region of £55-£60m, I have no faith we will spend anything like that amount or get the quality players we require, if we don’t we will need a miracle to stay up
John Lerwill July 20, 2015 at 7:15 pm

B62: “We still need a MF, RB, ST x2 and prob a GK”

Sorry, I don’t follow this at all.

MF we have pretty well sorted i.m.o. The latest signing plus Westwood (yes, I like him), Gardner, Gil, Grealish and there’s always Zoggy to cover.

The RB position perhaps as well (Richards, assuming Okore and Clark as c-bs).

STs? – well I think we are partly there in Kozak and slimline Gabby (another I like and think he will do a lot better this time around) … but another is definitely needed – a man of quality.

GK almost certainly, though I was reasonably impressed by Steer in the last league game of last season.

So, yes, a GK (probably) and ST to get the season started. Any other good signings will be a bonus for me.

Funny, though, the most profound question I have is “Who will be skipper?” – Clark?
John Lerwill July 20, 2015 at 7:16 pm

… and we have Sanchez in midfield as well.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 7:24 pm

JL Captains a big call and I would go for Clarke although I have a sneaking suspicion Richards may get the job.
I think Richards wants to play CB and has done so in both friendlies so far. Hutton and Bakuna look like our RB’s unless we sell one.
Must admit if TS can get rid of 7 players on top of what’s gone he’s going to be busy in the market or the Under 11’s will be playing. Just want the squad settled but I think we have a fair few shocks yet to come IMO.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 7:30 pm

B62- I think Lerner has no choice but to invest or we will go pop. 2 players rumoured to be £9-10m apiece isn’t a bad start, Richards for Vlaar, Kosak, Gil, GG like new signings even sinclair hasn’t been used to his potential yet, I think him and amavi will do well together.
Of course it could all go tits up but I think we will fare better this time around.
John Lerwill July 20, 2015 at 7:36 pm

Mark,

Yes, I am aware about Richards playing c-b in the friendlies, but I’m not so sure that’s a permanent thing.

I can’t quite get my head around Bacuna and Hutton being *the* first choice r-bs, *unless* they’ve worked on Bacuna to improve his defensive game.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 7:41 pm

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-portugal—gregg-9695441?
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 7:48 pm

JL I’m not overly thrilled by them either but I get the feeling Richards prefers to play there and maybe claim an England spot as the CH’s are weak at the moment with Cahill the best we have barring Stones who’s young. TS may of given him assurances that he will play there and hence his coming here, he was after all a good catch for a club on its uppers.we were looking at the young lad from burnley? but that’s gone quiet.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 7:50 pm

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/20/why-sherwood-should-be-encouraged-following-ciaran-clarks-ambiti/?
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 8:04 pm

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-wls-qpr-confirm-arrival-of-aston-villa-target
B62 Villa July 20, 2015 at 8:51 pm

JL
I don’t agree mate, Kozak and Gabby aren’t the answer up front, Gabby averages around 8 goals per season and Kozak has been out over 12 months, and I wasn’t impressed by him before that, if he gets 10 goals( league) I’ll be amazed. In the MF we have Nzogbia who has been pretty awful in both his attitude and his play for a very long time, he goes down as one of the biggest wastes of money I can remember , Gil has been built up to be a superstar in his absence from first team action, despite little evidence other than one super goal, he seems very lightweight and not a definite starter, Gardner has a lot to prove and is down the pecking order despite doing ok in the championship, Westwood is very average and Grealish needs time to learn his trade without the pressure of being our saviour, Sanchez seems like an accident waiting to happen and gives away far too many fouls in dangerous areas. We need another Quality CMF
All the noises seem to indicate Micah Richards is going to play CH, that’s why he came here, so IMO we need a RB as both Hutton and Bacuna are poor in that area. Add to that TS obviously doesn’t fancy Guzan so we will need a N01. The bookies and media outlets are all over our exodus and have us down as favourites for the drop at 7/2 and 11/4, I heard on the radio some are saying we are certainties to go down( I don’t think there are any certainties yet). Basically we had a diabolical squad that finished 17th and broke every negative record known to man, with one or two decent players last season, now the decent players are gone! How are we going to replace Tekkers goals?? Will Richards and Clark/Okores stem the flow against us any better than when they played alongside Vlaar especially with Hutton/Bacuna at RB?? Will Guzan end up staying with no one to push him, continually making errors, poor kicking and distribution. Will we the Villa under TS that beat the Albion and Spurs or more of the shite that turned up against Stoke, Swansea, Saints, Burnley and the most embarrassing one sided cup final in history. Without serious investment in the coming month we will go down or come damn close to it, the ONLY position we are better off in is LB
Rags July 20, 2015 at 9:07 pm

Have to say I agree with B62,

The other thing I’d throw in is how long it takes for all the new faces to gel. Idrissa Gueye may be an upgrade on Delph but for me it’s highly unlikely and actually a bit unfair to expect that. I also remember when Evra first came to the prem from France and was absolute pony for the first season so no guarantee about Amavi either.
Mark King July 20, 2015 at 9:53 pm

Lads I have to say how are we meant to move forward? cleverly, Vlaar, delph and tekkers played in at least twice as many crap games as good and were part of the problem as much as the solution at times. We couldn’t keep them so what are we supposed to do? there will be more come in and some go out at least we won’t be playing with a squad that has learnt to lose by default, isn’t that what TS is aiming at? players may take time they may not, TS is looking for winners so you’d hope they will adapt quickly.
I will say the two we have bought are both pretty robust in the tackle so I can’t see a problem and they are defiantly not worse than what we have had, I give you luna, bennett, amadi etc
Rags July 20, 2015 at 10:09 pm

True enough Mark, one things for sure, it’s gonna be interesting!
B62 Villa July 20, 2015 at 10:17 pm

MK
The point is we have to replace them and more, and not with more shit like Tonev, Luna and Helenius etc. as it stands this squad still isn’t good enough , and stands a good chance of going down as the starting 11 looks WEAKER than last season. Yes we needed to offload all the shit but we needed to bring in quality to supplement what little we had. TS has a massive task on his hands rebuilding in such a short time, and persuading Randy to open his wallet to fund the 4/5 quality players we are still short of. I just don’t see Tim getting the funds needed and unless he does I can only see more struggle, especially if Adebayor on 90kpw is our alleged saviour
James Gill July 20, 2015 at 10:41 pm

i hope sherwood realised how big a job he has taken on
we had a squad built by lambert worst manager ever ,injury prone players,ageing players one last payday ,he has worked well getting rid of so many now he has to rebuild,keep clear head check what players he can rely on ,ones to get through this season
squad for coming season
goalies
guzan unless he can get some in who sherwood rates if not stick for another year
bunn steer will do as back up
full backs
hutton fox new contract means impossible to shift
bacuna hopeful with better team his defensive worries will not show as much
amavi sherwoods man so big yes
richardson as back up

centre halfs
richards
clark make him captain
okore
baker hopeful they can stay fit

midfield
sanchez hoping sherwood gives him a chance
gueye yes
we are very short central players

wide men
gil same as sanchez
grealish
sinclair
short here too

strikers
gabby
kozak
really short here

players we need to replace
bennet,sissko,sendross,cole,westwood,tonev, don t think gardner is going to make it either
sherwood is going to be very busy
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 12:57 am

Thank you John for writing that most enjoyable article and very informative it was too . As history shows, the loyalty aspect gets blurred in the context of earning a living and fulfilling sporting ambitions.

Some interesting articles posted by Mark – I think Richard Keys has got it spot on : the club’a ineptitude and naivety in the “big screen we have special announcement ” when he signed the contract (in the knowledge that the release clause meant he would be off ) must be criticised . When the contract was negotiated that release clause was not just added to the small print , it would have been at the forefront if the negotiations. Delph’s new contract was nothing more than an 8 million bonus to the club as he would have gone for free. Delph got a few hundred thousand to his wages and the club get their 8 mill – better than nothing for both sides. I think Delph would have gone if any of the top eight teams came in for him . Delph isn’t just going to get a big salary increase, he will get the chance to play with some great players – instead if relegation strugglers .

Losing Delph and Teke was pretty much inevitable .. The club should have plans in place to replace them and the other 11 players we have shed .
The timing of the German sports Director from Arsenal seems rather late . From what I have read, he has not been a sports director before Mark , he assisted Tom Fox , who I understood was employed more for “business development ” purposes. The new sporting director has been involved in scouting players so this will help TS. But he has got his work cut out – comjng in half way through transfer window .
A Sporting Director is a senior and important post. What is his experience other than having worked with Fox at Arsenal for 4 years. . Also, Tim Sherwood has said he doesn’t want to work with a football director . What’s the difference between football director and sporting director ?
Sounds like the same to me .

We have had more publicity than I can remember : but it is bad publicity .
Talk Sport lead the drive show with the Hitchcock Psycho shower music with the headline “Villa Killer”
They’ve even got a poll “will villa be relegated “. Well seeing as we ended up 17th and have lost our best players , maybe this will be our turn . We are running out of time – it doesn’t sound like our pre season games are preparing us for the challenge ahead . Hoping for some positive Villa news very soon !
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 7:21 am

jen- I agree the club have been sneaky as usual but delphs part in it is only highlighted more IMO very poor all round.

on the sports director

“Aston Villa have named German Hendrik Almstadt as their first sporting director.
The 40-year-old previously worked at Arsenal with manager Arsene Wenger on areas including scouting, contracts, data analytics and the club’s academy.
Almstadt also worked with Villa chief executive Tom Fox, who last season moved to Villa Park from Arsenal.”

a football director has more say in team affairs style etc. I think Reilly has been scouting anyhow

B-62 To be fair so far apart from bunn who is an unknown to me Richards and the foreign lads look quality, if we start bringing in Tonev -alikes I’ll have a moan, he hasn’t. Shame to lose delph and cleverly but tekkers was inevitable. We have been told we are going down for at least 5 years now maybe this is it maybe not. Ade would be a punt IMO but worse than Lambert or the fattest forward the planet has ever known? nah.

the sale didn’t happen but its only the period of exclusivity that has expired.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 7:32 am

what’s extra painful is Lambert is bigging up Benteke like he’s his love child
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 7:38 am

Guzan no1 a good decision considering we need to spend elsewhere. At worst if he’s a mare then get someone in Jan

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/21/tim-sherwood-clears-up-speculation-about-brad-guzans-aston-villa/?
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 7:40 am

another set back for Okore hope its the last

http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2015/7/21/9007405/aston-villa-injury-news-jores-okore
runtings July 21, 2015 at 8:07 am

Totally agree with B62

i think the fact we lost 3 of our 5 best players and finished 17th means that if we are not a better side than we were last season we will do down without any doult

All other sides will improve and have not had to clear the decks like us so will also be more settled

there is an oppertunity to be a better side but it will take a decent amount of cash and very clever buying — it does seem like sherwood will have to penny pinch to cover all the areas he has to strengthen so it doesnt fill me with confidence that he will be able to get a team together capable of winning more than losing or being at the mid to high end of the table
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 8:21 am

Rags : I agree the shirt burning proposals are embarrassing and childish . MOMS is stirring up this “protest” by reporting it and implicitly condoning it. Maybe his motive is that his blog gets mentioned in the daily papers again . More publicity making us a laughing stock IMO

I forgot to mention , feel v sorry for Vlaar with his injury news. He’s always given his best on and off the pitch so hope it turns out better than predicted . Okore is another disappointment.
Mark – it’s a shopping bag full of sour grapes on Lambert’s part . It was a surprise though that Benteke had rang him up . Maybe it’s to thank him for introducing him to the prem league in the first place , which shows Benteke is a decent lad in remembering those who helped him on his way .

Mark – I don’t know enough about the players Tim has brought in other than they come with good pedigrees so far albeit from a different league and weren’t particularly cheap. The worrying thing is we have let 12 go and only got 3 in , 2 of whom have no Orem league experience We’ve lost senior players in Vlaar, Delph , even Benteje had three years under his belt . To say we are thin on the ground us an undestatement. I don’t know what Micah Richards has been saying which has pissed ppl off but maybe he is our next captain . On the positive side is that TS really has gone for best on the clear out so he will have put together his team and can shape them as he wishes.
On the Sports Director front – the timing and Tim
Sherwood’s vetoing any “sports director” appointment may be problematic . I can’t imagine Tim takjng too kindly to advice /orders from
A. A relative new comer to the prem league B someone without a football playing past . Who reports to who ? I notice Tim got the “he will assist me and make my job easier ” in thereby pulling rank maybe 🙂 Ray Wilkins is a great fit . We will see how the sporting director (aka football director?) pans out .
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 8:26 am

Good news on Guzan – we need some stability with senior players around and apart from his horrors at the end of last season has been good for us . I remember him deserving MOTM quite a few occasions in the Lambert years .
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 8:35 am

I know Ray Wilkins has had mixed reception on here but the bottom line is people like people like themselves . I can imagine Tim and Ray having a very easy and productive , mutually respectful relationship . Both are ex pro footballers so there’s no element of I’ve done it you haven’t . Both are London geezers and I think Tim will value the experience Wilkins has has at other clubs in managerial levels (something he lacks). There’s a cultural for which maybe explains why the Keene MON pairing worked better than the Lambert Keane duo .
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 8:41 am

Assuming Gueye was brought in to cover Cleverly’s departure, Richards to cover Vlaar we are replacing like for like. If delph and benteke had stayed we would of spent £20 mil on 2 players so far. As they were hoping they would stay you have to think we had £20 mil to spend plus any sales, add £40mil from the partially unexpected 2 sales and whatever we can get from Tonev etc we could be looking at £60m+ spend with no effect on our finances. there is no way with the huge amount of tv money coming in next year Lerner will not spend it, Plus a lot of big wages have gone.

Whats nice to see is we have some decent lads coming through who have not got the profile of GG and Grealish.
Calder looks solid and is tall left midfield and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play to protect Amavis runs, Donecian is a big lad too and can play right back or center, Niall Mason has come in from Southampton and is a six footer and looks decent central midfield. In short the Academy lads are growing up, I was surprised at the size of our team in portugal.

Bacuna apparently is ear marked for midfield and an offensive role so a right back will come in either in front or behind mutton hopefully in front.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 8:50 am

Jen people forget the amount that Lambert had to clear and bring in lower profile players every season. If you look at our turnover in the last 5 years its shocking. Now people are moaning about losing players they didn’t fancy when we first signed them. I trust reilly and tims eye for a player more than I did Lamberts and Lamberts wasn’t all bad.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 9:05 am

The sports Director has no say in team policy that’s TS’s domain alone. He just co-ordinates everything in the background to do with the clubs footballers and takes some of the decision making off tims shoulders.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 9:50 am

Latest link Mattia Destro look more like a weimann replacement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsBaQTCBym8
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:23 am

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-transfer-rumour-mill-9696950?
Ree Khalid July 21, 2015 at 11:12 am

Morning all.

I dont buy into all the relegation spin the media is putting us in, yes we had a horrible season last yr but our form and the way we played picked up significantly when Sherwood took over. People need to look at that rather than the season as a whole. Course we have lost our 2 best players, but I believe in Sherwood and the way he’s going about things. He hasnt done too much wrong up till now. The key is who the replacements are gonna be. Gueye is not a replacement for Delph, in that interview he gave (not liking that he sees us as a stepping stone – but that is an indictment of how far we have fallen as a club), he said Sherwood sees him playing on the right of a 3 – meaning he would have been a replacement of Cleverly.

Sherwood will have to rethink his whole strategy now with Delph gone. The problem is where do goals come from? Beneteke was a massive part of not only finishing chances, but creating them. Also Delph created quite a few towards the end of the season. But I think we are ok in terms of creators, we have Grealish and Gil. The problem is who will finish the chances and who will get the ball to the creators while doing all the dirty work in MF.

Charlie Austin is the obvious candidate, for £15m we would have someone who will pretty much guarantee us 15 goals a season. That is invaluable, he really seems the perfect fit atm. Do I rate him? As an all round footballer there is better out there, hence why no-one has snapped him up for £15m yet. But we would be taking a chance with an unknown from Europe, even if they do have talent. Destro, for example, is not the answer. He had a bad season with Milan last year after a good one with Roma. I dont think he would handle the pressures of scoring goals with the expectations after a big money move.

Austin may not have a big resell value but if he does enough to keep us out of trouble for a couple years while we build then he’s worth it definitely. I said before my top 2 targets would be Austin and Fer. If we buy them two, or players of the same quality, then Im pretty confident we can finish comfortably mid table/bottom half.
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 11:29 am

Ree – there are a no of worrying factors , but I agree , the media are loving the “villa killer” stories as they r not ally else to speculate about out of season . As for Tim’s performance we will see whether the upsurge I. Results and performances were due to him rather than the “new manager syndrome” which is statistically proved to last about 8 games from the number of studies I have read . Our last four games were shockers – and maybe the non show for the cup final is putting undue negativity over our overall end to season . Also, we scored 31 goals all season – with Benteke gone (has he passed his medical) we need a couple of exciting and prolific strikers . I’d like to go for Sackho, Berahino for starters .

It’s certainly going to be a fascinating start to the season with so many unknowns and with Tim
able to do it his way – his choice assistant and his players . At least it won’t be boring !
Mark – Lambert brought in too many players – a fewer more quality would have served us better really . So many never featured .
Tim’s made a good start but we need to hurry up before the best ones are snapped up .
Lionheart July 21, 2015 at 11:32 am

Apparently Lerner is in town.. 100% from various sources.

GUZAN

BACUNA..RICHARDS..CLARK..AMAVI

GUEYE..SANCHEZ..

RW..GIL/GREALISH..SINCLAIR

ST

We def need two players of good quality to come in ASAP.. even then the CB pairing along with Bacuna at RB looks shaky to me..
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 11:38 am

Mark – managers have fallen out with ‘Directors of Football” in the past particularly over the buying of players. They need to set out who does what and agree it . Vague descriptions like “policy ” can lead to ambiguity. This is why TIm
Sherwood vetoed the Director of Football . The term Director , be it of Sports or Football suggests they have the final say – otherwise why use ‘Director’. The need for precise roles and final says must be agree before the start particularly where a manager has expressed the reluctance to work with/under a Director.
runtings July 21, 2015 at 11:46 am

I agree with the view that so far TS has brought the right types of players that will mostly maintane the quality he had and really like the french guys and sinclair

but i believe we are a real critical stage imo and we need to keep buy the same standard of player in various position another 6 to 8 times just to stay up

anything better that staying up will be huge progress , but i don’t buy into the veiw that all is or will be well as it stands

i am optimistic that tim can make us a better side if he is afforded the funds required but if he is scaping around for loan deals and cheap cheerful buys the shhh will hit the fan very early in the season and those who think we havent got too much to do to impove will get a rude awakening

we are the poorest side that stayed up and up until now on balance we are a worse side not better

i like the structure the club has adopted and the scouting seems 10 times better – tim doing great but there is a heck of a long way to go before we can say this side has improved

as for last season we scrambled out of relegation – just – due to a few other shocking sides rather than us being great although we had a few good performances – towards the last games we were just as bad as under lambert

lets not kid ourselves we are a shocking team , shocking club and can’t get into any type of comfort zone just yet
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 11:47 am

yes he did Jen but they were of lesser quality to TS’s buys so far. Tim will have to bring in about 6-7 players especially if he gets rid of & more not including the dearly departed duo. The difference is quality I hope.
Lamberts first season we scored enough just couldn’t defend, hopefully this season we will be less porous and get less injuries at the back.

the fact we were so bad in the last 3 games says exactly why most of them should go and they are slowly.
Heroes-and-Villans July 21, 2015 at 11:53 am

Agree Runtings….I like the set up at the moment and with learner flying in i bet its to get a chairman on board.

Why the hell no one wants to buy us i cant figure out.

We need to spend the 40 odd milliion on 4 or 5 players. Id like to see our attack revamped. Without Tekkers where the hell are the goals going to come from?!
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 12:23 pm

Well of Randy Lerner is in London let’s hope someone shows him this , from Paddy Power’s web site . The harsh reality as we stand today – if we don’t get investment into quality players then again we will fighting relegation .

The best bet to go down this year may well be Aston Villa. Based on the stats, teams that finish 17th the year before are already in trouble, and that’s before you throw in Villa’s recent outgoings. Andreas Wiemann (Derby), Tom Cleverley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Man City) and more than likely Christian Benteke (Liverpool) have all jumped ship, meaning that of their measly 31 goal tally last year, 19 of them have disappeared.

The signing of Micah Richards is hardly going to fill fans with much confidence either…

Their odds of going down are 11/4, implying that there is a 26.7 per cent chance of Villa being relegated. We’d suggest those chances may be even higher, and the FA Cup finalists are well worth a punt to be playing in football’s second tier in 12 months time.

Read more at http://blog.paddypower.com/2015/07/20/find-out-why-aston-villa-norwich-and-bournemouth-look-set-for-relegation-while-crystal-palace-are-certain-to-be-safe/#i8YzxKsavxVqvB8l.99
Jenny Truman July 21, 2015 at 12:26 pm

This is if course premature by PP – the situation could change dramatically for the better if and when Tim brings in some good replacements . He has to be supported otherwise we coukd see another MON walk out .
Ree Khalid July 21, 2015 at 12:39 pm

Im not sure If we have £40m to spend. id be surprised if we spend £30m. Sherwood said as much before all the drama that we might need to get some out before we can get some in. Plus we have to pay Genk a percentage of the £32.5m. If it is £30m Id rather see 3 quality signings, ST/MF/Winger, than 4 or 5 average signings. The signs are good with Amavi, Gueye and Richards looking like really good signings.

We need to get rid of 2 from Bennet, Richardson, and Cissokho. Btw our turnover of LB’s has been ridiculous for so long – since Bouma really. Shorey/Warnock/Bennet/Luna/Cissokho/Richardson have all failed… lets hope Amavi comes good and makes that position his own this season.

Jen – I like Berahino, think he is a really talented kid but with a big ego that would not fit in well. Also dont think we could afford him as WBA would not sell him to a local rival unless its at an extortionate price – £25m +. For that I dont think he’s worth it.
John Lerwill July 21, 2015 at 1:23 pm

Ree: No, we don’t have £40m clear. CB’s old club get a cut of his price for starters.

I like the more +ve tone from Mark and one or two others.

TS’s signings have a much more +ve flavour about them and I’m sure we’ll get another couple before August is out.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 1:25 pm

The reason we are not snapped is our turnover is not massively bigger than the also rans in the prem. Marry that with our poor recent finishes we require massive investment from an owner to get top8 let alone top 4 hence no profit. We are a long term prospect.
John Lerwill July 21, 2015 at 1:34 pm

Jenny,

I’d like to point out that you could say we’ve actually finished “17th” in 3 of the last 4 years as the points finish has been the same in each of those seasons. If our GD had been better we’d have finished 16th, in fact, this time.

We now have a different more +ve manager who is making some decent signings, so I’d say we’re far more likely to finish at least 12th.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 1:59 pm

why won’t we spend the £40m? we spent £20m before tekkers and delph exits. Are people saying our transfer policy is based around tekkers fee? for one we were not sure 2 weeks back he would go so for me no.
Ts has said he would have to sell to buy after the Gueye buy and during the Amavi negotiations , well £40m is from the sale of players isn’t it? I think its more a case he needs wage room, another 7 off the books means millions a season. A £20-30 mil spend (not including money from sales) would cost us £6m a year over 5 years, it isn’t that much.
Heroes-and-Villans July 21, 2015 at 2:02 pm

Be interested to see how we set up tonight. Praying Gill makes his mark
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 2:08 pm

remember last season we spent naff all too, less than ten mil we then made losses of £4m for 13/14 so this time 14/15 we will be minted in comparison.

http://astonvillacentral.com/transfers/
DarrenO July 21, 2015 at 3:22 pm

I do get the feeling that TS won’t allow or stand for mediocrity so players will be on their toes to perform from day one, we do lack depth and quality in certain position, we’re not a team you can join to be on the bench.

While I don’t believe we’ll be allowed even flirt with relegation, it would take the introduction of at least a Benteke replacement (and not Adebayor or Austin) to influence finishing mid-table.
DarrenO July 21, 2015 at 4:21 pm

Very positive comments coming from Amavi and Gueye, Villa PR kicking in. Regardless welcome to the club, hopefully they’ll have great seasons
Ree Khalid July 21, 2015 at 4:24 pm

Mark I think the new television deal comes into play this season, so our spending right now is using some of that extra £30m in advance – kinda like hedging our bets against relegation by improving the squad. A big portion of the wage bill has moved on so that allows for extra spending too. I dont think theres any possibility of Lerner releasing the full £40m (more like £35m anyways with the fee to Genk) for transfers. The books still have to be balanced.

Agree with DoR about Sherwood not standing for mediocrity. But we really need to find replacements fast or we will start the season on the back foot and it may be hard to recover.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 5:38 pm

Ree- the really big money doesn’t cut in until 16/17 season. Look at the wages we have lost (9 first teamers off the books so far) and surely we must of made a profit in 14/15 too after such a low spend and wage drop that is what we are spending IMO. probably means £20m £30 tops, so why wouldn’t TS get the proceeds of the sales as well? Randy would see we have to replace these players or TS wouldn’t be getting rid.

The books are already balanced. 13/14 tax year we lost £4m in 14/15 there was an extra £25-30 mil from tv and we are running more efficiently and had a good cup run too so should fine it won’t come out of Randys pocket. I know I keep banging on about it but fee’s for players go into the books (paid for) over 5 years or are written off over 5 years, so if Randy sells its not his dept. If we go down he loses shed loads.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/10/premier-league-tv-rights-grow-sky-sports
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 5:57 pm

Ree- believe it or not we made £4m more in 2013/14 than 14/15 from Tv rights due to finishing two places lower
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 7:35 pm

Premier rivals buying so far

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-how-villas-premier-9701772?
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 9:44 pm

I think we are going to like Amavi 🙂 Gil played well but got a knock, sinclair better too, GG could of had 2. Gabby still can’t finish, Kosak didn’t play. mutton usual tripe.

Best thing was they brought on the U21 after 65 mins and they battered swindon. Jerome sellers could be our sterling but better, scored, could of had more, Calder impresses me more and more. Donecian looks more composed than Richards was and Kinsella looked good at left back while Niall Mason did the same at right back.
James Gill July 21, 2015 at 9:44 pm

sherwood saying he has to ship more out well from august 2014 players from first team squad moved on

given replaced by bunn would say a saving of 35000 weekly wage
lowton
luna
vlar replaced by richards
herd
stevens
delph replaced by gueye
cleverly yes i know only on loan
wiemen
benteke
bent
helnius
thats 12 replaced by4 siinclair deal was donebefore sherwood arrived that leaves us 8 down including 5 from cupfinal shambles and would like to think easy another5/6 sherwood would like to move on, sherwood needs to get busy
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 9:58 pm

James actually Gueye plays on the right so he’s replacing cleverly and herds still here isn’t he? at least he’s in the first team squad on the web site. no difference in what your pointing out I know but I’m a stickler for the facts 🙂
other than the 3 obvious ones they were all poor or injury prone.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:03 pm

I guarantee TS will use a lot of youngsters to flesh out the squad, but he will get another 4-5 in with at least 2 forwards. that’s my mystic mark prediction.
Gabby is thinner but still useless with a banjo, that cows arse is safe. make that 3 forwards
Gareth Stevens July 21, 2015 at 10:08 pm

I know it’s pre-season but that was bloody awful to watch. Really struggled to keep hold of the ball, but I guess we should be used to that.

Few positives though:
Amavi looks a class act – great going forward and good positionally.
19 year old Riccardo Calder looks a find – strong, quick and composed in the middle of the park.
Richards looks decent at the back.
Sinclair put in a decent shift.

More negatives:
Gabby and Hutton are just not footballers.
Westwood and Gardner both look slow in the middle of the park.
Bacuna isn’t going to be the midfielder some of us want him to be.

I feel we need at least another four new faces in to be competitive. Either that or Wilkins and co will have to perform some serious magic with this bunch.
Heroes-and-Villans July 21, 2015 at 10:10 pm

We are doomed unless we get at least 5 quality players in.

Gg leaving ground on crutches apparently.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:20 pm

Andrew GG or Gil?

gareth- looks like TS was playing a 4231 wasn’t it? why wasn’t Kosak playing up top instead of flabby? Wilkins and TS might have to play yet 🙂
what did you think of sellers?
Heroes-and-Villans July 21, 2015 at 10:21 pm

When the season ended ts said he wanted businness done early…..

Its been a shambles of a summer so far, and with 3 weeks to go we aint no where near settled.
Heroes-and-Villans July 21, 2015 at 10:22 pm

Gg apparently mark…..poor sod.
James Gill July 21, 2015 at 10:24 pm

mark k
herd refused new contract last week
we have plenty rubbish to move on yet but don t think any manager can replace up to 20 in one window cause would sure like to see guzan bennet sendross cole tonevrichardson gardner zog gone and before anyone bigs up gardner last season on loan in championship looked very average
we need a hell of a lot better than players we have signed last 4/5 years
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:24 pm

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/9920313/fabian-delph-move-to-man-city-right-decision-says-shay-given?
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:26 pm

James- we should just buy a smaller club and use their team 😉
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:28 pm

Andrew- lets hope its just a tweak
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:30 pm

Hopefully gueye will inject some urgency.
Mark King July 21, 2015 at 10:34 pm

http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2015/7/21/9011427/match-report-preseason-aston-villa-swindon-town-21-july-2015-scott-sinclair-jerell-sellers
Gareth Stevens July 21, 2015 at 11:20 pm

Yeah it looked that formation to me Mark.

Sellars looks like he could be quite useful but I’ll need to see a bit more of him to make an assessment.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 7:16 am

JL Richards had the armband on last night
John Lerwill July 22, 2015 at 8:58 am

Mark,

Actually, Richards would make sense as skipper in some ways.

As for him staying as c-b, maybe it depends on Okore coming back when fit. Maybe Richards is playing there as a stop-gap.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 9:18 am

JL signs are he’s playing centre back, it could of course not work out but everything I’ve read backs it up

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/17/aston-villa-micah-richards-transfer-centre-half
Ree Khalid July 22, 2015 at 10:17 am

Morning lifers.

For me, Richards should play at CB. I think he’s a really limited footballer technically, the reason he did so well at RB was because of his drive and determination. He wouldnt let you down. I feel like those qualities along with his strength and speed will make him a good CB. His height is a slight issue but his size makes up for it. Where I think he may lack is in composure, anticipation and positional side of things, thats something Clarke has really improved on last year. Id rather have a Rb capable of going forward and playing even if it means he makes mistakes from time to time, thats why I back Bacuna for the job.

Not sure I agree with Richards being made captain tho… thats something I feel you need to earn not just handed to you. Clarke would be the obvious choice for me, although maybe he’s not vocal enough? Maybe thats why Richards was given the armband?
Heroes-and-Villans July 22, 2015 at 11:25 am

glad it was a 4231 formation, best fit for our players. Hope Gill is ok
John Lerwill July 22, 2015 at 11:44 am

Mark: “signs are [Richard’s] playing centre back”

Yes, I’d seen the earlier press reports, but I still wonder…

What happens when Okore returns? And Baker?

It’s especially strange when you think of who has been playing in the r-b slot.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 11:54 am

Hutton played there last night john and hes a right back supposedly. Mason and donecien can play there too and of course bakuna. Last night bakuna played infront of mutton perhaps thats the plan.
Heroes-and-Villans July 22, 2015 at 12:35 pm

Guzan
Hutton Richards Clarke Amavi
Gueye Westwood
Bacuna Gill Sinclair
Gabby

Prob our starting 11 ish be a bloody battle to stay up again
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 12:44 pm

what happened to Kosak why didn’t he get a run? I think he would of buried those chances gabby had
DarrenO July 22, 2015 at 12:50 pm

Not suggesting for a second that TS has a vendetta towards any players, he needs them all working towards the same goal/system but it was probably easier for him to give the captain’s armband to a player he’s brought to the club.

Any new links beyond Adebayor/Austin in the striker role, we need to aim higher, we probably need to go for a younger player with ambition as we won’t attract despite our Benteke windfall more established strikers.

UTV
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 12:51 pm

also no talk of GG’s injury??
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 12:53 pm

Andrew makes you wonder where Grealish will play if he does?
Ree Khalid July 22, 2015 at 1:24 pm

I think Sherwood is going with the 4231 this year and makes sense. The only question is does he go with out and out wingers as the wide players or attacking MF’s? Or a mix of both? Im hoping Grealish and Gil can get into the same side, if them two click it would be a joy to see the interplay. The team I would have right now:

Guzan

Amavi
Clarke
Richards
Bacuna

Sanchez
Gueye

Sinclair
Grealish
Gil

Gabby

Team wouldnt look half bad if we could get in a main Striker and some more quality attacking MF’s. We do have the option to go 2 up front if Sherwood goes back to the 4312, or we can play the two 10’s with Grealish and Gil. We need to be adaptable, thats the way forward.
bibulus July 22, 2015 at 1:42 pm

Hutton is not even a footballer let alone a right back according to a bloke who sits near me and the more i watch him the more inclined to agree i become.
IF Grealish proves to be as good as everyone believes we will be OK – he should be able to play a number 10 role if he is really any good and not a one in five match player.
From what little we did see of the little spaniard last year i am happy if he is in the team, he moved the ball faster than anyone else and had a good eye for a pass in the couple of matches i saw him play.
Dont understand why GG is still being thought of as our great hope – lots of pressure for an injury prone player with one decent season in the championship behind him.
Allez le Villa
Heroes-and-Villans July 22, 2015 at 1:54 pm

Mark

I reckon Grealish could play anywhere along the 3…like the look of Ree’s line up.

Still worried to death where goals will come from though 🙁
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 2:30 pm

Bibulus- hutton certainly isn’t a footballer Alex mcleish bought him nuff said.
I suppose GG had so much potential before the injuries that you want him to succeed plus he’s real villa not plastic delph villa. I have the feeling Calder will succeed though he is more athletic and dynamic, GG seems to need a kick up the arse although his positionings good in attack and defence and he has or had the knack of scoring. would be great if we had the luxury of playing him in a more forward role but we can’t afford it.
Don’t understand why Kosak hasn’t played with Gil yet has more brains than flabby. Thought Gil got knocked off the ball to easy yesterday but has potential if he’s not trying to be everywhere.

andrew- can we afford sinclair Gil and grealish? we will have to be much better in defence and midfield to counter that threes lack of defensive capabilities
Ree Khalid July 22, 2015 at 2:39 pm

Andrew – think every single one of us are!

Im also worried about how we will create the chances. Not so much creativity in the final third as with Gil and Grealish we have that covered. Bacuna and Amavi should be able to put in quality crosses too. Im concerned how the ball will get from defense to attack. Delph was our main driver in midfield. Gueye could be that guy but none of us have seen him play in a Villa shirt yet.

Also had a thought the other day. May be worth putting in a cheeky bid for Moussa Dembele at Spurs, Iv always rated the guy. Quality on the ball and can operate as a deep lying playmaker or a driver of the ball in MF. He has the pace and power and ability to match. Sherwood must know him well from their time there and he doesnt seem to get much game time at Spurs these days. He has regressed as a footballer since moving there but at Fulham playing alongside Dempsey he was outstanding.
John Lerwill July 22, 2015 at 3:48 pm

Mark: “Thought Gil got knocked off the ball to easy yesterday ”

Well, there we are perhaps … the reason why TS didn’t persevere with him last season in the relegation fight.

He did show fairly well when he started and he’s clearly a nice player skill-wise, but is he weighty enough to compete in the hurl-burly of the Prem? I suppose we’ll find out.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 5:53 pm

JL- I think it will come down to how the Ref views it, he may win a few free kicks and maybe players will be more wary or he may just get sat on his ‘arris
John Lerwill July 22, 2015 at 6:21 pm

A capable evaluation of what Lambert did to the youth, I think…

http://avillafan.com/site/19034/generation-ex/
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 6:27 pm

yes John criminal I would say. The under 18’s are looking pretty good at the moment unbeaten in their tour of Germany. I think if TS stays we will see a better return on our home grown players maybe even if he doesn’t.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 6:40 pm

we have supposed to have tabled a bid for Diego Rolan £12.5m

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNxT5neb6Ms
Heroes-and-Villans July 22, 2015 at 7:21 pm

Bomb squad playing tonight
Rags July 22, 2015 at 8:15 pm

Good article here. Mark it might interest you in particular.

http://avillafan.com/site/19034/generation-ex/
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 8:19 pm

thanks rags jl put it up earlier though, lambert was a truly stupid twonk
Rags July 22, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Ah, my bad.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 8:37 pm

heres villas utube channel worth a look

https://www.youtube.com/user/avfcofficial
Frem July 22, 2015 at 9:46 pm

Gutted. Another dark day

Time for the club to repay the fans now and spend some money. We need another 40 mill at least on top of what we’ve spent
B62 Villa July 22, 2015 at 10:46 pm

Well we all knew this day would come, but it doesn’t make it any easier, especially to the bin dippers.
The last of our ambition and quality has just left the building.
What we do now and how we spend this money is massively important, we get this wrong and we go down just as the big TV deal comes in.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 10:57 pm

frem- hate seeing ex players in their new shirt grinning . I think we will get at least that.
liverpool and rodgers need champs and a cup or he’s toast nearly £200 mil spent on 17 players

2 forwards £15m and £10m midfielder £10m and fullback for£8m and sako on a free.
Mark King July 22, 2015 at 11:04 pm

got that wrong 31 players for £290mil
B62 Villa July 22, 2015 at 11:29 pm

I have no faith RL will release the required funds.
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 8:03 am

B62- I don’t blame you for having no faith in Lerner but TS said we have to sell to buy. That either means we need room for wages or money for player fees or both. We have just lost 2 of of top paid players, In fact we have lost a raft of top paid players. RL has to move to protect his assets and as Frem said the TV payout ahead. Unless we still owe Lerner massive Interest for some reason the £40m is a windfall and can be used without penalty under FFP.
southwestvillan July 23, 2015 at 8:24 am

Last player leaving VP please turn off the lights we are not running a charity you know.

Given gone , Vlaar gone , Cleverley gone , Delph gone , Benteke gone , half of our side that virtually took us down last season so can that really be a bad thing, ok Benteke and his goals may have kept us up but are we really that bothered about the rest.

Pearce on talkshite this morning said its time for Agbonlahor to step up to the plate, Stuart did you watch any of the Villa games last season, Christ on a emu if we have to rely on Gabby scoring the goals we are certainly doomed.

Will TS get enough money to buy the players to get us out of this mess, will he have the ability to buy the right type of player to get us out of this mess, two questions that will be answered between now and the start of the season, now we have banked over £40m you can guarantee we will be linked to every player world wide their agents are going to be working overtime to get them at AVFC, Frem hold onto your hat it is going to be a very bumpy ride.

All these new players will be having their release clauses written into the contracts just in case the inevitable happens, and lets be honest we kind of deserve relegation because as a club we have shown no ambition whatsoever over the last five seasons, sometimes in life you get what you deserve and in Aston Villas case that could not be further from the truth.

AVFC
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 8:51 am

In the 16/19 seasons We will get £40m more per year if we finish 17th, 10th makes it £55m. If Lerners aim was to recoup losses then winning makes more sense.
We have a head start and can spend that now, other teams upped the anti last season and out spent us as they got the extra tv from 13-15 with lower wage bills running costs while we were trying to balance the books, a lot will not be able to do that again this time out.

RL spent £54mil under Lamberk while we were balancing the books a rough £20m a season, He spent £103mil since mon left so £20m a season whilst cutting costs (selling the better players). so I think we reasonably have the £40m to use on top of the £20 we have spent. TS is no mug and he wouldn’t of taken the job if he didn’t have the backup IMO or have released Weimann, Lowton etc.
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 9:06 am

If you look at who’s buying its only the top clubs and the new arrivals except Norwich, lots of players released plenty of clearing going on.

http://www.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/news/2015-16/summer-transfer-window-2015.html
Frem July 23, 2015 at 9:13 am

Just look at our squad on the OS and it will make you cry

Got to be the worst squad this club has ever had

We don’t have a good GK, RB or ST at the club. Centre back is worrying, and CM, we have Gueye, the others are shite

Kosak and Gabby are our strikers. Again, got to be the worst strike force this club has ever had

We need 3 new strikers, a GK, a RB and CM
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 9:18 am

Interesting take on our possible demise

http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2015/7/23/9016187/aston-villa-relegation-odds-bookies-premier-league
John Lerwill July 23, 2015 at 9:31 am

Benteke

What’s different to what’s happened since WW2?

All our biggest and best strikers (excluding Peter Withe and Angel) wanted out … and went…

Trevor Ford, Tommy Thompson, Gerry Hitchens, Tony Hateley, Andy Gray, Dwight Yorke … and now CB.

Our best midfielders too (Mortimer excepted) … Danny Blanchflower, Bruce Rioch, Barry, Milner and (now) Delph.

Despite the great years of 1976-84, it’s otherwise been sell-sell at VP since 1950.
southwestvillan July 23, 2015 at 9:36 am

Mark,

Statistics and percentages mean nothing at all, young Frem has got it spot on our squad looks paper thin and even with a few more players it still looks a poor assortment of players, Sherwood has got a massive job on his hands and to be fair he may not have quite realised what he was taking on because he could go from a young up and coming manager to the man who got Aston Villa relegated from the premier league, because as sure as eggs is eggs Lambert will be in front of the cameras straight away saying “Well I kept them up”.

AVFC
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 9:37 am

worse than last years frem? 🙂 only because of delph and tekkers the rest
we will get better.

Sellers scored 2 more last night.
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 9:48 am

SWV that’s what the fella pointed out there is no real correlation between 17th and relegation. The 2 buys I’ve seen play Richards and Amavi will improve us, haven’t seen Gueye yet.
We have been looking at forwards so should see at least 1 soon and Its plain TS likes his busy midfielders so another in the mold of cleverly/delph. I suspect TS has been waiting for the dust to settle on the outgoing heroes just in case they declare their undying allegiance again
🙂

As you and many others have said time will tell.
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 9:55 am

for comparison 2014/15 squad numbers I’d say that looked just as shite yet we went to Wembley.

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4056329,00.html
B62 Villa July 23, 2015 at 9:59 am

JL
The footballing landscape has changed dramatically in recent times due to the financial rewards and oil money washing around the premier league, the current plight isn’t really comparable to previous eras when players left, as I always felt it was a more even( not totally) playing field.
I agree with frem, I first started going to Villa park in the mid/late 70’s and I honestly can’t recall such a shit squad, yes we’ve had some real shockers before and some really crap players, but as a collective this squad is beyond poor, and we will be lucky to finish 20th, without serious cash spent on it ie £50/£60m.
And there lies the problem despite bring in around £40-£50m in this season in player sales, and have a weekly wage saving of approx £350k maybe more, Randy still isn’t willing to invest into a project he wants nothing to do with. RL is a white collar robber , asset stripping the club to recoup his lost fortune following a messy divorce and his diabolical business sense. I hate the man so much, he is a cancer that needs to be cut out and preferably soon.
John Lerwill July 23, 2015 at 10:09 am

B62,

Of course the landscape has changed!

But I remember clearly why Danny Blanchflower left and his reasons were not so different to those of CB (OK, the aspect of money is now part of the desire of course).

Danny wanted to leave as he felt that Villa had lost aspiration and wherewithal to develop. CB appears to be leaving for (partly) the same reasons. Same with Ford etc etc.

Hence nothing has really changed at VP in 60 years.
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 10:46 am

B62- The asset stripping label has been dis-proven so many times with Lerner waving loans all over the place. Yes we sold young, milner, downing, Barry and made ends meet but they wanted out all bar Milner we didn’t force them. What assets has he sold recently? he’s added to the clubs assets BMH, the Holte pub,the players wanting out is a consequence of not being rich enough to match ambition and greed.
As a company we were in the shit you have say we are past that by all appearances. Yes lerners inept but making money he’s not. He has sanctioned £20m before we lost the chuckle brothers so logically the funds will be available.

Southampton have sold and bought again this year, this is the model we are attempting to follow forced or not or appears to be. We don’t actively tout our players and neither do they but they still get bought, they had a great season we didn’t, same result. Until we get bought by Apple of course.
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 11:13 am

Our biggest problem in recent years has been not being able to get rid of our useless players, we have had poor/no return on all but our best in 5 years we have moved on 21 first teamers for the grand total of nothing. That’s without reserves/u21 etc
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 11:26 am

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-transfer-rumour-mill-9712690?
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 12:08 pm

worth a look, Kosak, baker look ok and sellars second goal is worth the wait.

https://tv.avfc.co.uk/AVTV/2015/07/23/Highlights%20Forest%20Green%2003%20Villa%20XI
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 3:21 pm

exchange your delph shirt

http://www.myoldmansaid.com/aston-villa-shirt-exchange-carling-van/?
Mark King July 23, 2015 at 3:22 pm

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/aston-villa-s-most-exciting-target-is-yet-to-come-will-cost-10m
Heroes-and-Villans July 23, 2015 at 3:49 pm

Looks like saints and everton are leading the race for Praet 🙁
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 7:51 am

http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/aston-villa-have-made-a-7m-bid-for-jordan-ayew-of-lorient
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 8:10 am

Islam Slimani is another link looks decent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu4cKK97Xmc
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 8:13 am

http://www.myoldmansaid.com/aston-villa-highlights-swindon-jordan-amavi-jerrell-sellars/?
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 8:53 am

and gestede

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/24/report-aston-villa-target-rudy-gestede-as-benteke-replacement-bi/?
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 8:55 am

this site is becoming like a Ghost town

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slmb4ZZ5pkY
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 9:37 am

http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=7519170
DarrenO July 24, 2015 at 10:08 am

bands don’t play no more, too much fighting on the dancefloor
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 10:14 am

Ayew bid accepted

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/9922994/aston-villa-bid-for-lorients-jordan-ayew-accepted-according-to-sky-sources?
southwestvillan July 24, 2015 at 10:59 am

Are we becoming the new Newcastle buying French/Foreign players in hope that they all come good, quite liked the look of Sellars he could be a player to watch.

AVFC
Lionheart July 24, 2015 at 11:09 am

Ayew bid accepted..

Fee is 7M..8M..12M…

Depending on which outlet you believe 🙂
southwestvillan July 24, 2015 at 11:19 am

Right that’s Ayew, Gestede, Adebayor, Bolassie, Austin, Cambiasso, Praert have I missed anyone, blimey that £40m is taking a hit I wonder if there will be any change left.

AVFC
Heroes-and-Villans July 24, 2015 at 11:21 am

Well i find it hard to be too excited as i have never heard of Ayew, the lb or gueye the midfielder!

They are young quick and strong players which i like plus better than helenius, tonev etc which we were getting last year (hopefully).

TS does seem to have spent his holls in France.

These guys are going to have to hit the ground running though.
Rags July 24, 2015 at 11:22 am

Hmm, Jordan Ayew, certainly has good pedigree, from OM, his brother is class, takes a good pen. He seems a bit of an all round striker fast, and good in the air. 12 goals in a poor side last year but a fair number of pens in that. I really liked the look of Rolan but I think TS likes someone with a bit more height, apparently Rolan is 5’9, Ayew is closer to 6 foot. Viva la Aston Maison.
Heroes-and-Villans July 24, 2015 at 11:28 am

….Delph taken off with a hammy. Karma bitch
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 11:46 am

The french revolution is coming to Villa! Havent seen much of the guy, the usual Youtube videos tc. Seems like a good finisher, quick and powerful. Not huge though. One thing that’s concerning is that he never made the grade at Marseille, one of the bigger clubs in France. He started young and had had a good couple years with a lot of first team appearances 2/3 years ago. He was loaned to Sochaux for half a season where he scored a couple goals. Then sold to Lorient for a small fee of 3m euros, who fought relegation all year. Did well by all accounts, scored 12 goals. Looks to have a decent touch and passing, powerful shot, and can head the ball. Dont think he has the magic of a Benteke, but still only young at 23 and has plenty playing experience.

Will he cut it in the prem? Big question mark. One thing is for sure, we need players around him who will create chances for him.

Out of all the names we’ve been linked with out of Ligue 1, the one that excites me most is Batshuayi of Marseille. He’s Belgian too and definitely has lots of ability, he has that x factor… magic in his boots but is still very very raw. A move to the prem right now would be too soon for him. But you never know in the future. This kid is destined for big things, still 21 and was hailed a bigger prospect than Benteke when both played in Belgium.
Rags July 24, 2015 at 11:52 am

Ree,

I just want Charlie Austin.
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 12:00 pm

I think ts is moving away from the big man up top to a more fluid style with speed and movement being key. That something all the linked forwards have, reminds me of watfords approach. Still think kosak can play that big man up top but with more movement.
Swv- sellars is a cocky little shit just what you need someone who backs himself. Quick Accurate and works hard, in his interview he describes himself as a player that dribbles and shoots this lad wants goals and glory he’ll do well imo
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 12:02 pm

Same Rags. With Austin we know what we’re getting… a 15 goals a season striker guaranteed. With Ayew or anyone from abroad we’re taking a chance. Then again the chance could pay off… who thought we needed a Benteke when we signed him? Bent was our main man. The gamble on Benteke definitely paid off.
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 12:07 pm

Karma is a bitch Delph! Good luck getting into the City team now
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 12:10 pm

Andrew- you will love are left back no question step above anything have had for donkeys. Gueye has only to be as good as cleverly. As for Ayew it looks like when he shoots it goes toward goal thats already better than gabby or weimann
Rags July 24, 2015 at 12:11 pm

Yeah that’s true Ree about Benteke and if we were getting that Belgain lad from OM then fine but Ayew is like 23 and as you say failed at OM. Austin is class, good in the air and great finisher. I think that’s exactly what we need,
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 12:26 pm

Rags I think ayew is a halfway house between weimann and tekkers, probably more a weimann replacement. I wonder why Austin hasnt been snapped up by someone similarly bako both have goals in them.
Rags July 24, 2015 at 12:29 pm

Yeah Mark, from what I’ve seen he’s like a complete striker but more leaning towards pace than height whereas Benteke was obvs more height than pace. Ive seen articles suggesting Ayew isn’t very clinical so lets hope we go for Austin too. Sako wants 80,000 pw, could have something to do with it.

Ramsey has said people have bid for Austin but the bids weren’t right for either ‘QPR or Austin’. So maybe we did bid but he wants to stay in London or maybe Newcastle bid but same issue.
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 12:30 pm

Rags – we dont know why he didnt make the grade at Marseille. Maybe he was played out of position? He was young also, born in Marseille and went through the ranks there. Maybe he needed a change of scenery. He did well at l’orient in a relegation battling side. He looks to have the same qualities as Austin as a finisher – who knows maybe he is better than Austin overall? Its still a risk so lets hope the scouting really have done their homework.

Batsuayi – whatever his name is – looks like an exciting prospect but imo nowhere near ready. He’s already said hes looking to stay at Marseille next season and that is probably best for him. Same could be said of the kid Martial from Monaco who has a good goal scoring ratio. Batshuayi does look a special talent tho.
Rags July 24, 2015 at 12:37 pm

It’s just such a fucking risk though man, maybe I’m going over the top but when was the last time getting a signing right (re replacing Benteke) has been this important?
DarrenO July 24, 2015 at 12:46 pm

Where’s the gaurantee that Austin would get us 15 goals if he signed for us. Sorry but i’m not convinced by Austin, look at the crap Benteke got from the bindippers and that was 49 goals over 3 seasons in the prem. One season does not make a player

I’m hoping that the scouting network and player assessment is really kicking off to replicate what Southampton did, buying players under the radar that fitted into a system as opposed to buying players in the hope they contribute.

I trust TS more so because he is proven in identifying young talent and presumably seen some of these lads at 18/19/20 and has kept tabs on them.

We seem to be buying around the 8 to 12m mark which gives me more confidence than buying at the 2 – 6m mark that we’ve done the last few seasons. I expect more to leave and TS will work from a smaller squad supplemented by our own youth development.

Have you ever seen a more active summer for Aston Villa stories, I suppose it helps to have money in the bank and every journalist spending it for us but looking back at previous transfer windows and we were only a foot note in the gossip columns.

Despite one key player gone and Fibian Delph, my only concern are keeper, if Guzan wasn’t pushed by Given last season I don’t see Bunn doing it and given the mistakes made by Guzan that is a fear for the season ahead. Hutton will be fine as right back but probably limits us as a forward outlet but the style of play my look to be more creative in the middle of the park and rely less on the wings, i’m looking forward to see how TS sets us up.

I think TS wants pace and power upfront hence Ayew but I’d like a Chicarito type player around him, someone with positional intelligence to make goals, work off another striker, we definitely need two to replace Benteke. Amavi, Richards with Clark/Okore is fine.
Midfield is where we have riches right now.

Quitely confident that mid-table is ours with a few surprises along the way, especially looking forward to the bindippers and citeh games, the atmosphere will be brilliant
Rags July 24, 2015 at 12:57 pm

Darren,

I’d just be worried about the injuries with Austin, didn’t he failed a medical before a move to Everton once? Thing is he’s only had one season in the prem and he smashed it. Before that he scored 100 goals in the championship/L1 over 4 seasons. 31 in 54 for Swindon, 41 in 82 for Burnley and 35 in 66 for QPR. It’s unfair to expect anyone to be Benteke but I think in terms of goals he’s as close as we’ll come.
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 1:03 pm

Of course no-one is guaranteed anything DoR, like you said 1 season doesnt make a player. Austin has scored in every league he’s played in including the PL at a rate of 1 in 2. All of them bar last season have been at lower levels but it doesnt disguise the fact. Austin will score plenty goals if you provide him with opportunities. Hes capable of 15-20 goals a season in the PL. We know what his game is, no surprises there.

Id rather not go down the route of Liverpool/Spurs spending the money on a lot of semi-expensive but average signings. I would rather a couple expensive but quality signings. Ayew is a big risk for me but I will back him should he become a Villa player. Least he has the french connection here, should help him settle in.
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 1:29 pm

Stumbled upon this online. Worth a read

http://www.myjoyonline.com/sports/2015/July-24th/al-smith-what-aston-villa-get-from-12m-jordan-ayew.php
Rags July 24, 2015 at 1:47 pm

Great article Ree, thanks for the link. My overriding thought from that is he has potential but may well need a season to bed in before he comes good.
Heroes-and-Villans July 24, 2015 at 1:53 pm

Cant see him being direct replacement for tekkers. Will still get Ade and looks like cambioso maybe?

Would like more than that though
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 2:02 pm

Reading the last article one thing is coming through to me on our signings so far, they are all athletic and have a great work ethic and they seem mentally tough, exactly what TS was talking about, the winners attitude.

Austin had one stint out injured 4 years ago fine since, from what I’ve seen its about the fee, no-one will pay £15m???

As for Bako he’s on a free so not the worst at £80,000 But I would offer him less with appearances and goal bonus and to reassess in a year. He looks a beast a bit like Nzogbia with goals
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 2:15 pm

I think I remember the reception Bentekes signing got 3 years ago, Luke warm to who????
you just have to accept all signings are a gamble. Personally I wouldn’t go for someone like Vlaar with a shit injury record, suggests something more than bad luck. All the signings look comfortable on the ball, more than you can say for Hutton , Baker, weimann,gabby, guzan, sissoko
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 2:20 pm

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/24/chris-ramsey-charlie-austin-wants-to-move-to-a-top-half-premier/?
Ree Khalid July 24, 2015 at 2:29 pm

Its the same response I had Mark, I was calling for Bent to be back in the side! He looked decent in his youtube videos but not spectacular. When he scored them 2 goals against Liverpool as well as the backheel assist to Weimann I realised we have a player on our hands.
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 2:46 pm

ree you have to think to yourself is he worse than gabby? TS seems to love Gabby so he’s looking for someone to run in behind rather than a static CF.
this comment took my eye on another blog

“Jordan Ayew is a very talented striker – I covered the African cup of nations (odds compiler for first payer to score betting) a while ago and he was sensational. A better prospect than his brother Andre.

He is strong too, has a good touch and a good eye for goal. Almost 6ft tall so not as big as Teke was but he has a very good centre of gravity and will be able to link attacks well with Jack and Gil when they go up the hill”
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 2:51 pm

One other thing, I think TS was expecting to lose tekkers and maybe cleverly and Vlaar but not the snake. He said last season Gil wasn’t what he needed to keep us up and that we would be playing a different way this season. I think that’s exactly why Sinclair didn’t play too.
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 3:08 pm

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2015/07/24/west-bromwich-albion-takeover-deal-collapses/
Heroes-and-Villans July 24, 2015 at 3:08 pm

Apparently he is a bit mental! Another striker is a must. A Midfielder and a winger or CAM.

Apparently Baker might be ok.

I would love a new GK….Guzan just does not give me confidence. I want my goalies to have the arrogance of bosnich
Heroes-and-Villans July 24, 2015 at 3:12 pm

Mark

someone on twitter put

striker bid accepted
Camiasso linked
Delph injured
baggies takover collapse….if carslberg did fridays……..
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 3:27 pm

Andrew 🙂
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 3:43 pm

shouldn’t laugh but

https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/0890A061871236357854076751872_3011d655f49.1.5.4737334246896772189.mp4?versionId=c62V6kuBACukQFTbSgm8e2TFpWGC5zM.
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 3:44 pm

forget that link dont work

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/11761146/Twitter-explodes-with-delight-as-Fabian-Delph-is-carried-off-injured-just-18-minutes-into-first-Man-City-match.html
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 3:45 pm

try this

https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/0890A061871236357854076751872_3011d655f49.1.5.4737334246896772189.mp4?versionId=c62V6kuBACukQFTbSgm8e2TFpWGC5zM.
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 3:48 pm

you have to copy and paste it in your browser sorry
@RonnieBiggs July 24, 2015 at 6:02 pm

Ayew looks good, impressed but let’s see how he handles the Prem. Has the physique to handle it I’d say… but the proof is in the proverbial pudding old boy!

Are we still after another FB?
really don’t want to see Mutton there to start the season!

The most pressing need is two more midfielders with some power, quality and a bit of experience… not sure a 34 yr old Cambiasso as good of a player as he was, is now the answer!!?!?

Calder looks a prospect as does Mason but it’ll take some time.
Gardner is still wait and see.
5 weeks to sign two Prem quality midfielders otherwise it could be another long season unless La Roca steps it up a level in his 2nd season… In Tim We Trust!

UTV
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 6:49 pm

some times I wonder if these football managers/pundits ever watch us pierce says apparently Clarke had a terrible season last year???

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/24/stuart-pearce-suggests-tim-sherwoods-problem-is-aston-villas-def/?

I’d take one really decent midfielder as bacuna is earmarked for the right side this season. A right back of similar quality to amavi and a goal threat is the minimum.
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 7:49 pm

http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/07/24/gary-gardner-reacts-to-outrageous-tackle-on-twitter-delivers-inj/?
Mark King July 24, 2015 at 8:35 pm

seen a few links about clarke and baker being targeted, clarke by the tescos and burnley for baker. when the meadja smell blood they really don’t let go the hossers
Mark King July 25, 2015 at 6:18 pm

not one post on a match day Lifers? Elvis has truly left the building.

Idrissa Gueye is not Delph, not in a bad way the lad has a lot of class and by far the best tackler we have had for yonks, good vision, good on the ball, passing pretty good and drives forward, big thumbs up same for Amavi. If Ayew is of similar quality the rest of the team is beginning to look pedestrian.

The right hand side has to be strengthened Bakuna with hutton behind him does not work, hutton is ordinary and bakuna is no winger.
Rags July 25, 2015 at 6:45 pm

Mark,

Here I am! 😀 I think Bacuna had a poor game but would sooner have him in the team at rb over Hutton, Hutton genuinely looks lost in the final third; you can actually see the hesitation in his body movement. At the risk of repeating myself I have to point out that Sinclair was comfortably the worst player in Villa colours; out of his depth.

Erm Gueye, wow looks amazing, Amavi too but I think the language brrier could cause a few issues during the first half of the season. Kozak played great, good work rate, good passing and hold up play. Good luck to him.
Mark King July 25, 2015 at 7:30 pm

Rags I’m sure with work the rest of the team will learn scottish 😉
I agree those two together take our attacks down by half, they run up the pitch recycle and start again crap. To be fair to Sinclair he needs to put through and without gil/grealish he does look lost. even though Sellars was on for 10 mins rags he looks the part he just doesn’t give a shite .
Rags July 25, 2015 at 7:38 pm

Yeah Sellars and Robinson looked good but guess whose blocking their place in the first team squad! 😉
Mark King July 25, 2015 at 7:43 pm

Feel a little sad for TS as with Delph and tekkers in place Ayew could of been the icing. Fair play he’s seen the weaknesses something Lambert didn’t, Lamberts team 😉
Mark King July 25, 2015 at 7:51 pm

Rags At the moment I’d say Kosak should start in front of Gabby so much more to his game, Sinclair wont play if he’s not up to it. TS doesn’t fuck about look at Gil and sinclair last season put up or shut.
No gabby,nzogbia or baker today and the bench was a strange one. think the idea is giving more minutes to potential starters. Although the blend might take a while if the buys continue in a similar vein could be quite an exciting season.
Heroes-and-Villans July 25, 2015 at 7:56 pm

rubbish result but hopefully that don’t mean nothing. Will be a lot more positive if we had ayeu a number 9. A cam winger, rb and gk!!!
Mark King July 25, 2015 at 8:04 pm

If we go for Gestede will mean TS has several buns in the oven so to speak, 2 forwards for around £15mil . should mean 2-3 more players to follow. Add Sanchez,grealish, guzan and the pick of the u21’s mason,calder, donecian and Kinsella, plus sellars has an outside chance.
Mark King July 25, 2015 at 8:08 pm

Andrew- not entirely steers fault but he slipped as he tried to get across to the deflection otherwise he had little to do. we should of won easily and Gil was a big miss. still looks subdued to me I think they are under orders not to get injured
Heroes-and-Villans July 25, 2015 at 8:25 pm

Mark

I’m pleased kozak played well, not everyone’s cup of tea but I like the look of him. Good touch and texhnique, def better than gabby. Good that gabby been dropped
runtings July 25, 2015 at 8:52 pm

TS sure does have is work cut out if we are to avoid relegation , never mind mid table with our lot

good buys so far but more first team staters are needed and badly

imo we need a goalkeeper asa matter of urgency

a creative but combative midfielder — 2 more strikers that are both better than what we have
one but preferably two wingers of better qaulity than what we have

if we do not aquire these vital componants – i think its fnally bye bye prewmier lge
Trinity July 25, 2015 at 9:08 pm

I couldn’t stay awake to watch the match.
By the sound of it pretty average, anyway. At least, nobody’s injured, and the players are that little bit fitter.
Villa defiitely need to bring in more better players.
I hear the All Blacks Boks match was a thriller, missed that, too:(
Frem July 25, 2015 at 10:51 pm

Sounds like some mid table French side are about to rip us of with Ayew. We are going to end up paying 10-12 million pounds ( not euros ) when he’s worth half of that. Great. Panicking . He scored 12 goals last season, 3 were pens

Just hope we sign Ady.

12 million pounds won’t leave to much more on the budget to find a box to box CM we need, another striker, a right back, winger and GK we need

I went to the game today. It’s only pre season yes but we ain’t great. Hutton kills every attack we have. Bacuna is a poor player. Sell both and sort out the right side. Sinclair is another poor winger. Sqaud player at best. Hasn’t impressed me once since he signed on loan. Kozak, just a lanky guy up top who’s a tall Darren Bent. Two quality strikers needed for sure

Next week is massive. Better sign at least 3 quality players

Amavi looks good. Gueye did ok, Richards will score a few goals.
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 12:31 am

Frem- Kosak is a tall Darren Bent??? 🙂 Quality.

Trinity- Boks all blacks was good but experience won in the end, Is that really carter he looks about 50.

Think we will see at least 3 more arrivals and Its nice to see Delphs excuse is now his family. The Lad just needs to say I said the wrong thing and it was insincere sorry.
James Gill July 26, 2015 at 12:33 am

frem nice to hear from you is it you on villa blog or an imposter
we are in need of major buys time is running out
we have over 20 professionals at club but barely 10 of them good enough
was reading up on few pre seasons david o leary came in spent 6m and got us from 16 to 6
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 12:48 am

James are you suggesting we employ David O’dreary again?
James Gill July 26, 2015 at 1:00 am

no but mean no reason sherwood cannot take us up the table
James Gill July 26, 2015 at 1:02 am

bad and all he was he signed 2 of my favourite players king laursen and freddy bouma
Trinity July 26, 2015 at 1:25 am

The football doesn’t sound great.

Mark
No, it wasn’t Carter. He didn’t travel to Africa, him and SBW are having a week off.
It may have been Conrad Smith, had a pedestrian match, but it was his first test of the year.
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 10:54 am

Trinity- Ah the skipper scored the last trie and I was watching it in the background and thought shit carters had a tough year 🙂

James – could still happen, not sure about 6th but They are pushing the feelers out and we should see a fare few ins and outs in the next 4 weeks. I hope the contracts are good because I can’t see the new lot hanging around long they look quality.
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 10:57 am

Apparently Austin wants £85,000 a week
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 12:19 pm

Apparently we are looking at Paul Georges Ntep £10mil looks like he would be in Sinclairs spot? looks quick and strong. what happens when the Africa cup starts??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEw-nmdfih8
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 2:51 pm

http://vilr.tumblr.com/post/125072290658/feature-10-disastrous-modern-villa-signings
proxopera July 26, 2015 at 4:19 pm

Tbh , I’m not that fearful about the new season ,even with the players we have currently. We are benchmarking against the start of last season but the one big difference is that Paul Lambert is no longer a factor which i think is a big plus. So we lost CB , Delph and Vlaar ,
– CB only played for a quarter of the season in reality , and though we will miss his goals , i expect a greater % to come from our midfield this season . I also think that Kosak is a bigger asset than people give him credit for.
– Delph was a big fish in a small pond and his quality was exaggerated by the contrast with the other ‘hiders’ who played in MF last season . The emergence of grealish , gil and hopefully the two new signings should give villa far more traction this season in the middle third. Delph will be anonymous at city.
– Michah Richards is , i believe , an improvement on Vlaar ,who was far too injury prone and over hyped . He will be remembered for one good world cup campaign where he had quality around him. Phil Babb also had a great world cup in ’94 !! I reckon Okore will be at RB more often this season.

I hate the panicking & self-loathing we do during every transfer window , I’d like to see a few more decent signings but if not so be it , we’re good enough for low mid table now , roll on the 8th of august.
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 6:55 pm

Me too prox ok lerner is still here at least it appears he has loosened the purse strings. Im pleased with the quality so far and the potential of the youngsters, when players move on others step up and we just might have somthing to cheer. Shame that delph feels the need to talk more to justify what he said talk about digging a hole.
Hope all the abcent lifers are well and feel they want to return soon its getting boring on here
Heroes-and-Villans July 26, 2015 at 8:02 pm

Cant share the outlook prox, 3 points off relegation and losing our only source of goals in tekkers is massively worrying for me.

As a fan of course i want the new signings to be great be the truth is i have never heard of them let alone seen them play and relying on them to adapt straight away in the prem is a big ask.

The league can be tight from 12th or so down so fingers crossed we can survive again.
Heroes-and-Villans July 26, 2015 at 8:05 pm

Mark

They will be back when season starts. Not long now! Hink its charity shield weekend.

Alan nixon reckons another 5 in after ayew!
Mark King July 26, 2015 at 10:08 pm

Wouldn’t surprise me andrew with the amount he wants rid of
Jenny Truman July 27, 2015 at 8:38 am

Morning all ,
re transfers . I know nothing about our three new recruits – only what I am reading in the press and on blogs. Guere sounds exciting and maybe it helps having three French recruits in terms of them settling in ie fellow French speakers and compatriots. Can Nzog help in this respect – give him a responsibility and maybe he will get back to his best – or us it too late for that . Are the French recruits Sherwood’s choices or the new executives choices . Value wise it makes sense – and worked for the toon army – but more work has to be put into helping the team gel together . Have Tim and Ray got their “learn French in 14 days” apps on their phones ?
I hope they get a quality striker in this week – time is running out . I’m not too bothered about Austen – even Ade on a loan as a stop gap nether than nothing .

As for our absentees – ST75 went on hols Sat . I don’t know where our other steamer is – are you out there steamer ????
Jenny Truman July 27, 2015 at 8:44 am

Mark Delph wanted to do the best for his family – and managing on 80k a week when you’ve got two kids is a big challenge . Oh dear .
Delph’s problem is he talks too much – like you say .
DarrenO July 27, 2015 at 10:39 am

If it was my money/team, I’d be focussing on another striker, RB and a goal keeper with Guzan and Bunn providing the challenge

Given the modern move to within-game flexibility to change systems and ask different questions of the opposition, Hutton is too limited to being a defending right back, if we wanted to push another body into midfield we’d always have to look to Amavi to provide, we need to be flexible on both sides of the pitch. so I’d get rid of Hutton also a nice wage off the books as we rebuild.

But this is the problem with the premier league, its become a pay day, let’s take our good friend Fibian, if by some chance he didn’t make it at citeh, how many teams could afford his wages now if he wanted/needed to leave. Austin, Berahino looking for 80k plus is fine for feathering their own nests but it reduces the number of clubs they could join, same with Hutton who would want to pay his 50/60k when we try and sell him, we are a stepping stone club because of our revenue and therefore wage structure and the free economy can’t put a ceiling on wages so we grow organically i.e. drip improvements per position, sell on and get someone slightly better, be prepared for the good ship AVFC to turn the corner slowly.

But for the first time in a long time, players in are being carefully considered in terms of improving the squad, fitting in with TS’ style of play and better chance of sell on value. I’m confident we won’t be relegated this season, I’m confident of progression up the league and I’m confident TS won’t stand for crap and drop players when needed, which PL didn’t.

UTV
Andrew P July 27, 2015 at 10:48 am

Jenny, I hope CNZ has run out of last chances.

Don’t know anything about the Spanish full back linked with us today other than that he was relegated with Cordoba last season. Could be useful experience. Presumably he’s a right back and presumably he can play football – so at least he’s an upgrade on doggy Hutton.

Delph keeps on digging – he slithered away from an £85 thou a week offer from us and tries to make it sound like he’s rescued his family from the poor house.
Andrew P July 27, 2015 at 10:51 am

D O’R, is Hutton really on 50 thou a week? Please tell me you’ve just made that up.
Heroes-and-Villans July 27, 2015 at 11:17 am

if crespo takes huttons place he is a hero allready. Glad the full back situation being addressed. Now for the forwards!

Could be a few comings and goings this week.
southwestvillan July 27, 2015 at 11:42 am

Jenny,

You make a good point how on earth can you get by on £4m a year, perhaps Delph was clever and managed to get himself an improved deal from moneybags Cite£ when he walked away, whatever the story it just cements what I have said before it is so easy to fall out of love with football when the clubs and players just keep taking and the fans keep paying.

AVFC
Lionheart July 27, 2015 at 11:51 am

Crespo.. 28.. 2 years left on his contract.. Club relegated last season.. can play anywhere across the back four.. fee being said to be 500K..

Can’t see him being more than a squad player at best..
Ree Khalid July 27, 2015 at 12:48 pm

The Crespo signing is strange for me. Looks like a journeyman pro, consistently average. Probably puts in a shift and you can count on him but is he really the sort of person we need? Im with Lionheart, see him as a squad player. Also might mean Bacuna is destined to play RM instead of RB which I dont like. Rather see Bacuna develop his defensive game and stay at RB even if he makes mistakes along the way. For me he is a bit one dimensional as a winger, you know what he will do… go around the outside and cross. As a full back thats ok to be 1D but as a winger who you look to to create it’s not a good look.

Also wonder why Sherwood does not promote a youth player as backup RB instead of buying an old squad player from abroad with no resell value. Do we have no decent RB prospect is the youth team? Seems like a Lambert signing to me, very odd.
runtings July 27, 2015 at 1:07 pm

this may explain the thinking behind buying crespo

http://www.myoldmansaid.com/aston-villa-new-full-back-jose-angel-crespo/

ts will have to box smart as i am sure he won’t be able to spend 10mil on every player
it would be nice to see one of our kids take the right back birth but we have been fighting relegation for 4yrs so maybe ease a kid into that role as we don’t want to ruin there confidence if things start going wrong for the team
Heroes-and-Villans July 27, 2015 at 1:26 pm

No problem at all with the crespo signing.

Our squad is shit and needs as many new players as poss.

They say, this chap in for 500k and baker out for 2mill. free up adeys wages.
Paul Pears July 27, 2015 at 1:38 pm

Taking a few minutes break from decorating.

Signings so far, although do not really know any of them seem ok, and Crespo videos show him as a useful player at the back.

Looking forward to seeing my first match on Saturday with the Somerset Lions, led by Bob Moore and a great day out at Forest.

We could be a very interesting mixture this season with some of our youngsters coming through, new signings and the remains of last season’s team.

hope everyone is well and in good humour ready for what should be an exciting season..!!!

UTV…VTID….
James Gill July 27, 2015 at 1:44 pm

if sherwood can ship out all bar clark okore grealish sanchez gil and replace them all brill the rest of squad have spent 4/5 fighting relegation and are not good enough
team played [debatable]cup final where a disgrace much like there performances last 4/5 years bar benteke not sorry to see them all go ,
read somewhere pool spurs have spent over 200m and only managed 1 season each champions league ,pool have 6 strikers benteke sturridge ballotelli borini ings oirgi at nearly one hundred million plus 30m wages ayear and can only play 2 at most when rodgers is sacked newman going to have some sale
Ree Khalid July 27, 2015 at 1:54 pm

The moneyballs thing makes sense @ runtings. Just dont see him being used much. Nothing wrong with being dependable, ask Mark Delaney.
Heroes-and-Villans July 27, 2015 at 2:23 pm

Totally agree James, wouldnt be upset to see most of the squad leave. God we need an overhaul and players like Crespo are welcome who will bring experience and depth to a squad. All part of building a squad.

Need a few more 10mill first teamers though!
Clive Evans July 27, 2015 at 2:45 pm

http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jul/27/premier-league-preview-2015-16-aston-villa

a good resume of where we are at the moment – I’d take 17th now if it meant rising up the table next season
Ree Khalid July 27, 2015 at 3:24 pm

Its official… Ayew is a Villan!

God knows what the fee is, probably £10m which a pretty hefty figure. I get the feeling Sherwood is looking for another Striker too, maybe he’s going for a 2 ST formation? Is Ayew enough? Not sure but we have to back him. We will see how good he is during the season. If he gets more than 10 league goals then I’m happy.
Ree Khalid July 27, 2015 at 3:43 pm

Did a stat comparison if anyone interested.

http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#ligue_1/2014/2015/jordan_ayew/118/118/1180/57/p|premier_league/2014/2015/christian_benteke/165/126/3738/0/p#total_score/attack_score/possession_score/pass_completion/key_passes/assists/chances_created/goals_scored/total_shots/shot_accuracy/shots_inside_area/shots_outside_area/tackles_won/successful_take_ons_%/aerial_duels_won_%/fouls_suffered#total

Definitely shows Ayew is a totally different striker to Benteke – less of a target man, more of a dribbler, better passer and creator of chances. Not sure if he can play the lone striker role although he has done in the past but so has Gabby and we know he aint the best lone striker. Course these stats are Ligue 1 vs PL so that has to be taken into consideration. But it does seem like he is likely to improve after having only 1 full season in his prefered position.
Ree Khalid July 27, 2015 at 3:45 pm

Ok link doesnt work! But if you copy the whole text, paste and go then it will
James Gill July 27, 2015 at 5:34 pm

andrew
i would take cambassio adebayor on one year contracts plus think we could do with commanding keeper plus couple midfielders
sherwood will have to ship out guzan hutton sissko bennet sendros baker richardson cole zog that will not be easy but most of them on last year of contract
also think sanchez could fill in at centre half
runtings July 27, 2015 at 8:32 pm

my gooner mate claims to be itk saying villa have made a 20mil offer for welbeck
Heroes-and-Villans July 27, 2015 at 9:42 pm

No way runtings! That would be sweet!

James
I want a new rb, gk, cm, st and a winger/ cam type.

Those outgoings you mention show the work needed. Going to take a few transfer windows.
@RonnieBiggs July 27, 2015 at 10:11 pm

So far I like this Ayew. He’s already getting a bad rap for having an attitude probably from some quarters however I’d like the supporters to give him a chance.
He’s got swagger and he’s showing a genuine knowledge of and interest in playing for the Villa which is refreshing.
Mind you if he can’t back up the words with his boots then it won’t matter but I like his enthusiasm and understanding of what this ‘big’ club means to the history of football and its great fans… so far a breath of fresh air!
Welcome to the Villa, here’s hoping you have a good first season, we could sure use a dozen or more goals!
UTV
Heroes-and-Villans July 27, 2015 at 11:01 pm

We will get adebuyor in a midfielder and maybe a winger type in i reckon.

Will be delighted if we stretch to gk and rb

A france midfielder being linked tonight. Vettout or something like that….10 mill!
Paul Pears July 28, 2015 at 12:10 am

looking good f we are about to sign Veretout……

.another great French capture…
Jenny Truman July 28, 2015 at 12:23 am

Well I hope all these new French recruits realise Aston Villa is in Bham not London (Like Benteke did !)

Ray Wilkins on TS this morning saying Adeboy would be a great addition . I agree we need someone with prem experience to take over the less goal scoring position . The new kid had one good season – he will need time .
Now here’s an interesting proposition – Van Gaal has been v rude about Ashley Young saying “he’s no Neymar” and not good enough for untied . I would love to see him back at AV – think he’d provide experience and creativity.
Hearing that the Sakho from Wolves attending medical at the baggies . Good signing fir them. Admire everyone’s positivity but am afraid u can’t get rid of the sinking feeling at the back if my mind that we are replacing our team (most if whom needed replacing to be fair) with a bunch of risky
Propositions . One or two wild cards may be ok but we are getting a whole deck of them . My nerves will be helped if we sign a couple of premiership experienced known quality players to lay the foundations for our rebirth . Having nightmares of lots of Jean Makouns in dodgy jumpers – all jabbering away in French !
On that note I will say au revoir mes Amis and dream of Danny Wellbeck arriving at villa to save the day ! Runtingz you have a lot to answer for !
Jenny Truman July 28, 2015 at 8:24 am

Looks like another Jordan joining in Veretout
Wilkins saying replacing Benteke and Delph isn’t a problem and Tim is workjng hard getting them in – he certainly is. Seems Ray is doing all the press conferences Atm so Tim can get on with the recruiting . Works well with Ray’s media experience – he comes across very well. Hearing rumours Zoggy may be off so you were right Andrew, he’s used up his 9th life already .
I hope we keep Baker and Clark – at this rate Gabby will be the last villan standing ! Very exciting times but a hell of a challenge fir Tim to get a team all pulling in the same direction with so many changes. Feel Micah R will be a big help in this area (I still haven’t read what he says about Delph).
DarrenO July 28, 2015 at 10:07 am

TS has to go through this exercise, firstly he needs to remove the players that didn’t support the cause last season, clearly that didn’t mean Delph and Benteke but hands were tied on both.

Secondly he needs players to come in for him as a manager, as much as they play for the club they play for the manager who wants them. The hope is the scouting and the analysis is to fit into a system TS wants, and they are the drivers as opposed to the newcomers being household names.

We are a selling club so bar Crespo, there is investment potential in the recruits as well that will allow Villa to progress in the future never mind adding to the quality today.

While I’m no fan of Adebayor, I can see the merits of bringing experience to the attack as long as the loan structure is 60/40 Spurs way. But I’d much prefer Gestede to come in on less money and potential sell on value as opposed to one season of Adebayor.
Heroes-and-Villans July 28, 2015 at 10:09 am

If Nzog is part of the Vertout deal its a masterstroke.
I am slowly getting excited. Like Jenny says its a risk as we dont know these players but them all being in the French League, being young, having potential just may work. I think there wages will be ok too.

The days of Nzog for 70k a week are over my friends 🙂
Heroes-and-Villans July 28, 2015 at 10:14 am

I think some are down and staying away because randy seems to be staying.

Now for me it does not matter if the right management are in place and the correct decisions are being made.

In Fox, the new sporting director, tim and ray wilkins to Macdonald back with the kids i am a lot more confident than when we had O neil on his own running the show, Faulkner overseeing everything and the likes of Mcleish and lambert coaching.
Heroes-and-Villans July 28, 2015 at 10:23 am

We wanted to go down the swansea and saints road and looks like we are.

I must say a massive sorry to tim as i had him down as another oneil…just buying british. Couldnt be further from the truth!
@RonnieBiggs July 28, 2015 at 12:01 pm

If this is true then you’ll like this report:http://outsideoftheboot.com/2015/06/14/scout-report-jordan-veretout-nantes/
Jenny Truman July 28, 2015 at 12:59 pm

Thanks for posting that article Ronnie – you never know we may have got a future Thierry Henry within our batch of french players. The article says

“Wherever the player’s future lies, he has stated that were he to leave Nantes, it would only be for a club with European football on the table, limiting his options domestically” He has ambition and hopefully he will do it with AV.

Good point Andrew – we have used Saints as a model to follow and now we are doing similar and the risk is part of it. Most pundits and many supporters had Saints being the team to be relegated last season . Provided we have chosen as well as they have and Tim is up to the managerial challenges (and him and Ray look to be a great combination ) then just maybe this is the start of great things. I don’t think there is any in between though – we will either rise like the phoenix or sink like stone. Let’s hope these new guys are up for the fight .
Ree Khalid July 28, 2015 at 1:04 pm

Really liking the signing of Veretout if it happens. He’s young and has great potential like all the signings Sherwood has made so far. I watched some videos and looks like a mix between Barry and Milner to me, which aint a bad thing. Also looks to be great at dead ball situations.

Im a sucker for stats so did a comparison on him, Delph, Cleverly and Gueye:

http://www.squawka.com/comparison-matrix#premier_league/2014/2015/fabian_delph/165/126/414/0/p|ligue_1/2014/2015/jordan_veretout/118/118/3324/0/p|ligue_1/2014/2015/idrissa_gueye/118/118/1098/0/p|premier_league/2014/2015/tom_cleverley/126/126/576/32/p#total_score/attack_score/defence_score/possession_score/total_passes/pass_completion/key_passes/assists/chances_created/goals_scored/total_shots/tackles_won/tackles_lost/successful_take_ons/successful_take_ons_%/fouls_suffered/fouls_committed/interceptions/blocks/clearances/defensive_errors#total

(copy paste all of it)

What stands out is how well rounded Gueye is, better than Cleverly in all departments. He has really come off the back of an outstanding season last year. Veretout stands out mostly in his attacking and ability to create chances, although he is an all rounder and can do some defensive work too. Genuinely excited about this signing.

As Jenny and others have said it is a big risk signing so many new players, esp from abroad, all at once. But what other choice do we have? The potential of all our signings is huge, and it helps that they’re all coming from France at the same time. Just hope it doesnt take them so long to get used to the PL. They need to hit the ground running, our fixture list at the the start does help.

Viva La revolution! UTV
runtings July 28, 2015 at 1:08 pm

Ronnie cheers for the post – the lad sure does sound a prospect

well finally someone seems to have convienced randy that the best wey to protect his investment is to have a good side with young players of genuine quality – and tekkers may have been the example that convienced him they are right

interesting on the welbeck link – i have always thought he is a bit hit and miss – he isnt a great finisher but will chip in and always put a proper shift in but 20mil

with they buys so far 20 could maybe go further but i can understand why he may be interested in welbeck

jen i hope you managed to get a good night’s sleep in the end

we want our steamers back
Ree Khalid July 28, 2015 at 1:16 pm

Nice link Ronnie, here is another good article:

http://frenchfootballweekly.com/2015/07/28/aston-villa-to-continue-french-adventure-with-jordan-veretout/?
John Clark July 28, 2015 at 1:18 pm

New post up, ladies and gentlemen…
Heroes-and-Villans July 28, 2015 at 1:20 pm

gestede of blackburn on the way……were aston villa and we’ll spend what we want

Money Talks & It Ain’t A New Thing

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