This evening brings the closing of the transfer window. For Aston Villa, a few signings wouldn’t go amiss as despite a 2-1 win against Hull City, there are certainly areas that could be strengthened.

Some of these areas will naturally fix themselves when both Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak return to the fold, but the pursuit of Tom Cleverley indicates that the manager is looking for that elusive midfielder to link up the midfield with the attack.

Kieran Richardson has performed the role fairly solidly, but competition is never a bad thing. Likewise, Joe Cole can play a similar role, but the feeling is likely that the former West Ham man is only a short term fix rather than a long term plan.

Villa also seem to be in need of some wingers. Given the reintroduction of Charlie N’Zogbia, and the emergence of Jack Grealish in the first team, there appears to be a desire to start using traditional wide men to pull apart defences.

Against Hull, N’Zogbia made a good connection with Alan Hutton, linking up play and using each other to push down the right flanks. Aly Cissokho, after a solid performance on his home debut, was a little out of place on few occassions, mainly as a result of focusing more on attacking than defending.

Perhaps Cissokho was hamstrung by the fact that Andi Weimann – his paired player on the left – is much less a rounded player like N’Zogbia, and much more a striker playing out of position. Given that, a winger for the left would be an ideal solution rather than continually playing strikers out wide.

Sure, that may mean that the likes of Weimann – and even Gabby Agbonlahor – may be restricted in game time given they will be competing for a single striker role, but a manager has to look at a system first rather than the component players.

That said, with both Weimann and Agbonlahor on the scoresheet against Hull, both will be arguing their inclusion is an ongoing plan, though arguably Villa’s number 11 is the one with more of an argument given his significantly more rounded game than the club’s Austrian number 10.

What we need now – as a club – is some sensibility. Remaining unbeaten is a great positive – and one that should be treated as such – but September promises to be significantly more challenging for the Villans.

Whilst that doesn’t suggest that fans should expect nothing, getting a result against the top four will prove to be a challenge, and that is what is coming next. Villa, as always, have the potential to do well when the league resumes post-international break, though they may well find themselves victims of a consistent inconsistency in performances.

If, and this is a big if, Villa can manage to raise their game to the levels they have proven themselves to be capable of, there is cause for much hope, though getting swept away with positivity is far from the wisest ideas for a club that has had more ups and downs than a sine wave in recent times.

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Matt Turvey
Matt is the owner of, and chief writer for, Aston Villa Life. He is also a columnist for the Wolverhampton Express & Star, appearing in the Kick Off pullout on Saturdays and the Final Whistle pullout the Monday after Aston Villa play, as well as every Thursday as a blogger on their website. He has previously been featured as a writer on Football365 and Life's A Pitch, and was a regular pundit for Sports Tonight TV on Sky.

Comments 181

  1. Haggis

    Good morning Warwick and may I say a good post.

    My apologies for being absent for so long, I got talked into a management position that because of poor support from above, underperforming/absent staff meant that I was working 16 hours a day including several call outs through the night. this is why I do have some sympathy for Lambert.

    I thought Cissokho played a good game and stopped several crosses coming over. Shame about the goal but these things happen. It was good to see MOTD2 showed how Hull clattered jack grealish several times. We have a star in the making there.

    If you need a distraction, apparently I cloud was hacked last night and several stars have had naked pictures posted on the internet including Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlet Johansson and Yvonne Strahovski ( the babe in Chuck ) to name but a few. My stepson showed me a few posted on Reddit and now the Telegraph’s reported it.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11067182/Nude-Jennifer-Lawrence-photos-leaked-by-hacker-who-claims-to-have-private-pictures-of-100-A-listers.html

  2. Haggis

    “Tom Cleverley won’t be joining Aston Villa from Manchester United today unless his agent reduces his wage demands. Villa manager Paul Lambert met Cleverley, and the player is keen on the move having been guaranteed first-team football. But Lambert has no intention of offering Cleverley more pay than the likes Ron Vlaar and Christian Benteke. One player on his way out is Karim El Ahmadi, who’s returning to his former club Feyenoord, after two seasons with Villa.”

  3. SuperBox

    I assume the Cissohko / wiemann rouste down the left was a planned tactic, as it both CNZ and Richardson were not offering alot of width of the other side, and both our goals came from that route.

    Thought Cissohko looked very solid overall.

    Senderos and Vlaar appear to have hit it off straight away, it seems Vlaar likes having someone along side who knows what they are doing (though still prone to the odd Senderos moment of madness – like the hooked clearlance straight to a Hull player when the back header to the keeper was the better and eaiser option!)

  5. SuperBox

    Mark – I agree, and Senderos wants the ball to his feet and that stops Guzan kicking so much. also seems to clam everyone down and we retain possesion.

    I was very sceptical of his signing, but based on what I saw yesterday, it might just have been a good signing and I was…www…wwwr….wwro….wron…. not as correct as I should have been!

  7. Mark King

    superbox

    have you noticed when Sanchez comes on he immediately starts instructing Westwood and Delph to get into formation instead of doing the headless chicken which we always turn to at some point in the match. its like, gasp! he knows what he’s doing

  8. Mark King

    andrew

    in previous games we have taken points from all of them and taken some hidings too. on present form I think we could do well as we are not the team they played last 2 seasons so they will have to adapt to more than the counter attack, although that has served us well.
    It was encouraging to see gabby was noticeably quicker and maybe is reaching his yearly patch of fitness, we will definitely need him as none of them are particularly quick or that great at the back with Chelsea maybe the best I’ve seen so far. I can see Lambert going one up top and bringing in Sanchez so weimann should lose out but will probably be nzogbia

    defence speaks for itself but I can see a midfield 5 of

    sanchez
    nzogbia westwood delph richardson

    gabby

  9. steamer

    ‘Guaranteed first team football’ isn’t a phrase i like, especially where the player concerned is a dummy. NO player should be guaranteed a place although under Lambert some seem to be favoured more than others.
    If Cleverley does sign and is played with Westwood then it may be a good idea to move the goalposts to the Witton Lane and Trinity Road sides.

  11. SuperBox

    Mark – I did notice that with Sanchez, also Senderos does the same! I don’t suspect for a second it will be tha magic pill to save us, but it sure does help keep us tighter than we were at the back!

  12. SuperBox

    Steamer – I am all for letting a game flow and the ref playing his part, but he seemed to forget what his whistle and cards were for, especially in the first half, were there seemed to be blatant trips and fouls going unpunished (on both sides to be fair).

    The most random thing was Gabby stood on the toe of someone (Davies?) completely by accident, no malice, just one of those things. But Clattenburg made a big deal of talking to him about it and indicating another and he would be booked – ludicrous.

    Didn’t see the nasty (there were so many it’s hard to keep up!) tackle on Grealish clearly.

  14. Mark King

    superbox
    we still have a massive capacity to panic but so far its been minimal and hopefully the wiser heads will prevail. these next games will be a great barometer to where we really are. I’m hoping we can maintain last seasons successes against the top teams with the seemingly improved results against the rest but this is villa and Paul Lambert so…..

    steamer

    If Grealish wasn’t so flexible he could of got hurt badly. hull put in three challenges that could of crippled him, the first 2 where just his quick feet the third not so sure, they also had the cheek to claim he was diving?! if we got him in and around the box he will win free kicks and penalties galore not to mention goals and assists. our new england star delph should of put him through in acres but chose to scuff a shot, knob

  16. Mark King

    on cleverly Martinez seems to rate him and had him at Wigan so maybe there’s a player in there. to be honest I don’t know where we would play him let alone guarantee a place. the only spot open is that 10 and I think grealish or nzogbia could do that

  17. runtings

    Soccer satuday guys views on Cleaverly was interesting — he only passes sideways and backwards was the qoutes – but we have westwood for that so it is a puzzling choice of spending you last 10mil quid

  18. RichardS

    Keeping Vlaar is absolutely essential and if we manage to keeo him it will be the best news on transfer deadline day

    Hopefully we will manage to sign a few new players, I wouldn’t mind Cleverley, and a couple of wingers. Sinclair/Ben Arfa are both available. What about a move for our former favourite Milner and a loan bid for Micah Richards? There is so much wasted talent at Man City just sitting on the bench picking up their salaries. There are plenty of options and with our positive start to the season we look more like an attractive proposition. Sit on the bench or challenge for a Champions League spot with Aston Villa – doesn’t that sound good!!!!

    We shall see!!

    UTV

  19. B6toBrasil

    Yes to Cleverly if he is £3M.If we wanted(another)limited,hardworking MF player,then get KEA back.Why we should offer an alleged £7M is beyond my comprehension,maybe I`m just a thick clod.Cleverly is not a game changer or match winner,therefore he is mos def in the £3M bracket -or less-IMO.Send him to Blundrland they collect dross from the Theatre of Shit,O`Shea,Bardsley,Brown

  20. B6toBrasil

    Now Wellbeck at £4M.a more sensible price but his wages would be out of reach.He is younger Gabby,operating under the title of eerrrmmm………….striker.He rarely scores,but his movement is decent.

  22. Mark King

    frem

    we thought the same about senderos for nothing, and cissys liverpool video made me wonder too . its not an inspiring purchase and the fact he’s dithering doesn’t help but could turn out to be a bargain . some players just don’t suit some teams, downing at liverpool was overawed, young at manure nothing to shout about. being a supposed bigger fish might give him the confidence to express himself in a way that wasn’t possible at manure, when he always gives the ball to the bigger names around him instead of taking it on himself. we can’t stop him coming so might as well give him the benefit of the doubt

  46. Lionheart

    BREAKING NEWS !!!!

    16:56 Villa bid for Sergio Canales by The Holte
    Sky Sports News and BBC West Midlands are both reporting that Villa have made a bid for Real Sociedad attacking maestro, Sergio Canales. More to follow.

  49. Mark King

    feels a bit unsettling that we are up for sale but are now targeting better players than when we had more money? have we all been zapped into an alternative universe where Lambert is a football genius? didn’t think so, so what the hell is going on

  52. B6toBrasil

    Mark

    I can`t get me nut around this.3 years of scratching around for Jermaine Jenas,Dawkins and the like and now we are looking,at and buying better quality.OK we are not dining at the top table with Chelski and City,but it is a real melon scratcher.We are up for sale,yet Lerner seems to be……oh forget it,very puzzling.

    “What the hells is going on ?”.that is exactly what I was saying when you lot were asking me for all those £20 notes at the meet up.

  53. Mark King

    brasil
    alzheimer’s disease is a terrible but ST75 said that’s exactly why we should invite you along, sitting duck he said, don’t know what he meant though?

    It can’t be Keane he signed crap as well, maybe fox has a few old scouting mates from arsenal in his back pocket?

  55. Ian

    I don’t think Lerner is going to sell and has been convinced to improve the team and not just keep Villa in the league. I think the addition of Keane and Fox were two signings that showed his future commitment. Two guys who know a thing or two. Non of the player signings have broken the bank and the £60 mill from TV is being spent.
    I am surprised at the form of Sendross, Keirnan, and Cissoko. Does anyone think it was a matter of confidence on their part in past seasons. And why is Hutton so much better now? It’s a matter of finding players who can play together and have a good working relationship with each other.
    Regarding the line up for September, it definitely is a tough one but all the teams around Villa have to play them too. So really isn’t it a wash regarding final place in the table plus or minus a couple of points?
    For me so far it’s a matter of Lambert having Keane at his side-someone who likes Lambert and vice versa and players who are comfortable with each other. The play has picked up its pace and players seem to know where to be on the pitch for a pass.
    Yeah the quality of the team can always be improved and so far it has been. Would anymore players brought in create a problem with the players already under contract? Has the average wage been increased by Lerner which allows better signings?

  56. runtings

    Ian – i think it was a case of lambert not being good enough in the market to build a young team that had true potentail — it is easier for him with older players as at least they know what they are doing out there — the fact that we have been sooooo poor the last 2 seasons make it feel like barca now we can defend a bit

  62. Ian

    A sad affliction.
    Given the restrictions on Lambert on the past two seasons. I imagine trying to mold a team of youngsters in the top football league was difficult. Do you think he did everything he did on purpose or do you think Lerner had more to do with it behind the scenes? It was obviously too much for them at that level. It’s why I’m happy to see so many of them go out on loan for game time. I would hope that Villa haven’t written them off and expect some return from their loan outs. Jack didn’t suffer from it.

  63. Mark King

    Ian

    Rome wasn’t built in a day, I think Lambert was told to lose the big earners and came to the conclusion most senior pros would want higher wages. so young and hungry was born. if the bomb squad had all been off loaded before his second season in charge he would of bought a better class of player you would of thought, as he would of been able to offer better wages. as its is they have come in handy so far, funny how things turn out

  71. steamer

    Canales hasn’t turned out as good as predicted, he’s had a couple of disappointing loans. i’d take a squint at Barcelona’s reserve team, although personally i’d invest in a new manager first.
    Don’t think anyone told Hernandez of Lamberts interest before he moved to Real, what a missed opportunity for him.

  72. runtings

    I think lambert should have done much better myself – if he had boxed clever also had the right people around him he could have built a very good sqaud on the money available to date.

    He will become a better manager for the experience , I don’t believe he is right for us thou and see lots of talented managers that play the game and the maret in a way that would be a greater benifit for the club

  75. Mark King

    runtingz

    its weird how we can go from total hoofball to the respectable effort of the first half on sat. I know it was a tired hull ( who also lost to a back of beyond foreign team) but many have said how Hull have better players than us. what is the switch that has to be turned on to keep us playing half decent football? is it Lamberts tactics or the teams inability to carry them out on a regular basis? we didn’t even play on the break much

  76. Frem

    THe little useless shit from United wanted 80 grand a week

    We’ve had fecking summer and not added one quality forward thinking player. We now have no depth in the middle or wide options what so ever. 1 injury in midfield and we are down the the bare bones

    Lambert arrived 2 years back.we need a CAM and winger. Going into his 3rd season, we still need a number 10 and winger

  77. B6toBrasil

    £16M for Wellbeck,madness,madness,madness.I thought Wenger was more astute than that.

    Cleverly was looking for 80 grand a week,ha,ha,ha.He must have an incredibly high opinion of himself.Well done Mr Lerner keep the cheque book locked away.

  84. B6toBrasil

    Pleased we didn`t get another pie chaser like Holt in at the last minute,why sign for the sake of it?
    KEA gone so one less player in front of Jack G.
    Everton need to be careful Barry,Eto`o,Lukaku` Wages must have rocketed at Goodison.The average age of that team is hightoo.
    Cleverarse will go for a Bosman in the summer,and Everton can wee £80 grand a week up the wall on him then

  86. B6toBrasil

    We`ve done our business early,not too bad..Do I want more?I did yes,but only if they are better than we already have.For me Cleverarse doesn`t fall into that category,worth a punt at £3.5M tops but £8M and 80 grand a week?No.

  87. Gareth Stevens

    Not one face in… WTF??? Not even a loan…

    Hull have done some crazy business and QPR just keep on buying…

    Starting to get nervous again as others have improved…

    And Cleverly is real twat!!!!

  88. Frem

    Randy must be delighted. Spent 7 mill this summer, hasn’t had to give anyone. Pay rise and pocket the TV money

    Can’t believe what Hull have done. Another epic fight on our hands. Didn’t add quality in the final 3rd what so ever. What goes through Lamberks head ?

  89. Paul Pears

    Good business from Villa, no one in, and no wage problems. but more importantly, no-one out, which means we now have a solid squad at least until January.

    It really bodes well for some of our young players, including those out on loan. We can meet the wage demands of our current players, and take time negotiating new contracts.

    Benteke and kozak to come back shortly, we are in a much stronger position than most thought possible.

  90. Mark King

    Well that’s that, we have a strong enough team, probably not enough quality depth in the squad. Kosak and tekkers back in and gabby and weimann firing on all cylinders and we will be covered up front, Robinson and Burke as cover. If we play hi tempo as we did Saturday or our counter attack game it will take its toll as the season rolls on. The players on loan will be crucial come January so hope they get game time and up to speed, Johnson and gardener especially. We then have the option of bringing in a couple of quality buys if needed .

  91. steamer

    How come Untied got a deadline extension for the Falcao signing ? surely its void as the transfer didn’t comply to FA regulations ? one rule for some etc.

  93. Roderick Seel (Sam)

    Ok, first off, those pictures of me in varying states of undress, celebrating after the Hull game are private and anyone who publishes them will get slapped!

    So Tom, what do you want? First team football or LOADSA money???

    OK, you want the money; yet again proving that all players are interested in is £££, well enjoy yer time in the reserves at Manure, good luck with that!

    Lucky escape me thinks

  95. SuperBox

    If the Canales bid is to be believed, it was probably a cheeky punt worth a go

    We put in the bid, Player has no idea who we are, looks at league table and sees us in 3rd above Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Man Utd, he thinks – hang on they might be alright and signs……

    Clearly someone showed him lasts years league table as well….

  96. Heroes-and-Villans

    Gabby saying we are trying to play more football this year…of the passing varity!

    Promising.

    Centre Mid we are light weight if we get injuries but will do us hopefully until Jan.

    Certainly stronger than last year…now for the beast to return

  97. Andrew P

    Agree that we dodged a bullet with Tom Cleverley. I think it was Droyd who said a couple of weeks ago that where Lambert has spent big he’s delivered value for money and there’s truth in that, but Cleverley at £8 million would have been exactly like an MON signing. Overpaid, overpriced and not good enough for a Champions League time (or Man United).

    Can’t say I blame Cleverley though. His deadline day choice was to either take a substantial pay cut to move to a team who’ve struggled for the past 4 seasons or to sit tight and pick up £70 thou a week for the next 8 or 9 months and then move on a Bosman and trouser a massive signing on fee next summer.

  98. runtings

    Canales not coming is purely down to money from what G Baligue had to say on SSN
    Apperently due to a low tax threshold in spain he would not benifit from a move to villa in a finaincial sense — i was impressed that we finally are looking at real quaility thou and there are many players out there that have bags more ability that what have that wouldnt cost the earth

    Hopefully we can get one or two in the next window

  99. Mark King

    andrew P
    I suspect its a big up yours from tom to manure rather than purely financial. but when you see the slatings he’s had and his england career all but fucked he’s looking after number 1. everton would of given him a platform on loan and paid the same at the end of the season, no-brainer.

    on the attacking midfielder front we have johnson out on loan ditto gardener. of the two jonhson is at least as busy as cleverly if unspectacular

  106. Paul Pears

    Cleverley still coming to Villa on a loan deal until January…according to Gregg Evans…submitted to FA in the early hours.

    Canales wouldn’t come as he was doing a film shoot in Madrid and did not want to miss it…!!! Obviously sponsors were paying more..!!

  112. steamer

    Fabian Delph credits his personal trainer with getting him in the England squad, the same trainer Bent and Flabby use !!!! does he take those two on a tour of McDonalds after training Delph ?

  113. Mark King

    steamer
    they needed to, hull finished below us (the worst team in the league) and were in Europe. Southampton sold half their team for big money, we on the other hand are up for sale and unbeaten at the time of writing down in no small part to hanging on to delph and vlaar and even tekkers and bringing in some cheap experience and you jolly well know that!

    and I thought KFC was one of those rap blokes bent and gabby have been hanging out with

  114. runtings

    Mark — i think the reason we are starting to look more like a football side is because we have a solid 1st five defenders for the first time since PL came in

    it gives the team confidence that we are not going to conceed every 20mins or after each corner like it was not so long ago

    The sqaud is paper thin now thou but i still prefer it to what was there before barr helinius who i think shown sides on his rare outtings

    the good thing is there is now room for the acadamy lads to get in at some point and prove there worth

  115. Mark King

    runtingz- I agree mate first 11 and bench are solid if not spectacular. you’ve got to hope those farmed out pull up trees to impress and come good. that includes tonev and sylla. most are on loan till jan when the injuries pile up some in hope of improvement and match fitness and some to be sold IMO

  117. Gareth Stevens

    Well that’s surprised a few…

    Much happier with the loan deal… If he’s crap then he can move on, if he shines then we buy.

    Some good competition in central midfield now… Delph, Westy, Cleverly, Sanchez… and the kids currently out on loan.

    UTV!!!!!!!!

  119. Mark King

    could go 2 ways, he plays his socks off to try and get a good deal with a top 6 team and back in the England squad or he doesn’t and Lambert feels less obliged to play him automatically. works for me

  122. rogermuffin

    evening all !

    i think tom tom will ne good good for us us .

    if he plays maybe the team will be something like this

    guzan

    hutton vlaar sendross cissko

    sanchez deplh

    westy tom nzog

    tekkers

    ?

  123. rogermuffin

    MArk

    ” could go 2 ways, he plays his socks off to try and get a good deal with a top 6 team and back in the England squad or he doesn’t and Lambert feels less obliged to play him automatically. works for me ”

    i concur!

  124. rogermuffin

    runtingz & mark,

    the first 11 looks good , then there is some good squad players in to fill in.

    i hope some of the younger lads (other than jg who is already breaking in to the side ) also breakthrough this season.

    gary g neeeds to make the most of his loan, if he really was that good b4 his injury then he needs to get his head right and not play expecting a to get injury, if it happens it happens , or maybe he needs to adjust his game a bit to try nt to get injured.

    not sure of the others that were in the 21 euro cup wining team except doncicen robinson hope these guys also hav e a good season , anyone know the rest of their names and if tghey areron loan or not?

  125. rogermuffin

    1steamer, the personal trainer delph used must have helpde him a lot thorugh his injuries , dont forget this i only his 3rd season playing for us , the previus 3 seasona he was pretty much injured.

    also gaby and bent also like kfc and bugger king- & sometime when they felt like being fancy they went to nandos!
    🙂

  126. rogermuffin

    Trinity,

    “It’s up to the FA now.

    http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29026581 ”

    they won’t do shit – they love the manc’s and scouse to much. and cockerknees as well, they just don’t like the rest of the country

    also just remembered that you had a really vivid dream about playing for villa against newcastle , you mentioned sometime last week.

    snap!

    i had one very similar to that a few years ago , except in mine i was playing for villa and came on at half time when we were already 3-0 up. then i kicked off and woke up.

  129. Frem

    we got the greedy little fecker in the end then. Only wanted 80 grand a week

    Loan suits him being more greedy in the summer as well when hes a free agent

  130. Frem

    “It’s a team that plays the style of football that I like. They play with high energy, they pass and move and there are a lot of good young players.

    LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  131. Roderick Seel (Sam)

    I like what Cleverly has to say….what a pity he couldn’t say it as he was giving us the finger on his way to Goodison Park!

    Just remember laddie, you snooze you lose, you already have a point to prove to get the fans on your side!

  132. steamer

    Another dud in the way of Grealish.
    Get back in the England team !!! arf arf
    He’s wiped his arse on our shirt and Lambert still signs him, the club has no shame.

  133. Mark King

    roger

    johnsons not bad he’s gone out on loan he’s been the captain for a good few years. attacking mid to plenty of energy.

    steamer
    have you wrote that apology to the FA yet? make sure you thank them for letting villa onto the top table to nibble manures scraps

    I will let the lad settle in before I make my mind up he can’t be totally useless if fergie had him in the team and won the league. he’s given himself a mountain to climb with the fans though. manure must of said he was going into solitary if he stayed

  135. Mark King

    dont know if anyone read this article at the bottom of the MOM article roger put up. Its a view of cleverly by an old manure supporter and I like what he has to say about the lad I’d say its just what we need to let Delph/westwood get forward or support delph when he makes his runs. He could knit well with Sanchez as the anchor and westwood who also shows for the ball a lot. f me we might even keep the ball for more than 5 passes

  139. rogermuffin

    Mark, in that link heres a very good point about us getting a player that everton wanted.

    ha they fat got old barry. they’ll also be in debt soon.

    Guess its a sign of changing times?

    also i can’t fooking believe they forked out 28 mill for lulu.

  140. r0bb0

    “Carrick is on record more than once saying how Cleverley was always there to take a pass. Nothing fancy from him, quick pass, run, pass, run…He keeps the ball moving and when it breaks down, he’s after it like a Rottweiler. He’ll be a good buy.

    Morons get on his back thanks to the media. I think he actually wants to get away [from United] now. He basically got booed by the England fans without having a bad game for them! It was a daft carry over from that media sh**e”

    Thank goodness we don’t have any morons who will get on a player’s back eh?

  142. r0bb0

    Roger. Must admit I’ve been wondering whether the Everton experiment might all end in tears. It feels very like Lerner’s experiment with O’Neill which ended so badly for us. We came soooooo close, but when you spend like that there’s little margin for error.
    I’d back Martinez to come through for them, but there’s no doubt it’s a gamble.

  143. rogermuffin

    r0bb0.

    yup have to agree.

    it would be nice to pass them up the way up!

    the margins being tigth is to true – because if its really true about mon going for emile instead of falcao – well no way to know if he would have been a success but considering our first columbian – angel took a while to et going falcao would surely have banged in a few goals.

    and dont forget that angels a hero in coloumbia – so maybe it was him back then who tried to get falcao to us.

    hey ho! an only dream abut it now .

    no actually we have a our seconf colubian now – maybe we should be sending scouts over there?

  144. Frem

    If Lakaku is worth 24 mill then, then Benteke is worth double that. Lakaku for such a big lad can’t hold the ball up for shit. Benteke is next level at doing that. Can’t why for the guy to come back

    Wonder if Cleverley will pay a more advanced role for us? I take it Westwood will be dropped ?

  145. Trinity

    Rogermuffin

    At least you got to play in your dream.

    Given his wage demands more than double what he’s on at Man U, Tom sounds like a mercenary. Hopefully he’s not devisive.

  146. steamer

    RoBbO,
    That’s because Carrick can only pass a ball 10 yards and square.
    No, Cleverley was booed because he shouldn’t be anywhere near an England team.
    Why would anyone want a player who obviously doesn’t want to be here and shows no respect for our club, i’d take KEA back rather than play this mediocre mercenary.

  147. steamer

    Right, some supporters of this club still have standards, at the moment we have an owner who’s as much use as a chocolate hot water bottle and a desperate manager who’s attempting to turn things around by doing what the fans have been telling him to do for two seasons, he’s no-where near good enough for this club and its a football miracle and also an indictment on AVFC that he wasn’t booted after the 8-0, he’s shown NOTHING to suggest he can be an asset to our club. Free transfers from relegated clubs and injury prone has – been’s, is that acceptable for Aston Villa ? to some of our fans it seems to be, no we have a player who wouldn’t have got a game in our reserve team ten years ago suggesting the club should be grateful he has signed for us rather than for Everton. The most disappointing factor about our decline is the acceptance of the HC’s of the likes of Ginger, Chubby, Houllier, Lambert and company, i think the saying is ‘you get what you deserve.’

  148. Mark King

    Steamer
    Lernets off so thereis not much point in griping mate. If he gets them out the dustbin and we play better and win more i’ll take that. Do i think villa are the bastion of morals no but what is these days x-factor? An improvement over the last two seasons is needed and i hope we get it

  149. Heroes-and-Villans

    No ones happy. I am a bit more confident than i was 3 games ago though. I thought we was relegated but with the start we have made and having a better team than last year i have hope we will survive.

    Dont waste any energy on Lambert or Learner, they will be gone when sold.

    All my focus is on supporting the team and fighting for survival.

  150. Heroes-and-Villans

    Villa do seem to want to keep the ball more and retain possession so cleverly should help us in that regard. With Delph, Sanchez and cleverly we should certainly stop by passing the midfield.

    Will take time though

  151. The Droyd

    Cleverley will dramatically improve us as will Sanchez. Every signing gives us something we didn’t have last season.

    I’m delighted with Lambert’s business this summer. Very happy with Cleverley on loan because if he doesn’t impress then he can go back in January.

    There is no reason why we can’t challenge for a top 10 spot with this squad. If Lambert can’t improve on 15th with this squad then he will have failed miserably.

    I have every confidence that he will improve significantly on 15th and that’s all we can ask for this season.

    The next five games will see us fall down the table but with 7 points already, those 5 games will be out of the way and we should be really competitive for the rest of the season.

  152. Heroes-and-Villans

    We should of a lot more energy and ability in Midfield. Need Delph and cleverly to chip in with assists and goals though.

    I saw on Twitter we had Di Maria on trial when he was a kid….we had the cows sponsor shirt!

  153. Paul Pears

    Apparently Cleverley’s agent was the stumbling block, and a late phone call to lambert from Cleverley himself, pleading to join Villa, is what made it happen. Give the guy a break , and judge him on his performance…stats on him in the mail make very interesting reading. We could have an amazing mid field, if he works out.

  154. Frem

    Just read we had an option to buy for 7.5 mill in jan. ha. he has 6 months left on his contract then, pay a couple of mill of just sign him on a free in the summer

    I think a him and delph could work well together making runs in the box with Sanchez sitting

    The worry now is our lack of quality in the wide areas. we have Grealish, and thats it.

    Wonder if Robbinson will ever get game time this season ?

  155. southwestvillan

    Unfortunately we have had to sit by and watch these imbeciles demolish our great club, we have had to tolerate second best in player requirements, some are happy just to see a change of any description whether it be for good or bad, our club is a shadow of its former self and the likes of Lerner and Faulkner should be castigated by the fans for ruining a major footballing establishment, probably the biggest error they have made is not sacking Lambert when he constantly proved to be lacking any ability to manage at premier level.

    The re-building of our club is a mammoth task for anyone willing to stump up the money to send Lerner on his way back to the good old US of A, how long it takes is anybody’s guess perhaps not in my lifetime but hopefully in Frems, just to be able to see our club compete on a week to week basis again will be a massive boost instead of looking at our next five games knowing there will be very few points to add to our current total.

    The acceptance from some of our fans to the recent decline is somewhat staggering, Villa fans were always a proud lot hence the former badge and not the new crest, we would always stand up strong if we thought our club was being denigrated in anyway, how times have changed perhaps it is the new breed of supporter who feel the likes of Everton are now a cut above us.

    The game may have changed because of extortionate wages and transfer fees allied to multi billion pound sponsorship deals but for me Aston Villa will always remain a true bastion of English football that I hope will regain its former class under new leadership.

    UTV

  156. steamer

    Yes mate, we feared no-one, we’d play the Untieds and Arsenals confident we’d beat them, look at us now losing at home to an Orient team resting SIX players.

  158. Paul Pears

    A noble speech B62

    But what is it you really want?

    Villa’s present team includes two world cup stars in Sanchez and Vlaar…Delph has just been selected for England, Sendeross, Guzan and Hutton are current internationals Grealish is ready for full international level, Cleverley, Agbonlahor and Bent have both played in recent years for England. Westwood has been a young international, and is now bordering full international….

    Just because we have not spent the crazy money of the Scummers, does not mean we do not have the basis of a good squad.

  159. Mark King

    Lads when was this mystic time? I’ve watched us 40 years and apart from the odd couple of years we have never really dominated the top teams of the time

  161. SuperBox

    Arrrhh the good old days. So good they led us to where we are now….

    Personally anything other than us playing in narrow red and blue striped tops, against Aston Brook st Marys rugby team, 1st half football rules, 2nd half rugby rules is a personal insult and a travesty to the history of this great club.

  162. southwestvillan

    Paul,

    I would love to see a stadium that is more than three quarters full, 28k for a premier home game tells you all you need to know of the current malaise felt by a huge section of Villans, they want to be entertained, they want a team to be proud of, a team that will compete and give most teams a real game at VP.

    They need to feel confident that if they are going to put their hands in their pockets and spend their last thirty or forty pounds that at least they will get some sort of value for money, under Lambert they know that will not happen, the majority of fans are not mugs they know their football and will not put up with the dross served up over the last two and a bit seasons.

    UTV

  163. Heroes-and-Villans

    I have stopped attending. It’s a 8 hour round trip, dead on full tank of petrol and easily over £100 day out…..all with a high chance of us losing and watching crap footy. I may look stupid……

    If things change this season i will try and conjur up the extra cash though.

  164. Ian

    Paul, I have thought the same regarding international level players and Villa has a few. Not to mention Benteke and Given who have played internationally.
    Sendross and Hutton have been slagged, one before he put boots on for Villa and the other for what ever reason things didn’t work out for him. Both have been a pleasant surprise so far. How can anyone not be happy with the potential of the mid field? And Frem, one more wide man would help the club. We will never know all who Lambert was targeting last transfer season. It takes two to tango and just because Lambert wants someone it doesn’t mean they will automatically come to the team. And don’t forget Keane. Love him or hate him he brings a lot of talent to the club and that is a plus in the eyes of the younger players. You can have lots of top talent and things might not jell. MU I think is more talented than Villa and they are having a hell of a time right now.
    The fans will be back. It’s in their blood. A good showing against Liverpool and the stadium will be full for the next home game.

  168. steamer

    Ian,
    Funnily enough i watched The Meaning of Life last night, thought it was tripe, not a patch on The Life of Brian. Not a big Python fan anyway.

  170. Mark King

    swv

    we had worse in 1980-81 when things were tight and we were worth watching. 23,400 was the lowest 47,000 against the west brom and ipswich at he end of the season the highest. average about 30,000 I guess the glory hunters turned up as the season went on. our games away at liverpool 48,000, arsenal 57,500.
    life’s an adventure can’t be good all the time else to good bits are just the same and you’ll be bored, just think of all the pleasure you got from buying st75 a lifetime of drinks when you need a pick me up

  174. steamer

    Remember them, went to all three, we played football then, you know the game, along the deck, Brian Little had more talent in his toe nail clippings than these current dummies. The late Gordon Smith made Brians goal. That was the best Villa team i’ve seen, Gidman, Nicholl, Phillips. Saunders broke it up too soon, with a decent keeper we could have done a lot more.

  176. Mark King

    steamer
    1957 weren’t you doing national service then? or was it time?
    brian little, magic 😉
    you think we have got it bad mate I saw wolves academy bus on the m40 today the flintstones would of been proud of it

  179. r0bb0

    Steamer. I thought the same as you about Cleverley having ideas above his station but it looks as if the problem was with his arse of an agent, not him.
    Hope the fans give him a fair chance and the encouragement he probably needs to rebuild his career with us.

  181. steamer

    Mark,
    We have a long history of Villans playing for England and ignored, according to Don Revie, Gidman made ‘the best England debut since Duncan Edwards,’ and never played again, Brian Little saved England but showd Kevin Keegan up for what he was and never played again, Gerry Hitchens etc, its a long list yet the number of utterly crepe Spuds who have played is mind boggling.

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