Aston Villa Banter Archive July 01 2015 to July 31 2015

31 Jul 2015 19:50:58
Having signed Gestede and Ayew, and with Berbatov and Adebayor still being linked I think it is safe to assume we are out of the running for Charlie Austin. I can’t see us needing him anymore - any predictions of where he might end up?

31 Jul 2015 20:45:56
Not sure Andy, I have been reading he has a suspect knee and that he is after £85,000 a week.
With a 15mil price tag and a 4 – 5 year contract that works out to around 30mil +
I think he would prefer a London club, so for me it`s Either West Ham or Spuds.
Having said all that I did say I would like him at VP, but I am really happy with Ayew and Gestede, there are not many better than him in the air.

31 Jul 2015 18:10:15
Baker signs new contract !

31 Jul 2015 17:22:57
A possible line up.

Guzan

Walker. Richards. Clarke. Amavi

Sanchez

Gueye. Veretout

Sinclair Ayew
Gestede

Dependent on someone like Kyle walker coming in of course. But rotation and sub option using Gil, grealish to create a 4231 if needed and adebayor and kozak as option up front.
Not looking too bad at all (so long as the new players are up to it)

Also perhaps a kozak loan to forest for a few months may be beneficial to him getting game time and fitness as well as maintaining a transfer profile should we want to move him.

01 Aug 2015 09:28:36
Westwood over Sanchez all day

01 Aug 2015 23:07:22
I can see Sherwood using Westwood I games where we can out pass the opposition. When we need to be a little more reserved when playing the top teams I think Sanchez will be brought in - hopefully he can replicate his form from the Copa America.

31 Jul 2015 17:01:31
Christian Benteke song would work with Rudi Gestede, be nice if he got 1 against the scouse.

31 Jul 2015 15:58:35
Anyone know what's going on with adebayor? Has he signed?

31 Jul 2015 15:19:12
Veretout confirmed, get in there!!!!

31 Jul 2015 11:48:46
Reports suggest £1 million bid for lescott, (boyhood villa fan, 32, prem experience) worth a shout I'd say.

31 Jul 2015 16:49:14
Would love to see JL signed doesn't look right in a Tesco carrier bag!

31 Jul 2015 11:27:08
Linked with joleon lescott today

31 Jul 2015 07:15:40
I'm Really excited for the start of the new season for the first time since Martin o'neil think it may take some time for all the new players to gel but think a top half finish is definitely achievable!!! UTV

31 Jul 2015 00:17:49
Hi everyone,
First time post on here.Been supporting the Villa since 5 years old and have read a lot of posts on here recently that have urged me to comment. For the first time in a while I am genuwinely optimistic about the coming season. YES. we lost Benteke, YES. we lost Delph but the recent transfer activity has been excellent due to both players being sold. We have a manager who seems to be bold, exciting and knows exactly what he wants. Lerner seems keen to invest in a team that has been laclustre these past 3-4 years. With talk of him wanting to sell the club he has forced his hand into trying to make the club more attractive to potential suitors. Through investing in new players, new talent.Randy is essentially making us attractive to new buyers.

We have had a squads for the previous 4 years that were stale, untouchable and unattractive. But now we are moving in the right direction. Sherwood has done well to clear the deadwood and is trying his upmost to clear out Baker, Tonev, N'Zogbia, Cissoko etc.


He wants a squad that can realisticaly compete in the league. I think Tom Fox was an amazing addition to Villa due to his experience and drive.He knows what works and what doesn't. I am genuwinely excited for this season and I hope we can push on and at least not be stuck in a drab relegation battle once more

{Ed007's Note - Welcome to the sites.}

30 Jul 2015 22:14:37
With all these new signings and LK on form is there a chance we will play a 3, 2, 5 formation!!! Really exciting youth and experience being rumoured can't wait

30 Jul 2015 21:27:21
Gestede is a great signing, Veretout is what we needed too. Genuinely excited ahead of the new season, we have got our Villa back !!

All about gelling now, getting a right back and possibly a wide player and job done.

Heard its Walker.

31 Jul 2015 18:53:00
If we get Kyle Walker I will be over the moon :)

30 Jul 2015 19:06:24
Not seen anywhere official that we have signed Veretout, Gestede or Adebayor. Anyone else seen official pics or statement?
Still waiting.

30 Jul 2015 18:22:50
Where is the proof?

30 Jul 2015 13:41:53
Any1 heard anymore updates on addy signing?

29 Jul 2015 21:40:52
Adebayor I can just about go with, but Berbatov as well? I really don't think this is the way forward. We've been linked with some excellent and relatively cheap centre forwards - let's stick with this strategy please!

29 Jul 2015 17:09:38
No please not berbatov. With his and Adès wages combined why not just go for Austin?

29 Jul 2015 20:35:57
Embolo for me
Cannot for the life of me see how Berbatov would fit into the way Sherwood likes to play

29 Jul 2015 23:00:05
If we do end up with Berbatov I can't see him being deployed as an out and out striker. I think Sherwood would play him behind the main striker in a number 10 role, utilising his vision and technical ability. He could also be a good mentor for the likes of Grealish and Gil, just so long as his work rate doesn't rub off on them.

30 Jul 2015 11:10:58
Was there any cross over with TS and Berba at Spuds? Not sure there was, which makes this acquisition very strange!

We should go the whole hog and sign Balotelli too. Between the three of them, we should get a decent season out of them.as long as you play them at the right time!

29 Jul 2015 11:46:21
Possible squad for start of season? Who would you change? And who would you replace them with?

Goalkeepers
Guzan
Bunn
Steer

Defenders
Hutton
Clarke
Okore
Richards
Richardson
Senderos
Baker
Amavi
Crespo
Cissoko


Midfielders
Bacuna
Sanchez
Gil
Cole
Gueye
Veretout
Westwood
Sinclair
Gardener
Grealish

Strikers
Kozak
Adebayor
Ayew
Agbonglahor
Berbatov
Gestede

29 Jul 2015 12:56:13
Guzan out victor Valdes in

Hutton out
Sissoko out

Cole out

Agbonglahor out Austin in
Embolo in

Not sure who I would bring in at the back to replace Hutton or Sissoko. Think our midfield would be tasty if as above. Maybe move Cole to the coaching staff as he is a good guy.

29 Jul 2015 15:14:44
Would replace hutton for kyle walker i read that spurs were looking to get rid and seing as he's played at the Villa before he'd be a top player. Would love to see Cambiasso as well i think he'd be an excellent squad player. Would of liked us to of gone for a goalscorer who isn't past it the likes of Austin or Gestede will do i don't think berbatov is the answer and Adebayor is hit and miss

30 Jul 2015 02:03:56
Senderos and cissoko can go right away. No disrespect as they were ok
Richardson too but I do t mind keeping him as flashes of reliable honest decent play.
Otherwise no best edge needed from your list but we need one top class defender. The likes of mellberg.
On that note I'm pleased with amavi. Pas Garry Barry doesn't count the last decent left back we have had. ??? Alan Wright? A weak spot for a while.

29 Jul 2015 08:44:33
Heard Russel crow buying the villa going to rename villa park the gladiator arena and all the player to wear leather helmets and eat crayons looks like we going to b like the blues !!!!

29 Jul 2015 05:14:12
If we are looking for 1 more Jordan we should tie up Jordan Larsson 18 years old and doing great already. His father might ring a bell - Henrik Larsson
Well worth a risk to take onboard for the future

28 Jul 2015 21:52:05
Baker what a donkey few mins to go gave ball away, 2-2 koziak double, gabby off injured (again) robinson replaced nice set up koziak 2nd, koziak off ayew replace, not long to impress, should of kept Clark on instead subbed for baker who cost us victory but overall was high intensity game we deserved to win easily and very good run out for the lads, I'm sure forest weekend will be more likely our first look at 1st team for season opener :)

29 Jul 2015 10:29:58
Its kozak! Ha baker is a joke, said it before, i went to school with him and he was never that good, just big. How he got scouted over some of the other people there i do not know,

Anyway watched the game last night, as a whole i thought we looked pretty good, new signings done well, amavi bombing down the left was great but needs to work on his passing, gueye looked pretty solid making some good tackles and distributing well, richards from what i saw looked a bit shaky, dithering in possession not giving it early enough and being caught on the ball, but good defensive work overall.
The player that stood out for me though was westwood, passing was top class it seems every time he got the ball he looked to shift it quickly keeping the team ticking over.
Gabby although he's a great guy i wouldn't of played him, seems to have lost his mojo, doesn't try go past players enough anymore, there was a few times he could of taken on a defender and got a shot off but instead he turned back an passed the ball back to the midfield which ended up with nothing.
Looking forward to seeing grealish, gil and okore back from injury!
Oh and before i forget, kozaks looking pretty class! Hope he can pull it off in the prem :)

29 Jul 2015 20:42:52
I really liked the look of Kozak in that wolves match - If he keeps playing like that we will have no problems. I don't think Gabby playing upfront with him is the best option, we were crying out for a number 10 in that match to feed Kozak the ball after his excellent hold up play so I am looking forward to seeing Grealish and Gil get a chance to play in behind him. I didn't think Bacuna looked great, he was good on the ball but his passing was off and his dead balls were tragic. We could do with a really quick RW out on that side to compliment Sinclair on the left.

Needless to say Baker let the side down with that awful pass. He's a solid defender but I don't think he is a good enough technical footballer for the premier league. I was impressed with Clark, Richards (in the air especially) and Amavi. Overall, its looking promising.

28 Jul 2015 19:37:18
Although the team looks promising with the new signings still think we need 3/4 more in key positions

28 Jul 2015 17:52:49
Wow. What a few days this is turning out to be
Very excited about the French attacking midfield player as it's been a glaring deficiency for us over the last few years and I also like the look of Crespo (I know Youtube is not to be trusted)
Not so keen on Adebayor but hey ho, I think Sherwood has earned the benefit of the doubt as far trusting his judgement goes.
If we are to have Adebayor I would love to see someone like Embolo come in as well
If that were to happen I think I'd start to get very excited

28 Jul 2015 18:13:13
Careful Mendax, we don't want an wet patches or puddles now do we, hahaha

28 Jul 2015 18:26:12
Most things I've seen do suggest TS is still interested in bringing in another striker after Adebayor and i hope it's Embolo too! Only 18 and looks to have all the attributes to be a top player. Also Adebayor brings prem experience so a younger player makes sense. We'll see, looks to be a busy couple of weeks

28 Jul 2015 18:36:52
I've got some of those special pants Dave

28 Jul 2015 19:04:57
Another striker , right winger, along with ade and the midfielder we being linked with would have us with a complete balanced squad for the first time in a longtime ! Is herd still with us ?

28 Jul 2015 19:08:22
TS is listening to you Mendax, pulled in a right back with Crespo, new attacking midfielder hopefully soon. Ade strengthing up front. Just tell him we need one more decent striker, and possibly a goal keeper.

28 Jul 2015 20:12:32
I don't wanna take the credit VillaSa, but if it's going spare.
ha ha ha

28 Jul 2015 20:13:42
The Villain; you seem to want Embolo for the same reasons I do

28 Jul 2015 17:09:56
Loving it rather die trying instead of trying to survive come on you villa boys can't wait for the start of the season 😝

28 Jul 2015 15:45:06
I must say I was feeling slightly nervous about the Adebayor signing rumour, however with new developments and a potential loan move rather, I think it makes sense. Considering we have limited funds it is more low risk.

If Ade is shite, TS sherwood can ship him back and try bring in someone else (Maybe in Jan). If we sign an untested foreign striker (Which seems to be all we can afford) if it doesn't work out we are stuck with another long term contract and wages.

But if TS does get some magic out of him I will be well happy, maybe even guide his inexperienced african counterpart Ayew.
(Not that Ade seems like a mentoor) but hey it could work out.

28 Jul 2015 15:56:14
I can't see it as a risk.
He is a proven prem goal scorer. On his day, Defo one of best strikers in the league.
People say he is a bad influence, why?? Because he earns a high wage, which a great deal of he sends home to his home village to help there, or because he feels, once offered this contract, he is with in his rights to sit in it??

I agree the money these guys earn is obscene, but that is the people who pay, not the guys who takes it home's fault.

The 'amazing' business man levy (?) gave him the contract!

If he comes, scores 20+ goals, I'll worship him!!
I bet he will get more goals than Big Ben.

28 Jul 2015 16:35:39
I think he will get more goals than en as well Flackie, if it happens I hope he plays Ayew as a strike partner or just behind Ade.
I am getting very excited about our squad and if the rumours are true about Jordan Veretout we will have filled any gaps caused by Delph and Ben.
Timmy boy is doing just fine, waiting to see who is next ???

28 Jul 2015 18:21:13
I'll be straight down the bookies with that bet once he signs. I think it is a shrewd move with adebayor. This French midfielder looks very good too. Looking up boys.

28 Jul 2015 14:47:28
Adebayor set for Villa medical. Villa team could look very different by the end of the week.

28 Jul 2015 08:58:59
I know I'll be called out for this and I know I'm being naieve but would really like to see more proven premiership players brought in the French league is a million miles away from premiership standard and were not even picking up the best that has to offer, I could be wrong and we may have some gems on our hands but even looking at their clips doesn't excite me, (a penalty should not need to be shown in a best of clip!)

28 Jul 2015 10:23:24
Paul I understand what your saying but to put into prospective QPR bought player with PL experience and they got relegated.

Do get me wrong but the PL is the riches league in the world but when it comes to being the best it isn't, proof of that is in the Champions league, where English teams seem to struggle getting to the last 8.

The players that TS has bought in a well picked. I've watched the French league over the years and I can tell you for sure all the players we got from France are really good players. They are smart and strong on the ball, to many times over the last few seasons we've been caught out for being predictable and lacked the quality to unlock teams.

Iam really looking forward to the season now.

28 Jul 2015 07:58:10
Lets all get behind Ayew and give him a chance. I know he has his knockers but so does every Jordan

27 Jul 2015 21:00:07
Other than Richards that did raise my eyebrow no other signing has made me think.wow.i don't want to put a downer on things but not one of the players we have signed would walk into any of the top half of the league.they all seem like (I hope they are decent players).but saying that mighty Tim know his stuff and i'm hoping he turns the villa around

27 Jul 2015 23:52:38
The players we have signed would not walk into a top half team because we are not a top half team Cheezey, and if they could they would be signing somewhere else. Simple as. We don't have the luxury of being able to pick and choose anyone we want. Gueye looks like he plays similar to Delph so I have high hopes for him and Amavi is definitely one for the future. He had the highest number of interceptions in Europe last season and at only 20 he will only improve. Most importantly he is the perfect player for Sherwoods style of play. He picks the ball up in defence and drives the play forward. When he isn't on the ball he is chasing back and crucially winning possession back. Benteke wouldn't have walked into any top half team when we signed him, but he damn well could now, and those are the types of players we have to have until we can rebuild the club and finish higher up the table.

27 Jul 2015 12:44:30
Hey guys, 1st time post, I've been a villa fan for 40 years, 15 years from OZ,
I've seen good, great, bad and the last 3 years real bad, so I understand the pessimism, and yes I agree, we as fans should have more knowledge about what is going on in general, but we don't , it's Lerners way,
I think,
hope,
this is the start of a new era .
Whatever happens, it's got to be better than the last, because it's different.
Have faith
UTV

{Ed007's Note - Welcome aboard cobber!}

27 Jul 2015 15:12:25
Hi AussieVillaDave, welcome to the site mate.

27 Jul 2015 06:38:01
It has to be Richards for Captain. Obvious choice.

26 Jul 2015 12:10:54
My latest line up i'd like
Marshall
Richards okore Clark amavi
Westwood gueye
Ayew. Grealish. Sinclair
Austin
Steer Hutton Sanchez Gardner Robinson
Gabby Kozak

26 Jul 2015 10:45:17
Hi all,

New to the site, what do you guys think about Cambiasso? I personally would love to see him at the Villa and think we need to snap him up.

Not sure I like the look of Ayew, scored 12 goals in a poor team and 3 of those were penaltys. Looks silky on his toes but not what we need for me. Would love Austin, Cambiasso, Praet for me. UTV!

26 Jul 2015 14:31:13
AvFc_Bish I agree don't like Ayne looks poor and attitude not good and I don't think we will sign Austin But would like those 3 players especialy Praet

26 Jul 2015 00:42:38
Forget this talk about young never going to happen in the last few games of the season for United he was the stand out player, something like big Ben done

26 Jul 2015 20:32:22
He's making more money than we'd ever pay him. He gave up his England place for the money. Isn't going to give yup the money to come back to us!

25 Jul 2015 21:07:37
Does anyone know if Ayew turned out for Lorient v Caen tonight?

{Ed007's Note - He wasn't named in their squad.}

25 Jul 2015 19:23:25
I know we all get a bit miffed and respond emotionally when the popular media write us off as relegation certainties. But, let's look at it coldly. As a team that has just avoided relegation for the past 3 seasons, how are we placed, with 2 weeks to go to the new season, when compared to how we finished last season ?

Goalkeeper : Number 1 choice at the end of last season has gone. Guzan is not rated by Sherwood (and he knows it) and no sign of a new keeper = WEAKER

Centre half : Vlaar gone and replaced by Richards.Vlaar was never my cup of tea but Richards has largely been played at rightback, . Let's be generous and say = THE SAME

Rightback : If Hutton gets injured we now only have Bacuna, who most are not convinced about= WEAKER

Leftback : A problem area for years and one we seem to have done something about = STRONGER

Midfield : Only bought one player and he is going to need a stellar season to replace the one we have lost = WEAKER

Forwards : No need to spend too much time on this= MASSIVELY WEAKER

Be honest, you may not like it but you can see where the harbingers of doom are coming from
We need a right back, a midfield player, a goalkeeper and 2 forwards. And all of them need to be better than what we already have
Can you see that happening in the next 2 weeks ?

25 Jul 2015 20:04:57
I see your point, but, do think things will be different this season.
I seriously think it was the negative mentality that has made us struggle through recent season, start a game with mentality to defend a nil nil, will lose way more than you win.
Although the personal wasn't a Utd, arsenal or a Chelsea, I do think they where better than where we finished! Sounds stupid I know.
I still believe in guzan, feel vlaar was a turnip, and feel the snake and Big Ben will be replaced.
Everyone else who has left was squad players.
If ts believes in youth, may be from there, but I also think we are far from finished in this window.

Anyway, with a desire to win, I really think this season we will be an easy top half, hopefully more.

Utv

25 Jul 2015 20:21:55
Have faith Mendax, the last day of the transfer window can throw in a couple of players itself and I do honestly believe that a few more signings are on the way anyway and hopefully they go smoother than the present one. I'm still a believer that the takeover is not over yet either, maybe it's my wishful thinking but I say let's see what the next couple of weeks brings before condemning ourselves to another season of disappointment.

25 Jul 2015 21:39:50
I disagree with your point regarding Guzan. I don't care what Sherwood or you think about him, you won't convince me that Shay Given was better than him. Admittedly Guzan didn't have his best season last year, but the previous 2 seasons he was one of our few standout players and at times won us points on his own. Remember that in his last 2 games Given shipped 10 goals. He is not at fault for this but I can't help but think a few of those wouldn't have gone in if Brad was between the sticks. When Sherwood joined last season I distinctly remember him saying that he hadn't watched much of us over the past few seasons - therefore we as fans who have seen Guzan every week for 3 years probably have a better opinion of his quality, and I remember a hell of a lot more outstanding performances from him than bad ones.

25 Jul 2015 22:14:47
I have to agree with Flackie on this one Mendax.
Sorry to point out that you forgot the Manager = A lot Stronger.
We cannot say with any certainty that Gueye is not as good as Delph he has not kicked a ball yet, and as Flackie said we are far from done in the transfer market.
Let the window close, let the season start and come Christmas if thing are not better than last year I will be amazed, a winning mentality that Sherwood oozes goes a long way.

25 Jul 2015 22:50:10
Totally agree Andy.
Well said

26 Jul 2015 01:27:56
Andyvilla, you've missed my point totally on Guzan
I actually like him as well. My point is that in the goalkeeping position,as with all the other positions other than leftback, we are weaker overall (ie Given was a better back up to Guzan than Steer is)
Flackie, we are going to need a lot more than a desire to win to get us through this season safely. Lerner has to spend every penny of the £40 mil we have just gained from sales on at least 4-5 quality acquistions and maybe hope that one 1 or 2 from the youth team step up

26 Jul 2015 03:33:55
Sorry Mendax but it didn't read that way to me - but even still we complained for ages that Guzan never had anyone seriously pushing him for the first team spot for a while now, and Given shipped goals left right and centre when he played in the league. I don't think Jed Steer would have done any worse TBH. The difference now is he is off the wage bill, and has been replaced with Bunn. So we still have the same issue as before - no one to really push Guzan except we aren't paying ridiculous wages to a keeper who won't get a game - STRONGER (If only slightly)

Also your off the mark at right back. We have sold Lowton who never played at right back all season, so neither of the managers wanted him. We played Hutton and Bacuna when we had him so we might as well move him on - Stronger (Frees up money and a place in the squad for a potential new signing)

Do I think we will have the necessary signings in place in 2 weeks - No - but neither will any of the other teams, hence why deadline day is such a big deal these days. And VillaDave hits the nail on the head - New Manager = MUCH STRONGER. They both had the same players and Lambert couldn't get them playing. Sherwood could. If we had of had Sherwood since the start of the season and he replicated his form for the whole season we would have finished comfortably in mid table. Except now he has the opportunity to tailor a squad to the way he wants to play now, so in theory we should only get better.

26 Jul 2015 09:06:27
Another point worth thinking with the squad that ts is trying to build is flexibility.
With this, we have players who can comfortably play two, poss three positions, and change formations and tactics. Richards is prime example, you give our rb as a weak link. I actually really like Hutton there, and am not convinced in bacuna, but we also have Richards now.

We don't know what our younger players are truly like, how they will fit in, I guessing ts might pull a few gems, as with spuds youth set up, I'm sure he played them, and heard a few names.
This season is the kick on year. I have no doubts that this year will be totally different to previous three. We might even push for Europa League.

26 Jul 2015 12:16:30
Blimey Flackie , you're getting a bit ahead of yourself there mate (hope you are right though)
Villadave, you are of course absolutely right about the manager
I realised as soon as I had posted that I had forgot to mention him
Andyvilla, I'm a bit gobsmacked at your remark about right back; you are saying we are stronger because, although we are a right-back short on where we finished last, we have a place for a new one. Thus making us stronger ?
We must be much stronger upfront using that logic as now that we have lost Benteke we have room for Messi

26 Jul 2015 15:53:56
Well Mendax - I'm assuming that with well over a month left of this window that Sherwood has enough time and money to bring in a RB as its obviously a problem position for us. If the season started today, it could be argued that we are slightly weaker at RB, but as Flackie says we have Richards as cover now so yes I feel we are a little stronger.

Slightly blasé remark about the striker positions, obviously we can't sign Messi upfront, but I think its well within our means to buy a RB better than Hutton. Replacing Benteke's quality will be much harder though, but if Sherwood can actually get some goals from the midfield and buy two strikers who can get 10+ goals each, then we should be stronger overall.

I just think that we shouldn't jump on the bandwagon with the doom mongerers until all of the personnel is in place, and so far I am pleased with the business Sherwood has been doing.

Got to say Flackie that Europa league might be pushing it a little, but I admire your optimism. I think realistically if we can have a building season where we just stay away from the relegation zone all season, and finish mid table playing a better brand of football I will be over the moon. Then we can really start to kick on.

26 Jul 2015 16:08:12
I must say I get a get a lot of what Mendax is saying. I am feeling a little nervous and frustrated.

However I am impressed so far with Sherwood's signings. Amavi has made us stronger on the left, Richards has made central defense stronger Vlaar was Shite. Gueye I will have to reserve my opinion but looked pretty good against Walsall so there is a possibility we are in the same position didn't seem worse than Delph. Attacking midfield I reckon is stronger slightly because he has given Grealish a chance which Lambert was wasting, as long as he has more faith in Gil too. Massively weaker up front and Ayew is not the same quality as Benteke. Keeper we are in the same position, Given is over the hill.

Versatility is looking better, especially as our squad numbers have decreased.

In my opinion, new Right back is needed. A decent replacement for Cleverly. New decent striker to partner Ayew is essential (Weimann is gone, and Gabby just not good enough, Kozak is squad player). The keeper we can leave as is, we have to prioritise on other areas mentioned.

26 Jul 2015 17:29:05
At the end of the day we could probably argue all day about strengths and weaknesses in various positions (it's half the fun of the game)
One thing we can all agree on (I think ) is that Sherwood has to be supported by Lerner
If not, we are in for a long hard season, again

26 Jul 2015 20:56:00
True that Mendax. But define what you mean by supported by Lerner. I can't see him putting any money in apart from the Benteke money. The Delph sale paid for Gueye, and other player sales have covered a large portion of Amavi's fee. I hope he gives Sherwood 20 million on top of player sales but honestly I don't see it happening.

26 Jul 2015 22:41:39
I think he needs to spend the Benteke money plus the Delph money Andy.
And that's not including the buys already made
Had we not sold Benteke and Delph, I would have expected us to have spent in the region of 25-30 million on new players if we were hoping to avoid relegation fears this year
We now need 2 new strikers which is going to cost us 20 million and we still need a rightback and an attacking midfield player.
Whaddaya think; 35 million ?
Let's not forget we pocketed about £4 million from the Weiman and Lowton
sales. We should comfortably be able to spend the kind of cash I'm talking about
Whether we will or not is another matter

27 Jul 2015 00:01:35
I hope your figure is right Mendax but I just don't see it - for me the club knew Delph was leaving and Gueye was his replacement, not Cleverley's. I also think that by shipping out a lot of the fringe players they agreed to get Sherwood Amavi. I reckon we will spend around 30 million and for that we will get 2 strikers, another midfielder and maybe a couple of other cheap players and loans to cover positions. I'm not to disheartened by this because I think Sherwood can assemble a competitive squad for that - but more would be great! I think a key area for Sherwood this season will be bringing through some of the younger players and the board will finance him into doing this by not investing much.

27 Jul 2015 20:44:26
I don't see it myself mate, to be honest
Lerner is playing a dangerous game with our club and I don't like it
The sooner he goes the better

25 Jul 2015 10:37:06
After ayew we should go for Ashley young Dennis praet and Éder Álvarez Balanta then I'll know we will do well this season

25 Jul 2015 09:46:25
Still no offer accepted for Ayew, so he's spat his dummy out and flew himself to villa! Not sure if that shows a great first impression but at least he wants to play for us 😂

25 Jul 2015 10:46:00
Hi, first ever post. Flying himself over and going on strike (publicly) is possibly not the best way to handle this and makes me think he could do the same to us in future. However if he was told he could leave for €12m and now they are demanding €17m just because we paid more for Amavi then I understand why he would be annoyed.

25 Jul 2015 12:56:36
Welcome mate, completely agree the club are messing him around a practically holding him to ransom now. Always going to happen after selling Benteke, clubs know we have money so they milk us for every penny they can get

25 Jul 2015 14:27:24
Isn't this exactly what Big Ben did to Genk when he wanted to move to us??????

25 Jul 2015 15:37:15
Yeah Benteke did the same but I don't think he flew to brum. I'm not having a pop at the kid i just think it's funny. If Lorient said they'd let him leave for €12m and have now gone back on his word he's got every right to kick off.

25 Jul 2015 08:56:22
Right guys here is my concern with every that we are getting in the door we are only replacein the ones that are leavein, surely this new striker island big Bens replacement we have got rid of bent and andi aswell yes I'm happy we adding a better calaber of players but just not enough of them, 5 players from fa cup finial have moved on and if my counting is right we have only added 5, a couple of days after the finial timmy said there was going to be a wholesale of changes to me just hasn't happened, we acted quick on Covery for vlarr, we replaced the United reject quick aswell and given's but why are we only replacing why not improve surely there is better than clarke; Westwood, bacuna inzobia gabby out of these 5 players guaranteed at least 3 will start each week and none of them are good enough for the premier league, so I still think we need 5 or 6 new signings a small bit better than those stated above and then I think we have improved our squad

24 Jul 2015 16:30:48
New Boy on the block here. Assume we have all seen that misfortune has befallen Mr Delph on his first outing for the Billionaire Boys Club. How on earth are they going to loan him to Stoke now ??

24 Jul 2015 17:03:26
Welcome WitonWisdom.
Is there a HaHa behind that by any chance ?

24 Jul 2015 15:14:59
This is my first post here and anywhere else for that matter within the villa faithful. i'm a Villa fan since -78 and Swedish after a long run and a lot later my kids run around in Philippines cheereing for the all mighty Villa.
I just wanted to say - its been misery and painful for a long couple of year but now I see the end of the tunnel, Selling bentenke was painful but oh yes gave us the cash we needed to rebuild, the 8 million from the snake I would just send to better needed. Never ever have I felt so betrayed. I belive with TS we are going in the right direction - young hungry and ready and to Rock showing everybody what Villa Is all about.To the rumour - Ashely Young I say thanks but no thanks - he was very clear on that himself not that long ago. - i'm really looking forward and belive we can be the surprise of the year

{Ed007's Note - Welcome to the site buddy.}

24 Jul 2015 17:04:41
Welcome villaphilippines.

24 Jul 2015 19:16:35
Welcome to the site Villaphilippines - I keep reading your name as Villappines! I agree with you about Ashley Young, I'm not sure it would be the same as when we had him before. Plus he would probably want very high wages. I think we could shock a lot of people this year too, if we can just get a couple more quality players in.

24 Jul 2015 12:26:16
Just seen bid accepted for Ayew and watched a video of his goals. He looks the business and would love to see him as the beasts replacement, he seems to have it all, good in the air, strong and two good feet! Mind I remember a similar video of Tonev!!

24 Jul 2015 19:12:44
Do you think Tonev has a future at the club? I had written him off for us after that racism issue he had last season, but am I right in saying he played and scored for us the other day.

24 Jul 2015 10:16:14
Would like to see us go for Gestede !!

24 Jul 2015 09:48:02
12m bid accepted for ayew. Wats people's thoughts on this

23 Jul 2015 21:40:53
Young possible return ? Hope not, still spends more time on his butt than his feet !

23 Jul 2015 16:30:19
Team for next season.

Guzan

Bacuna Richards Clark Amavi
Sanchez Cambiasso
Gueye
Grealish
Austin
Width from full backs, 2 central defensive midfielders, Gueye free role, Grealish No10, plenty of cover in all positions
What ya think?

23 Jul 2015 17:37:04
I think you only have 9 outfield players so we might struggle!

23 Jul 2015 18:06:24
cheers andy. had to read that few times before i worked that out. kept going over it thinking i'm missing someone

23 Jul 2015 19:01:43
My bad lol, either stick Okore in a 3-5-2 or Gil as 2nd No10 in a 4-3-2-1 like how we ended season, got Sanchez in there because I think he'll have a better season, Cambiasso because he's on a free, he's a winner, & we're short on experience, thinking short term solid team because hopefully we'd be taken over by January & have some cash to splash then, spend some of what we've got now on Embolo type players that aren't quite ready for the Prem but could come good

23 Jul 2015 11:57:43
Rolan 17 goals in 61 apps no ta!
(Could be proven wrong, who really knew what CB was capable of but would much rather see us go for Austin and yes though an unpopular choice feel like adebyor has something to offer)

23 Jul 2015 12:21:38
Rolan for me is a big gamble if we paying over 10 mil. He has had one half good season in the french league. Ok all young players have to start somewhere. He could go on to be a big ben or a Dwight Yorke. Then again he could be a bosko balaban or a savo. Austin for me is the safe bet if we spending over 10 mil.

23 Jul 2015 13:49:38
His goal/ratio is pretty irrelevant as last season was his first playing as a striker and he scored 15 of those. But agree it would be a big gamble

23 Jul 2015 14:34:55
Most players come with an element of risk, be it goal ratio or premier league experience and many are signed that have potential only to turn out a flop. The Villa squad at the moment is finally balanced between premier league status and relegation so the importance of getting it right could carry consequences leading to the un-thinkable. So spend wisely Tim and choose your players with great care, we all have opinions on certain players but ultimately the choice lies with yourself.

23 Jul 2015 07:37:54
Diego Rolan looks a real top class player, apparently we've placed a bid but Bordeaux want 18m euro's.
After watching him i really hope this deal comes off what are your thoughts???

23 Jul 2015 10:03:12
Looks on YouTube like Rolan thrives on crosses, maybe wingers in a 4-4-2 could be the way to go, Gil & Sinclair, with Boy Wonder playing the No10 role?

22 Jul 2015 21:50:37
Thank CB for saving us for a few seasons and bagging us some serious cash, definitely one of our biggest success stories in some doom and gloom years. Wish you all the best, just not against us. Upwards and onwards. Let's spend this money wisely and bring in Austin.

22 Jul 2015 23:31:44
Totally agree VillaSA - It would have been nice to have kept hold of him but he really should be playing at a higher level and we just can't offer that right now. Not sure Liverpool is the best place for that either but ultimately its his decision. Like you say, now we have got the cash in the bank hopefully Sherwood will be given the green light to start bringing in some quality replacements.

22 Jul 2015 21:11:09
Benteke gone.
Lets now forget him and get on with buying a couple of goal scorers.

22 Jul 2015 18:27:36
If we look at anymore French based players we can start calling ourselves fransiour villa. Newcastle tried to fill there team with French league players. Didn't go so well for them. Need prem experienced players. Ade and Austin for me.

22 Jul 2015 20:45:35
We have 2 French players mate. I'd hardly call that "filling " the team
In any case, I don't give a monkeys where they come from as long as they are good players
I doubt many would have objected in the past if we'd "filled" the team with the French players that last won the world cup; Zidane, Henry, Petit, Viera etc.

22 Jul 2015 21:20:04
I am with Mendax on this one big time.
If they were all Swahili what the hell if we qualify for Europe

22 Jul 2015 23:40:50
I would rather we pluck the best players from one league because we scouted properly than briefly scout all over the place and end up with the wrong players. If France is where we are looking then who cares, Gueye is a like for like with Delph which is perfect in my opinion and Amavi looks a real prospect. Happy Days!

22 Jul 2015 16:25:38
Nearly 4:30pm & CB ain't left yet, reckon somethin's up?????

22 Jul 2015 19:00:46
I really thought Benteke would have left by now if Liverpool really had activated his release clause. They might have done, but there is less news out there surrounding this transfer than there should be. I hope it gets sorted quickly whatever the outcome so Sherwood can get spending.

22 Jul 2015 11:55:11
Times ticking on and were still no where near signing any new decent players and replacing spine of the team Delph vlarr or benteke and even given as guzan for me gives off a negative feeling

22 Jul 2015 12:54:54
Delph replaced
Vlaar didn't need replacing but was with Richards
Given was reserve so replaced


Only need to replace Big Ben.
Have faith, patients and belief! We will be easy top half this season

22 Jul 2015 13:43:51
Agree desperately need someone else in to replace Delph. Only really see getting rid of Vlarr as a massive positive. I trust TS to find good relacements and other additions providing he's backed

22 Jul 2015 13:55:05
Benteke deal not complete yet, which is likely to be today. Once that is official, things will start to pick up.

22 Jul 2015 08:19:17
I see the press are putting it about again that Adebayor is available for 7 million, let's be honest why do you think that teams with ambition want rid of him ? come next season the likelihood is that it will just leave us stuck with another overpaid player that nobody wants and with us still in need of top strikers. let's hope this does not happen and that the story is finally put to bed as i don't see this as the way forward, spend the money on building a team for the future is my thoughts.

22 Jul 2015 10:15:07
Completely agree WOVF, we need something to build on, i don't mind if they have experience in the prem or not as long as they have their heart in it and knows where the back of the net is. Consistency is the key, younger or in their prime, don't want someone like adebayor whos past his best and would be earning close to double our top earners at the club

22 Jul 2015 11:36:02
The majority of deal runours i've seen involving Adebayor have been a loan deal with Spurs paying part of his wages. If that was the case i think it's worth considering. I'd still prefer Austin and a younger player like Embolo

22 Jul 2015 19:04:03
Even if his wages are subsidised, I still think 7 million is too much for a player of his age and temperament who has spent so long of his current clubs first team. I wouldn't go in for him, I think there are better alternatives out there.

21 Jul 2015 23:08:10
I think we need to sign a cm with leadership qualitys what do you guys think ?

22 Jul 2015 00:05:05
Best midfield we had in recent memory had Milner in it. Why didn't we go in for him? Would've sold being captain to him, wouldn't have been a gamble at all

22 Jul 2015 00:26:23
Been thinking hard of who there is. Even the England team hasn't got 1, can't think of a foreign player either in that position who's gettable, my shout would be Scott Brown of Celtic

21 Jul 2015 20:39:22
Gil looking great in friendly tonight, Amavi also looking decent. Gabby so many opportunities again needs to start finding the night.

21 Jul 2015 19:08:58
Any 1 got a link for tonight game

21 Jul 2015 12:19:27
Looks like Newcastle have just spent big on Aleksandar Mitrovic (subject to work permit). Given they were our closest competition for Charlie Austin's signature (according to the bookies odds, anyway), you can only hope we are now firmly in pole position. What do you reckon, Ed?

{Ed001's Note - I think it rules them out, though don't be surprised to see someone like Everton enter the running as well yet.}

21 Jul 2015 08:11:11
Randolph is in the building. Get that cheque book out kiddd

21 Jul 2015 10:24:01
Randolph???

21 Jul 2015 10:42:28
Randy's in England having a meeting with TS.

21 Jul 2015 11:59:34
Hope he's wearing his trousers with the deep pockets!

21 Jul 2015 07:13:58
Alright lads first post I'm a die hard Villain, might get laughter at for this but I really really don't want us to sign Adebayor.
He's very lazy not a team player & his best days are behind him, 100k P/W please please no!
I don't know if TS has considered this but what about Balotelli as part of the Benteke move even if just a loan as Liverpool have so many strikers now.
Balotelli is talented still young but just needs TS magic touch just a thought what do you guys think?

21 Jul 2015 07:34:10
Would rather re sign Heskey than balotelli!
Adebayor scored 18 in 24 games for Spurs under ts.

If he can get him back to that, I'll take that please!

21 Jul 2015 08:26:45
So you don't want Adebayor because he is lazy, not a team player and on high wages but you would take Balorelli? I wouldn't take either for those reasons but as Flackie says at least Adebayor has scored a few goals recently.

The only positives for Balotelli recently is the news that he throws £20 notes out of his car window for the public. I can see why that would be popular in Liverpool and I am sure he had many takers there but wouldn't go down so well in Four Oaks

21 Jul 2015 19:55:11
must admit soon as i heard liverpool was sending a striker the other way in transfer i wanted lambert (free) and balotelli (loan), maybe a change of style will help their game start up again,

22 Jul 2015 04:33:42
I wouldn't want any one in part exchange - if we take the full amount we get more to spend on better quality players. ones Sherwood actually wants.

20 Jul 2015 20:56:06
Just an interesting observation I have made.
I have been looking at all of the teams people are suggesting and putting forward with great interest.
Everybody keeps crying out for Gary Gardener to be given a chance and yet nobody has put him in their side !!!!

20 Jul 2015 21:26:37
Guzan

Yedlin Richards Clark Amavi

Gardner Gueye Dembele

Grealish Gill

Austin

20 Jul 2015 21:33:21
Gary Gardener will come good, as well as his skill, free kicks, he brings some height and strength to our midfield

20 Jul 2015 22:07:31
I think part of the reason villadave is that a lot of people seem to opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation so you have 2 defensive midfielders and a creative number 10 - It seems to be toss up between Grealish and Gil for most people further forward, with Gueye as that engine in the midfield driving the team, with a more established player alongside him for stability. I'm not sure how reliably Gardner could fit into that formation without displacing a better suited player. Plus people are posting their best 11's and let's face it Gardner doesn't have the premier league experience to warrant a place in it right now.

20 Jul 2015 20:41:38
Seeing as we've now got an attacking left back in Amavi, a good shout for on the right could be DeAndre Yedlin of The Spuds, available on loan, sure TS would know all about him, been a lot of talk about Walker but seems to be injured a lot, not got a problem with Hutton, just don't think offers much going forward, Bacuna would be more useful in midfield

20 Jul 2015 22:10:34
I'd rather we steer clear of loans if at all possible - all we would be doing is help develop Spur's player only to give him back to them worth a whole lot more money. We should be looking to buy and Walker looks like he could be a feasible option. Personally I don't think Sherwood will go in for a right back - he will play Hutton or Richards there and look to spend any money he has further up the pitch.

20 Jul 2015 17:22:55
Getting really annoyed with all of these so called experts writing Villa off before business has finished!
It's easy to sit looking in from the outside and say Villa are screwed because we have lost our spine, but when you spend some time analysing it, you can see that TS has a plan that is underway but is far from complete.
We still have over a six weeks before the window shuts!!!

GK gone - old, hardly played up until recently and massive wages. Being linked with keepers

CB gone - slow, injury prone and only had one good tournament and that was in orange. Been replaced with younger, faster, more eager guy with a point to prove.

CM gone - loan player who was useless for all but TS first 5 games and then reverted to type.

CM gone - total snake who has mugged is all off. Good riddance, don't want that sort of person at our club. Replaced with potentially better guye

CF gone - always going to happen. Sad he's gone the scousers but got good money for someone who on his day is one of the best strikers around but very inconsistent.

20 Jul 2015 19:45:26
Didn't all the so called experts have Southampton relegated before a ball was kicked last season? Who knows what will happen?

20 Jul 2015 20:34:30
Dude to some we are already down, football in this country really reflects society in a whole.
It's geared for those at the top sponsored by the FA and Sky.

20 Jul 2015 20:52:48
Think we're going to prove a few people wrong this season, spend the money wisely & we should be looking at better than mid table, just wanna see a Villa that tries to win games rather than trying not to lose

20 Jul 2015 20:54:04
You know it guys!

It's actually a very similar situation to Southhampton. So called Crown Jewels being sold off by a young enthusiastic manager and replacing them with under the radar quality!

Let's hope it has the same happy ending!

UTV VTID

21 Jul 2015 03:38:49
Its just lazy journalism - we came 17th last season and have lost our two best players this window. Therefore we must be complete right offs. I can't imagine the journo's analysing our signings vs what we have sold (IMO they are all at least as good and in most cases better than the players going out), and the fact we have a new manager who improved the results dramatically over the old one. We also have money to spend off Benteke's transfer and who knows who Sherwood will go in for - its way to early to predict yet.

20 Jul 2015 10:17:50
We,are now,odd on to sign Charlie Austin

19 Jul 2015 19:33:29
Puzzled as to why we are not getting the full payment for benteke as its in instalments

19 Jul 2015 20:03:00
They paid full price mate no instalments mate

19 Jul 2015 20:53:55
Reports are stating that £16 mil paid upfront and the rest in instalments, see below pay structure.
Reports indicate that Liverpool will pay £16m of the fee up front, with the remainder paid in installments over the course of time.
If it`s true I think they have a bloody nerve, I seem to recall they did the same with Downing, are we a soft touch or what.

{Ed007's Note - Very few transfers are paid upfront in full. There's nothing strange about it, this is just the press looking for something to fill column inches and make hit-whoring headlines with a non-story.}

19 Jul 2015 21:12:47
They have paid 16m up front and 16m to be spread out

20 Jul 2015 09:24:44
I think all transfers should be paid up front to stop clubs getting into debt so easily, only spending what they have or can raise from sales would make a lot of sense to me.

20 Jul 2015 17:58:48
My only question about this whole ordeal is surely if you activate a release clause, you should be paying the full fee, otherwise what is the point in the release clause? Surely by doing it like this any team in the world can break Lionel Messi release clause and say well pay £20m now and the other £200m in installments???

19 Jul 2015 19:19:51
Richards or westwood captain for me

19 Jul 2015 20:08:32
not Westwood would not make the starting 11

20 Jul 2015 00:04:31
I'd give it to Clark - He looked a different player last season when playing alongside Okore, and some of his crunching tackles showed he is well up for a fight.

19 Jul 2015 16:38:18
Reports suggesting Brad Guzan up for sale @ Around £3m. Is this likely? Recent reports suggested he will likely retain the no1 spot after missing out on begovic. Who would replace him?

19 Jul 2015 15:41:34
Any suggestions on a new goal keeper? Guzan is a weak link. Doesn't anyone else think so.

19 Jul 2015 17:03:07
Sherwood agrees with you Irishvilla and he is the one that counts, I don't know who he intends as a replacement though. ?

19 Jul 2015 17:55:51
Casper Smiechel, wouldn't be cheap though, missed out big time with Begovic, he's going to rot at Chelski, such a waste of a top class keeper

20 Jul 2015 02:10:31
Wouldn't surprise me if Sherwood bid all the money he had at his disposal for Begovic at the time knowing that it wouldn't be enough but to let him know we were interested. If Villa was ever in his mind he would have held off until more news on the takeover had broken or some sales had gone through. So can't really say we missed out if was never interested. Keeper is a difficult position really - I personally am happy with Guzan but a lot of people aren't. I'm not sure who we could realistically get that's significantly better than Guzan that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. I would much rather we put the cash into strikers.

19 Jul 2015 15:24:59
Gas looking to sell Guzan for 3mil

19 Jul 2015 12:04:00
I know Vlaar is no longer our player but i have just been reading that he is out till 2016 with a knee opp, boy am i glad we never renewed his contract.

19 Jul 2015 11:07:21
The advantage of having players with experience is that they act as a role model for younger players, and that they use their experience for the benefit of the whole team.

Nothing I have seen from Adebayor suggests he is either a team player, or someone younger players should look up to. However he may have some value as a short term impact player until he gets bored.

I would rather look for a defender or defensive midfielder who has bags of premier league experience and would lead by example. Any suggestions?

19 Jul 2015 12:13:05
Adebayor isn't a role model? Granted he's made some mistakes in the past but the reason he won't lower wage demands is because ge sends a significant chunk back to Togo for charities and community projects. Not a bad bloke to learn from

19 Jul 2015 13:16:19
Ok he is a role model if we want our players to send money to charity but I was talking in a football sense. What sort of example does he set on the field to younger players? Good for half a dozen games then not interested. Forgive me but I am more interested in what a player can do for Villa rather than what he has done for Togo

19 Jul 2015 14:34:24
Yeah I understand where you're coming from in that sense. However under TS last season he was a standout performer, more of that and he can do a job. there's a reson he's played for Arsenal and City just needs to rediscover that.

19 Jul 2015 17:14:18
What about Joey Barton for CDM?

19 Jul 2015 18:02:38
Joey Barton is a very underrated player but getting on a bit now, could still do a job but not for us, think Sanchez might come good this season, got everything going for him but been sloppy with his passing & if he improves on that, we've got a player

19 Jul 2015 09:48:35
Putting it out there. Balotelli? On his day world class, knows the prem, TS got performances out of Adebeyor who has a similar state of mind, would cost around £10m, needs to get his career back on track, Villa fans love an underdog, would raise the profile of our club, I'm finding more plus points than he's a nut job? I'm probably going to get shot down for this, but would love to see some bants about it????

19 Jul 2015 10:24:36
No commitment, and his mental state would be a big issue.
The idea of him coming and playing well, yes please.
But. We all know we don't live in a fairy tail, and that he will come and one of two things, will remain as useful as a chocolate teaspoon, or, he will turn it on, be good, and force a move in January, or next year.
To bug a gamble for me.
However, I do like the idea of adebayor(???dont know how to spell!!))
End of his career is looming, knows ts, knows he has been written off, knows prem, on his day, better than Big Ben.
I see him and kozak working really well!

19 Jul 2015 10:43:17
You're a Liverpool fan aren't you.
I've seen some crackers, but this has to be the most poorly thought out idea I've ever heard on here

19 Jul 2015 11:05:19
There's no denying Balotelli has class it's just that its so sporadic it's risky. Also don't think his effort levels would suit TS's style and his head drops too quickly when things aren't going his way.

19 Jul 2015 11:37:19
Holte Ender since my 1st game in a friendly against FC Twente the season after Andy Gray left. my mum was a scouser tho lol 😄 it was a suggestion, created banter, on a banter site. Think everyone posting ain't seeing the bigger picture, most of the suggestions of replacements for CB are players that have a sell on value, all I care about is AVFC & winning games while being entertained, I personally won't see any profit from buying the next big thing when he gets sold??? If we get taken over by someone with serious money then profit on players wouldn't be the No1 issue. Given the choice, I'd go for Mario Gomez, £7m-ish, proven goal scorer & class on his day

VTID, SOTC

19 Jul 2015 12:01:44
Balotelli !! One player i would not want in my squad would be Balotelli. Don't rate him, Don't like him so i hope Blues sign him now that would make my day.

19 Jul 2015 13:10:49
3 posters actually read what I put, 1 trying to be funny at my expense, opinions are like arseholes, everyone's got 1, & apparently this site.

VTID

19 Jul 2015 13:23:39
If only we'd given Paul McGraph a chance to resurrect his career when he left Man Ure when he was damaged goods. ?

VTID

19 Jul 2015 17:24:15
Some negatives for Balotelli

1) Couldn't score in the league for Liverpool, who have a much stronger team than us.

2) Couldn't break into the first team when his competition was an injured Sturridge and Ricky Lambert. They resorted to Sterling upfront.

3) Will be on massive wages and doesn't seem the type to take a pay cut to get some game time.

4) Negative publicity follows him like a plague, not the type of publicity we need when we are trying to sell a the club

5) His work ethic is poor at best.

6) Every manager he has worked with says he I unmanageable. He made someone as laid back as Roberto Mancini crack - I give it 5 minutes before Tim Sherwood clashes heads with him and we know Tim won't take any bull5hIt from players.

7) The man can't put a bib on .

Have I made enough counter points for you?

19 Jul 2015 17:48:02
Fair enough & good to see somebody actually thinking logically about it, was just putting it out there for debate. I think it's going to be Adebeyor that joins, if that was the case then I'd take a punt at Embolo too, ideally would like Austin but whatever happens, I think we should trust TS, & get behind any player that he chooses, baggage or not

VTID

18 Jul 2015 23:16:03
Nice to see Vlaar making the big step up from Villa that his talent deserves, by apparently living the dream and getting a glamour move to Southampton.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, ManU and Bayern must be gutted that Koeman has somehow beaten them all to his signature.

19 Jul 2015 08:21:40
We all know Ron's favourite stadium is St Mary's wish he would hurry up and pack up and leave with his post Brazil WC over inflated ego! Hope he takes enough books to read when he is having those breaks in the season from playing through injury. Looking forwards!

19 Jul 2015 08:42:11
Least it screws their tight defence up, and secures ours.
Over rated, slow, and inept. Best five words to describe vlaar!

19 Jul 2015 11:08:21
Shame he's out injured for 4 months as per.

18 Jul 2015 19:12:29
Exclusivity period of 6 weeks runs out on Monday. I am of the thinking it's no deal meaning Randy has got to use some of our TV money to build a spine.

Centre forward x 2, a couple of midfielders and may be another half decent centre half me thinks.

18 Jul 2015 15:52:46
Sherwood has already had 18m which leaves only about 5m to go as Lerner will factor in the players earnings.
The Yank is a waste of space unless he decides to change his style.
Reminds me of a bit of Shakespeare, "will no one rid me of this terrible Yank!"

18 Jul 2015 17:18:08
Your at it again Oldvillan.
Old ground mate.

18 Jul 2015 18:59:38
I will stay with it!
Lerner has strangled the life out of you, me, and al the supporters.
Posters are asking if TS will get the money so they are concerned about Lerners past.
Face it, he allowed Lambert the third least funds of any prem. club. And don't keep carping about the previous manager poor buys. (Benteke about to put considerable money into the kitty.)
Lambert has gone but the funding problem stays.
If Lerner stays and gives TS a significant amount of money (£20m this window) to spend , over and above any taken for transfers out, I will donate £50 to Acorns. That is a promise.
You can tell me how and where to pay the cheque, if it is needed!
Perhaps you would like to respond if TS does not get the money from Lerner?

18 Jul 2015 19:58:41
I am not going over old ground again Oldvillan, it is what it is mate.

18 Jul 2015 12:51:33
I have had time to calm down on the Delph saga and been able to take some emotion out of it, I started to think back on what Delph has done for us.

So he scored 8 goals for us not that many assists, had quite a few injury problems, yes had a great work ethic but I think all the promotional drama created around him may actually have clouded our judgement on how valuable he actually was for us. Thinking about it, he probably wouldn't even be in the top 10 midfielders in the PL or maybe just. Definitely replaceable.

Benteke, has blown hot and cold for us over the past few seasons and I have always felt he has a certain negativity about him, especially when things aren't going his way, never really been a fighter. Might be tough to replace him but not impossible, rather we play as a team around a striker with lesser quality and have more players contributing goals rather than playing around one striker who has a bad day and it's all over, it is a very risky tactic when everyone has to cater to one player.

Bottom line I think the clear out is a good start, as long as the funds are made available from the sales. New players coming in won't have the baggage of the last 3 villa seasons and it's a new beginning and maybe finally what we needed.

18 Jul 2015 14:53:11
Agree with you to a certain extent about delph. However benteke has been a revelation and carried the team, in a better team he will be unstoppable just a shame its the scousers really as I think a tip top team should of come in for him.

18 Jul 2015 15:07:53
Ye, there were some really good times with Tekkers, but I also remember getting really frustrated with him too, could have been down to Lambert's stubborn tactics. TS did what he had to do to save us from relegation and the only way was create a team around CB this was at the expense of players like Gil who is quality but didn't fit into that playing style. CB gets injured and then you're done, we can't afford that risk anymore. As far as I am concerned no one is bigger than the team and if TS can get a team to Gel goals should be coming from everywhere not just one player.

18 Jul 2015 16:05:25
Don't be too harsh on Delph. He signed with us last season so we would get 8 million instead of nothing and it no doubt gave the fans and dressing room a boost which may have helped us stay up. With City, what I think happened is they were using his low buyout clause as a sign he desperately wanted to leave to force him to take a lesser contract. So Delph told them to shove it, and that he was happy playing for us. They came back in and gave him the contract he wanted and off he went. Its hard to be too critical of him, MONEY TALKS and I bet 99% of us would do the same thing in his position. I know I would.

18 Jul 2015 17:55:08
I agree with VillaSA to appoint But Delph makes me cringe , talk of loyalty BS. I think he average looked good in a very poor villa side, but Tekkers is the real deal and will be missed, but no one is irreplaceable. the new LB and midfield player looks class let's hope for more

18 Jul 2015 11:47:37
100% Sherwood will not resign if he doesn't get £40m to spend!
Firstly he was never promised any money when he took over as manager.
Secondly what kind of a manager would he look like if he resigned!
Thirdly he likes to bring up youth players so expect them to play a big part this year.

And I truly believe between £30-£40m will be spent this summer.
It's not just about the benteke and Delph money, look at the wages we've saved by getting rid of the players we have so far.

He has room for 5/6 more players, they may not be world class but will be who Sherwood wants and can develop.

I expect us to go in for Huddlestone, Townsend, Adebayor, Callam Wilson from Bournemouth.

18 Jul 2015 10:08:02
Only hope we keep grealish richards gue guzan the new spine of our team now

18 Jul 2015 09:34:59
I'm feeling very upset and let down by yesterday's activities, (trying to keep my mouth in check ed!!)
I do feel, if a player wants out, then a club should cash in, but after last week, with his speech, I find it hurtful, insulting, and if I'm totally honest, very disrespectful.
But.
Assuming Big Ben leaves(!) and we are, as promised given the money from sales to reinvest, this could be a huge positive.
I'm not going to give suggestions on who we should go for, who will want to come, and who will commit. But what I will say, is this farce created by delph could result in a massive coming together of the remaining playing staff. We are already seeing a shift from others opinion towards villa because if it, going by comments posted from other fans on here.
Tim could turn this negative, nasty episode in to a massive motivation.
I'm still confident going into the new season, and still have a few things crossed for a take over, although I'm now losing confidence!

Anyway, a new dawn, a new spine, a new captain. A new chapter.
It's not the end, and could very well be a new beginning.

(And ed, I am sorry for the other day, I am a hot head, but do have villa at heart, need to engage brain before mouth!!)

18 Jul 2015 08:12:16
Time to move on now fd and cb are gone many have come and gone and so will many more, yes fd didn't do himself any justice by the way he left but hey ho he's gone now so let's get on and move forward there are better midfielders out there who can play and score more goals ts will do us right i just know it so let's get back to a rumour site and not a slagging delph site and just smile everytime you see him on the subs bench, because imo he won't play against us the first time citeh come to vp. top six for me. BOOM. in sherwood we trust

18 Jul 2015 07:48:39
Benteke and Delph deals are both structures payment deals. In response to this:
17 Jul 2015 18:00:30
So it seems Benteke's medical is held up because Liverpool think we are a short term loan facility and don't want to pay for Benteke upfront and rather do a payment structure type agreement. Having a laugh for sure.

Pretty much every deal transfer deal is paid over time. The Benteke deal will be a small sum immediately, then the rest paid over 2 years.
This isn't a computer management game with a lump sum changing hands.
Nothing to worry about, it's how Villa spend as well

18 Jul 2015 06:27:03
Dumbell as Delph replacement?

18 Jul 2015 07:49:22
Sorry dembele ?

18 Jul 2015 01:45:48
Fact of the matter is every team needs a spine, you build around that spine and you move forward. You could have whatever you want around it with great quality but without that spine you are fooked. We had that with Ben and the bull sh&&er egg head, concrete Wrong but it's now gone. So guys I am sweating proper unless we get this right and quick we are are done. I am saying it as it is, neither are irreplaceable but in the same token it's a huge worry with 3 weeks to go, I hope we get a miracle.

17 Jul 2015 23:07:33
United fan commenting in peace!

Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if all your takeover talk and the whole Delph debacle was intended to influence season ticket sales. I honestly think that unless you get some good re-enforcements, Villa could be in serious danger next season. Tekkers had the goals and with Delph, these combined should have seen you comfortably safe. Can't say that now looking at your squad. I have some pretty good memories from Villa Park down the years, but I fear you will do a Leeds and be a historically great club, that got lost in the transition to the modern era.

17 Jul 2015 22:04:56
Players come and go all the time at a club but it's how you leave that counts. Some of the statements that Delph made regarding loyalty, commitment etc. were not needed from a player who obviously saw his future else where, this is why many Villa fans are ticked off with him, his conduct during this saga as been anything but professional.

17 Jul 2015 21:23:52
Any thoughts on berbatov? Think it was paddy power who I read had him as favourite to sign for us. Wages might be a stumbling block but if I had choice of an experienced striker in. Him, lambert or adebayor, I'd definitely take berbatov

17 Jul 2015 22:25:19
We need an experienced striker, yes
One experienced in running about a bit and looking like he was actually interested would be good though
Berbatov would be a disaster for us

18 Jul 2015 04:41:05
He's a luxury player, who could be fantastic if he has the right balance of players around him. We are not in a position for luxury players, we need grafters, not ones that only turn up once every now and then.

17 Jul 2015 20:28:45
Would love destro, embolo, amavi, ljajic and dembele reckon £55m total minus whatever we've or will receive in

17 Jul 2015 19:43:25
We r in big trouble now we quality players an fast or championship here we come we don't need adebyeor any players who don't want to play for villa then they should fck off we are a laughing stock

17 Jul 2015 19:48:57
Hi guys massive villa fan from ulster.
Can only say I feel really sorry for u lot at the minute what Delph has done is disrespectful to the club fans manager players.
But onwards and upwards

17 Jul 2015 19:24:51
Well then our captain's left. Bentekes about to leave. It's shocking. These two players were unheard of before we signed them and this is the thanks we get. It just shows that football is now more about the money than the sport itself.

17 Jul 2015 19:13:34
Delph signs for city. 5 yr deal. Gutted !

17 Jul 2015 19:12:54
Hope TS spends on Austin plus another striker to be able to say thanks for the money mc n lv u have just made us stronger

17 Jul 2015 19:01:22
Disgusted with Delph hope he rots in there reserves

17 Jul 2015 18:44:52
Chelsea fan here. In peace lol

Feel really sorry for villa fans at the moment.

Losing Delph to City.

Why did he publicly admit he was staying at villa, then leave a week later and go against his word.

17 Jul 2015 19:20:17
Because he's spineless. made some excuse about not wanting to go with the villa on pre-season because his mrs is expecting, now he is off the australia. funny that

17 Jul 2015 19:25:43
No worries mate, good for you guys though because it's not like they've strengthened their team is it lol? Any chance you can bang a bid in for Benteke? Mix things up a bit lol?

17 Jul 2015 20:47:24
Lol. He's a silly boy . If he was to leave no disrespect to villa but liverpool or Tottenham would have been better option then city. More playing time.

17 Jul 2015 18:34:08
Delph has signed for Man city then

17 Jul 2015 18:06:29
I'll have my humble pie back please lol!!!

17 Jul 2015 18:56:33
Can I have a slice! :(

17 Jul 2015 17:44:43
With delph changing his mind again about joining man city, he must take ages getting dressed in the morning cause he keeps changing his mind on what underpants he should wear, what a pathetic ****.

17 Jul 2015 17:03:13
tim Sherwood expects big ben to stay hails delph for his loyalty in control of aston villa joke he is not even in control of his players they are off all over the place while he sits there in fantasy land god help us

17 Jul 2015 17:05:27
big fan of the sight and the community and i've made an account to get my opinion & thoughts across- what is going on with our club? we look like complete fruit loops with this whole delph situation & with benteke most likely leaving also. we have a depleting squad with all these exits occurring and the whole positive vibe going into the new season surrounding the club is slowly decaying. we need serious change or else next year could be a long year

17 Jul 2015 16:37:47
Fabian Delph, you wanna do what you did to the team that nursed you through injury after injury then GO !. Sick and tired of our great club just being used as a play toy. You should have kept your trap shut last week rather than giving us Villa fans hope, you brokered your extra £20k a week at Citeh and your offski. Benteke you go too, I only want players that respect and want to give their heart and soul to our club.

Thought Barry got stick for leaving wait till egg head visits VP with his flash Harry mates.

Spine removed from the club with less than 3 weeks to go to start of season, no takeover, no spine, no real plans. Just when we get a tad excited we got shot down again.

UTV.

17 Jul 2015 16:27:10
Well this Delph situation is just outright embarrassing! Have no respect for the lad at all after this

17 Jul 2015 15:57:30
If he wants out let delph go.
Michu from Swansea anyone?!

17 Jul 2015 15:31:33
I, m sorry, but Delph is doing his best to be despised by Villa fans
Don't get me wrong, if he had gone last week I would have been pretty phlegmatic and philosophical about the whole thing
I may have thanked him and wished him well. But this is taking the mickey out of the club now
Very unhappy about this total lack of professionalism by

17 Jul 2015 16:03:34
Just wish the CLUB would actually come out to confirm or deny the while thing, rather than letting the media run wild and torment their supporters. If he's going for a medical, Villa received a bid - so inform us! ITS OUR CLUB

17 Jul 2015 16:17:16
I don't suppose they know for sure mate. he might change his mind again !

17 Jul 2015 16:45:14
Guys, it is fairly descent attempt at photo shopping Delph's head on sterlings body, let's not turn on the lad yet.

17 Jul 2015 14:45:51
I know Delph is a good player. But would it be end of world if he went? Not a player that can't be replaced. What we think. More gutted by constant mind changing

17 Jul 2015 14:25:12
Just seen Delph at city training ground doing the rounds online, could this be lazy journalism or has he changed his mind again

17 Jul 2015 14:11:46
Manchester Evening News is reporting the Delph move might be back on

17 Jul 2015 13:37:57
Hi Liverpool fan here - I come in peace! Firstly I will say I like your manager think his straight talking is a breath of fresh air others from the prem could learn from. But I never came in here to talk about your manager but CB who it looks like we are going to do business with you for. Now there are many of my fellow fans that are saying he is not right for The Kop due to playing style but, having terrorised us in games gone by between the sides, I have to reserve a bit of judgement and have belief. But I am very interested in entering into conversation with AV fans and understanding your views on what he might bring, let's face it I haven't watched an abundance of games where he has played - you'd have thought that some of my fellows fans with their comments though had been watching more of your games than our own. Anyway any thoughts? (Seems at least you will get a decent deal on this too if it happens)!

17 Jul 2015 16:54:54
Lots of Liverpool fans seem to have this theory that benteke can only play one way, and yes, he is a great threat in the air, but he has scored some great goals for us turning and running at defences. He can be a bit sulky and seems a bit like Suarez where he expects the pass, even if the pass is impossible. But getting the best of out benteke means involving him in most of your play. I saw a potential team on sky sports with benteke if signed and I it was narrow which won't help his game as we did provide a lot of crosses for him. But as stated, I remember a great passing move with weimann up at Annfield which was all on the deck that ended up with some classy skill and a goal. Not that I mean any disrespect by this, but man utd would be a better option as they play more direct and with width but he'll do well at Liverpool. Just questionable how he'll like squad rotation, unless you loan us Inns ;-)

17 Jul 2015 09:24:34
Lets say benteke leaves which looks a done deal. I think adeboyor would be a good replacement. We know he can do it in the right frame of mind, rather than buying someone that unproven in the premier and would cost probably double the fee we would pay for adeboyor.

17 Jul 2015 10:07:29
I think it is a risk either way, we could either go the unproven premier league player route with a younger foreigner like Destro and pay lower wages but a higher transfer fee, but if we take Adebayor he is already 30 and his wages are ridiculous. However I would go the Austin route, he is proven in the premier league and got youth on his side.

17 Jul 2015 10:32:00
My first choice would be austin anyway. Proven in the premier, the right age but its looking likely we're going to miss out. I mean what wages could adaboyor realistically ask for? I completely agree go abroad if wages are lower an take a gamble.

17 Jul 2015 07:59:46
Liverpool have bidded for Benteke!!

16 Jul 2015 22:37:29
Has anyone heard Jonny Gould and Howard Hodgson podcast about the failed takeover bid. Mind you you all knew this info a few weeks ago when I told you on here, oh yeah if I remember I was mocked and the info I gave was said to be rubbish. Well I guess you can keep believing the stories of Bill Gates and Larry Ellison buying the Villa. For those who believed what I was saying I will update you when any news developes, as of now no takeover is near.

16 Jul 2015 21:00:04
we should sign imobolo an Austin also if there's any chance to sign hernandes we should snap there hand off wouldn't mind valdes an all any one agree

16 Jul 2015 19:33:39
Congratulations on the Beteke fee that's an incredible amount for a player who still has so much to prove, I know you didn't want him to go but £32 million that's unbelievably good business by villa

16 Jul 2015 23:12:14
Sanchez £32 million Benteke £32 million Liverpool have well and truly done it again paying way to much for a player with way to much yet to prove.
Benteka might prove a bargain but my money is this will be the highest fee of his career.

16 Jul 2015 23:46:19
Congratulations on the fee ? Are you for real mate.
We are supporters not stock market traders happy with pulling of a big deal
Losing a great player = bad news
If we invest what is a decent chunk of money on 2 or 3 equally good players then great, that will be good news. But it's a massive if

17 Jul 2015 04:03:35
*Cough* Ozil for 42 million, he's so rubbish I genuinely wouldn't want him at Villa - talk about overpaying.

Mendax is spot on though, its only a good deal for us if the money is reinvested in such away that the team is stronger for it - Look how Liverpool and Tottenham frittered away their big transfer money on unproven players and generally poor signings. I think Eriksen was the only top quality player they got between them. Its hard to argue that either side is better off without Bale/Suarez.

16 Jul 2015 14:02:11
Scousers ready to activate bentekes release clause today.

16 Jul 2015 15:49:58
25 mill plus ad ons of heard

16 Jul 2015 15:59:50
Hope it contains lambert, would love him and Austin up top together!!

16 Jul 2015 19:08:59
Lambert an Austin? Don't work for me. both similar players, no pace an lambert past him best.

16 Jul 2015 11:47:57
Victor Valdez anyone?

16 Jul 2015 13:35:21
If we can afford the transfer fee and his wages, then definitely. LvG has said that he is for sale and of course, he is a million times better than Guzan. This time last year, he was Barcelona's first team keeper!

16 Jul 2015 08:54:03
Louis van Gaal will run out of manu shirts the numder of players he wants to sign. next on his list is big ben and the kid from barnsley

16 Jul 2015 02:07:56
Arsene Wenger in next as chairman. I mean we seem to be taking the whole of arsenal to the villa so this is just the next natural move for Mr lerner. lol!!

15 Jul 2015 21:21:19
Been watching Amavi on YouTube again, hope that 1 comes off, if we can find a right back in the same mould, good times are ahead because the rest of squad is shaping up nicely. I'm not 100% convinced Bacuna is the answer for right back, maybe with a bit of coaching?

16 Jul 2015 00:15:59
I really like Bacuna but he played as a wing forward or at Cam for Gronigen before we bought him, he can't defend and I don't think he could be taught to, to the standard required for the premier league. Agree with you on Amavi - looks class.

15 Jul 2015 09:05:22
Not that I've seen us linked with either, but read on sky sports live blog that societal interested in arsenal's Joel Campbell for £6m and Bournemouth interested in berbatov on a free. Surely either of these, or both, would be a better option than adebayor??

Thoughts??

15 Jul 2015 09:23:14
Berbatov? Really?!
I don't think he really fits Sherwoods high energy high workrate ethos. Plus the fact he's sh*t!
Joel Campbell is worth a go though decent player and never going to get a look in at Arsenal

14 Jul 2015 22:49:36
Hi guys I know we've probably had similar posts to this but hey I thought I'd share my thoughts on the whole takeover saga. So here goes.
i honestly believe there is more than meets the eye with what tim sherwood said. Here is why. We are not only spending a lot more than usual but we are attracting players. Let alone fab deciding to stay. Tim convinced Big Ben will stay although I do feel if the price came in he would be off. This tells me that players aren't being purchased with the sale of benteke in mind. This money and sudden attraction to avfc has to have more to it. Either way even if it is Lerner investing I'm a happy man so far. I feel that bringing in 2 more players would suffice. One striker and andros Townsend in my opinion. The team looks a lot stronger already. Maybe it is a diversion to clubs to avoid being overcharged for players. It makes sense. Fingers crossed either way. UTV.

14 Jul 2015 17:04:46
Take over confirmed as dead by Tim sher wood in Birmingham paper

15 Jul 2015 08:45:59
I wouldn't say it is 'confirmed'- what would Sherwood know?

14 Jul 2015 13:40:22
I would 100% want benteke to stay although if he does go there is an upside. With the money we could bring in Townsend, amavi and possibly Austin or embolo. Not sure where I stand on Adebayor. Seems a bit too washed up me?? there's a chance sherwoo could make him work but with his wages could just be a liability. Not a player that I'd want at the club to be honest. Hopefully benteke stays.

14 Jul 2015 15:27:09
last player of any we are linked with i want to sign is adebayor. old, slow, selfish and from what I've seen over last few years lazy if the balls not at feet. rather resign heskey or miloservic

13 Jul 2015 20:03:32
What does everyone think about us signing Victor Valdes? Do you think he will be available and if so, will he be a good signing?

13 Jul 2015 20:16:43
Definitely worth asking about, quality keeper definitely too good to rot on the bench. Can imagine his wages would be a little bit on the naughty side though

13 Jul 2015 20:44:00
He's a winner just like what TS wants so why not? Still have faith in Guzan though

13 Jul 2015 21:14:02
Can't see United entertaining any bids for him until the De Gea to Madrid saga progresses.

13 Jul 2015 08:52:14
Hi guys, Everton fan here, don't need to say in peace as we get on well anyway

I hope you are all proud of Delph, shows that there is still some honour in football, I hope he rips up defences this year for you, wish there were more like him but I can't name another player in the last 10 years who has told a top club to "do one" because he wants to play for his current team, I've heard this has cost him appx 50 grand a week extra in wages

Good luck this season guys, many a persons second team are the Villa

13 Jul 2015 12:20:26
Hi Murf
Thank you for your post, and yes correct we do get on well.
Best of for next season mate.

13 Jul 2015 13:10:53
Thanks Murf, as a Villa fan living on Merseyside the best of look to The Toffees too mate.

13 Jul 2015 13:29:47
I agree with Dave.
And I seriously hope Everton have a great season, great club, ran the proper way.
Much better than the other side of your city!!

12 Jul 2015 10:51:31
Morning guys, I know everybody is probably a little fed up of talking about Delph now but do you think he could have read some of the conversations had on sites similar or on this one. Although we wasn't happy about him leaving people made some very valid points as to why going to Man city is a mistake. He is only human after all and if I was a baller I know I would want to see how people felt about the situation. What you think? A bit far fetched?

12 Jul 2015 13:44:20
Hate to use the clichè line but a footballers career is short and could be cut even shorter at any point. If they don't want to be the best they can be and attain as much success along the way then why do it?

Obviously I'm buzzing Delph has chose to stay with us but i think this is mainly due to play time with the euros next year. Given a successful season and Euros i think he'll be off sooner rather than later as Villa just cannot fulfill the ambition of the better players at the moment and won't for the foreseeable future. Just hope this release clause is long gone by that point. As i said though I'm very glad he's staying and sticking to his word, i just think that when the time comes we can't begrudge him a move to progress.

12 Jul 2015 17:49:44
Also one should consider non playing matters such as stability, settlement within an area, family etc etc.

11 Jul 2015 20:39:50
Just heard that Delph's decision to stay at Villa was based on the fact that Bill Gates is about to become the new owner of the club, announcement later this week.

11 Jul 2015 21:46:02
Really. (sigh)

11 Jul 2015 22:08:45
I'm going with ellison m8 but hey I hope you are right and it's gates as that makes us even more powerful in terms of money to spend. Someone like gates would not want his name by a mid table struggling team he'd want to win and be the best.

12 Jul 2015 07:12:39
I too have heard Ellison's name mentioned and I am currently trying to find information on this, I know this is not the first time that he has been linked with the position of owner and nothing came from it last time other than a denial which leaves me wondering if this is just wishful thinking.

12 Jul 2015 08:20:23
Isn't bill Gates focused on charity? Giving his money away. why would he spend it on a football team? Just a random name picked out of a hat with no substance.

12 Jul 2015 09:11:36
I heard that Prince William is the mystery new buyer. He is going to keep TS on as coach but he will report to the Duchess of York who will become director of football.

All sounds very positive but I m not happy with the plan to replace the lion on our badge with a corgi.

12 Jul 2015 11:22:41
Ellison, Windsor or Gates, I've just checked out UEFA fair play? If get mega rich owner the capping of what he or she can spend will be quite limited and take a good deal of shrewd business and youth development still? Even if get huge names on free transfers and pay £200k a week wages this will still be chipping away at the capped amount? Can't do what Ambamovich did or a MCFC? We will though be able to build year on year to our limit so really exciting times ahead! Not sure about corgi on the badge though!!!

12 Jul 2015 12:57:19
Ffp has been relaxed to what it was and also if a new owner went to them and said I want to outlay 200 mil into my team and this is my 5 year plan to bring extra sponsors and income in they have said they will give permission to do it so not to scare away new investment.

12 Jul 2015 12:57:55
Apparently Wills is also trying to persuade Prince Phillip to fill the troublesome left back position while the Duke is pondering a move to cash strapped Olympiakos

{Ed007's Note - You'd think at his age Phil would prefer a move back home to Germany.}

11 Jul 2015 19:07:47
I must admit i take a slice an all i slated delph yesterday benteke to stay an hopefully the team will take shape we need a fb cb goalscoring mid an two or three strikers

11 Jul 2015 17:12:47
Lol Delph is a god again now he's staying. Everyone was saying he was no good and a rubbish player a few hours ago. Come on people us true villa fans are better than that.!!

12 Jul 2015 07:21:20
Comments just fuelled by disappointment I feel, I think most true fans view him as a player worth keeping and I for one am pleased he is staying and feel sure that too is the thoughts of all Villa fans, things just seem to get said at times of stress that maybe should not be, I think we are all a bit guilty of that at times.

11 jul 2015 16:18:13
fabian delph stays, no we can all eat humble pie

11 Jul 2015 15:54:46
so is the takeover 100% off then wasn't there 2 interested bidders howard hodgson something to do with the chinese one with looks to have fell through? that still leaves 1 bidder doesn't it ?

11 Jul 2015 14:37:14
And to think we all believed his words. What a load of sh. e.
If he knew that he wanted to leave, why couldn't just be honest?
Its worth remembering that at the time he uttered those words he signed a new contract for £55 k per week. A huge pay rise.
Never again will i believe a single word any footballer says.
What a Judas.

11 Jul 2015 15:32:16
I agree, he should of gone for nothing, not stayed and helped us remain in prem. we should be in championship with all the loyal players, he did the club a huge favour in signing, yes he benefited, but not as much as the club does.
Get a grip and grow up.
Chance to win a medal, Europe football?? Wouldn't anyone??
You all say he won't get in team?? What a fool he is to believe in his own ability, what a fool to think he will force his way into midfield.
Jesus. Take off the 'villa and only villa' glasses and look at the bigger picture

11 Jul 2015 15:32:55
Sorry for getting angry guys, but this moronic attitude get under my skin

11 Jul 2015 15:51:22
You'd never notice Flackie
I know what you mean though mate
I don't think it's his going that has upset people.Like you said, he clearly did us a favour in signing, thus ensuring we got a fee when we lost him
What's got under peoples skin is the "band of brothers " nonsense that he then spouted. He didn't have to do that and I suspect he now regrets he did

11 Jul 2015 16:33:15
And he stays! Well done delph