By Dan Harrison Martin O'Neill has reiterated his desire to strengthen Villa's squad, as they look to compete with the Barclays Premier League's big guns once again. The club have inevitably been linked with a host of players as summer transfer activity around the top flight begins to hot up. Adding players to his ranks is a priority for O'Neill in the coming weeks, with the Villa boss admitting it is essential if they are to sustain their challenge in the upper echelons of the league. "There is a lot of speculation, obviously, at this time of the year and it will hot up now over the next couple of weeks," he said. "From my own viewpoint, I would like players to stay here and try and build. Sometimes that is not always possible but we have got a couple of weeks now and we will review the position. "But for us to have even the same sort of season as last year, one, we would have to be a bit lucky and, two, we would have to try and strengthen." O'Neill anticipates even fiercer competition in the top flight this season, with a number of teams looking to bolster their squads. Two of Villa's main rivals for European places last season - Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur - are tipped to be among the most active clubs before the transfer window closes at the end of August. The gaffer reckons City - who have already splashed out on Germany international Jerome Boateng, skilful Spaniard David Silva and midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure - arguably have the strongest squad in the league. However, he insists it will not stop Villa trying to compete with them, as they did so valiantly last term. "You look at what has happened at Manchester City - they have bought a lot of players now and they've got probably, I would say at this minute, what may well be the strongest squad in the business and they are looking to add more players to it," added O'Neill. "From that viewpoint, it is going to be hard. Tottenham Hotspur will, because of their status in the Champions League, try and improve as well, so it won't be easy. "Having said this, it is still worthwhile chasing it."
How do you all maintain an interest in a club only willing to do the bare minimum each year to maintain this 6th/7th place in the table?
I've only been a Villa supporter since 2006 when Lerner became owner, so I'm a novice compared to most posters here. But it seems to me that every summer transfer window starts this way. And it all ends in disappointment. It is just so frustrating! How do you all maintain an interest in a club only willing to do the bare minimum each year to maintain this 6th/7th place in the table?
Quote from: "Fargo Villan"I've only been a Villa supporter since 2006 when Lerner became owner, so I'm a novice compared to most posters here. But it seems to me that every summer transfer window starts this way. And it all ends in disappointment. It is just so frustrating! How do you all maintain an interest in a club only willing to do the bare minimum each year to maintain this 6th/7th place in the table?An interest? Ha! Try obsession. Speaking only for myself, its because I'm in love.
Quote from: "Fargo Villan"I've only been a Villa supporter since 2006 when Lerner became owner, so I'm a novice compared to most posters here. But it seems to me that every summer transfer window starts this way. And it all ends in disappointment. It is just so frustrating! How do you all maintain an interest in a club only willing to do the bare minimum each year to maintain this 6th/7th place in the table?Like you said mate, you've only been a fan for 4 years.You woudnt make such a daft arse statement if you had any clue about football.
QuoteBy Dan Harrison Martin O'Neill has reiterated his desire to strengthen Villa's squad, as they look to compete with the Barclays Premier League's big guns once again. The club have inevitably been linked with a host of players as summer transfer activity around the top flight begins to hot up. Adding players to his ranks is a priority for O'Neill in the coming weeks, with the Villa boss admitting it is essential if they are to sustain their challenge in the upper echelons of the league. "There is a lot of speculation, obviously, at this time of the year and it will hot up now over the next couple of weeks," he said. "From my own viewpoint, I would like players to stay here and try and build. Sometimes that is not always possible but we have got a couple of weeks now and we will review the position. "But for us to have even the same sort of season as last year, one, we would have to be a bit lucky and, two, we would have to try and strengthen." O'Neill anticipates even fiercer competition in the top flight this season, with a number of teams looking to bolster their squads. Two of Villa's main rivals for European places last season - Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur - are tipped to be among the most active clubs before the transfer window closes at the end of August. The gaffer reckons City - who have already splashed out on Germany international Jerome Boateng, skilful Spaniard David Silva and midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure - arguably have the strongest squad in the league. However, he insists it will not stop Villa trying to compete with them, as they did so valiantly last term. "You look at what has happened at Manchester City - they have bought a lot of players now and they've got probably, I would say at this minute, what may well be the strongest squad in the business and they are looking to add more players to it," added O'Neill. "From that viewpoint, it is going to be hard. Tottenham Hotspur will, because of their status in the Champions League, try and improve as well, so it won't be easy. "Having said this, it is still worthwhile chasing it."http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/FootballNewsDetail/0,,10265~2087872,00.htmlHere we go, that time of the year again!Think there could be a wee bit of a hint Milners off in there
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Topic: Strengthening Aim (Read 12965 times)
