There is no doubt that a dsecision was made at Villa Park after MON left that having the money was more important than having James Milner.
Quote from: Chris Smith on September 20, 2010, 11:25:10 AMThere is no doubt that a dsecision was made at Villa Park after MON left that having the money was more important than having James Milner. I'm sure that funds will be made available for Gerry but it depends on what his remit is. There certainly is doubt. Why put it in such stark terms? Maybe the transfer had gone so far down the line, it was beyond pulling? That might or might not be the case, but there's certainly a possibility that was the case - ie doubt.I'm sure in the past, Chris, you've been firmly in the camp of "you can't keep an unhappy player" yet now you're of totally the opposite opinion.Would you also agree that a decision was made that it was more important to have money plus a good player in return rather than just more money?
There is no doubt that a dsecision was made at Villa Park after MON left that having the money was more important than having James Milner. I'm sure that funds will be made available for Gerry but it depends on what his remit is.
Has anybody heard any information on whether MON was for or against the incoming Ireland transfer?
Quote from: PeterWithe on September 20, 2010, 11:57:00 AMHas anybody heard any information on whether MON was for or against the incoming Ireland transfer?As Ireland was only too aware of the deal before it happened we can only assume MON was for it.
Quote from: Mark Kelly on September 20, 2010, 12:00:44 PMQuote from: PeterWithe on September 20, 2010, 11:57:00 AMHas anybody heard any information on whether MON was for or against the incoming Ireland transfer?As Ireland was only too aware of the deal before it happened we can only assume MON was for it.Or he wasn't and that forced him to resign? Bit of Devil's Advocate there, but I don't think we can be certain either way!
I don't think we can assume that O'Neill was in favour of the Ireland component of the transfer. On what basis can we assume that?
When Ireland signed he made reference to doing his homework on the Villa, speaking to several former players about the club. He certainly gave the impression he knew for some time of Villa's interest in him and how he was to be part of the Milner deal.
Quote from: johnc on September 20, 2010, 12:03:48 PMI don't think we can assume that O'Neill was in favour of the Ireland component of the transfer. On what basis can we assume that?My understanding is that he was happy with having Ireland in part exchange, he was less happy at being refused permission to sign McGready and Keane for a combined total of the Milner proceeds.He'd have probably put them on £50,000-60,000pw wages as well.