Villa the potential English version of Barcelona!!

[KevinGage]

That Liverpool fan was misinformed, Houllier transformed there club into a top 4 club, Benitez wrecked tge club from top to bottom,

Houllier has been quoted as saying Villa have the best young players he has ever worked with.

They finished top 4 (and higher) under Roy Evans.

Houllier outspent every side in the division (including Man U) and couldn't improve on that.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect it's wishful thinking.  If any of them did turn out to be the next Messi, Henry, McGrath or even Wilshere...we wouldn't have them for long.

[Dante Lavelli]

You're probably right Sexwhale, the cream of the crop will be sold off, but for big money and in the meantime we'll benefit from ability.

The fact they may be sold is hardly reason to not try and develop the best youth possible.

[cheltenhamlion]

I watch plenty of clubs at that age and level. Gary Gardner is light years above the lot without a doubt.

[Salsa Party Animal]

But would you like to see us sell a 30 millions pounds player every season. That mean we got the talent and talent production line.

[Chris Smith]

It's a very tricky task to bring through so many young players and keep them all involved and all happy. At some point they all want regular football and the manager has to make sure that they don't start thinking that they might have a better chance of getting that elsewhere. Gerard has shown that he's not afraid to rotate so we have a better chance of doing that than under his predecessor but it take long term planning.

[Dante Lavelli]

Right or wrong, virtually every decision Houllier has made so far has appeared to be for the long term good of Villa rather than his reputation and arguably the league position for this season.

With that philosophy - which may have been imposed from randy - I think the kids will be well looked after at villa.

[peter w]

I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect it's wishful thinking.  If any of them did turn out to be the next Messi, Henry, McGrath or even Wilshere...we wouldn't have them for long.

The thing is in terms of the best players we are a selling club. Most clubs are. There are only a few clubs in the world that don't have to worry about losing their best player(s). Its what we can do whilst we have those players in the team. If they start winning together then the side can only strengthen with better quality additions. If it doesn't work we just keep trying.

[Billy Walker]

I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect it's wishful thinking.  If any of them did turn out to be the next Messi, Henry, McGrath or even Wilshere...we wouldn't have them for long.

If this happened I would then begin to ask, "What is the point?" 

At some point we have actually got to show the ambition that we want to be the very best club around and to win the biggest prizes once more.

[Colhint]

I think if things had been a bit different this season, Maybe a couple or three less injuries, maybe 3 or 4 points more, pretty much where we were 90% sure we were not going down. And I dont mean just now I mean back in December when it really went wrong, it could have been a lot different. These kids would have been playing in a confident team not scratching for points. I think that would have made a big big difference. But fair play to GH for playing them

[cdward]

Or are we just bringing the younger players through to the first team quicker, because it is cheaper than buying players and paying them big money contracts, enabling us to sell off the high earners,  therefore maximising profits and AVFC the franchise is successful.

[Colhint]

Or are we just bringing the younger players through to the first team quicker, because it is cheaper than buying players and paying them big money contracts, enabling us to sell off the high earners,  therefore maximising profits and AVFC the franchise is successful.

nah I dont think thats the case at all

[joe_c]

It would be marvellous if the youngsters were to reach the heights we all hope but we've had good youth teams and players more often than not and few if any of them have lived up to the hype generated in their teen years. I really want to be wrong but history indicates otherwise.

[cdbearsfan]

I still reckon Graham Fenton will be the new Gary Shaw.

[KevinGage]

Gareth Farrelly the new Dennis Mortimer.