McLeish 'Downing must keep the right attitude.'

[Ger Regan]

Theres a difference here. When Liverpool wanted Barry, we basically said you can't have him.

Not how I remember it. Liverpool knew the asking price, but were unwilling (or unable) to pay it.

[Villanation]

sportinglife.com

McLeish 'Downing must keep the right attitude.'

Alex McLeish expects Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing to maintain the right attitude and professionalism if his hopes of a move to Liverpool fail to materialise.

Villa have rejected bids of £12million and £15million from the Reds for Downing and McLeish wants the England international to remain at the midlands club.

McLeish says he overcame failing to secure a move to Manchester United as a player and would expect the same response from Downing if he is still at Villa next season.

He said: "I've spoken to Stewart, I've told him I don't want to sell him.

"There's an obvious distraction there for him but he's been a credit to himself and applied himself in the right way and worked his socks off in training. I don't see a problem professionally.

"Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign me for Manchester United when I was at Aberdeen and that wasn't possible in the end.

"That was a big disappointment but I got my head down and worked and I don't doubt Stewart has the character to get through this is he stays at the club.

"It's part of your growing up as a footballer."

Villa will demand £19-20million if it becomes apparent they cannot retain Downing, who has two years remaining of his current contract.

McLeish is optimistic of signing a new keeper to replace Brad Friedel in the near future with Shay Given expected to complete a £3.5 million move from Manchester City.

He said: "We certainly need a keeper and we are making progress. We would like it to happen a bit quicker but we are moving forward."

That's a bit gay???

[Phil from the upper holte]

Really? Oh well, never mind. Anybody else think Barry gave us a "top season" before he fucked off to Man City?

No I do not. Totally agree with you

[PaulTheVillan]

@Football_Agent9 Downing is the way it has been. Bid has been accepted. £18.5m

Sure...

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I'd take £18m and a promising, skilful player who they may have on their books.

Fucked if I know much about their fringe players though.

[Dr Butler]

I'd take £18m and a promising, skilful player who they may have on their books.

Fucked if I know much about their fringe players though.

as long as the "promising, skilful player " is not that Jonjo Ikea Shelving or whatever his name is, very poor from what I have seen of him.

UTV
The Doc

[TimTheVillain]

I'd take £18 million and Wayne Bridge, then bring in N'Zogbia and Rodellega, three players who would add a lot to the team and squad.

[Redman]

Theres a difference here. When Liverpool wanted Barry, we basically said you can't have him.

Not how I remember it. Liverpool knew the asking price, but were unwilling (or unable) to pay it.

Sounds about right.

The manager and Chief exec were singing from different hymn sheets and it turned out the funds weren't available. Whether they would otherwise have paid up, I don't know. But my guess is they would.

[Surrey Villain]

I'd take £18 million and Wayne Bridge, then bring in N'Zogbia and Rodellega, three players who would add a lot to the team and squad.

Wayne Bridge doesn't play for Liverpool

[Mazrim]

Fee agreed with Liverpool apparently.

[not3bad]

I wonder what it is about Villa that makes Liverpool so reluctant to meet our prices.

[Redman]

I wonder what it is about Villa that makes Liverpool so reluctant to meet our prices.

I don't think it's personal.

You drive a hard bargain and so you should.

[Dante Lavelli]

When Barry's move to Liverpool failed to materialise he still gave us a top season

Did he?!! He is/was a quality player but I remember a number of occassions where his heart did not appear to be in it. Fulham away in particular really pissed me off. Petrov was on his own on the centre as Barry was stood with his hands on his hips in the centre circle (I mean literally rather than metaphorically). Whilst he continued to be good to excellent on the ball I'm convinced he increasingly played for himself rather than the team.

[not3bad]

I wonder what it is about Villa that makes Liverpool so reluctant to meet our prices.

I don't think it's personal.

You drive a hard bargain and so you should.

You reckon Liverpool drove a hard bargain for Andy Carroll?

[TimTheVillain]

I wonder what it is about Villa that makes Liverpool so reluctant to meet our prices.

I don't think it's personal.

You drive a hard bargain and so you should.

Christ, how patronizing is that.