The summer signings

[tomd2103]

I didn't post on the Summer Speculation thread; too much to agree/disagree with, but I read it all and the one thing I noticed as the transfer window drew closer to closing and one or two singnings were made was the amount of disappointment on here by a lot of posters that players with premier league experience were not among them.  This reminded me of the many times I've heard highly educated young people saying how they'd been turned down for jobs and had been told that they had very good qualifications but lacked experience.  I always thought to myself how in hell can these people get this experience if no one will give them a chance?  This; to me is what P.L. is doing, he is providing the chance for these youngsters.  He is proving to be the exception rather than the rule.  He obviously has a well thought out plan which on the surface looks to be cost effective and long term.  Whether this turns out to be the rock he perishes on only time will tell, but for me I'd sooner see failure with effort from young triers than the turgid apathy from some of the so-called big names that we've been used to witnessing.  I am actually feeling optimistic about all these unknowns which I haven't felt for a good few years.

Dave - I must admit that I was one poster who thought we needed a bit more Premiership experience bringing in.  Overall, I agree with your point about buying and bringing youngsters through as being cost effective and the best way forward for the club.  We all saw what filling the squad with overpriced ageing players did to the club and I am glad we are not going down that route again.  I definitely think Lambert is looking at the long term with the signings he has made and again that in itself is a refreshing departure from the attitudes of some our previous managers. 

We have had a decent result today and hopefully we can build on that in the coming months.  I still, however think we are missing that experienced player in central midfield who can just sit in there and keep things ticking over.  Maybe in these days of pampered multi-millionaire players, the solid experienced pro who can come in and be a real leader and example to the younger players both in training and on the pitch doesn't exist any more, but I genuinely think that it is the type of player we could still do with.  It might be that we only need that type of player for a couple of seasons whilst the younger players find their feet, but I still think we would benefit from having that type of player in the squad.       

[fredm]

We have had a decent result today and hopefully we can build on that in the coming months.  I still, however think we are missing that experienced player in central midfield who can just sit in there and keep things ticking over.  Maybe in these days of pampered multi-millionaire players, the solid experienced pro who can come in and be a real leader and example to the younger players both in training and on the pitch doesn't exist any more, but I genuinely think that it is the type of player we could still do with.  It might be that we only need that type of player for a couple of seasons whilst the younger players find their feet, but I still think we would benefit from having that type of player in the squad.       
[/quote]

The one person who fits the bill and would, I believe, naturally play this role is unfortunately receiving medical treatment.

[Mazrim]

I know what you mean but it also seems to me like you're describing Karim El Ahmadi. Blessings and peace be upon him.

[tomd2103]

I know what you mean but it also seems to me like you're describing Karim El Ahmadi. Blessings and peace be upon him.

I like what I have seen of El Ahmadi so far, but again think he would benefit from playing in front of a holding type of player.   As mentioned above, that role may have been ideal for Stan had things not turned out the way they have.  Maybe Ashley Westwood will turn out to be that type of player, but again he may benefit from working alongside a more experienced player for a season or two.   

[Percy McCarthy]

Indeed. KEA is the player we'd miss most if he was injured. Blessings, peace and good health be upon him.

[Mazrim]

I'm not bothered about having a specialist defensive midfielder. Two hard working box to box midfielders with a playmaker in front of them works for me.
It seems to me that Lamberts philosophy is pretty much everybody defends, everybody attacks to varying degrees. Win the ball as soon as possible, protect and use the ball with intelligence and minimal wastefulness. I love it. Especially in contrast to last season.

[Brend'Watkins]

I know what you mean but it also seems to me like you're describing Karim El Ahmadi. Blessings and peace be upon him.

Precisely.  If he can keep up the style of play and performance he produced yesterday we will have someone who fits the position perfectly and the like of which we haven't had for quite some time.

[PaulTheVillan]

Been impressed with Lowton.

[not3bad]

I gave 7.  I'm hoping by the time the poll is reset I'll be giving 8 or 9.  The point was made before this match that the existing players would have to put more effort in as they'd know the new guys would be watching from the stands.  Looks like that's what happened!

[Monty]

I'm not bothered about having a specialist defensive midfielder. Two hard working box to box midfielders with a playmaker in front of them works for me.
It seems to me that Lamberts philosophy is pretty much everybody defends, everybody attacks to varying degrees. Win the ball as soon as possible, protect and use the ball with intelligence and minimal wastefulness. I love it. Especially in contrast to last season.

Agree with that. Everyone contributes to everything, otherwise they're a waste of a shirt. It's a nice idea, and the players seem to be taking to it.

[Boz]

If our style of play and effort from Sunday can become consistent, we'll have a good season as a first step towards getting back into the top 6.

I liked Lambert's philosophy of one for all and all for one what a change after McLeish. If PL's signings meet his expectations, we will have a damn decent squad of young players that may become the envy of other clubs who will no doubt pressure Villa, especially the money bags clubs in a year or so.

I thought Liverpool's owner has made things pretty clear to the fans that King Kenny type days are over, and maybe some of the posters on this site might consider Lerner's stance as being somewhat similar after MON's time at B6 but with a lot less public statements.

But brighter days seem to be ahead, so UTV 

[Ger Regan]

Went for a 7, but fully expect that to be raised to an 8 or a 9 as the season progresses. You can sense Lambert is attempting to build a legacy, rather than a team for the here and now (like MON did in the main). Hope has returned, for me at least. There'll be stumbles along the way though, and I just hope the majority of fans appreciate what's being done and give him time to deliver (you can never account for some idiots).