After 15th May 2016

[Ads]

I think the long contracts, the higher wages than Ligue 1 even with the 30% cut, should mean that we keep hold of Amavi, Ayew, Veretout and Gueye. If we are running the show come January too, then the desire to jump ship and pick up the balance of pay on promotion should mean they'd stay.

[Olof's Beard]

Hull and Burnley are the top 2 in the Championship. They looked awful in the Premier League last year and were both low on goals, especially Burnley. By and large they kept the core of the relegated sides together and it's paying off.

QPR, on the other hand, had to pretty much sweep the board and start again because they had a load of overpaid mercenaries on their books. They are languishing in mid table and have been nowhere near promotion all season.

Unfortunately, we look like more of a QPR than a Hull or Burnley at the moment, but we need to try and identify a core of players to keep. 9 new players in the starting 11 sounds tempting, but it could do more harm than good.

People have said it before but this league really isn't incredible. Barry Bannan, so derided on here, is so popular at Wednesday that they have just had a 'Barry Bannan day' apparently. Gardner does well everytime he goes on loan, Baker is popular at Bristol City. We're going to need a goalscorer, especially if Ayew goes. But a 20 goal a season striker at Championship level is much easier to find than a 20 goal striker for the Premier League.

This is going to be about attitude as much as anything. The team are so used to swimming against the tide and it might do them good to win a few games. We do need to get rid of the bad eggs, but most of them have such a huge ego they won't even be contemplating playing 2nd tier football no matter how culpable they are for taking one of the biggest clubs in the country to that level.

[Ads]

I don't think we need 9 or 11 new players.

SHQ mentioned Gardner who is doing a good job as the defensive sitter at Forrest how could come in for Westwood, whose mentally gone.

If we'recommend holding on to our better players then adding a winger and a forward to Grealish, Ayew and Traore, with Gestede as an option, should mean we have a lot of firepower at that level.

We need 4 or 5 and we will be fine.

[Des Little]

Is Gardner fit and playing at Forest?

[Toronto Villa]

It's a net 4 or 5 that we need with the poisonous ones moved on in any manner possible. No more bomb squad or N'Zogbia type distractions. Just a squad of players who are focused on getting promoted. All pulling in one direction, critically the same direction as the manager. With the board Aldo pulling in the same direction as the manager.

[PeterWithesShin]

It's a net 4 or 5 that we need with the poisonous ones moved on in any manner possible. No more bomb squad or N'Zogbia type distractions. Just a squad of players who are focused on getting promoted. All pulling in one direction, critically the same direction as the manager. With the board Aldo pulling in the same direction as the manager.

John Aldridge is buying us?

[Pete3206]

Unfortunately, we look like more of a QPR than a Hull or Burnley at the moment

QPR? More like Leeds or Sheffield Wednesday a decade ago.

[Toronto Villa]

It's a net 4 or 5 that we need with the poisonous ones moved on in any manner possible. No more bomb squad or N'Zogbia type distractions. Just a squad of players who are focused on getting promoted. All pulling in one direction, critically the same direction as the manager. With the board Aldo pulling in the same direction as the manager.

John Aldridge is buying us?

As player, chairman and manager. He'd do better up front than Gabby of that I have no doubt. Despite being in his mid 50's.

[SoccerHQ]

There's an argument for keeping the likes of Gabby and Westwood for the step down, on the basis that players with their level of top flight experience should be too much for that league.

But a clean break is probably best. For them and us.

Not for me. Those two along with Clark and Guzan as long serves are part of our losing mentality so get rid.

[SoccerHQ]

Is Gardner fit and playing at Forest?

Getting rave reviews there from their fans and local press, he is clearly a good player at that level.

[aj2k77]

I'd like to see Gardner get a  chance next season too. One thing I will say is we need to inject some pace in to the team as It's already very slow, add in Gardner and there's another one paced player. With Amavi back it will help a bit but then i'd like to see another couple of players brought in with genuine pace.

[Ads]

Agreed. Pace and a willingness to move off the ball; more regular starts for Traore, another winger and a quick forward to supplement Ayew's guile and Grealish intelligence,  with the aforementioned Amavi and you have decent options, with the lamppost on the bench if needs be.

[ez]

The suffering will be over...
http://www.socceronsunday.com/article/aston-villa-close-doors-permanently/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

[CJ]

Brilliant - genuine LOL in these depressing days. Scare the children by threatening ‘Brush your teeth or we’ll buy you an Aston Villa season ticket.'

[myf]

Does anyone think we'll get to 20 points?