Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: supertom on May 27, 2019, 05:36:36 PM

Title: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: supertom on May 27, 2019, 05:36:36 PM
As we now look to rebuild we know that for some of players, it'll be bon voyage. Some obviously, as is inevitable in Footy, won't be missed. But some will.
I'm going to work on assumption (and hope) that we'll be signing Mings, El Ghazi and Tammy in the summer. McGrath willing.

But, I think we've inevitably seen the last of:
Hutton, Whelan and Jedinak. Big personalities. Big players. It's not always been the best time for them here. But they've all become cult heroes to varying degrees in their time. Jedinak played a part in getting us to the final. Whelan, for Smith has been excellent. He's had a good season.
Hutton is one of the ultimate turnaround stories at the club. A rare bright spot across years of drudgery. Absolutely top fucking class professional. There's only one Scottish Cafu. THAT goal will stay with the lot of us til our final day. Bloody love Hutton and as we sit and (hopefully) enjoy our return to the big league there will actually come a moment when I suddenly feel an absense of a certain chrome-domed BraziliScott marauding down the wing. Yes, the cross didn't always go where quite intended, but the man is class.

So cheers boys. God-speed, best of luck and a thoroughly hand damaging round of applause on your way out.

Likewise, I'd love to see Axel stay but I think he'll get his shot at Utd. He's come of age, but well done the lad. Good luck to him, I think he'll be an excellent player.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Bad English on May 27, 2019, 05:39:28 PM
Which Utd?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: supertom on May 27, 2019, 05:45:07 PM
Which Utd?
I'd imagine at our mid-table rivals Manchester Utd.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Ad@m on May 27, 2019, 05:51:55 PM
I'm just glad we did it for Micah. After everything he's done for us...
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Martin Carruthers on May 27, 2019, 05:54:32 PM
Surely Micah deserves an extension.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: supertom on May 27, 2019, 05:58:06 PM
Surely Micah deserves an extension.
He's probably built about 3 on his mansion since we signed him.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Havencheese on May 27, 2019, 05:58:19 PM
Special mention to Hause, not sure whether he's coming or going in the summer if anywhere from Wolves but stepped up when required and did a job albeit a small one. Made a couple of important clearances when the team was really on the back foot.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: brontebilly on May 27, 2019, 07:58:40 PM
Elphick is a very solid pro too. Did a good job for us when called upon this season in difficult circumstances. Should have no issue getting a 2 yr contract at a decent championship club. Jedinak, Whelan and Hutton were all warriors for us in the dogarse division we have just left.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: hilts_coolerking on May 27, 2019, 08:09:26 PM
He may be a cult hero but for me Hutton epitomises these last few years when we've just not been good enough.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Colhint on May 27, 2019, 08:15:56 PM
I think they have all added even if only 1% to help us get over the line, I'd add Lansbury and the Kodj, All of them never moaned never embarrassed the club. All have been thoroughly top men.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: supertom on May 27, 2019, 08:16:53 PM
Elphick is a very solid pro too. Did a good job for us when called upon this season in difficult circumstances. Should have no issue getting a 2 yr contract at a decent championship club. Jedinak, Whelan and Hutton were all warriors for us in the dogarse division we have just left.
Yeah I'll add in Elphick. Almost forgot about him. He's had piss luck. Good guy though.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 27, 2019, 08:28:11 PM
Of our starters I'd keep AEM, unsung hero of the season.

I didn't like the signing but generally he's been a very solid player for the club. Always showed excellent mentality in bouncing back from a couple of shocking games over xmas against Stoke and Leeds.

Wonderful cross for the first goal today.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 27, 2019, 08:30:36 PM
I’d keep him Elmo.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: brontebilly on May 27, 2019, 09:26:14 PM
True, Elmo is a very solid player at that dogarse level we have just left. Went mental when Bruce signed him but has done well for us. Not a top division player mind as proven at a few clubs before us.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: supertom on May 27, 2019, 09:30:07 PM
Elmo would be a reliable back up I think. Taylor too. I'd be looking for new first choices in both positions but I think both have earned a place in the 25 next season.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: SheffieldVillain on May 27, 2019, 09:35:03 PM
Elmo would be a reliable back up I think. Taylor too. I'd be looking for new first choices in both positions but I think both have earned a place in the 25 next season.

Already got the French guy coming in at right back.
RB - Guilbert, AEH
LB - Sign Tierney (or equivalent), Taylor
CB - Sign Mings, Hause & Tuanzebe, Chester.

That's a solid set of options in defence. And only costing the odd 40m or so before moving onto the midfield and attack. Erm... Wes... Nassef?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 27, 2019, 11:22:24 PM
Midfield is sorted pretty much, McGinn and Jack will always start when fit so there's two positions already sorted, Hourihane can be a back up. If we can find the new Ngolo Kante somewhere in europe that's a mid table premier league midfield no problem.

Of those to release I'd let go of Taylor, Nyland, Bree, Adomah, Jedinak,Kodjia, Whelan and Lansbury of our back up players. A fair few of those must be in last year of their deals now given we signed some of them in 2016. Add in obvious ones like McCormack and Hogan and that would be a huge chunk off our wage bill. It's important to be ruthless and we don't want our wage bill spiralling out of control like in the last few premier league seasons.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: ROBBO on May 28, 2019, 09:05:25 AM
It will be interesting to watch how players adapt to the premiership it is a big step up, I would like a top marque signing just to make a statement that we mean business.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on May 28, 2019, 09:17:54 AM
I'm struggling to think of anyone i have a problem with that's played for us since 2016 other than Richards and McCormack. Those 2 should be put out in the stocks in front of the trinity for the first home game to be pelted with rancid vegetables, Richards can put his Jester hat on too.

I'll always be massively fond of Jedinak, Adomah, Kodjia and particularly Hutton but if any of them are in the team for next season i would be a bit worried. Whelan, Bree, Thor and Green get many thanks as well but likewise for them. Lansbury and Hogan surely will not be involved next season as they won't be required either.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Richard E on May 28, 2019, 01:33:12 PM
Alan Hutton will be immortalised as the last player ever to score in a league game between Villa and Small Heath.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 28, 2019, 01:44:36 PM
Alan Hutton will be immortalised as the last player ever to score in a league game between Villa and Small Heath.

Jack says hello.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Richard E on May 28, 2019, 01:46:39 PM
Alan Hutton will be immortalised as the last player ever to score in a league game between Villa and Small Heath.

Jack says hello.

Good point well made.

I meant at Villa Park, obviously;-)
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: manic-road on May 28, 2019, 01:51:37 PM
I'm expecting Bruce to sign a couple of those players leaving on frees.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 28, 2019, 01:57:27 PM
I love all the players who played this season. Even the loan players seemed to get how big a club this was and gelled with the fans. I'd be happy to sign any of them but if we don't, thanks for playing your part in getting Villa backs of its knees and to where it belongs. ❤️
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 28, 2019, 02:18:08 PM
I've a feeling he make keep Whelan on board for 12 months, he played a huge role in our revival.

Elmo really stepped up and probably deserves a chance alongside the new guy.

Much improved as he has been, I'd move Taylor on.

I'm sure we'll sign Hause & Mings.  The article about Chester was worrying so I wonder if we'll also keep Elphick now?

Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Ad@m on May 28, 2019, 03:42:10 PM
There's no room for sentimentality here unless we want to go straight back down. Fulham spent £100m and were still miles off.

Plenty of this squad need to go - of yesterday's starting line up Elmo, Taylor and Adomah definitely aren't good enough. Steer, Hourihane and El Ghazi may not be but it's worth giving them a crack.

So as a minimum we need two Prem quality right backs, two left backs (one established, one youngster for each) and an upgrade on Adomah.

We need to sign Mings, Hause and ideally Abraham, El Ghazi and Tuanzebe and then move on anyone over the age of 23 who didn't start yesterday - if they're not good enough to start in the Championship they won't be good enough for the Prem.

I hope Smith's meticulous planning has stretched to scouting players for next season because there's a lot to do...
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 28, 2019, 03:50:03 PM
I think Taylor and Elmo are perfectly decent squad players. Elmo, in particular, was great yesterday.

I'd give Whelan another year, too.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 28, 2019, 03:55:27 PM
Elmo is fine as a squad player imo and we've already signed a RB.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 28, 2019, 03:56:45 PM
Really hope Sky have got this wrong. Will be gutted if we lose Richards. Sign him up NOW!

www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11095/11730203/aston-villa-to-decide-on-the-future-of-several-out-of-contract-players
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 28, 2019, 03:58:53 PM
It's weird how many places have Albert as being out of contract.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Risso on May 28, 2019, 04:02:06 PM
Elmo has been the unsung hero of the second half of the season.  After a few disastrous performances around Christmas time, he's been great ever since.  Consistent in defence and helpful in attacking situations.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 28, 2019, 04:03:33 PM
I think we'll keep Whelan too, 12 months to help the transition for the club as a whole, rather than just the first team, would make good sense.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: walsall villain on May 28, 2019, 04:17:26 PM
I think we'll keep Whelan too, 12 months to help the transition for the club as a whole, rather than just the first team, would make good sense.
Agree, I expect it to happen too.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dave on May 28, 2019, 04:27:07 PM
There's no room for sentimentality here unless we want to go straight back down. Fulham spent £100m and were still miles off.

To play devil's advocate you could argue that the cautionary tale that Fulham offer is that spending huge amounts on a brand new team might not be better than keeping a hard-working team together that play well and is confident after promotion.

Fulham provide circumstantial evidence that maybe there is room for sentimentality.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 28, 2019, 04:41:17 PM
There's no room for sentimentality here unless we want to go straight back down. Fulham spent £100m and were still miles off.

To play devil's advocate you could argue that the cautionary tale that Fulham offer is that spending huge amounts on a brand new team might not be better than keeping a hard-working team together that play well and is confident after promotion.

Fulham provide circumstantial evidence that maybe there is room for sentimentality.

Fulham is just one example though - there's no evidence that if they kept the playoff winning squad with a couple of additions, they would have done much better.

Villa need 6-8 quality players, as well as signing Mings, El Ghazi and Hause.

Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: KRS on May 28, 2019, 04:55:25 PM
Agree there is no room for sentimentality and we need to move on a good few players in the summer, but we also need to keep hold of a few to maintain the team spirit in the dressing room that has quite clearly blossomed this season. Dean and the management team will know who we should keep and move on.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Ad@m on May 28, 2019, 05:20:42 PM
There's no room for sentimentality here unless we want to go straight back down. Fulham spent £100m and were still miles off.

To play devil's advocate you could argue that the cautionary tale that Fulham offer is that spending huge amounts on a brand new team might not be better than keeping a hard-working team together that play well and is confident after promotion.

Fulham provide circumstantial evidence that maybe there is room for sentimentality.

There are plenty more examples of clubs that haven't spent money and have come straight back down.

Spending money doesn't guarantee you'll stay up but not spending money guarantees you'll go down.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 28, 2019, 05:33:49 PM
Spending it wisely is far more important than just how much you spend. As we've shown more than once.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dave on May 28, 2019, 06:18:54 PM
Spending it wisely is far more important than just how much you spend. As we've shown more than once.

Quite. McGinn cost us £2.7m. He's no worse a player because of that.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Risso on May 28, 2019, 06:27:12 PM
It's about spending it well, whether it's £2m or £20m.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Ad@m on May 28, 2019, 10:15:13 PM
It's about spending it well, whether it's £2m or £20m.

Of course it is, but it doesn't matter how well we spend £2m, it won't keep us up.

Like it or not, if we don't spend big we're going down.

If we spend big badly, we're going down.

If we spend big wisely, and put sentiment to one side with some of the guys who've done us proud in the Championship but won't cut it in the Prem then we just might stay up.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Steve67 on May 28, 2019, 10:19:40 PM
None of those out of contract played a significant part in the promotion bid, other than Whelan.  The rest can go.  Thanks for the memories but time to move on and all that. They played, they got paid, they move on. 
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 28, 2019, 10:30:02 PM
Spending it wisely is far more important than just how much you spend. As we've shown more than once.

Quite. McGinn cost us £2.7m. He's no worse a player because of that.

He's the exception to the rule though. Generally you're much more likely to get a top player for £27 million than you are to get one for £2.7 million.

I'll be delighted if we can find another McGinniesta for pennies. If we base our entire strategy around bargain-hunting, though, we will struggle. As we did when we tried that strategy under Lambert.

By all means look for up and coming talent on the cheap to supplement the squad. But to seriously compete we need to be buying players for big fees.

I'll be amazed if Darren Bent is still our record transfer this time nexy year.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Damo70 on May 28, 2019, 10:31:53 PM
The transfer market is a strange thing. Manchester United wanted God to take a pay off and retire in 1989. We bought a 29 year old with dodgy knees and whose off field activities in the Manure drinking club with Robson and Whiteside had been made public. It didn't take a genius to know he was a decent player but who thought he would play on with us for about eight years let alone how consistently brilliant he would be. If I remember correctly the only other club interested in him was Terry Venables' Spurs. Collymore seemed like a great signing based on his performances for Southend, Forest and Liverpool and a move to his boyhood club at the peak of his career seemed a match made in heaven. After selling Andy Gray and John Deehan to our local rivals a past his best centre forward who was about to turn thirty and had spent the last two seasons in the second division with Newcastle didn't appear to be a signing that would help us win things.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: TopDeck113 on May 30, 2019, 10:36:01 AM
Players coming and going is the nature of the business.  If they played a bit part in this season being ultimately successful, I'm grateful, but the reality is that on many an occasion those who will be leaving were slagged off on these pages for not being good enough/devoid of character.

Hopefully we will now be moving on to greater achievements and just as I didn't give Bobby Campbell a second thought when I was cavorting on the Clock End in '81 or likewise Mark Burke when we won at Wembley in '94, when the next major success comes I'll have forgotten about many of those who are about to depart.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Smithy on May 30, 2019, 11:11:37 AM
Sentimentality is a bitch, because like so many others, I often romanticise players wearing our shirt. I sometimes think they're better than they are, put in performances better than they did, simply because they played for us - but there are still quite a few players I'll be perfectly comfortable seeing the back of this summer. 

What's different right now, is that for the first time in a very long while, I trust our management implicitly.  If Dean chooses to keep a couple of the players people think should definitely be let go, I won't be reacting with "Seriously? Have you lost your mind?" as I have in previous seasons, but with "Fair enough, I trust Dean has seen something in them that I haven't".  That's quite a nice feeling.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Tayls_7 on May 30, 2019, 11:18:41 AM
Sentimentality is a bitch, because like so many others, I often romanticise players wearing our shirt. I sometimes think they're better than they are, put in performances better than they did, simply because they played for us - but there are still quite a few players I'll be perfectly comfortable seeing the back of this summer. 

What's different right now, is that for the first time in a very long while, I trust our management implicitly.  If Dean chooses to keep a couple of the players people think should definitely be let go, I won't be reacting with "Seriously? Have you lost your mind?" as I have in previous seasons, but with "Fair enough, I trust Dean has seen something in them that I haven't".  That's quite a nice feeling.

That's exactly what I'll be thinking when we while the Summer away playing Fantasy Football Manager.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: KRS on May 30, 2019, 11:43:05 AM
Not only will it be Deans decision, but we also have a much improved management structure with knowledge and experience in the right positions. Some of the decisions will be influenced by those people to follow the business model and make financial sense...example being Purslow stating that we won’t be bringing in loan players again, and we’ll be actively decreasing the average age of the squad.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Pat McMahon on May 30, 2019, 05:53:26 PM
Re the Hutton comments in this thread, I had a very interesting conversation in the pub after the game with a mate of Aftab's.

He knows Phil Brown and had a long chat with him after Fulham play off final on which Brown had been commentating for 5Live. Brown said that it was clear that Hutton did not have the reflexes and positional sense of a true left footer and Fulham targeted that from kick off. He said this was such a clear part of Fulham's strategy that he would have taken Hutton off after 20 minutes.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: ez on May 30, 2019, 11:00:02 PM
What's the odds small heath will take at least one of our leavers.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Pete3206 on May 30, 2019, 11:06:18 PM
What's the odds small heath will take at least one of our leavers.

Gary Gardner hopefully.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 30, 2019, 11:10:56 PM
They can have him if they are gonna pay for him. Bollocks to helping them out again.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on May 30, 2019, 11:18:14 PM
Twitter feeds reporting Albert and hutts departing
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 30, 2019, 11:24:10 PM
I don't get Albert being released

Brum Mail today

Quote
Albert Adomah will not be offered a new contract at Aston Villa, BirminghamLive understands.

Adomah is one of several senior players out of contract at Villa Park this summer with Dean Smith poised to ring the changes following promotion to the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in his three seasons at the club and landed the players’ player of the year award for his contribution in 2017/18.

Adomah grabbed a career best 15-goal haul that season and initiated contract talks with the club towards the end of it.


Villa OS when he signed in 2016

Quote
Aston Villa Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of winger Albert Adomah.

The 28-year-old arrives from Middlesbrough and joins us on a four-year deal.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 30, 2019, 11:26:18 PM
I don't get Albert being released

Brum Mail today

Quote
Albert Adomah will not be offered a new contract at Aston Villa, BirminghamLive understands.

Adomah is one of several senior players out of contract at Villa Park this summer with Dean Smith poised to ring the changes following promotion to the Premier League.

The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in his three seasons at the club and landed the players’ player of the year award for his contribution in 2017/18.

Adomah grabbed a career best 15-goal haul that season and initiated contract talks with the club towards the end of it.


Villa OS when he signed in 2016

Quote
Aston Villa Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of winger Albert Adomah.

The 28-year-old arrives from Middlesbrough and joins us on a four-year deal.

Everything was being done so well at Villa in 2016 that I can't conceive of the notion that they would've allowed a typo to be published on the website. Wink.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Arsey on May 30, 2019, 11:38:44 PM
i would imagine it must have been 3 years with option for a 4th year.

Micah, Hutton, Albert, Jedibak, Whelan all going

In lots of ways it is the perfect situation as it is a lot off the wage bill and we will not be carrying very much deadwood (McCormack being the main one left)

We also have a lot of players with just 1 year to go

Hourihane
Kodjia
Chester
Bjarnason
Davis
Green
Elmo

You would think we will be offering out new deals to a few of them.

Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on May 31, 2019, 07:45:31 AM
i would imagine it must have been 3 years with option for a 4th year.

Micah, Hutton, Albert, Jedibak, Whelan all going

In lots of ways it is the perfect situation as it is a lot off the wage bill and we will not be carrying very much deadwood (McCormack being the main one left)

We also have a lot of players with just 1 year to go

Hourihane
Kodjia
Chester
Bjarnason
Davis
Green
Elmo

You would think we will be offering out new deals to a few of them.


Read the other day that jedinak wants to stay. Think him and Whelan would be good on small contracts as squad players
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: in exile on May 31, 2019, 08:05:06 AM
 want Bjarnason gone
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: nigel on May 31, 2019, 08:15:55 AM
want Bjarnason gone

Have agree.
Another buy without much thought as to how and where to play him.
A shame he was never really given a proper run of games in his prefered position.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on May 31, 2019, 08:35:56 AM
A twitter feed now suggesting elphick released. Would have been good squad player and was very dependable last year.
But when you realise the type of attackers in prem he’ll be defending against I kind of get it
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 31, 2019, 09:09:27 AM
Thing is I reckon all of these Twitter feed are just people guessing the obvious in the hope they can say "I broke the news that..."
Elphick won;t cut it in the Prem now, dependable as he was last year, so there must be irons in the fire to bolster the back 4 if we are letting him go.  I'd rather see the non-contributors going first though!

I do still think we'll give Whelan another year though.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: London Villan on May 31, 2019, 10:18:15 AM
Sounds like it's official for all three now. All model professionals and that attitude is why we have been promoted. I'm sure they'll get offers and let's be honest all three should be made for life anyway, not quite the same as a 19 year old been released.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Allan C on May 31, 2019, 10:25:26 AM
i would imagine it must have been 3 years with option for a 4th year.

Micah, Hutton, Albert, Jedibak, Whelan all going

In lots of ways it is the perfect situation as it is a lot off the wage bill and we will not be carrying very much deadwood (McCormack being the main one left)

We also have a lot of players with just 1 year to go

Hourihane
Kodjia
Chester
Bjarnason
Davis
Green
Elmo

You would think we will be offering out new deals to a few of them.
All the players mentioned above should be moved on with the possible exception of Hourihane IMO. The reality is that the rest are not of the required quality for the Premier League. There will be others too. Rebuilding was always going to be harsh.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 31, 2019, 10:38:20 AM
Whelan should be given a year and I'd keep Elmo. Maybe not as first choice but easily worth a place in the squad. He seems fairly popular too, I think a lot of our success this season was due to having a good team spirit and I wouldn't want to take a sledgehammer to that.

I'd keep Green and Davis and loan them out, preferably to the Champiomship. See how they get on.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 31, 2019, 10:45:02 AM
Sounds like it's official for all three now. All model professionals and that attitude is why we have been promoted. I'm sure they'll get offers and let's be honest all three should be made for life anyway, not quite the same as a 19 year old been released.

Where are you seeing this?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: eddiemunster on May 31, 2019, 11:24:32 AM
Haven't seen anything officially saying any players have been released yet, so I will believe it when I see it.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Walmley_Villa on May 31, 2019, 11:30:52 AM
Mile has posted a farewell on his Instagram account.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on May 31, 2019, 12:24:48 PM
Mile has posted a farewell on his Instagram account.
Yes seen on Twitter, he’s 4th now. Perhaps we’re just keeping whelan and Richards 😳😩😜
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: jwarry on May 31, 2019, 12:27:09 PM
The revolution has started :-)
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: dave shelley on May 31, 2019, 12:35:33 PM
Mile has posted a farewell on his Instagram account.

Link please, don't do Instagram.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Bad English on May 31, 2019, 12:51:32 PM
Mile has posted a farewell on his Instagram account.

Link please, don't do Instagram.
You can't go on Instagram if you don't 'do' it. But here is the link (https://www.instagram.com/p/ByH4QnmHnSV/) :

Edit: I took pity on you ;-)


(https://i.ibb.co/FKcYz4d/Capture.png)

Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: darren woolley on May 31, 2019, 01:21:47 PM
Thank you to those departing us and good luck for the future.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: dave shelley on May 31, 2019, 01:25:21 PM
Mile has posted a farewell on his Instagram account.

Link please, don't do Instagram.
You can't go on Instagram if you don't 'do' it. But here is the link (https://www.instagram.com/p/ByH4QnmHnSV/) :

Edit: I took pity on you ;-)


(https://i.ibb.co/FKcYz4d/Capture.png)



Thanks BE, much appreciated. 
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Risso on May 31, 2019, 01:37:18 PM
'Bandwidth limit exceeded'!
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: UK Redsox on May 31, 2019, 01:39:13 PM
'Bandwidth limit exceeded'!

Supported 'African Car Reverser' on their latest tour
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: mr underhill on May 31, 2019, 03:20:51 PM
I thought Mile was mainly pants to be honest. We bought him three years too late.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: rob_bridge on May 31, 2019, 03:46:33 PM
Yeah Good Luck to Jedi, Hutton, Elphick and Albert

As for Richards he can roll in his own vomit and be joined by all those who enabled the leech to be here in the first place
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: jwarry on May 31, 2019, 06:48:30 PM
I thought Mile was mainly pants to be honest. We bought him three years too late.

Was he good before then? Can’t say I noticed
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: The_ads on May 31, 2019, 07:17:36 PM
Yeah Good Luck to Jedi, Hutton, Elphick and Albert

As for Richards he can roll in his own vomit and be joined by all those who enabled the leech to be here in the first place


I think Richards is physically incapable of playing football, don’t wish him any ill will tbh, anyone would sit on a fat contract in any job
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: London Villan on May 31, 2019, 08:06:20 PM
If he was so injured why have we not claimed on the insurance?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: The_ads on May 31, 2019, 09:09:03 PM
If he was so injured why have we not claimed on the insurance?

Not a question I can answer, but I’m sure they’ll be good reason
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: brontebilly on May 31, 2019, 09:27:21 PM
Yeah Good Luck to Jedi, Hutton, Elphick and Albert

As for Richards he can roll in his own vomit and be joined by all those who enabled the leech to be here in the first place


I think Richards is physically incapable of playing football, don’t wish him any ill will tbh, anyone would sit on a fat contract in any job

I've mentioned this on the Richards thread a couple of times but his last couple of appearances for us in Bruce's time were of a level different than anyone I've ever seen for us (Bowery, Tonev at al). One was Wolves in Bruce first game, there was another one maybe Luton in a cup game. There are definitely people posting on here who could have performed a lot better. Pub league wouldn't remotely describe how bad he was. Fat, slow, disinterested.

Richards was damaged goods before we bought him, he hadnt played consistently for years at right back not to mind centre half. Had just flopped at Fiorentina. Injuries may have played a part but he checked out mentally years before. Four year contract and captaincy! Cheers Tim

The polar opposite to many of those others who finished up with us today and gave all they had to get us out of that rag arse division.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Stu82 on May 31, 2019, 09:38:18 PM
Many thanks to the four
Albert
Scottish cafu
Jedi
And tommy
The building blocks to help us move up.
Professionals one and all
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 31, 2019, 11:25:29 PM
Scottish Cafu wasn't the greatest ever but he gave everything and became One Of Us.

I'll miss him.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: ozzjim on May 31, 2019, 11:27:31 PM
I thought that financially it was cheaper to write Richards off still paying him than it was to simply reach a deal for him to leave. Can't remember the reasons, but insurance and FFP were in there somewhere.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: West Derby Villan on June 01, 2019, 12:06:06 AM
Scottish Cafu wasn't the greatest ever but he gave everything and became One Of Us.

I'll miss him.

110% this
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithe on June 01, 2019, 09:37:24 AM
I thought Mile was mainly pants to be honest. We bought him three years too late.

Not so sure, he certainly didnt catch the eye but we were very difficult to beat when he was in the side. He also scored some very important goals, away at Boro in the Semi last year and the penalty at WBA

Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: mr underhill on June 01, 2019, 09:39:58 AM
I liked him at Palace, I just think we paid too much for him when he was clearly on the wane, not disputing he had the odd moment in the sun but for me he epitomized the mainly dreadful signings in our first relegation season.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Clampy on June 01, 2019, 09:46:47 AM
I liked him at Palace, I just think we paid too much for him when he was clearly on the wane, not disputing he had the odd moment in the sun but for me he epitomized the mainly dreadful signings in our first relegation season.

I don't think he was a dreadful signing. Apart from a few dodgy games at centre half, he did a decent, solid enough job for us without being a world beater. I think he'll be respectfully remembered as one who helped us back up.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 01, 2019, 09:47:03 AM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Clampy on June 01, 2019, 09:51:01 AM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.

I said that after the game as well. I know he wasn't on the bench but it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Hutton on the pitch for the last few minutes.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 01, 2019, 09:54:36 AM
Hadn't realised Hutton wasn't on the bench, tbh. I arrived late due to confusing Wembley Park with Wembley Central.🙃Would have liked for him and Whelan to have got on... if we were three or four nil up with minutes to go, that is. Obviously no point pissing around at two-one.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: West Derby Villan on June 01, 2019, 09:56:14 AM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.

I said that after the game as well. I know he wasn't on the bench but it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Hutton on the pitch for the last few minutes.

Agree totally, but there was no place for sentiment in the last ten minutes at Wembley
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Clampy on June 01, 2019, 09:57:31 AM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.

I said that after the game as well. I know he wasn't on the bench but it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Hutton on the pitch for the last few minutes.

Agree totally, but there was no place for sentiment in the last ten minutes at Wembley

Especially that last ten minutes. It aged me.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: West Derby Villan on June 01, 2019, 10:00:59 AM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.

I said that after the game as well. I know he wasn't on the bench but it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Hutton on the pitch for the last few minutes.

Agree totally, but there was no place for sentiment in the last ten minutes at Wembley

Especially that last ten minutes. It aged me.

You, me and every other Villan throughout the world I guess!
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 01, 2019, 10:02:22 AM
To be fair, we were never in that much danger. Years of experience of watching Villa find new and exciting ways to fuck things up was the main reason for my fear.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on June 01, 2019, 11:38:37 AM
Many thanks to the four
Albert
Scottish cafu
Jedi
And tommy
The building blocks to help us move up.
Professionals one and all
This, and may Alan & Celine Dion v Blues be never taken down from YouTube...
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Axl Rose on June 01, 2019, 11:44:40 AM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.

I said that after the game as well. I know he wasn't on the bench but it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Hutton on the pitch for the last few minutes.

Agree totally, but there was no place for sentiment in the last ten minutes at Wembley

Especially that last ten minutes. It aged me.

Oh good God, yes. I'm still recovering.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Pat McMahon on June 01, 2019, 01:38:32 PM
He was pretty good in his first season. He wasn't bad when called upon in his second. Due to the idiot Bruce not bothering to replace Terry (or Samba) and loaning Elphick out, he was forced to play out of position for much of his third. I don't blame him for that.

It's a shame we weren't more comfortable on Monday because I think a couple of the departees might have got a brief swansong in the closing minutes otherwise.

I said that after the game as well. I know he wasn't on the bench but it would have been nice to have seen the likes of Hutton on the pitch for the last few minutes.

Agree totally, but there was no place for sentiment in the last ten minutes at Wembley

Especially that last ten minutes. It aged me.

Oh good God, yes. I'm still recovering.

I’m a big swearer at the best of times but my c*@t count went into overload in those last 10+7 minutes.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: rob_bridge on June 01, 2019, 01:56:19 PM
For once I wasn't too bad in 7 mins of injury time, prceeding 10mins I was gibbering wreck. Like Gumbo in ID
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 01, 2019, 03:06:18 PM
It’s hard to find gems in the McGinn price range anyway and even more so when you’re a PL club. All of a sudden an extra few million gets tagged on.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: AsTallAsLions on June 01, 2019, 03:25:12 PM
Apologies if this has been posted somewhere already but just seeing it on the OS now, posted today ...

https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2019/06/01/eight-players-to-leave-aston-villa
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on June 01, 2019, 03:26:57 PM
8 confirmed by clubs official  twitter account ;

http://bit.ly/2XksTcy
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 01, 2019, 03:29:47 PM
(https://d3ix52z2istd7h.cloudfront.net/~/media/HuttonBlues19.ashx?h=720&la=en&mw=1280&w=1280&vs=1&d=20190601T141835Z&hash=2653CAD1930E421A7FE70E87B1313277D2724B09)

Quote
Aston Villa has today released eight players.

They are Mile Jedinak, Alan Hutton, Tommy Elphick, Albert Adomah, Glenn Whelan, Ritchie De Laet, Mark Bunn and Micah Richards.

We’d like to thank all of them for their contributions and wish them the best of luck for the future.

MICAH RICHARDS FINALLY GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: andyh on June 01, 2019, 03:31:36 PM
I think Whelan could have managed a year as a squad player in the premier, but I trust Deanos judgement.

The very best of luck Whelo, for me, one of the most consistent performers over the WHOLE season, not just the last 3 months.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 01, 2019, 03:32:49 PM
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1134827974778347520
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 01, 2019, 03:37:18 PM
Pretty sure that if they don't find another club we pay them for June as well.

Nice video on Twitter. https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1134827974778347520
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 01, 2019, 03:37:45 PM
Pretty sure that if they don't find another club we pay them for June as well.

Nice video on Twitter. https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1134827974778347520

ahem...look up
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 01, 2019, 03:38:52 PM
Sure it isn't photoshopped?  :P :-*
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 01, 2019, 03:39:26 PM
I'm absolutely delighted that in the matter of a few days the club have not only sorted this out but are also on the verge of making a new signing. Purslow impresses me more and more.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 01, 2019, 03:39:38 PM
Sure it isn't photoshopped?  :P :-*

LOL fuck
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: SheffieldVillain on June 01, 2019, 03:57:54 PM
A bit surprised Deano didn't keep Whelan on as an old-head for another season. They really are committed to bringing the age of the squad down, good to see it isn't just talk.

That has to be around £250k a week in wages off the books in total - £13m over a year. Incredible.

As Bunn, Richards and De Laet didn't play at all while Jedinak, Elphick and Hutton were bit-part players by the end of the season, that money can certainly be put to better use.

Now to offload the contracted players who don't really contribute such as Bjarnesson, Angela and Fat Ross and we really will be in much better shape financially.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: hilts_coolerking on June 01, 2019, 04:01:27 PM
No surprises there.  I wasn't keen on keeping Whelan.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: manic-road on June 01, 2019, 04:12:00 PM
So eight have already departed and to be honest I didn't expect any of them to be at the club for the 19/20 season, looking forward to see who we sign over the coming months.
Cheers for the contribution Wheelo, Hutton Jedi and Albert.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Mister E on June 01, 2019, 04:33:47 PM

Now to offload the contracted players who don't really contribute such as Bjarnesson, Angela and Fat Ross and we really will be in much better shape financially.

Hear, hear.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on June 01, 2019, 04:37:42 PM
All the best for the future & thanks for everything, Glenn.

Who would have thought a penalty miss against Preston would make such a difference to us?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: robleflaneur on June 01, 2019, 04:46:46 PM
Best of luck to them all and best wishes to the Cabbage Thrower who made such a vital contribution.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 01, 2019, 04:48:36 PM
Thanks to Albert, JedI, Whelan, Cafu and to a lesser extent Elphick. Bunn and de Laet meh. Richards good riddance.

Feels a bit ruthless in our joyful post promotion bubble but we need to be to succeed.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on June 01, 2019, 10:06:56 PM
What is the point of this thread if everyone is digging up all the individual player threads to comment on ?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: villasjf on June 02, 2019, 11:30:01 AM

Now to offload the contracted players who don't really contribute such as Bjarnesson, Angela and Fat Ross and we really will be in much better shape financially.

Hear, hear.
And Hogan, Gardner and tshibola
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: SheffieldVillain on June 02, 2019, 01:15:15 PM
What is the point of this thread if everyone is digging up all the individual player threads to comment on ?

How else is Mark Bunn going to get a mention?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Dazvillain on June 02, 2019, 01:44:33 PM

Now to offload the contracted players who don't really contribute such as Bjarnesson, Angela and Fat Ross and we really will be in much better shape financially.

Hear, hear.
And Hogan, Gardner and tshibola

Now this section of players is really the most difficult to deal with, let’s see how the new owners , ceo and Deano do with them in a full summer window. So much cost in wages from previous regimes, what a waste . Tshibola did well at Killy but can’t see him cutting it in prem.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Hinckley Dave on June 02, 2019, 03:13:30 PM
Out of those only one I'd be tempted to see how he got on, if ever fit, would be Lansbury. First player I'd want out would be Bjarnesson. He looks a right misery arse in the celebration videos I've seen, not really joining in, probably not that popular with the other lads. If he were a good player then fair enough...but
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 02, 2019, 03:16:13 PM
I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t judge a player based on his emotions. When he’s scored in the past he’s been mobbed by his teammates. I just think he’s an unemotional player who just doesn’t fit the system Dean Smith wants to play. And maybe he is a bit fucked off by that.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Risso on June 02, 2019, 03:47:13 PM
I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t judge a player based on his emotions. When he’s scored in the past he’s been mobbed by his teammates. I just think he’s an unemotional player who just doesn’t fit the system Dean Smith wants to play. And maybe he is a bit fucked off by that.

And shit.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Confusious says on June 02, 2019, 04:26:12 PM
Just mentioned on the twitter link on this thread, about losing the senior players especially most that have got good backbone when things get a bit nasty. I hope the club take that into account & not only go for football quality but have some strong players also
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: SheffieldVillain on June 02, 2019, 05:29:52 PM
Just mentioned on the twitter link on this thread, about losing the senior players especially most that have got good backbone when things get a bit nasty. I hope the club take that into account & not only go for football quality but have some strong players also

Most of the senior players we've released hardly played during the season, especially the last 10 games (with the exception of Albert and Whelan).

I'd back McGinn, Grealish, AEH, Mings (I refuse to accept the possibility he won't be our player) etc to show the neccessary 'backbone'. They already have. How much nastier can things get than being kicked all over the park by Leeds, Blues and Albion?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 03, 2019, 06:04:57 PM
I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t judge a player based on his emotions. When he’s scored in the past he’s been mobbed by his teammates. I just think he’s an unemotional player who just doesn’t fit the system Dean Smith wants to play. And maybe he is a bit fucked off by that.

His body language always signals (to me anyway) that he's not happy with a bit part (at best) role.  Who can blame him but the cold harsh truth is that he's there because that's where he is in the pecking order.  I would imagine that he'll be pretty keen to find a way out of the club this summer.  It might well be a bridge too far for Lansbury as well.  Bree is certain to be placed on offer also.  I would imagine that in addition, the club are keen to offload Kodjia, Hogan and one of the 2 keepers who joined this season.  Finally, it wouldn't surprise me to see green & Davis loaned out with Tishibola & McCormack given to anyone who is prepared to take them.

We'll then be left with 2 out of 3 keepers (probably with an incoming first choice keeper)
Defence: Gilbert & Elmo as RBs, Mings  (gets down and prays) + 2 A.N Others and Chester, Taylor and a new LB.
Midfield: Jack, SJM, Conor, ElGhazi, possibly Lansbury, a new central midfielder & another winger on top of Jota.
Strikers: 2 x new strikers

That's 8 new places of which at least 6 will be completed this summer, if not the entire 8.

A cool £80 - £100 millions worth.
 
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 03, 2019, 07:40:35 PM
I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t judge a player based on his emotions. When he’s scored in the past he’s been mobbed by his teammates. I just think he’s an unemotional player who just doesn’t fit the system Dean Smith wants to play. And maybe he is a bit fucked off by that.

And shit.

I saw what I think may have been his debut away at Reading and wondered if he could play for Villa then I certainly could, he scored a toe punt against the dog heads and that was about it.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on June 03, 2019, 07:44:24 PM
I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t judge a player based on his emotions. When he’s scored in the past he’s been mobbed by his teammates. I just think he’s an unemotional player who just doesn’t fit the system Dean Smith wants to play. And maybe he is a bit fucked off by that.

His body language always signals (to me anyway) that he's not happy with a bit part (at best) role.  Who can blame him but the cold harsh truth is that he's there because that's where he is in the pecking order.  I would imagine that he'll be pretty keen to find a way out of the club this summer.  It might well be a bridge too far for Lansbury as well.  Bree is certain to be placed on offer also.  I would imagine that in addition, the club are keen to offload Kodjia, Hogan and one of the 2 keepers who joined this season.  Finally, it wouldn't surprise me to see green & Davis loaned out with Tishibola & McCormack given to anyone who is prepared to take them.

We'll then be left with 2 out of 3 keepers (probably with an incoming first choice keeper)
Defence: Gilbert & Elmo as RBs, Mings  (gets down and prays) + 2 A.N Others and Chester, Taylor and a new LB.
Midfield: Jack, SJM, Conor, ElGhazi, possibly Lansbury, a new central midfielder & another winger on top of Jota.
Strikers: 2 x new strikers

That's 8 new places of which at least 6 will be completed this summer, if not the entire 8.

A cool £80 - £100 millions worth.
 

Jota isn't a winger.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 03, 2019, 07:58:20 PM
I don’t know about that. I wouldn’t judge a player based on his emotions. When he’s scored in the past he’s been mobbed by his teammates. I just think he’s an unemotional player who just doesn’t fit the system Dean Smith wants to play. And maybe he is a bit fucked off by that.

His body language always signals (to me anyway) that he's not happy with a bit part (at best) role.  Who can blame him but the cold harsh truth is that he's there because that's where he is in the pecking order.  I would imagine that he'll be pretty keen to find a way out of the club this summer.  It might well be a bridge too far for Lansbury as well.  Bree is certain to be placed on offer also.  I would imagine that in addition, the club are keen to offload Kodjia, Hogan and one of the 2 keepers who joined this season.  Finally, it wouldn't surprise me to see green & Davis loaned out with Tishibola & McCormack given to anyone who is prepared to take them.

We'll then be left with 2 out of 3 keepers (probably with an incoming first choice keeper)
Defence: Gilbert & Elmo as RBs, Mings  (gets down and prays) + 2 A.N Others and Chester, Taylor and a new LB.
Midfield: Jack, SJM, Conor, ElGhazi, possibly Lansbury, a new central midfielder & another winger on top of Jota.
Strikers: 2 x new strikers

That's 8 new places of which at least 6 will be completed this summer, if not the entire 8.

A cool £80 - £100 millions worth.
 

Jota isn't a winger.

What is he then?  Centre mid?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Monty on June 03, 2019, 08:03:22 PM
He's an inside-forward I thought, in the old jargon.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on June 03, 2019, 08:05:58 PM
It's why he's struggled at Blues. They've played him on the right wing. DS played with two 'number eights' at Brentford, with the fullbacks providing width. I think that's what we'll see next season.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 03, 2019, 08:06:15 PM
He's an inside-forward I thought, in the old jargon.

He played most of his football at Brentford out wide and was brought in by Rednapp to play there.  However,  Under Monk, Blues have been narrower and Jota was used often as a number 10.  I suspect he'll be deployed out wide again under Smith.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Monty on June 03, 2019, 08:16:50 PM
Hm I see. The problem with being a 10 in a diamond is that you have to be the player who makes all the space for your attack while all the time being the most obvious target for the opposition. Jota strikes me as the kind of player who does best when he has others to combine with, so better suited to the kind of 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 that Deano plays.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on June 03, 2019, 08:19:13 PM
It's why he's struggled at Blues. They've played him on the right wing. DS played with two 'number eights' at Brentford, with the fullbacks providing width. I think that's what we'll see next season.


Yup. Much was mentioned of Adomah not going past his man of late, but I don't think that he was meant to, because Elmo really stepped up his game in the last three or four months to become what I think Smith wanted. El Ghazi on the other side was different cos he was playing in front of Taylor, who never really came close to those heights.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on June 03, 2019, 08:19:29 PM
He's an inside-forward I thought, in the old jargon.

He played most of his football at Brentford out wide and was brought in by Rednapp to play there.  However,  Under Monk, Blues have been narrower and Jota was used often as a number 10.  I suspect he'll be deployed out wide again under Smith.

I'm often wrong so I may be here, but I'm pretty sure that Brentford didn't play with wingers under Smith. He played that way with us because that's what he inherited.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: LeeB on June 03, 2019, 08:24:50 PM
He's an inside-forward I thought, in the old jargon.

He played most of his football at Brentford out wide and was brought in by Rednapp to play there.  However,  Under Monk, Blues have been narrower and Jota was used often as a number 10.  I suspect he'll be deployed out wide again under Smith.

I'm often wrong so I may be here, but I'm pretty sure that Brentford didn't play with wingers under Smith. He played that way with us because that's what he inherited.

Which in itself is a joyfull sign of an excellent manager.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 03, 2019, 08:25:25 PM
He's an inside-forward I thought, in the old jargon.

He played most of his football at Brentford out wide and was brought in by Rednapp to play there.  However,  Under Monk, Blues have been narrower and Jota was used often as a number 10.  I suspect he'll be deployed out wide again under Smith.

I'm often wrong so I may be here, but I'm pretty sure that Brentford didn't play with wingers under Smith. He played that way with us because that's what he inherited.

That is a good point and something I hadn't considered - The thought that DS may change the formation given a pre-season in which to work and put it into practice.

Brentford played with 2 wide men and Jota's best work always appeared to be cutting in from the right.  Be that as an out and out traditional winger or be it as the wide man of a 3.

Either way, call them what you will, we need at least 2 incoming because currently we only have ElGhazi.  I don't think Green is ready for the PL yet
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 03, 2019, 08:34:38 PM
Add Fat Ross to the list.

https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2019/06/03/club-statement-ross-mccormack

Quote
Aston Villa can confirm Ross McCormack is to leave the club after signing a variation agreement.

The club would like to wish Ross well for the future.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Monty on June 03, 2019, 08:36:15 PM
Add Fat Ross to the list.

https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2019/06/03/club-statement-ross-mccormack

Quote
Aston Villa can confirm Ross McCormack is to leave the club after signing a variation agreement.

The club would like to wish Ross well for the future.

Not sure he belongs in any thread with the words 'thank you' in the title.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: exiled on the wirral! on June 03, 2019, 08:37:38 PM
What's a variation agreement?
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 03, 2019, 08:47:50 PM
What's a variation agreement?

An agreement in which both parties enter into to allow changes to the original contract.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 04, 2019, 06:21:10 AM
What's a variation agreement?

An agreement in which both parties enter into to allow changes to the original contract.

It's an agreement that allowed the club and all our employees to tell him to fuck off in multitude of ways.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 04, 2019, 06:36:44 AM
What's a variation agreement?

An agreement in which both parties enter into to allow changes to the original contract.

It's an agreement that allowed the club and all our employees to tell him to fuck off in multitude of ways.

Yes but how much have we had to pay for the privilege?

Whilst it's generally considered a good move, we've still lost £12 million in transfer fees and around half again in wages.  In normal circumstances, clubs pay money to bring players in.  In this case, we've paid 7 figures to get one out.

For me, with the possible exception of Balaban, he is the worst signing we've ever made, made worse by the fact that all the warning signs were there for everyone to see prior to him signing.

Yes, he has been unceremoniously dumped, which affords a crumb of satisfaction but ultimately, he's screwed our club on a par with Richards.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: London Villan on June 04, 2019, 07:12:03 AM
Him and Richards have cost us the best part of £25m for less than 20 games in the past three years.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: mr underhill on June 04, 2019, 09:18:50 AM
reyt rascals the pair of them but I blame the club for sanctioning shit like this. Hopefully the past is another country.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 04, 2019, 01:12:31 PM
What's a variation agreement?

An agreement in which both parties enter into to allow changes to the original contract.

It's an agreement that allowed the club and all our employees to tell him to fuck off in multitude of ways.

Yes but how much have we had to pay for the privilege?

Whilst it's generally considered a good move, we've still lost £12 million in transfer fees and around half again in wages.  In normal circumstances, clubs pay money to bring players in.  In this case, we've paid 7 figures to get one out.

For me, with the possible exception of Balaban, he is the worst signing we've ever made, made worse by the fact that all the warning signs were there for everyone to see prior to him signing.

Yes, he has been unceremoniously dumped, which affords a crumb of satisfaction but ultimately, he's screwed our club on a par with Richards.

How has Richards screwed the club? McCormack certainly has, but Richards wasn't insurable, we still signed him, gave him a fat lengthy contract and he got injured. We screwed ourselves. I wouldn't put Richards in the same category at all.

And as to what it cost us in total for both, yes it's a big number. But we are now in the PL. That was the one we left behind. Now average players are being signed for £30-40m with massive contracts. So this will happen again to us and has happened/is happening at other clubs.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 04, 2019, 06:29:45 PM
Richards came here and demanded to play in the centre of defence because he was too big/unfit to play as a modern day full back.  On many occasions, he wasn't injured either.  He led us to relegation following one of the worst seasons in PL history - Never before have I seen a Villa team with so little heart, fight and desire.  Richards' attitude may well have spread through the entire team.

As for the money, if you think that paying a waste of space 7 figures for the privilege of telling him to "fuck off in a multitude of ways" then good luck to you.  I find it sickening, regardless of what division we are in, and to add insult to injury, Richards previously turned down the offer of a variation agreement in order to screw us for the maximum possible.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: danno on June 04, 2019, 08:37:45 PM
As for the money, if you think that paying a waste of space 7 figures for the privilege of telling him to "fuck off in a multitude of ways" then good luck to you.  I find it sickening, regardless of what division we are in, and to add insult to injury, Richards previously turned down the offer of a variation agreement in order to screw us for the maximum possible.

A season long loan to West Ham in 2016 would have doubled his wages (they halved on our relegation) Di Matteo blocked it. 

Then because of his knee problems Bruce decided that rather than manage his condition (like Tottenham tried to with Ledley King) it was better to freeze him out entirely.

Not even playing him in cup games and in doing so pretty much destroying his value (any chance to demonstrate his fitness) and chances of getting a move.

He trained knowing full well he was never going to get selected, knowing he wasn't going to get a move and then (because we regretted giving him a four year deal) we ask him if he'd like to take half now and go away.

As the prospects of him finding a new club at this point were about as likely as Steve Bruce turning down a buffet he declined.

To be clear I hated Micah Richards when he wore the shirt, as frankly I thought he was useless.

But the last three years I've barely thought about him. I don't get the hatred, McCormack took the piss, Richards like Hutton before him got parachuted into the bomb squad. For having a dodgy knee.

The manager doesn't fancy you and won't pick you so suddenly you're a lazy feckless waste of time parasite? Not for me Clive.

He's gone now anyway

Sources:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5446945/Aston-Villa-defender-Richards-500-days-without-game.html

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6058303/Micah-Richards-set-released-35-000-week-Aston-Villa-deal.html
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: Brassneck on June 04, 2019, 09:03:53 PM
Have a read of the Richards thread around the time that West Ham were supposedly wanting to sign him.  Most would have shipped him anywhere and been happy to pay 90% of his wages.  It is inconceivable to imagine a PL side would have been interested in Richards after the season he had just had, let alone double his wages. At the time was not even starting games for Villa (except when the 2nd string played against Luton in the Caribo cup).  He couldn't get into a Championship side, let alone command a £70,000 weekly salary from a PL side.

Let's not try to re-write history about poor old "injury hit" Micha.  He was a disgrace and if he looks in the mirror, he will know it.

I don't hate him either - I'm just glad his gone and thankful that the drain on our under the cosh resources did not prove more costly in terms of FFP.

Yes he is gone and rightly should be forgotten but let's not blame a succession of managers for his own actions.
Title: Re: Here's to the departing old boys. Thanks for helping us up.
Post by: danno on June 04, 2019, 09:37:09 PM
Was Moyes in charge at West Ham at that time?  He signed a geriatric Patrice Evra, could see him going in for Richards.

The few articles that have come out always seem to be very pro Richards, so they've either been leaked by his agent or maybe possibly he just wasn't a massive twat?

I'm saying that because Bruce wasn't afraid to publicly condemn McCormack, so why wouldn't he call Richards a disgrace too?

I'm more inclined to believe he does have a knee problem and that he was frozen out as a result. You can't force your way into a team Championship or otherwise if the manager decides you're never going to play.

I have no sympathy for him or for us, as we got burned by our own stupidity. I suppose that's why I'm less rabid about him, he signed his contract, played shit, got dropped, got paid.  Much like the previous bomb squadders.
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