Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Tom_Mc9? on September 01, 2012, 12:39:50 AM
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I know it's very early days, but how pleased are you with the players Lambert has brought in (and Holman)? I'm cautiously optimistic and think he probably did as well as he could with the budget he had. A quick reminder of those that have joined!
Ashley Westwood
Christian Benteke
Jordan Bowery
Joe Bennett
Ron Vlaar
Matthew Lowton
Karim El Ahmadi
Brett Holman
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Lowton, Bennett and Westwood will hopefully fulfil their potential and add to Aston Villa England caps.
Ron Vlaar looks a really good signing. El Ahmadi looks a lovely footballer.
Benteke, not a clue, but he is a beastly looking gent, so hopefully can rough up some centre halves. Seems to be able to speak English (won't help with Lambert mind) but clearly has talent and is young, really young!
Bowery is a punt that might shock us all.
Holman not a clue.
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There are some very promising youngsters there, which is great for the future.
But....we need to stay in the Prem this year and if these kids can do it for us then great,; if not, Lambert's gonna get stick and the players likewise.
Although new to the Prem, Holman, Vlaar and El Ahmadi are no fools!
It's a long term (2/3/4 years) and some (including me!??) need to appreciate that.
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I am an old git but am pleased with the way Paul Lambert has gone about things. We have lost Cuellar and Collins, got concrete Ron in. Personally was sad to see Cuellar go, but as for Collins, not in the same class as Vlaar. Other than that, we have got what is being said as a very good left back in Bennett, top class midfielder in KEA, Holman will be good I reckon, Benteke has a good pedigree as has Westwood. Progress being made IMHO
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7/10
Negatives: Perhaps not as much experience as I'd hoped, but a realistic chance that we'll recoup most of the money spent should things go wrong.
Positives: Young, unknown players who are desperate to prove themselves on a bigger stage. Could unearth a gem.
Certainly a different approach anyway, will make the next games interesting.
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and hopefully Nzogbia improves 100% , Ireland shows us the talent he has ( and he might ) , Gabby sorts his shit out and Delph reaches his potential . we might be ok this season .
we also have some promising youngsters in Weimann Carruthers and Baker .
Im looking forward to this season.
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I'll go 7 because I trust Plumbutt, he has a track record of bringing through young, hungry players from lower leagues....but...will this work in The Premier League? We have no idea whether the Norwich thing was a one-off and might have gone tits up this season because we nicked their manager.
So 7 for now, but I feel very optimistic that I'll be upping that to an 8 or 9 by January.
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I think Ireland will make a massive improvement this season, mostly because of PL's tactics, and slightly cos he only has another year to get the crazy wages he is getting for doing sod all.
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and hopefully Nzogbia improves 100% , Ireland shows us the talent he has ( and he might ) , Gabby sorts his shit out and Delph reaches his potential . we might be ok this season .
we also have some promising youngsters in Weimann Carruthers and Baker .
Im looking forward to this season.
I'm tempted to add Burke to that last list... he looked incredibly comfy on (and off) the ball when he came on, on Tuesday.
Am now officially one over the eight and going to bed.
Goodnight my fellow Villains!
UTV!
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I'm pretty pleased. I like the policy of going for young hungry players who will be genuinely pleased to play for the club.
We aren't going to get established top drawer players at the moment (have we ever?!) and the alternative is to pay through the nose for mercenaries like QPR have. Much happier with Lamberts policy, he has certainly refreshed the squad and if we can get the magical 40 points as soon as we can we'll be well placed for the next few years.
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8/10
The 9 players (including Guzan) cost less than what was paid for Jarvis and Fletcher.
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I've gone for a cautiously optimistic 7 out of 10.
PL has identified and signed young ambitious talent...what impresses me from all of their comments so far is that they all seem hungry and honoured to play for Villa. Question marks will remain over whether we have enough experience or quality, so its upto them now to dismiss any doubts and express their talents, hunger and desire on the pitch.
A word of caution that everyone should take note of...we've signed 8 new players since PL took charge and just like any team, these players will need time to settle and gel so dont expect good results or performances straight away. This is a project that PL and the players seem to be embracing but it needs to time to flourish and reach its potential...but as we all know, time isnt a luxury any Premier League team can afford so they do need to start picking up points sooner rather than later.
Would I be right in saying that we could be the first and only established Premier League club that has signed so many young players in any single transfer window to embark on what I can only describe as a "project" like this?
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I am absolutely delighted as to how we have gone and done our business. Also surprised by the type of signings that show how switched on our Manager is about talent around Europe and this country.
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Pleases me to see these young hungry players given a chance to shine plus we haven't bet the house on them
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8/10
If we'd have snaffled Benteke for 4 to 5 million, I'd have given us a 10/10. Still, it's a job done and all the talk of relegation around here seems to have simmered as compared with the post Everton doldrums. What I love about PL's purchases is the diamond in the rough aspect of the lower division signings. I'm gonna sound like a wanker here but I think PL and his backroom take a very wholistic approach to the squad. Too many teams paying over the limits for overhyped 'name' signings instead of building a foundation with hungry players with a job to do.
Even with these signings the job is still far from complete, I just hope Lambert sticks around to complete the job.
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10/10 UTV SOTC.
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I was pretty happy prior to the season starting, particularly with what I'd been hearing about Vlaar and El Ahmadi, but then got a bit jittery after the opening losses.
This past weeks signings are intriguing to say the least. The big positive that may not have been focused on too much is the relative low cost of the young English players we've drafted in - contrasting strongly with the wedge of cash thrown at the likes of Davies and Delph under MON.
It's also nice to get some numbers in - as the squad was looking threadbare. Now I feel we've managed to get some of the deadwood out, and get some hungry guys in - which I'm fully behind PL with.
The big test is still to come - will they cut the mustard? Hopefully having less pressure from big price tags, and getting the correct kind of nurturing and protecting from a man like Lambert will help them wonders. I'm particularly skeptical over this lad Bowery though - he's scored 10 goals in 80 appearances in League 2, so it's a real "feck it, let's give him a bash" type of signing. While I read Benteke has issues surrounding his attitude, so that's a concern.
So yeah, also 7/10 for me. But feeling more positive today then I did after the Everton game.
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Very brave approach from Lambert. The squad that finished last season certainly needed a complete overhaul and he has done that. But introducing young inexperienced players to a squad that has won something terrible like 1 league game in 18 is worrying.
Good to see a manager backing his own judgement though. More refreshing than buying solid players like Jarvis and Fletcher for ridiculous money. Id have preferred someone like Nzonzi to come in who has experience of holding his own in the league but Lambert has gone instead for Westwood. Lets hope it all works out. Bowery a bit like Enda Stevens is a shot to nothing. Plus he cant be any worse than Heskey was for last season. Lowton and Bennett again can only be an improvement on last season's full backs.
The squad badly lacked characters and Lambert has sought to rectify that with guys that have been captains of teams elsewhere. Westwood captain of Crewe at 21 must have something about him and Benteke seems like a John Carew enigmatic type that could be a folk hero at the club. Vlaar is a former captain of Feyenoord, Holman I think will be a useful player for us and has plenty of experience. Every player he has signed has seemed eager to come to the club and all will view it certainly as a step up.
But points on the board are what matters. We need to stop the rot pretty soon and even a point at Newcastle would be a start.
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7/10. Really happy with the direction Lambert's looking at taking the side in the next few years. I said pre-season that I was hoping to see a few players come in that would be in and around the first team for a few years to come and I think that's exactly what's happened. A bit of experience and some young players from outside the Premier League that aren't commanding astronomical salary and are looking to prove themselves.
A few mates of mine were a bit worried that Michael Owen hadn't been snapped up and we hadn't tied up the Benteke deal yesterday. I don't believe that the glass-kneed has-been was ever on Paul Lambert's radar and that can only be a good thing. Also, as previously stated, seeing Jarvis, Fletcher, Joe Allen, Jack Rodwell and Charlie Adam move for more than they're worth makes me happy that we didn't get involved.
I think we'll see a big improvement in results around Xmas time and hopefully we can get a decent draw in the 3rd round of the FA Cup to give us a bit of momentum in that competition.
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Im quite surprised with the high numbers people are giving, we have not signed one proven Premier League footballer. Indeed most of the signings are people we have all never heard of.
I would dearly love to share your optimism but i just dont, hence my vote of 1. We NEEDED experience. In reality history proves that most of our youngsters (most of our team) wont make it.
If history is to be proved correct then we will be playing Championship football next year.
Lets hope we can rewrite the record books eh.
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8 for me .
Shows that Lambert is here for the long haul too .
Young , hungry players vs experienced prem quality like benayoun (on £92,000 per week) is the way we HAD to go .
This will get the crowd on side even more .
(would have been a 10/10 if we could have shifted our 'international' full backs. )
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I've never seen any of them play before this season and I hadn't heard of the vast majority so I can't give a legitimate view. But his signings to date have at least appeared better than whet we've got.
I think we - including the board - are all placing a lot of emphasis on Lambert's ability to do what he did with Norwich. I have a lot of faith in him, but the premier league is db unforgiving place and villa fans are too.
We'll need to start gelling soon or the confidence will really wane. A good result this weekend would really help but i think that's going to be a tall order
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I am impressed by the optimism on here and I want us to do well so don't shout at me... we had a relegation squad and we needed experienced players, not necessarily marquee signings or stars, just solid Fulham/Stoke level players (trust me it hurts saying that) to keep us in the Premier League. I would have liked the full on project to wait until we are safe in this league. It really isn't only Savage who thinks we are relegation candidates.
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I've never seen any of them play before this season and I hadn't heard of the vast majority so I can't give a legitimate view. But his signings to date have at least appeared better than whet we've got.
I think we - including the board - are all placing a lot of emphasis on Lambert's ability to do what he did with Norwich. I have a lot of faith in him, but the premier league is db unforgiving place and villa fans are too.
We'll need to start gelling soon or the confidence will really wane. A good result this weekend would really help but i think that's going to be a tall order
Totally agree with what Matt has said. I have no idea about anyone of his signings but I'm trusting Lambert's ability.
I will add that in this day and age of footballers of a certain pedigree and not always the best (ie Beye, Dunne) demanding ridiculous wages I'm glad we have gone down this route and it will be absolute a stroke of genius if Lambert pulls it off. It was the way many years back hunting out bargains in the lower leagues and I'm sure one of the reasons managers don't do it anymore is because they are scared to as instant success is demanded by fans and chairman alike. Because of this we need to give Lambert time and not start panicking after 2 games and start predicting relegation.
I'm very excited about this new look Villa, this season might be a struggle at times but so what, as long as we stay up and we are building for a better and more successful and more fluent way of playing football the better it will be for us.
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7.
A very risky selection, but the upside is very good. Not all of them will work out and getting them to bed in in the Premier League is going to be interesting (blending a new side is easier playing Hartlepool than having your arse handed you by Manchester City). A huge amount depends on the senior established players perfroming well and staying fit. Looks like he tried to mitigate some of that risk by buying Dempsey and I do wonder why there doean't seem to have been a Plan B for that experience.
With that lot I'd be happy with mid-table on the basis that they'll get better in following years. Time is nedded and I have faith in Lambert getting it right if given that time.
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I'm pleased. One more experienced midfielder would have been nice. We clearly did look at 1-2 older heads, which never came off. For me, the key is, every single one of these signings seems to be here to achieve something, step up and really wants to be here. It's not merely a case of signing for money, or to get a hefty wage somewhere new having been frozen out their clubs (Dunne, Ireland). There's real hunger coursing throughout these signings.
And though we've signed youngsters from lower leagues, we have to remember that these boys have all played over 100 (or near enough) games in England. The style throughout the English leagues is physically similar. Once they adapt to the Prem pace, if they have the quality (I think they will) then they'll be fine. Likewise our foreigners have some from leagues not massively dissimilar to the Prem, and have qualities well suited to this league. Vlaar is made for the Prem, and so it seems is Benteke. Liking the look of KEA too. Holman I think will become a very reliable player too.
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7/10
I think we have got a good mix of players in and i am looking forward to the next few months as the team starts to gel and play the football we all want to see.
Guzan - never really had a chance since signing. Gets dropped as soon as the established keeper comes back. I think he'll start against newcastle.
Lowton - has looked good since signing and i think he will get better once he has settled.
Concrete - no nonsense defender who can carry the ball and is strong in the tackle. No 'premeir league experience' but a very experienced player never the less.
Bennett - england u21 international. Havent seen him play but from what i have read very promising.
Westwood - crewe captain at 21, shows he can be a leader. May need time to settle. Hopefully will be a very good player.
El ahmadi - very talented player, will be signing of the season as he will only improve. (Experience see concrete).
Holman - Looks a very gifted player, technically 1 of our best. Felt the side improved against everton when he came on. (Experience see concrete).
Bowery - no risk, small fee. Big and strong. This is a wait and see signing, dont think we'll see much of him this season.
Benteke - hopefully the player we have been missing that will tie the midfield and forwards together. Strong, physical and would give us another dimension.
All in all very promising but we have still got dunne, gabby and albrighton to come back and we have a bit of depth now. We have got quality at the club its just a case of unlocking it (ireland, n'zogbia).
UTV
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Can't give a mark out of ten, got no idea if it will work. Like others, would have liked some more Premier League experience.
Excited but a bit nervous too.
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7 for me PL has clear vision but no idea how he puts this squad together
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Can't give a mark out of ten, got no idea if it will work. Like others, would have liked some more Premier League experience.
To be honest, if we had Stan playing, this wouldn't bother me at all. I'm hoping though that now Stans in remission he'll be making plenty of visits to the club and helping out the young lads with plenty of advice. He's still club captain after all. I think Petrov can still be a big help to the squad, even off the pitch.
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It really isn't only Savage who thinks we are relegation candidates.
As long as savage thinks that then I'll be happy to see him apologise at the end of the season.
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I echo the comments above, having given 7/10.
My surprise in this is that he has kept faith with the CB he has. Don't get me wrong: I applaud that because I do think the youngsters we have who can play CB will do well.
Lambo has committed to gving youth a chance, and that is something that many people here have been asking to happen for a while. And at least we're not feeding the established mediocre players that have transferred for cray money.
If - out of the youngsters from the English lower leagues - we get 2 playing out of their skins and becoming established EPL players, and two become squad players, then I'll say "Well done; good job."
Benteke - I can't comment; have no idea but if he's made the good Belgian team already, that's a fair indicator.
Of all, I'd say that Holman might actually be the one that delights us most; he has an eye for the right pass and reads the game well.
Lambo's biggest challenges are: (i) to find the right blend - this could take a while, so our results could be ugly for a while; and (ii) injury to the experiecend squad members - if we lose one or more of Ron / KEA / Bent / Holman to injury I think we'll be in trouble.
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Can't give a mark out of ten, got no idea if it will work. Like others, would have liked some more Premier League experience.
Excited but a bit nervous too.
I'd agree with that.
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7. The one who has got the most to lose after us is Lambert himself. Mess this up and the only way is down for him as well. He'll join the ever growing list of managers whose best job was us.
I'm going to buy into this (already had with the season tickets) but we've got to allow time, we may well lose tomorrow but lets get to Xmas first before we go to into panic mode.
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Guzan
(Given / Marshall)
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
(Lichaj / Hutton) (Dunne) (Clark / Williams) (Stephens / Williams)
El Ahmadi
(Clark / Herd / Delph / Westwood / Bannan)
Delph Holman
(Herd / Albrighton / Bannan / Carruthers) (Westwood / N'Zogbia / Gabby / Johnson)
Ireland
(Bannan / N'Zogbia / Weimann)
Bent Benteke
(Gabby / Weimann / Bowery / Holman / Burke)
All depending on systems, is this where we are at? Have I missed anyone?
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7 from me. Can't say I've really ever heard of any of them, but just glad we've got a few more faces in. I thought that was it after vlaar Lawton and el ahmadi. Bizarrely I think losing the first 2 matches may have helped lambert as it seems to have forced lerner's hand to get his wallet out. Of course they may have had a few more lined up anyway, but had we not lost the first two would we have signed another 4 players?
We've just got to be patient now while the squad settles down and a preferred starting 11 emerges. We are going to get turned over from time to time, I think that's inevitable really, but as long as we show steady signs of improvement I'll be happy.
I'm a bit more confident about my 9th placed pre-season prediction now than I was after last weekend.
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Guzan
(Given / Marshall)
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
(Lichaj / Hutton) (Dunne) (Clark / Williams) (Stephens / Williams)
El Ahmadi
(Clark / Herd / Delph / Westwood / Bannan)
Delph Holman
(Herd / Albrighton / Bannan / Carruthers) (Westwood / N'Zogbia / Gabby / Johnson)
Ireland
(Bannan / N'Zogbia / Weimann)
Bent Benteke
(Gabby / Weimann / Bowery / Holman / Burke)
All depending on systems, is this where we are at? Have I missed anyone?
I'd agree with that and who can't be excited by this, I believe we will have an exciting season ahead, If we finish 10th or higher, I'm well happy.
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I've gone 6 but maybe should have been a 7.
I like that we've taken a risk with the younger lads and out of all the signings, it's Bowery that i'm most keen to see as I'm really hoping for something out of the ordinary simply based on his sudden trajectory.
I'm also happy to not have been recycling the same names, just swapping players from other 'middle' premiership teams to another. Dempsey would have been great but i want to see exciting new names and I feel we have some.
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Guzan
(Given / Marshall)
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
(Lichaj / Hutton) (Dunne) (Clark / Williams) (Stephens / Williams)
El Ahmadi
(Clark / Herd / Delph / Westwood / Bannan)
Delph Holman
(Herd / Albrighton / Bannan / Carruthers) (Westwood / N'Zogbia / Gabby / Johnson)
Ireland
(Bannan / N'Zogbia / Weimann)
Bent Benteke
(Gabby / Weimann / Bowery / Holman / Burke)
All depending on systems, is this where we are at? Have I missed anyone?
Impressive.
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I said in anaother thread that, if we weren't bottom of the table, these signings would make much more sense and would be backed wholesale. Because we are bottom they represent some element of risk. Lambert will have to get every ounce of energy and effort out of the signings. Good on him. He clearly backs himself and I am happy for him/us to take the risk. I think it'll work out in the longer term, even if that means a season of struggle, we're used to that!! Longer term, I think we'll be just fine. Patience is needed and he'll get it from me.
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10/10
In Lambert we trust. Optimistic I am.
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5 out of 10 for me. As that orange bloke Dickinson says, "the coin is in the air".
Signing players from lower divisions or lesser foreign leagues is always a risk. It will make an interesting experiment. I am in hope rather than expectation.
UTV
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I went with a 6. It's a brave move by Lambert to place so much faith in youngsters and I am intrigued by how things will go for us this season but I'm a little worried too. I'd have liked one or two proven, experienced players in. Maybe if things aren't going so well by Xmas he'll dip back in and get them in January but it's a big ask pinning all your hopes on all these kids making it at this level.
Put me down as cautiously optimistic. Frankly, 17th place would do for me this season.
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10/10
In Lambert we trust. Optimistic I am.
Yoda? Is that you?
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10/10
In Lambert we trust. Optimistic I am.
He is green, but he's AN OGRE.
Yoda? Is that you?
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8/10 from me, the more I think about it the happier I'm feeling I like the way PL is going about his work.
Of course those from outside the club are going to gloat when we lose and write shit about us, fuck them.
I'm sold on Paul Lamberts idea of young hungry players wanting to do well.
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10/10.
Not a single overpriced deal or a single player hitting his 30's. Excellent business.
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6/10 for me.I like the fact he's gone for young players who have a point to prove but I think we are still lacking in a real leader on the pitch.Also by signing Bowery and Westwood does this tell us that the crop of kids we've been talking about for the last few years aren't as good as we'd thought they were? For me from 8th down will be a relegation fight and when Berbatov,Adam,Carroll and Benayoun become available and end up at Fulham,Stoke and West Ham respectively i think our mid table competitors have added quality and experience whereas we've gone for more of a punt.However, Paul lambert deserves our faith in his ability and has (from what i've seen) the majority of the fans firmly behind him.I don't think McLeish or Houlllier would have had our backing in signing so many unproven players at Premier League level.
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I think he needed to replace Stilian's experience and technical ability in the middle, which is a negative. We still look light there against some of the powerful physical midfields sides are typically putting together.
There's something romantic about pulling unknown players out of the lower leagues and fashioning competitive and exciting sides. A certain Mr Saunders was good at that.
The world is different now so I'm still a bit worried about the season ahead - but I don't think I've ever wanted a Villa manager to succeed as much as PL.
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I'll give a 10 for the refreshing approach PL has had to this transfer window compared to what we have been used to.
Shopping abroad and mainly in the lower leagues is not something we have been accustomed to in recent years and from this group of unknown (to me anyway) players , who in todays terms were relatively inexpensive there are hopefully some real bargains.
The flipside to this approach is the MON way of spunking millions on experience and very little else (Young and Milner aside).
Only time will tell how this way of doing our transfer business will pan out.
I'll also go with cautious optimism.
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I went 7 out of 10.
I agree with most of the sentiment here where patience is the watchword.
I have never seen him play, nor heard of him previously, but there is something about the Westwood signing that makes me think he might be a special. Maybe it's just the similarity to the Platt deal?
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8/10
What we need to do is back them all the way, even if we have more poor performances like Everton. Booing these new lads won't help, we need to show restraint and be as supportive as we can. As many have said on this thread, this is a project, which we are as much apart of as the new lads coming in.
PL has impressed me with his policy on young hungry players, I just hope he can gel them together and work his magic ala Norwich. I'm glad we got PL and not Brendan Rodgers now, after seeing his non transfer policy.
It will take time, but im hopeful and ready to back them all the way.
UTV
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8/10
The 9 players (including Guzan) cost less than what was paid for Jarvis and Fletcher.
or in MON terms . Fletcher and Johnson
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I am excited but still feel trepidation with the change in system, the reeducation of seasoned pros and the blooding of promising talented youngsters. This season is not to be a smooth upward curve but lots of peaks and troughs.
We as fans have an enormous part to play in this and need to be patient and trust Paul lambert 100%
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Im quite surprised with the high numbers people are giving, we have not signed one proven Premier League footballer. Indeed most of the signings are people we have all never heard of.
I would dearly love to share your optimism but i just dont, hence my vote of 1. We NEEDED experience. In reality history proves that most of our youngsters (most of our team) wont make it.
If history is to be proved correct then we will be playing Championship football next year.
Lets hope we can rewrite the record books eh.
To be fair . I had heard of Sidwell , Shorey , Beye , Warnock ,Harewood , Heskey and Hutton and look where that had got us.
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Lots of young enegetic and eager players signed if they turn out anything like Garreth Barry and David Platt the future will be great. Our manager has the eyes we have ho could see the weaknesses in the team straight away. He hasn't spent a fortune either.
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Well PL has either just started a Villa revolution or signed his own death warrant.
Vive La Revolution!
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10/10
In Lambert we trust. Optimistic I am.
Yoda? Is that you?
That made me laugh.
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7/10 from me. Nothing much to add to what's already been said other than I think this many new faces will lift the dressing room. Doesn't matter where or what leagues they're from. Good luck to them all.
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4 International players and 4 uncut diamonds. It's 9 if you count the re-signing of Guzan
Not bad for around £20m
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
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I'm pretty happy with the signings to be honest.
Its all well and good splashing out 100M on players but at this moment in time would that have guaranteed us a top 6 finish probably not.
The thing we really need right now is patience for players and staff to gel. It will probably get worse before it gets better.
I trust Lambert and like his attitude so I'm behind his approach for buying for young and hungry players because Im fed up of over paid ungrateful knob heads that the premier league often attracts
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Im quite surprised with the high numbers people are giving, we have not signed one proven Premier League footballer. Indeed most of the signings are people we have all never heard of.
I would dearly love to share your optimism but i just dont, hence my vote of 1. We NEEDED experience. In reality history proves that most of our youngsters (most of our team) wont make it.
If history is to be proved correct then we will be playing Championship football next year.
Lets hope we can rewrite the record books eh.
If we end up getting relegated then you are right however I do not see it that way. In the current situation, the only experienced premiership players that we could have signed would be the ones that are proven to be not good enough. After all they’re experienced and available, they’re unlikely to improve much.
Whereas we have signed players at a fraction of the cost and wages who are probably equally talented. Crucially they’re all hungry and will bring a positive attitude to the whole club, hopefully changing the culture of the place a bit. There's also the possibility that one or two of them will become quality PL players, the sort we could currently not sign.
And finally 20m has got us 6 or 7 players that will be challenging for a first team spot, bulking out the squad. Comparable investment next season, after Henke has done his work, in two or three players could really push the team forward.
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The lack of width in the first few games has been very noticable, I'd have also hoped a decent left back would have been high on the list of priorities, unless I've missed a signing?
I'd hoped for more experience coming in, I think its going to be a long old season scrapping at the bottom end of the table. Sorry.
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Never in my time supporting the villa have the fans been more important than they will be now. By doing this, I think Lambert has asked the fans to put complete and utter trust in him. Getting behind the young lads we have and the new ones coming in will allow them to believe in themselves and get back to winning ways. But, if the atmosphere we had last season rears its ugly head again I genuinely fear we could send our club down. The booing should stop here and now because we are going to lose a few more before things will get better, i think that is beyond question
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The lack of width in the first few games has been very noticable, I'd have also hoped a decent left back would have been high on the list of priorities, unless I've missed a signing? I'd hoped for more experience coming in, I think its going to be a long old season scrapping at the bottom end of the table. Sorry.
Joe Bennett from Middlesborough. U21 international and signed Wednesday I think it was.
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Agree with Percy and Dave Cooper's comments..
Promising, hungry young players, but could have done with a bit more experience, still concerned about how we'll navigate this season.
Was the Norwich thing a one-off?
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I'm happy with the feeling that Lambert had plansB ,C and D if his 1st target wasn't going to happen.
This is probably down to Karsa ,as he seems to "find" the players we're after.
The intriguing and surprising one yesterday was Dempsey, which showed us that Lerner has certainly backed PL in every way, and it also shows us that this is probably the 1st stage in the total rebuilding of our club from the ground up.
Yes it's a gamble we all realise that ,that is why we have a massive role in staying behind the team as they bed in , no booing from me (never have) only encouragement UTV!
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Lambert has balls of steel. His strategy is risky but, if we stay up, it will provide the ideal base to build from in the future.
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
Have a look at this forum at the opinions of the players you've mentioned there as our experienced players.With the exception of Bent they've all been getting plenty of criticism.A couple of experienced players added to the unproven lads would have made me feel more confident as you say, it's about the balance.At the moment we're unbalanced. Today's back four highlights that,
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
Barely ten Premiership appearances between them and they're up against Cisse and Ba today.That is a concern for me and whilst I agree players need time to settle, we need to get them settled pretty sharpish or we'll be playing catch up.
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
Have a look at this forum at the opinions of the players you've mentioned there as our experienced players.With the exception of Bent they've all been getting plenty of criticism.A couple of experienced players added to the unproven lads would have made me feel more confident as you say, it's about the balance.At the moment we're unbalanced. Today's back four highlights that,
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
Barely ten Premiership appearances between them and they're up against Cisse and Ba today.That is a concern for me and whilst I agree players need time to settle, we need to get them settled pretty sharpish or we'll be playing catch up.
You're right. Best stick Hutton and Warnock back in to be safe!
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
Have a look at this forum at the opinions of the players you've mentioned there as our experienced players.With the exception of Bent they've all been getting plenty of criticism.A couple of experienced players added to the unproven lads would have made me feel more confident as you say, it's about the balance.At the moment we're unbalanced. Today's back four highlights that,
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
Barely ten Premiership appearances between them and they're up against Cisse and Ba today.That is a concern for me and whilst I agree players need time to settle, we need to get them settled pretty sharpish or we'll be playing catch up.
You're right. Best stick Hutton and Warnock back in to be safe!
Glad you agree ???
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
Very nice summary, totally agree. Also agree with those saying it looks like a 7/10 now, but i could become an 8-10/10 window if these players develop well.
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
Have a look at this forum at the opinions of the players you've mentioned there as our experienced players.With the exception of Bent they've all been getting plenty of criticism.A couple of experienced players added to the unproven lads would have made me feel more confident as you say, it's about the balance.At the moment we're unbalanced. Today's back four highlights that,
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
Barely ten Premiership appearances between them and they're up against Cisse and Ba today.That is a concern for me and whilst I agree players need time to settle, we need to get them settled pretty sharpish or we'll be playing catch up.
Tomorrow.
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Good work chaps. We have covered all the bases, maybe excepting a winger but if PL doesn't want to play them then furry muff. GK, LB, RB, CB, CMx2, STx2 (one in the reserves but bought for a pittance) and all on an outlay of £25m - James Collins. Delfouneso on a season long loan to Rat Boy in the Championship, sink or swim time sunshine.
My major concern is the bad smell coming from the reserves. Having shoved Hutton and Warnock out of the frame so completely it would have been good to have found them at least temporary accomodation elsewhere. Will any of our reserve team have functioning legs by the time those 2 have finished with them??
I don't believe all of our signings will stick, at least not initially, but we now have options which we were sadly lacking in the first 2 weeks, our bench looked piss poor against Wet Spam and the Toffees. We need Gabby, Dunne (the experienced not fat version) Albi and Carruthers fit and we have a squad folks.
Fine work indeed.
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My major concern is the bad smell coming from the reserves. Having shoved Hutton and Warnock out of the frame so completely it would have been good to have found them at least temporary accomodation elsewhere. Will any of our reserve team have functioning legs by the time those 2 have finished with them??
I think you can still loan players to the Championship? Might be best for all concerned if we did this with them.
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7/10.
During the MON years we were moaning about signing overpriced PL players and not finding the lower league/overseas cheap deals other clubs seemed to be able to find. Well, that's what we've now done and suddenly we should be going for more PL experience? Ever heard the phrase "Can't do right for doing wrong?"
In truth a balance is probably what's needed, but we already have a lot of PL experience in Bent, Gabby, Ireland, N'Zogbia, Given and Dunne. Remember it's not just about the new signings!
The two losses had some panicing a bit, but PL stuck to his transfer philosophy and literally 'kept his head while all around lose theirs', which really impresses me about him.
Have a look at this forum at the opinions of the players you've mentioned there as our experienced players.With the exception of Bent they've all been getting plenty of criticism.A couple of experienced players added to the unproven lads would have made me feel more confident as you say, it's about the balance.At the moment we're unbalanced. Today's back four highlights that,
Lowton Vlaar Baker Bennett
Barely ten Premiership appearances between them and they're up against Cisse and Ba today.That is a concern for me and whilst I agree players need time to settle, we need to get them settled pretty sharpish or we'll be playing catch up.
Tomorrow.
Good point
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My major concern is the bad smell coming from the reserves. Having shoved Hutton and Warnock out of the frame so completely it would have been good to have found them at least temporary accomodation elsewhere. Will any of our reserve team have functioning legs by the time those 2 have finished with them??
I think you can still loan players to the Championship? Might be best for all concerned if we did this with them.
Believe so.Think we may end up covering their wages but it's best for all concerned to get them out.
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i'm happy with the incomings, and also with the seemingly new direction and policy of the manager and board to bring in players who will hopefully develop into great players for us, some of them pretty quickly.
the one i have most reservations about is Benteke, who does come over a bit lumbering,
i will say that Lambert and his team must have watched him and if they think he can make it at this level then so be it, i just hope we havent bought ourselves another lump of lard
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I went for an 8 on the basis PL is building a team not just a squad.
All the players bought in will have been "employed" by this manager and will want to play for him. This will either motivate the inherited squad or if it doesnt it'll show him who's not up for the challenge.
This might take 2 or 3 years but if we give him time this could be exciting and bring some enjoyment back to VP. I can even see a cup run or 2 (next year).
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Good work chaps. We have covered all the bases, maybe excepting a winger but if PL doesn't want to play them then furry muff. GK, LB, RB, CB, CMx2, STx2 (one in the reserves but bought for a pittance) and all on an outlay of £25m - James Collins. Delfouneso on a season long loan to Rat Boy in the Championship, sink or swim time sunshine.
My major concern is the bad smell coming from the reserves. Having shoved Hutton and Warnock out of the frame so completely it would have been good to have found them at least temporary accomodation elsewhere. Will any of our reserve team have functioning legs by the time those 2 have finished with them??
I don't believe all of our signings will stick, at least not initially, but we now have options which we were sadly lacking in the first 2 weeks, our bench looked piss poor against Wet Spam and the Toffees. We need Gabby, Dunne (the experienced not fat version) Albi and Carruthers fit and we have a squad folks.
Fine work indeed.
You're right about getting Albie and Carruthers back to offer more options on the bench; particularly have high hopes for the latter.
Lambo's biggest challenges are: (i) to find the right blend - this could take a while, so our results could be ugly for a while; and (ii) injury to the experienced squad members - if we lose one or more of Ron / KEA / Bent / Holman to injury I think we'll be in trouble.
Incidentally, I think that Holman might actually be the one newbie that delights us most; he has an eye for the right pass and reads the game well.
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think some of our youngsters will be loaned out when the window reopens, johnson, burke & carruthers would benefit from a good few more competetive games. We will have to subsidise wages for the full backs so we may as well keep them (especially since pl has said he can't fault their attitude) i would give it 8/10
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I've voted 7 but would like to have seen an experienced presence in midlfield. Overall though I think that we've got a decent number of potentially excellent players. It may take a while to get everything working, but I'm very positive about the medium and long term.
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I particularly liked what someone mentioned a few days ago - when one player wasn't available we moved quickly for another. It's a long way from the time we tracked Benni McCarthy like a lovesick teenager, begging Celta to drop his price.
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I particularly liked what someone mentioned a few days ago - when one player wasn't available we moved quickly for another. It's a long way from the time we tracked Benni McCarthy like a lovesick teenager, begging Celta to drop his price.
Yes, we had a plan B, far cry from MON's days
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Im quite surprised with the high numbers people are giving, we have not signed one proven Premier League footballer. Indeed most of the signings are people we have all never heard of.
I would dearly love to share your optimism but i just dont, hence my vote of 1. We NEEDED experience. In reality history proves that most of our youngsters (most of our team) wont make it.
If history is to be proved correct then we will be playing Championship football next year.
Lets hope we can rewrite the record books eh.
To be fair . I had heard of Sidwell , Shorey , Beye , Warnock ,Harewood , Heskey and Hutton and look where that had got us.
Indeed. Arsene Wenger doesn't do too badly out of buying players with no premiership experience either.
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'no PL experience' really is becoming the new 'we don't shop outside England or Scotland', isn't it?
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I'm satisfied Lambert knows what he is doing. When this pays off he's is going to be a very sought after manager.
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By October Gabby and Dunne will be back and Albrighton not far off, which is 3 extra players, all who can be excellent performers if used correctly. I think there is enough now for us to start picking up points after the internationals. Get up to 20 ish points by Christmas and we will be ok come the end of the season. Much less and it will be tough. We need 4 from Swansea and Southampton realistically. A bonus one tomorrow would be lovely.
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I'm pleased with all the players that have come in, now it's up to them to produce.
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'no PL experience' really is becoming the new 'we don't shop outside England or Scotland', isn't it?
The apparent need for 'proven PL experience', no matter how average, is what led to the appointment of McLeish.
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8/10
They will not all turn out to be good, but to be honest, if 4 of them do, we will be better than last season. Even if we sell the ones that don't make it i can't see us making too much of a loss this time.
To make it a 10/10 for me, we would have signed another quality centre back and winger and shipped out Warnock, Hutton and N'Zogbia but i think doing everything in one window is asking a lot.
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Good luck with the new arrivals Paul. The honeymoon period does not last long at the Villa.
It's time to get down to brass tacks now! We're fed up with being shagged!
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Keown reckons we could go down. Twunt.
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Funny that no one appears to have gone in for Tom Ince. I find that strange. I think Lambert has done very well with limited funds but we shall find out. Surprising we bid 7mil for Dempsey and he ends up at Spurs for 6mil!. Both Warnock and Hutton are still there picking up big money.Not their fault of course but Lambert may have to play them at some stage should we get injuries so it may be wise to get them training with the first team again.
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A lot of people will want us to go down, because if our signings click it will be two fingers up to the idea that the only players worth looking at are in the Premier League.
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A lot of people will want us to go down, because if our signings click it will be two fingers up to the idea that the only players worth looking at are in the Premier League.
Possibly Dave, but i think Swansea and Norwich proved that last season although the difference was that they had all played together before.
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I am absolutely, 100% convinced that we are not going down. I (perhaps naively) found myself surprised that Savage said it, but even more surprised more and more people are saying it. We'll be fine.
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8/10 at least, yes a winger and a decent cb would have been useful, but most areas addressed, and to those wanting pl experience................Dunne , Collins., Wornock, etc etc, and oh yes we did have a plan B with MoN............... Mr Em had prem experience too!!!
Lets get behind PL and back them, some look very decent buys indeed!
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Absolutely no way we'll go down. Too good a manager and now a lot of options, many of which will come good. We've made 8 new signings, some will definately work. We still have quality PL players in Bent, Gabby and Given, we have 4 players that at some point in their career have looked top players in Dunne, Ireland, NZog and Delph and i reckon a couple of those will get a new lease of life under Lambert. He definately will forge at least a half decent PL team with that lot, a hopefully build on it.
Edit: And even though generally i think we have overrated the home grown players a bit, i think 2-3 of them will have good seasons now. I think Lambert is changing the culture at the club in a way that will benefit them, especially the ones who appear to have a good attitude.
We may be in the bottom 6-7 still by christmas, but once it gells we'll be more than fine.
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10 out of 10.
Ashley Westwood; if what we hear is true he'll be a fantastic player for us for years. sounds like a young Carrick, exactly what we need in the midfield to shift the ball around.
Christian Benteke; the lad is a beast, and so young. should be causing trouble to defences for years to come. i expect goals this season.
Jordan Bowery; no issue with signings like this. small fee, high potential. could be a genius signing.
Joe Bennett; suited perfectly to how Lambo wants us to line up. young, talented & hard worker.
Ron Vlaar; great signing. a leader, great defender, and good with the ball at his feet too. even losing to everton he had the ability to bust a trick out to skin their striker and move the ball forward.
Matthew Lowton; much like Bennett. talented, hard worker. good getting forward, chips in with goals.
Karim El Ahmadi; this man is classy. didn't work with bannan against everton, but looked great when he went off. fantastic with the ball, hard worker & judging from his goal he can shoot well.
Brett Holman; at the very least he's a hard worker, he can also pass the ball around. he'll run about, try hard and chip in with goals/assists.
the squad is much stronger this year than it was last year. we've spent cash, brought in some quality and some youth too. it's not working right away, but when Lambo gets us playing properly we'll be okay.
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I don't know if the signings will work and I don't know if we face a battle at the bottom or will be looking upwards.
I do know that we have a manager who has a philosophy that he believes in, has the courage to implement it with the support of the board and wants to invest and nurture talent in up and coming young players rather than continuing to fund the lavish lifestyle of yet more average, half arsed, self centered failures.
The desperate clamour to stay in the PL makes cowardly managers out of once brave players and leads to a fear of relegation that is akin to the club going bust. Just as qualification for the Champions League doesn't signal untold success and riches, then relegation doesn't kill a football club outright. It's the hype that tells us that the PL is everything when it is not.
I'd rather go down trying to win games through Lamberts way, than stay up via the life sapping, spirit crushing desperation of last season.
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Our better players against Everton had no or little premier league experience. Hopefully the younger players Lambert has bought will also bring some competition to the squad and give some of our underperforming academy players the kick up the arse they desperately need.
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I haven't given a score as it really is impossible to tell at this stage. Based on his previous record I have faith in the manager but previously good managers can fail at new clubs so it's not a given he'll be a success here. I think the recruitment is a little risky, a lot of reliance on players fulfilling their potential at a level/league they haven't played in before. If even half of them turn in to consistently good performers then the manager deserves a lot of credit. Fingers crossed.
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I like your last paragraph Nev
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I'm hopeful as always, but far from expectant.
This 'yound and hungry' requirement is all well and good, but haven't we already got too many 'young and hungry' academy players that are just not good enough? We actually need the players to be better than we alraedy have, thats the point. Hopefully they will be.
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I'm going 6/10. Good signings for the medium and longer term, assuming Lambert's judgement is correct and they can hack it at PL level. However my concern is that we might still be a bit short of top level experience for the short term, and could find ourselves struggling because of that. And by top level experience, it doesn't necessarily mean premier league, I'm thinking we could have done with maybe two more players out of the same bracket as Vlaar and KEA.
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A couple of posters have picked up on something I was thinking and hoping - that the sheer volume of new faces can change the culture at the club. An acquaintance of mine spoke to TSM recently, who told him how GMac had warned him that ours was the worst dressing room he'd ever known. TSM thought he could turn that round but couldn't. More excuses maybe, but unlike his others it has a ring of truth about it.
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Keown reckons we could go down. Twunt.
Could......
Well I would have to agree with him.
I am usually a pretty positive supporter, especially compared to most on here. Yet I can't help but think we will need a bit of luck this season to stay up.
Happy ish with the signings, but if the likes of Gabby and N'zog carry on last years form, and Dunne continues to be a liability & we dont sort out our inability to defend set pieces, then yeah we could struggle.
If we were comfortable mid table last year, then I would be happier with the signings, as it is we will need this lot to gel and adapt to the league fairly sharpish.
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A couple of posters have picked up on something I was thinking and hoping - that the sheer volume of new faces can change the culture at the club. An acquaintance of mine spoke to TSM recently, who told him how GMac had warned him that ours was the worst dressing room he'd ever known. TSM thought he could turn that round but couldn't. More excuses maybe, but unlike his others it has a ring of truth about it.
You somehow do get the feeling that has a more than a ring of truth. A legacy of the MON years, perhaps due to the type of players he used to buy and the way he used to control them, and the club. GH probably recognised this also, hence the alienation of a number of the players, and why he almost ended up in an early grave. And TSM was probably just too nice to deal with it.
Perhaps Lamberts plan is first to dilute he poison.
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who was the pillock that put 0/10
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A couple of posters have picked up on something I was thinking and hoping - that the sheer volume of new faces can change the culture at the club. An acquaintance of mine spoke to TSM recently, who told him how GMac had warned him that ours was the worst dressing room he'd ever known. TSM thought he could turn that round but couldn't. More excuses maybe, but unlike his others it has a ring of truth about it.
You somehow do get the feeling that has a more than a ring of truth. A legacy of the MON years, perhaps due to the type of players he used to buy and the way he used to control them, and the club. GH probably recognised this also, hence the alienation of a number of the players, and why he almost ended up in an early grave. And TSM was probably just too nice to deal with it.
Perhaps Lamberts plan is first to dilute he poison.
I think Collins, Warnock and Hutton being jettisoned so fast point to this being a real possibility. One advantage of buying the younger style is that they can be moulded more easily and leave their egos at the door. Maybe that is the plan. Plus a good few of them have been leaders at their clubs, Vlaar, Westwood etc.
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Keown reckons we could go down. Twunt.
wish he would stick to ringing the bells . Twat
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who was the pillock that put 0/10
MON?
or the anti Randy brigade?
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I gave 7 but now think I might have over marked. Still can't see any creative midfield players who are going to create chances for the strikers. Unless of course Gabby and Albrighton come back with a bang.
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A couple of posters have picked up on something I was thinking and hoping - that the sheer volume of new faces can change the culture at the club. An acquaintance of mine spoke to TSM recently, who told him how GMac had warned him that ours was the worst dressing room he'd ever known. TSM thought he could turn that round but couldn't. More excuses maybe, but unlike his others it has a ring of truth about it.
You somehow do get the feeling that has a more than a ring of truth. A legacy of the MON years, perhaps due to the type of players he used to buy and the way he used to control them, and the club. GH probably recognised this also, hence the alienation of a number of the players, and why he almost ended up in an early grave. And TSM was probably just too nice to deal with it.
Perhaps Lamberts plan is first to dilute he poison.
I think Collins, Warnock and Hutton being jettisoned so fast point to this being a real possibility. One advantage of buying the younger style is that they can be moulded more easily and leave their egos at the door. Maybe that is the plan. Plus a good few of them have been leaders at their clubs, Vlaar, Westwood etc.
It does make sense. They don't seem a likable bunch of players. I would like to hear what Sid, KMac and Houlier really truly thought of the crowd MON left behind. One day we might find out.
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The point about the dressing room morale is well made. One of the biggest pluses about buying young and relatively inexperienced players is that they have not had time for their egos to to become inflated. You only have to look at what a player Ireland was with Citeh before it all went to his head and he became - and may well still be - a problem player. I remember very clearly the signing of the white Andy Gray for peanuts from a team playing on the edge of the arctic circle. Then we saw that he could jump a foot and a half higher than his markers and gave ourselves a big pat on the back for being so shrewd.
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Im quite surprised with the high numbers people are giving, we have not signed one proven Premier League footballer. Indeed most of the signings are people we have all never heard of.
I would dearly love to share your optimism but i just dont, hence my vote of 1. We NEEDED experience. In reality history proves that most of our youngsters (most of our team) wont make it.
If history is to be proved correct then we will be playing Championship football next year.
Lets hope we can rewrite the record books eh.
Nzogbia is a "proven experienced premier league player" and cost £9m. On that basis Lambert would of had to spend £72m to bring in eight players !! We will now be hungry and players will give 100%. Vlaar is a captain from a team in the champions league. Al Hamidi is already proving to be top quality and Ho;man is another international player along with Benteke who gives us another dimension. We are now building for the future and i trust Lambert to get this team to progress into a very good and hard to beat team .............
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I think the truth is none of us know how they're all going to turn out. But if you're trying to be objective, or were looking at us from the outside, there is cause for concern:
1. We've had an awful start.
2. Our existing squad wasn't that great to start with.
3. None of our new signings have much experience in the Premier League or a league of similar quality;
4. Of those experienced pros that we do have - most seem uncommitted (Warnock, Dunne), are on the slide (Given), shit (Hutton), or unreliable (Ireland, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor). Excluding Petrov for obvious reasons, it leaves Darren Bent as the only proven and reliable Premier League player we have.
5. At least 3 of the new signings seem to be Lambert's second choices - it looks like he wanted Dempsey, Cresswell and Stephens - he got Benteke, Bennett and Westwood.
6. Even if 2 or 3 of the new/recent signings turn out to be stars or even just solid, mid-table players, it's going to take awhile for them to knit together into an effective squad.
So we're effectively trusting that Paul Lambert has got it right and/or there are three other teams who are worse than us.
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I think the truth is none of us know how they're all going to turn out. But if you're trying to be objective, or were looking at us from the outside, there is cause for concern:
1. We've had an awful start.
2. Our existing squad wasn't that great to start with.
3. None of our new signings have much experience in the Premier League or a league of similar quality;
4. Of those experienced pros that we do have - most seem uncommitted (Warnock, Dunne), are on the slide (Given), shit (Hutton), or unreliable (Ireland, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor). Excluding Petrov for obvious reasons, it leaves Darren Bent as the only proven and reliable Premier League player we have.
5. At least 3 of the new signings seem to be Lambert's second choices - it looks like he wanted Dempsey, Cresswell and Stephens - he got Benteke, Bennett and Westwood.
6. Even if 2 or 3 of the new/recent signings turn out to be stars or even just solid, mid-table players, it's going to take awhile for them to knit together into an effective squad.
So we're effectively trusting that Paul Lambert has got it right and/or there are three other teams who are worse than us.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
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Fully prepared to give everone a chance, but not a lot too get excited about, i`m afraid were gonna be also rans for some time if the current vibes are maintained, not encouraging at all.
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El Ahmadi is his best signing, I reckon. Think he'll be a fine player.
Do like Vlaar but he has obvious limitations. The rest can be as good as they want to be. Just hope they've got the desire.
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Hard to tell.
I hope they all come off, but suspect only half of them will, which will leave us pretty short of quality. It's a lot or players for the money (and we needed numbers) but not convinced there is anywhere near enough quality to see us stay clear of the wrong end of the table.
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Just read on Sky that young Westwood likens himself to Michael Carrick. That is a worry.
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I think the truth is none of us know how they're all going to turn out. But if you're trying to be objective, or were looking at us from the outside, there is cause for concern:
1. We've had an awful start.
2. Our existing squad wasn't that great to start with.
3. None of our new signings have much experience in the Premier League or a league of similar quality;
4. Of those experienced pros that we do have - most seem uncommitted (Warnock, Dunne), are on the slide (Given), shit (Hutton), or unreliable (Ireland, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor). Excluding Petrov for obvious reasons, it leaves Darren Bent as the only proven and reliable Premier League player we have.
5. At least 3 of the new signings seem to be Lambert's second choices - it looks like he wanted Dempsey, Cresswell and Stephens - he got Benteke, Bennett and Westwood.
6. Even if 2 or 3 of the new/recent signings turn out to be stars or even just solid, mid-table players, it's going to take awhile for them to knit together into an effective squad.
So we're effectively trusting that Paul Lambert has got it right and/or there are three other teams who are worse than us.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
Haven't Southampton spent like £30 million this summer?? (heard it from somewhere so not totally sure).
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Just read on Sky that young Westwood likens himself to Michael Carrick. That is a worry.
Why?
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I think the truth is none of us know how they're all going to turn out. But if you're trying to be objective, or were looking at us from the outside, there is cause for concern:
1. We've had an awful start.
2. Our existing squad wasn't that great to start with.
3. None of our new signings have much experience in the Premier League or a league of similar quality;
4. Of those experienced pros that we do have - most seem uncommitted (Warnock, Dunne), are on the slide (Given), shit (Hutton), or unreliable (Ireland, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor). Excluding Petrov for obvious reasons, it leaves Darren Bent as the only proven and reliable Premier League player we have.
5. At least 3 of the new signings seem to be Lambert's second choices - it looks like he wanted Dempsey, Cresswell and Stephens - he got Benteke, Bennett and Westwood.
6. Even if 2 or 3 of the new/recent signings turn out to be stars or even just solid, mid-table players, it's going to take awhile for them to knit together into an effective squad.
So we're effectively trusting that Paul Lambert has got it right and/or there are three other teams who are worse than us.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
Haven't Southampton spent like £30 million this summer?? (heard it from somewhere so not totally sure).
They've spent a fair bit, but only on 1 or 2 players. That Jay Rodriguez is a decent player, but I really don't think their side comes anywhere near ours.
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I think the truth is none of us know how they're all going to turn out. But if you're trying to be objective, or were looking at us from the outside, there is cause for concern:
1. We've had an awful start.
2. Our existing squad wasn't that great to start with.
3. None of our new signings have much experience in the Premier League or a league of similar quality;
4. Of those experienced pros that we do have - most seem uncommitted (Warnock, Dunne), are on the slide (Given), shit (Hutton), or unreliable (Ireland, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor). Excluding Petrov for obvious reasons, it leaves Darren Bent as the only proven and reliable Premier League player we have.
5. At least 3 of the new signings seem to be Lambert's second choices - it looks like he wanted Dempsey, Cresswell and Stephens - he got Benteke, Bennett and Westwood.
6. Even if 2 or 3 of the new/recent signings turn out to be stars or even just solid, mid-table players, it's going to take awhile for them to knit together into an effective squad.
So we're effectively trusting that Paul Lambert has got it right and/or there are three other teams who are worse than us.
I think benteke was always our first choice and not dempsey, it was just a stunt to force genks hand and it worked
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Just read on Sky that young Westwood likens himself to Michael Carrick. That is a worry.
Don't understand the Carrick bashing on here. Great player. Could have done with him in the England set up at the euros. Manchester united starter. Would love a player of his calibre at Villa Park
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A couple of posters have picked up on something I was thinking and hoping - that the sheer volume of new faces can change the culture at the club. An acquaintance of mine spoke to TSM recently, who told him how GMac had warned him that ours was the worst dressing room he'd ever known. TSM thought he could turn that round but couldn't. More excuses maybe, but unlike his others it has a ring of truth about it.
You somehow do get the feeling that has a more than a ring of truth. A legacy of the MON years, perhaps due to the type of players he used to buy and the way he used to control them, and the club. GH probably recognised this also, hence the alienation of a number of the players, and why he almost ended up in an early grave. And TSM was probably just too nice to deal with it.
Perhaps Lamberts plan is first to dilute he poison.
Some key points here. The culture, and fundamentally the ethos, of a club are things that determine its long-term success.
We have been a total mess following the O'Neill walkout. We were left with comfortable, overpaid seniors with an inflated sense of self-importance and a poisonous influence; and a crop of put-upon youngsters, some of whom were being asked to shoulder too much responsibility too soon, and others thinking they'd made it because they were being picked week-in week-out due to a lack of senior personnel.
Cleaning this mess up is vital if we're to change the culture. To change the ethos, we're looking at a long term change in the culture. But we need to get to a point where we're striving for excellence again - where our ethos becomes success through sustainable growth - because mediocrity breeds complacency and apathy, and that's what's hung around the club like the stench of death for the last two seasons.
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i think the Carrick remark was more about not seeking the limelight and keeping the ball. Certainly nothing negative in those sentiments
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Brilliant assessment Jimbo. Exact and true. By the end of last season we were a club that was sick at heart. We must shake off that sickness and reinvent Aston Villa the way we want it to be.
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Im not sure how to sum up how I feel, its a mix of emotions at times I am excited by us going for fresh young unproven talent but not long after riddled with doubt, another experienced midfielder would have been good but lets hope Westwood is the real deal, it just feels that the clubs we need to finish above to have a comfortable season on paper seem much stronger than us, I think we will all calm down a bit when that first win comes along, I am hanging my hat on the fact that Lambert took an unfashionable club from league 1 to the Premier league and kept them there with a squad of relative unknowns. UTV
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I feel more optimistic about the club than I have for a number of years, including the last year of O'Neill.
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7/10 - Agree with those who say that this is what we've been waiting for: the dismantling of the dressing room MON left behind. The lack of PL experience will mean that we'll struggle at the start of the season, but it's not a major concern.
What has happened is that we have brought in a very competent manager, who has been backed in the transfer market and who has started to sideline the main culprits for our recent demise. I can't see why we shouldn't be happy with that.
I'd argue that Lambert has identified the same problems at our club as Houllier did. The difference is that the former has the skills and the energy to do something about them.
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I feel more optimistic about the club than I have for a number of years, including the last year of O'Neill.
That makes two of us. It won't be easy, but at least you can see there's a plan being put into motion.
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I'm optimistic that as this season progresses we will see all of this come together. We need to be patient as fans for Lambert to work with this group. What I want also to prove every so called expert wrong about our future. Even people like Merson who thinks we'll be relegated.
I'm excited that the direction we have taken is bold and new.
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I'm optimistic that as this season progresses we will see all of this come together. We need to be patient as fans for Lambert to work with this group. What I want also to prove every so called expert wrong about our future. Even people like Merson who thinks we'll be relegated.
I'm excited that the direction we have taken is bold and new.
yes prove them wrong and when we do so they have to resign and never be a pundit again for being so crap eg Bob Savage
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Just read on Sky that young Westwood likens himself to Michael Carrick. That is a worry.
Don't understand the Carrick bashing on here. Great player. Could have done with him in the England set up at the euros. Manchester united starter. Would love a player of his calibre at Villa Park
I wouldnt say the word great applies to a player like Carrick. Ineffectual performer at best. You need more than the ability to pass the ball.
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Just read on Sky that young Westwood likens himself to Michael Carrick. That is a worry.
Don't understand the Carrick bashing on here. Great player. Could have done with him in the England set up at the euros. Manchester united starter. Would love a player of his calibre at Villa
I wouldnt say the word great applies to a player like Carrick. Ineffectual performer at best. You need more than the ability to pass the ball.
....and he's not brilliant at that.
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Gave 7, getting rid of Warnock and Hutton and bringing in two more experienced in their place and I'd given higher. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd go to scotland on loan in couple next days.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
I think QPR and Wigan are on par with us, and those three probably worse.
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I would have been nice to get another midfielder, but I'm more than happy.
20 mill is a good kitty given the Club's current financial circumstances but given the scope of change required it wasn't a great deal to work with.
With the exception of Guzan I had never heard of single one of the incomers. I take that as a positive.
Whatever happens, we didn't need the same tired outfit trotting out the same crap every week being supplemented by the usual mediocre pickings from the transfer circus.
We have players who want to play for the club rather than misfiring contract hunters.
If it all goes bad, at least we gave ourselves a chance. We didn't have that before.
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I gave 8/10. Very happy that we have signed players who genuinely seem to want to play for us.
Bowery signing is interesting. To me it points to Lambert wanting identical systems in first and reserve squads. Maybe that will help the transition between reserves and first team which has been an issue, ie helping the promising youngsters transition to the next level.
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Gave 7, getting rid of Warnock and Hutton and bringing in two more experienced in their place and I'd given higher. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd go to scotland on loan in couple next days.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
I think QPR and Wigan are on par with us, and those three probably worse.
Lambert has brought in replacements for Warnock and Hutton and they are not really experienced, but have great potential (Lowton/Bennett) - he clearly wants to mould his own team/players not sign overpriced,"experienced professionals" who have partly put us in the shitty state we have found ourselves in post MON
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Gave 7, getting rid of Warnock and Hutton and bringing in two more experienced in their place and I'd given higher. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd go to scotland on loan in couple next days.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
I think QPR and Wigan are on par with us, and those three probably worse.
Lambert has brought in replacements for Warnock and Hutton and they are not really experienced, but have great potential (Lowton/Bennett) - he clearly wants to mould his own team/players not sign overpriced,"experienced professionals" who have partly put us in the shitty state we have found ourselves in post MON
I probably should've added that maybe bring in players who are around 24-27 from abroad who has experience from dutch/french/german/spain leagues, instead of average overpaid premier league players.
Edit: Lowton so far seems to be improvement on Hutton and Bennet at least on paper seems better than Warnock.
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I would have been nice to get another midfielder, but I'm more than happy.
20 mill is a good kitty given the Club's current financial circumstances but given the scope of change required it wasn't a great deal to work with.
With the exception of Guzan I had never heard of single one of the incomers. I take that as a positive.
Whatever happens, we didn't need the same tired outfit trotting out the same crap every week being supplemented by the usual mediocre pickings from the transfer circus.
We have players who want to play for the club rather than misfiring contract hunters.
If it all goes bad, at least we gave ourselves a chance. We didn't have that before.
This.
Many of the players we've had over the last few years have been on big money but have never really earned it. The Dunnes, Warnocks, Huttons, Heskeys etc suggest we can rely on them because they are seasoned PL players but they have let us down badly very consistently.
The new guys are hungry and very keen to do well. Things can only get better.
Altogether now...."Things....can only..."
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Gave 7, getting rid of Warnock and Hutton and bringing in two more experienced in their place and I'd given higher. I wouldn't be surprised if he'd go to scotland on loan in couple next days.
I don't think it will come down to this, but Reading, Southampton, and Norwich are all worse than us in my opinion.
I think QPR and Wigan are on par with us, and those three probably worse.
Lambert has brought in replacements for Warnock and Hutton and they are not really experienced, but have great potential (Lowton/Bennett) - he clearly wants to mould his own team/players not sign overpriced,"experienced professionals" who have partly put us in the shitty state we have found ourselves in post MON
I probably should've added that maybe bring in players who are around 24-27 from abroad who has experience from dutch/french/german/spain leagues, instead of average overpaid premier league players.
Edit: Lowton so far seems to be improvement on Hutton and Bennet at least on paper seems better than Warnock.
Agree Jarpie...I reckon our two young full-backs will be a great asset to the team. I hope they get the chance to get forward too - both seem to possess an attacking quality as a significant strength in their game.
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If we have to go down,and this seems probable,then i will take a Manager who wants to start with English youth.
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If we have to go down,and this seems probable,then i will take a Manager who wants to start with English youth.
Possible. Not probable.
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Just read on Sky that young Westwood likens himself to Michael Carrick. That is a worry.
Don't understand the Carrick bashing on here. Great player. Could have done with him in the England set up at the euros. Manchester united starter. Would love a player of his calibre at Villa
I wouldnt say the word great applies to a player like Carrick. Ineffectual performer at best. You need more than the ability to pass the ball.
....and he's not brilliant at that.
I'd say being a mainstay of a midfield that has won and competed for so much under the guidance of as ruthless a pursuer of victory as Ferguson should say a lot. But there we go, we've always hopelessly underrated his sort of midfielder in Britain.
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I was never a huge Carrick fan but last season he was one of the most consistent performers in the league. He was excellent and IMO, finally came of age for Utd. He and Scholes were arguably the best midfield partership in the league. I was one who really felt we could have done with him for England in the Euro's. If you're picking on form, he'd have made the starting 11. Last season he finally managed to hold down a place, and also looked far better in other facets of his game, such as tackling and creating. It wasn't just being a good passer anymore. Carrick was influential.
So yeah, if we happen to have a young Carrick, then I'm quite happy. If his desire and commitment is more, and if he's quicker, then he (Westwood) could potentially be better.
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I gave 8 out of 10. I think Lambert has done very well with the budget he has, and the agenda we're working too. A nice mix of experienced players through the spine of the team and young inexperienced players to bolster the squad.
The only way I think it might have been better would have been to get an experienced defensive midfielder who knows his way around the premiership, but I won't beat Lambert up about that. I would have offered Warnock to Blackburn for Nzonzi, but of course that may have happened for all we know.
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As I'd never heard of any of them until we signed them I'll wait until Xmas to award my highly anticipated mark. As I'm a pessimistic sod anyway I can't say any of the past few days signings particularly excite me and fear it is going to be another traumatic season.
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It will be a very interesting season and that will be a massive improvement on the river of pain which TSM inflicted upon us.
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It will be a very interesting season and that will be a massive improvement on the river of pain which TSM inflicted upon us.
Really? Did you see the way we played against Everton?
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It will be a very interesting season and that will be a massive improvement on the river of pain which TSM inflicted upon us.
Really? Did you see the way we played against Everton?
I am willing to wait until the other (41) games have been played until making a decision. Everton were on fire and buzzing after beating Tampa Bay Manchester.
We lost the first 4 in 1997-98 after we signed the saviour Collymore and were mainly poor until February and we ended up 7th or 8th IIRC.
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I'm sure all the new signings will give it all.
Once again, it's up to the "regulars" to give the same.
I worry more about the "regulars" than the newcomers.
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I will dig this thread out come January and reset the poll Chris, so might as well award that score now and they do it over then.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/01/aston-villa-karim-el-ahmadi
KEA likes David O'Leary ? How dare he.
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We needed a big squad shake up and that's what we got- players need time to bed in but I'm fairly happy with our deals.
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It will be a very interesting season and that will be a massive improvement on the river of pain which TSM inflicted upon us.
Really? Did you see the way we played against Everton?
I am willing to wait until the other (41) games have been played until making a decision. Everton were on fire and buzzing after beating Tampa Bay Manchester.
We lost the first 4 in 1997-98 after we signed the saviour Collymore and were mainly poor until February and we ended up 7th or 8th IIRC.
Only because Gregory came in and won something like 10 out of 12.
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Difficult to judge until we see how the new boys settle down. At least Lambert has recognised that we needed numbers and seems to be building a squad for the future. We can always dip into the market in January if needs be.
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May lack premier experience but still far more experience that the Norwich team that came 12th last season- Paul will do the business.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/01/aston-villa-karim-el-ahmadi
KEA likes David O'Leary ? How dare he.
This bit is illuminating:
"I don't know what it is like in England but in Holland street football is very big. A lot of technical players have [gained their ability] from the streets. We would put a bottle of water down and you had to kick the bottle of water over, playing one-on-one or two-on-two. We'd make goals with everything, things like shoes. Sometimes we would just have the ball with four or five guys and you would see who was best at keeping it the most."
It used to be like that mate, but not any more.
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We were so poor we used to kick a piece of wood instead of a ball and play continued underneath the one car in the street
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We were so poor we used to kick a piece of wood instead of a ball and play continued underneath the one car in the street
Piece of wood? That's a luxury,we were so poor,we didn't kick a ball against side of the house,the house was the ball.
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We were so poor we used to kick a piece of wood instead of a ball and play continued underneath the one car in the street
Piece of wood? That's a luxury,we were so poor,we didn't kick a ball against side of the house,the house was the ball.
We didn't have a house, and we usually just picked the smallest kid to be the ball and kicked him around! ;)
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Natural ability with a 'hunger' for success sounds like a good recipe to me. I like the thought behind Paul Lamberts signings and have confidence in his judgement. Okay, we might suffer for a month or two whilst things gel but am confident we have made huge steps in the right direction. A week ago, we were relegation fodder. Now, imho, we are mid table candidates. Onwards and upwards after that.
8)
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We were so poor we used to kick a piece of wood instead of a ball and play continued underneath the one car in the street
Piece of wood? That's a luxury,we were so poor,we didn't kick a ball against side of the house,the house was the ball.
We didn't have a house, and we usually just picked the smallest kid to be the ball and kicked him around! ;)
We were so poor we didn't have other kids, so I just had to kick myself in the balls. Now I can't have children! :)
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Its hard to say because i don't know anything about them but its Lamberts way and its worked for him so far. A couple of wins and better performances will blow away the doubt and we can start enjoying football again. Wouldn't that be refreshing.
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I will dig this thread out come January and reset the poll Chris, so might as well award that score now and they do it over then.
In that case in the words of Janice Nicholls "I'll give it five".
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Natural ability with a 'hunger' for success sounds like a good recipe to me. I like the thought behind Paul Lamberts signings and have confidence in his judgement. Okay, we might suffer for a month or two whilst things gel but am confident we have made huge steps in the right direction. A week ago, we were relegation fodder. Now, imho, we are mid table candidates. Onwards and upwards after that.
8)
Agree
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The summer signings cost me £12. I was in Denmark on deadline day and the roaming charges make your tits hurt.
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We were so poor that Mamah had never heard of Football. Instead we had to ride Papahs horses in pursuit of various wildlife, sometimes we'd rest the horses and shoot exotic birds instead.
The only ball we had was held in the grand chambers, when other poor people would attend, eat a modest banquet of Swan and game with the local orchestra playing in the stalls. Ocassionally, usually when Hermione Sotherby-Lyons piped me off in the east wing, my mind would wander to what it would be like to kick a 12kg caser up against an angry imbeciles house.
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The summer signings cost me £12. I was in Denmark on deadline day and the roaming charges make your tits hurt.
About the price of one beer over there isn't it?
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Yes, I was thinking the same
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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.
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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.
you did not play for the Albion Vaults did you , you brother was quality an on Villa books (J)
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Sorry no. Sadly I was never really good enough to play for anyone as much as I would have loved to. I think that's one of the reasons I took up refereeing :(! It's been something that has saddend me over the years, the amount of young lads with ability but the wrong attitude, some of them could have really gone on to make a name for themselves in the game. We all know someone like this.
And also unfortunately I don't have a brother.
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Apolgies ! being a a ref is a tough call so fair play to you !
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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.
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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.
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I know what you mean but it also seems to me like you're describing Karim El Ahmadi. Blessings and peace be upon him.
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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.
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Indeed. KEA is the player we'd miss most if he was injured. Blessings, peace and good health be upon him.
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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.
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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.
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Been impressed with Lowton.
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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!
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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.
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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 ;D ;D
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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).