Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: kippaxvilla2 on January 24, 2017, 06:45:52 PM

Title: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on January 24, 2017, 06:45:52 PM
Signing from FC Basel.  Icelandic midfielder.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on January 24, 2017, 06:47:19 PM

He gets about a bit

2006–2011   Viking   102   (16)
2008   → Bodø/Glimt (loan)   22   (5)
2012–2013   Standard Liège   16   (0)
2012–2013   → Pescara (loan)   24   (2)
2013   Pescara   1   (0)
2013–2014   Sampdoria   14   (0)
2014–2015   Pescara   35   (10)
2015–   FC Basel   42   (14)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: damon loves JT on January 24, 2017, 06:52:21 PM

He gets about a bit

2006–2011   Viking   102   (16)
2008   → Bodø/Glimt (loan)   22   (5)
2012–2013   Standard Liège   16   (0)
2012–2013   → Pescara (loan)   24   (2)
2013   Pescara   1   (0)
2013–2014   Sampdoria   14   (0)
2014–2015   Pescara   35   (10)
2015–   FC Basel   42   (14)

I like a midfielder with mobility but his roaming data charges must be mental
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: adrenachrome on January 24, 2017, 06:52:46 PM
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on January 24, 2017, 06:54:15 PM
I didnt fully understand the bio on him

a midfielder who likes to get forward and score goals?

sounds like witchcraft burn him

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: damon loves JT on January 24, 2017, 06:54:49 PM
I think he will be Mrs Green's new favourite player
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 24, 2017, 07:00:38 PM
We're going to have the hairiest midfield since 1974.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: eamonn on January 24, 2017, 07:00:49 PM
Move over Jack, we have a new hip hairstyle in town.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Ian. on January 24, 2017, 07:02:00 PM
I bet Westwood still gets a game!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 24, 2017, 07:02:38 PM
He has an impressive record in a decent Basel team. If we get Houlihane in to add to him and Lansbury, our midfield will be involved beyond recognition since the New Year. They've identified our number one problem and addressed it (assuming these deals go through).

Fair play.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: brian green on January 24, 2017, 07:03:39 PM
How did he do in the World's Strongest Man?  Bottled the truck pull I hear.  Another wimp.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: eamonn on January 24, 2017, 07:05:50 PM
He has an impressive record in a decent Basel team. If we get Houlihane in to add to him and Lansbury, our midfield will be involved beyond recognition since the New Year. They've identified our number one problem and addressed it (assuming these deals go through).

Fair play.

HouRihan! Remember it by "Hoor" (Irish pronunsch for ''whore'').
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: themossman on January 24, 2017, 07:06:33 PM
How did he do in the World's Strongest Man?  Bottled the truck pull I hear.  Another wimp.

Let's buy Magnus Ver Magnusson. He's probably quicker than gabby.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on January 24, 2017, 07:09:15 PM
He has an impressive record in a decent Basel team. If we get Houlihane in to add to him and Lansbury, our midfield will be involved beyond recognition since the New Year. They've identified our number one problem and addressed it (assuming these deals go through).

Fair play.

Competition in midfeld and no pointy or gardner

Very happy days
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: oldham_villa on January 24, 2017, 07:10:37 PM
If he's the lad i remember from Iceland Euro team last summer, he's a great asset !!!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: brian green on January 24, 2017, 07:11:34 PM
Magnus Ver Magnusson pulling the truck is faster than Gabby.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: john e on January 24, 2017, 07:19:12 PM
very excited about this signing dont know what he's like at playing football but he looks ace
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 24, 2017, 07:20:26 PM
very excited about this signing dont know what he's like at playing football but he looks ace

Same here, I now have a favourite Villa player.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 24, 2017, 07:20:42 PM
No evidence so far that he can point. Not impressed.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 24, 2017, 07:23:09 PM
He has an impressive record in a decent Basel team. If we get Houlihane in to add to him and Lansbury, our midfield will be involved beyond recognition since the New Year. They've identified our number one problem and addressed it (assuming these deals go through).

Fair play.

HouRihan! Remember it by "Hoor" (Irish pronunsch for ''whore'').

Can I get away with blaming auto-correct?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: four fornicholl on January 24, 2017, 07:30:45 PM
I vaguely remember him doing something really good or really bad at the euros, I posted something about a bjarn door but cant think what had happened.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on January 24, 2017, 07:31:01 PM
very excited about this signing dont know what he's like at playing football but he looks ace

Same here, I now have a favourite Villa player.
About time we had a hairy viking in the side, the good times are returning, shame he's not a central defender ;-)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: amfy on January 24, 2017, 07:32:17 PM
very excited about this signing dont know what he's like at playing football but he looks ace

Same here, I now have a favourite Villa player.

He has that kind of iconic Scandinavian look that we have missed. Like.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: LeeB on January 24, 2017, 07:33:20 PM
We'll hammer teams with this lad.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on January 24, 2017, 07:35:08 PM
Nailed it
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 24, 2017, 07:36:08 PM
Hope he'll be a success.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Ads on January 24, 2017, 07:36:55 PM
What conditioner do you think he uses?

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: brian green on January 24, 2017, 07:39:04 PM
We will have a midfield like the cast of a slasher movie.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 24, 2017, 07:39:21 PM
What conditioner do you think he uses?


Whale blood.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 24, 2017, 07:40:08 PM
What conditioner do you think he uses?



He won't, Dr Tony only wants real men these days.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: brian green on January 24, 2017, 07:41:52 PM
Volcano ash.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: peter w on January 24, 2017, 07:42:53 PM
That's Westwood's new nickname for me from now on.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: dave shelley on January 24, 2017, 07:49:38 PM
Eyjafjalla, our new midfielder erupting from nowhere.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Pete3206 on January 24, 2017, 07:50:16 PM
Bikir Bjarnason
You are the love of my life
Bikir Bjarnason
I'd let you shag my wife
Bikir Bjarnason
I want long blonde hair tooo......
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Hairbandinho on January 24, 2017, 07:58:26 PM
If only we had these midfielders at the start of the season....

RDM you idiot. We would have had a good chance of playoffs. Too late now I think!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 24, 2017, 08:08:08 PM
Evening.
Calm down, we won't be signing him........he's not their Captain.

[edit: oh, neither was Bree was he. ]

well, perhaps we could make " Thor " OUR Captain and let Chester revert to solid anonymity.

Thunderclap Newman ?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: andyh on January 24, 2017, 08:09:35 PM
What conditioner do you think he uses?


Walrus spunk
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 24, 2017, 08:14:54 PM
Ask yourself.........do we really want someone who does that with Walruses ??
Would you want your daughter to go out with such an individual ?
Even if he was earning £25k per week ? Hmmmmmm.

Where did I put that walrus caller.........?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: murfee on January 24, 2017, 08:15:47 PM
He's not very good .....he couldnt hit a Bjarn door with a Bjanjo
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Diablo on January 24, 2017, 08:20:27 PM


Watching this video I can't help but think that all the goal keepers have been drugged.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: olaftab on January 24, 2017, 08:21:55 PM
I can smell sulphur already. Welcome to a fellow Viking.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Steve67 on January 24, 2017, 08:24:16 PM
Playing catch up. Is this speculation or has he signed?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: footyskillz on January 24, 2017, 08:24:51 PM
Volcano ash.

Flirtatiously brilliant
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: passport1 on January 24, 2017, 08:25:22 PM
Looks like we are signingThor.Perhaps he could chase Big Fat Ross around  the training ground with his hammer!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: West Derby Villan on January 24, 2017, 08:27:43 PM
They have signed someone big n strong to open sticking gates
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: themossman on January 24, 2017, 08:28:17 PM
Thor? I could hardly pith out of it.

I forget how the first bit goes.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 24, 2017, 08:28:50 PM
Playing catch up. Is this speculation or has he signed?
Ice-suspect-so. He hasn't yet landed, so the speculation is just the tip of the iceberg.
Lettuce wait and North Sea, eh?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on January 24, 2017, 08:29:31 PM


Watching this video I can't help but think that all the goal keepers have been drugged.

Is it a red flag when his show reel has a missed header as a highlight?

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: dave shelley on January 24, 2017, 08:33:13 PM
I don't remember that one but I do remember the one we used to recite when we were kids:

Thor the god of thunder
rode his favourite filly
I'm Thor he cried
the horse replied
forgot your thaddle, thilly.

Last line always said in a camp voice.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: themossman on January 24, 2017, 08:34:13 PM
Haha my first thought too. Isn't there an inverse relationship between quality of YouTube video and quality of player in real life though?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 24, 2017, 08:37:08 PM
I don't remember that one but I do remember the one we used to recite when we were kids:

Thor the god of thunder
rode his favourite filly
I'm Thor he cried
the horse replied
forgot your thaddle, thilly.

Last line always said in a camp voice.

I was expecting "willy" to make an appearance.

(Add your own punchline)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Ian. on January 24, 2017, 08:37:52 PM


Watching this video I can't help but think that all the goal keepers have been drugged.

Is it a red flag when his show reel has a missed header as a highlight?


Ha ha!! Not quite as good a You Tube collection as Conor's!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: damon loves JT on January 24, 2017, 08:38:46 PM


Watching this video I can't help but think that all the goal keepers have been drugged.

Is it a red flag when his show reel has a missed header as a highlight?



Didn't just miss either, missed by a mile. I am also a big fan of televised games with vehicles parked next to the pitch.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: brian green on January 24, 2017, 08:47:11 PM
Gab the God of Thunder
Rode his favourite hunter
I am Gab he cried
The horse replied
No you're Billy Bunter.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on January 24, 2017, 08:56:19 PM
What conditioner do you think he uses?


Walrus spunk

He was driving home one night and broke down. The aa man said he had blown a seal. He said i havent its just ice around my mouth
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Matt Collins on January 24, 2017, 08:59:35 PM
We've had a very ugly team for years so I welcome the signing

Hope he doesn't stop green's progress though
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: brian green on January 24, 2017, 09:04:30 PM
The signing of Lansbury and Bjarnason have achieved the barely possible and made Jedinak look effeminate.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: footyskillz on January 24, 2017, 09:06:38 PM
We've had a very ugly team for years so I welcome the signing

Hope he doesn't stop green's progress though

Haha !  Is he your most favourite ? I don't think this guy is attractive
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 24, 2017, 09:08:18 PM
Not in my opinion. they look the height of current "cool " [out shining McC's plucked eyebrows] - and Jedinak just looks like an ageing Aussie sheep shearer [nearly wrote a bad word then]
We could have a midfield trio of " man-buns "...........
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Steve67 on January 24, 2017, 09:08:58 PM
Just a hunch, Jedinak to go?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 24, 2017, 09:11:31 PM
Where to? The barbers ?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: olaftab on January 24, 2017, 09:13:58 PM
Just a hunch, Jedinak to go?
I fear not. He is on a long contract and as we have discovered you just can't move players on easily.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 24, 2017, 09:15:33 PM
I see a touch of Viggo Mortensen in his beguiling Nordic visage, personally. A true leader of men... and Hobbitses.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 24, 2017, 09:17:12 PM
While I'm excited by this signing, I hope it doesn't encourage any of our number to start doing the stupid Icelandic clappy thing.

Well, maybe Footyskillz.

I'm not joining in, anyway.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: auntiesledd on January 24, 2017, 09:38:25 PM
He has an impressive record in a decent Basel team. If we get Houlihane in to add to him and Lansbury, our midfield will be involved beyond recognition since the New Year. They've identified our number one problem and addressed it (assuming these deals go through).

Fair play.

Competition in midfeld and no pointy or gardner

Very happy days

Aye, it certainly sounds promising. I remember this lad from The Euros - & he runs for fun. Did he score a goal in the tournament, or am I imagining things? Anyway, fair play indeed to the recruitment bods for bringing him to B6.   :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: bobcat on January 24, 2017, 09:42:06 PM
Scored against Portugal and France in Euro 2016. Reminds me too much of Robbie Savage to be able to like him yet though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: auntiesledd on January 24, 2017, 09:47:55 PM
Scored against Portugal and France in Euro 2016. Reminds me too much of Robbie Savage to be able to like him yet though.

Aha. Cheers Bob, but not for the Savage-a-like bit. I'll have to watch Dion sticking the nut on the tosser now to see meself right before bedtime.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: footyskillz on January 24, 2017, 09:58:31 PM
While I'm excited by this signing, I hope it doesn't encourage any of our number to start doing the stupid Icelandic clappy thing.

Well, maybe Footyskillz.

I'm not joining in, anyway.

It's ok I only get to a few of the London matches and they won't be in away end
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on January 24, 2017, 11:15:39 PM
While I'm excited by this signing, I hope it doesn't encourage any of our number to start doing the stupid Icelandic clappy thing.

Well, maybe Footyskillz.

I'm not joining in, anyway.

It's ok I only get to a few of the London matches and they won't be in away end

Reminds me of the friendly I went to in Portland a few years back.

In the middle of the game, in a sea of loud Timbers fans, a lone Villa fan stood up, hands outstretched and belted out "VILLA! VILLA! VILLA!" in a perfect moment as thousands of heads around him turned and stared.

I would applaud you for doing the same footy! :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 24, 2017, 11:54:40 PM


Watching this video I can't help but think that all the goal keepers have been drugged.

In the opening frames the header he missed was closer than everything offered by Tonev and 98% of Westwood's attempts. Thus he looks ace. Long hair, beard, Nordic, what's there not to love?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Smoke on January 25, 2017, 01:18:07 AM
I fear for whomever has to clean the drains in the bmh showers with all these hairy types.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: robbo1874 on January 25, 2017, 03:02:27 AM


Watching this video I can't help but think that all the goal keepers have been drugged.

Is it a red flag when his show reel has a missed header as a highlight?



Didn't just miss either, missed by a mile. I am also a big fan of televised games with vehicles parked next to the pitch.
i might be remembering this wrong but i went with a mate to watch chelsea v Swindon in a cup match at SB early 90's and pretty sure there were cars parked down the end opposite the shed- mainly the little blue 3-wheelers. We went to get stewarding jobs and I only went cos i thought they were playing Liverpool. Turned out there were no jobs, so we just walked back in through the open gates and sat right in the middle of the east stand. Paul Elliot walked right past me at half time.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Scratchins on January 25, 2017, 07:51:25 AM
The ticket office used to have a photo of John Greenfield's car parked behind the goal. When he arrived at Stamford Bridge the stewards kept pointing (no it wasn't Westwood!) where to go and he ended up there.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Witton Warrior on January 25, 2017, 08:50:23 AM
At last a player with the same hairstyle as me!!!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: PaulTheVillan on January 25, 2017, 08:58:03 AM
At last a player with the same hairstyle as me!!!

Same :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: TheMalandro on January 25, 2017, 09:03:26 AM
Ban the Birkir
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2017, 09:09:13 AM
I can only remember his name by thinking "Bjorn Again".
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: TheMalandro on January 25, 2017, 09:24:18 AM
I can only remember his name by thinking "Bjorn Again".

It's easy if you say it with an Irish accent
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: ClaretAndBlueBlood on January 25, 2017, 09:30:17 AM
At last a player with the same hairstyle as me!!!


style?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: TheMalandro on January 25, 2017, 09:33:14 AM
At last a player with the same hairstyle as me!!!


style?

He's a Anneka Rice impersonator, it's necessary.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: The Laughing Policeman on January 25, 2017, 10:27:12 AM
With all these hairies coming in we'll have a team that looks like a Ron Saunders team. Let's hope that they can play as well as them.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Witton Warrior on January 25, 2017, 12:20:52 PM
At last a player with the same hairstyle as me!!!


style?

wind-blown ;-)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: Mister E on January 25, 2017, 12:23:04 PM
Do you think this potential purchase is in addition to Houri? Or is it the fallback in the event that Houri goes elsewhere?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 12:32:41 PM
Wouldn't it be great if it was in addition.......and Watkins from Barnsley, too............and then we could say bye bye to our favourite midfield duo.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: UK Redsox on January 25, 2017, 01:07:15 PM
Quote
Aston Villa FC ‏@AVFCOfficial  now30 seconds ago
More
 Breaking news: We’re delighted to announce the signing of Birkir Bjarnason from FC Basel. #WelcomeBirkir #AVFC


...annnnnndddddddd stretttttttttccccccchhhhhhh

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C3BKTrfXUAMefGB.jpg)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason
Post by: UK Redsox on January 25, 2017, 01:07:47 PM
Could a Mod please do the "CONFIRMED" update
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason CONFIRMED
Post by: Comrade Blitz on January 25, 2017, 01:10:58 PM
I think anyone can change the subject line at any time in their reply....but it doesn't flow back to the beginning.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Small Rodent on January 25, 2017, 01:13:29 PM
Well this is an out of nowhere, and exciting signing.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 01:14:16 PM
[Hopefully] ...........Oh YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! 

Thunderclap Newman......we now have the right !
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: simon ward 50 on January 25, 2017, 01:14:58 PM
Bloody hell Villa!

Two in a day?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on January 25, 2017, 01:22:47 PM
Bloody hell Villa!

Two in a day?
Two so far!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 01:29:02 PM
velkomið...........Birkir in Aston Villa.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 25, 2017, 01:32:30 PM
Having gone straight from Barnsley to Iceland, ignoring the lands in between. I believe that its time that Villa fired their Faroe Islands representative.

#sackedvard ;)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 01:37:39 PM
There's still time for him to get back in time to drop in at Ibrox and snatch Barrie MacKay, or Tavernier, or Waghorn.......or all three.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2017, 01:41:13 PM
I can't think of any Rangers players that have stood out when I've seen them lately. They might just have been having off days when I was watching though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 25, 2017, 01:51:44 PM
Welcome.

Is this the hairiest Villa team in history?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 01:52:19 PM
Bully Wee watcher.......let's not re-visit that one again, eh ?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 25, 2017, 02:20:30 PM
There was nothing particularly negative in my last post. If you think they're good players, I assume you've seen a lot more of them than I have so I'll take your word for it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 25, 2017, 02:41:17 PM
Welcome Birkir.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 25, 2017, 02:42:47 PM
Considering how many struggled with Clark, this is going to be a nightmare.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on January 25, 2017, 02:55:26 PM
Considering how many struggled with Clark, this is going to be a nightmare.

Kieran Clarke?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: OCD on January 25, 2017, 03:01:04 PM
Considering how many struggled with Clark, this is going to be a nightmare.

I'll just call him Barney.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 03:18:27 PM
There was nothing particularly negative in my last post. If you think they're good players, I assume you've seen a lot more of them than I have so I'll take your word for it.
Thank you for that kindness.
I watch them only on TV nowadays, but I promise you there will be Prem teams after Barrie MacKay, if not this window, then next one.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 25, 2017, 03:43:04 PM
Considering how many struggled with Clark, this is going to be a nightmare.

I'll just call him Barney.

How I Met Your Midfielder
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 25, 2017, 03:45:33 PM
I can only remember his name by thinking "Bjorn Again".

I've got 'Back To Bagarmossen' by Les Big Byrd in my head
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Villan For Life on January 25, 2017, 04:00:53 PM
Welcome to Aston Villa Birkir.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: johnc on January 25, 2017, 04:05:25 PM
We're going to have the hairiest midfield since 1974.
Trevor Hockey would have approved
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: clash city rocker on January 25, 2017, 04:17:00 PM
He''s here..He''s there..He''s Birkir everywhere...Bjarnason..Bjarnason..........OK i'll get me coat.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: peter w on January 25, 2017, 04:18:58 PM
At least IS will like him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 04:39:51 PM
Ooh. Do I not like that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 25, 2017, 04:47:08 PM
There's still time for him to get back in time to drop in at Ibrox and snatch Barrie MacKay, or Tavernier, or Waghorn.......or all three.

A couple of my friends are big Rangers fans and are refreshingly honest about how far they are behind Celtic atm but they rate Mckay very highly. Played well against Celtic in the Old Firm game and think he'd be a good signing.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: class-of-82 on January 25, 2017, 04:48:54 PM
He will probably come by boat to landisfarne ravage his way down to Wessex before landing in Mercia
Welcome sir
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on January 25, 2017, 04:56:47 PM
He will probably come by boat to landisfarne ravage his way down to Wessex before landing in Mercia
Welcome sir
let's hope he reins back on the raping and pillaging on the way or we'll lose him to the judiciary before he kicks a goat's head for us.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on January 25, 2017, 05:38:40 PM
The guys been living in Switzerland! For me one of  the best places in Europe!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: KevinGage on January 25, 2017, 07:28:42 PM
Bird from The Cardigans has let herself go.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Salsa Party Animal on January 25, 2017, 07:35:12 PM
Yes :) Loved we signed a proper viking ;)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on January 25, 2017, 07:42:14 PM
I thought Mercia was landlocked.  I suppose he could come up the Trent via Sterke.  Rape and pillage them as much as he likes.  They call it foreplay.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kieron on January 25, 2017, 07:44:17 PM
He speaks very well. I like him already.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Old Kodjia on January 25, 2017, 07:51:21 PM
He speaks very well. I like him already.

Yes me too.

I can't see how he'll fit into the side though, assuming hourihane joins though?  Surely him and Lansbury are going to be the boys?

I wonder where this is going to leave Bacuna, Westbrook & Gardner?  Not that many will care I guess but crikey, Bruce really can't have thought much of them, to bring in 3 midfielders in his first window.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on January 25, 2017, 07:53:10 PM
He speaks very well. I like him already.


I wonder where this is going to leave Bacuna, Westbrook & Gardner?  Not that many will care I guess but crikey, Bruce really can't have thought much of them, to bring in 3 midfielders in his first window.


It's almost like he's seen them play and noticed how utterly shit they all are.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 25, 2017, 07:54:24 PM
I think Bacuna is useful as a squad player, especially to have on the bench, as he can cover a number of positions. The other 2 will be a relief not to see featuring much.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dave shelley on January 25, 2017, 07:55:02 PM
He speaks very well. I like him already.

Which makes Gardner's new contract extension a bit mystifying.


I wonder where this is going to leave Bacuna, Westbrook & Gardner?  Not that many will care I guess but crikey, Bruce really can't have thought much of them, to bring in 3 midfielders in his first window.


It's almost like he's seen them play and noticed how utterly shit they all are.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: KevinGage on January 25, 2017, 07:56:19 PM
Bacuna could still be useful as back up.

Gardwood might make a useful doorstop, or summat.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 25, 2017, 07:57:26 PM
Not really, he was on a smallish contract as he hadn't played which contained clauses giving him a better one when he proved his fitness. He played games at the start, proved his fitness so the clause was activated.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Old Kodjia on January 25, 2017, 08:02:15 PM
He speaks very well. I like him already.


I wonder where this is going to leave Bacuna, Westbrook & Gardner?  Not that many will care I guess but crikey, Bruce really can't have thought much of them, to bring in 3 midfielders in his first window.


It's almost like he's seen them play and noticed how utterly shit they all are.

Yet still preferred them to Tishibola.

Why give Gardner the new contract if he thought he was shit though?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nastylee on January 25, 2017, 08:09:42 PM
Why didn't Barry take that pen?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: The Moose on January 25, 2017, 08:10:18 PM
So we can get a good price when the big clubs come sniffing round....
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ian. on January 25, 2017, 08:12:34 PM
Is it any surprise though when we are struggling in this division? We're in the bottom half.
We all knew it last summer and it wasn't addressed by RDM. I had no idea who Jedi was or Tish for
that matter and that's all we brought in while letting many go.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Old Kodjia on January 25, 2017, 08:24:50 PM
Is it any surprise though when we are struggling in this division? We're in the bottom half.
We all knew it last summer and it wasn't addressed by RDM. I had no idea who Jedi was or Tish for
that matter and that's all we brought in while letting many go.

In his defence, he appears to have been let down by Gueye who told him one thing and then did another.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on January 25, 2017, 08:36:10 PM
He speaks very well. I like him already.


I wonder where this is going to leave Bacuna, Westbrook & Gardner? 


Rotherham hopefully
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Can Gana Be Bettered!?!? on January 25, 2017, 08:40:30 PM
He says he's attacking. Pretty sure Lansbury is as well. And potentially Hourihane? What are we playing at? We're Villa, we don't do 3 attacking midfielders. We didn't do attacking for quite a few years as well.

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but I really hope we don't attempt the Icelandic clap from the Euros. It's an Icelandic thing, not Villa. It looks shit when any other team does it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dave shelley on January 25, 2017, 08:44:21 PM
It needs big hairy Nordic types to carry it off.  If we tried it; it would sound like our testicles hadn't yet dropped.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on January 25, 2017, 08:46:47 PM
He looked a bit of a metronome style hard worker in the Euros. He's not the quickest but he's got the energy and drive our midfield badly lacks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: andyh on January 25, 2017, 08:47:57 PM
I have watched the obligatory YouTube video of him.

Pretty good.
Looks like a really dynamic, energetic player.
Remember when we used to have midfielders like that?

https://youtu.be/fJk8a8tbXrc
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dave on January 25, 2017, 08:55:50 PM
We all knew it last summer and it wasn't addressed by RDM. I had no idea who Jedi was or Tish for that matter and that's all we brought in while letting many go.

Tshibola fair enough, but Jedinak was hardly an obscure name. He's probably the most well-known signing we made in the summer.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on January 25, 2017, 08:59:58 PM
I'd hope that hourihane and Lansbury might cut it in the prem if we do go up

Be surprised if this Thor  geezer does though
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ian. on January 25, 2017, 09:01:48 PM
I said I had no idea who is was (mind you I hadn't really heard of most of our summer or these new signings). After the transfer activities in the summer many of us did worry about our midfield going into this season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dave on January 25, 2017, 09:06:34 PM
I said I had no idea who is was (mind you I hadn't really heard of most of our summer or these new signings). After the transfer activities in the summer many of us did worry about our midfield going into this season.

Well yes, but that isn't really anything to do with how famous the players we signed were.

I can't imagine most people would have heard of N'golo Kante before he moved to Leicester. Or to put it another way, if we'd signed the midfield version of Kodjia then his lack of name recognition wouldn't have really been a big issue.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on January 25, 2017, 09:07:41 PM
I'd hope that hourihane and Lansbury might cut it in the prem if we do go up

Be surprised if this Thor  geezer does though

Really he looked pretty good for Iceland in the summer...I thought then he'd be a good pick up for a prem club so pretty happy we've got him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ian. on January 25, 2017, 09:25:10 PM
I said I had no idea who is was (mind you I hadn't really heard of most of our summer or these new signings). After the transfer activities in the summer many of us did worry about our midfield going into this season.

Well yes, but that isn't really anything to do with how famous the players we signed were.

I can't imagine most people would have heard of N'golo Kante before he moved to Leicester. Or to put it another way, if we'd signed the midfield version of Kodjia then his lack of name recognition wouldn't have really been a big issue.
True, but it was posted that Bruce must think our midfield is shit as he's signed 3 in this window.
All I said was it's not surprising as we only bought 2 last summer after letting a few out and many agreed the two we bought would not solve our midfield situation. As it's turned out it didn't as were hovering below half way in the league, mainly due a lack of midfield options and quality.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on January 25, 2017, 09:33:32 PM
I'd hope that hourihane and Lansbury might cut it in the prem if we do go up

Be surprised if this Thor  geezer does though

Really he looked pretty good for Iceland in the summer...I thought then he'd be a good pick up for a prem club so pretty happy we've got him.
Yes I think he's a Milner type player -that he puts in shift and plays for team (not that he a left back ) has similar pace so not fast but not slow and gets up and down. 
Liked look of him but have to say hadnt don't much in champions league matches away at  arsenal was pretty poor. Basel whole campaign was weak for those that follow champions  league would remember  some poor defending and inept shooting by the team ! Euro's yes very good and Basel are top of honey tree in their Swiss league.
What is amazing is he's going from playing against arsenal amd psg to now Barnsley and Rotherham .
He's definitely capable at this level and welcome him with anticipation and excitement for when he enters !
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Havencheese on January 25, 2017, 09:56:06 PM
Lots of cult potential here.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Marton on January 25, 2017, 10:18:08 PM
He is a powerhouse for sure.

Only negative is that his touch is a bit heavy (like Gabby has).

Villa has a specialty for turning this kind of player into overpaid, lazy fuckers.
However Nordic players usually have a good work-ethic so he might not be so easily corrupted.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 26, 2017, 12:25:06 AM
I'm going to call him MMMbop.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on January 26, 2017, 12:27:54 AM
I'm going to call him MMMbop.

I call him BB
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt C on January 26, 2017, 06:01:24 AM
I have watched the obligatory YouTube video of him.

Pretty good.
Looks like a really dynamic, energetic player.
Remember when we used to have midfielders like that?

https://youtu.be/fJk8a8tbXrc

Odd antics in that footage. At several points I saw a player on a team cross the ball first time straight to a player on the same team. Witchcraft.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: TheMalandro on January 26, 2017, 06:05:47 AM
I'm going to call him MMMbop.

I call him BB

I call him Anneka
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: supertom on January 26, 2017, 07:58:53 AM
With typical fan forum hyperbole and thunderously aggressive typing, I've said on many occasions that we needed an entire new midfield and at least three new central midfielders. I expected 1, 2 if lucky, but not 3.
I'm happy. Largely I'm happy because the manager actually sees what we've all seen for 6 years (the fact our midfield was non-existent), and has set about doing something about it. He's also targeted players that make sense for where we are and where we want to go.

No idea about Bjarnason, aside from seeing him play a few times last summer, but I'm delighted with the other two Bruce got, so Birkir could well be the icing on the cake.

Logic also dictates that if we finally get the midfield sorted, by consequence it will improve us in both attack and midfield. I think we've too often spunked out money on attackers, or new backlines (not sensibly either) and forgotten the middle of the park. And as others have said, even Messi would struggle with the midfield we had behind him. Likewise we could have Maldini and McGrath in their prime at the back, but if you've got no one in front offering protection or tracking runners, they're buggered.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: garyshawsknee on January 26, 2017, 10:04:24 AM
Sounds like we finally have legs and mobility in midfield and hopefully an end of Westwood and to a certain extent Gardner. Hope all the new signings can bed in and we can get on a bit of a run.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: auntiesledd on January 26, 2017, 10:22:36 AM
I'm going to call him MMMbop.

I call him BB

What, as in Ball Bearing? Nice!  :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on January 26, 2017, 12:21:02 PM
I'm just going to call him Sir
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dave Cooper please on January 26, 2017, 01:39:50 PM
I thought Mercia was landlocked.  I suppose he could come up the Trent via Sterke.  Rape and pillage them as much as he likes.  They call it foreplay.

At it's peak Mercia stretched up to meet the sea at both The Wash and Merseyside.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on January 26, 2017, 02:36:58 PM
I don't think the Trent is navigable from Stoke to anywhere near Birmingham is it?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on January 26, 2017, 02:40:57 PM
I'm just going to call him Sir

I don't know how co commentators will pronounce it on av that be fun listen !
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 26, 2017, 03:19:57 PM
I'm going to call him MMMbop.

I call him BB

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/a7/82/21/a782213c09337ce147c04425d97e4e22.jpg)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on January 26, 2017, 03:21:28 PM
(http://cdn.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/PA-10107270.jpg)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Monty on January 26, 2017, 03:22:46 PM
I'm just pleased we've got another Nordic player. It seems like ages since we had one.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 26, 2017, 03:23:49 PM
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Uh9ikAcVblA/hqdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Comrade Blitz on January 26, 2017, 03:33:15 PM
I don't think the Trent is navigable from Stoke to anywhere near Birmingham is it?

According to the Inland Waterways Assoc:

The navigable river Trent runs from Wilden Ferry (Shardlow) to the Yorkshire Ouse and Humber Estuary at Trent Falls.  There are connections to the Trent & Mersey Canal (at Derwent Mouth), the River Soar Navigation (at Trent Junction), the Erewash Canal (also at Trent Junction), the Fossdyke Navigation (at Torksey), the Chesterfield Canal (at West Stockwith), the river Idle (also at West Stockwith) and the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation (at Keadby).  The river is tidal below Cromwell Lock.  The river is 94.8 miles (151.6 km) long and has 11 locks.  The Navigation includes a section of the Nottingham Canal and Beeston Cut.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on January 26, 2017, 03:40:18 PM
From when we were building Castle Vale I recall that the River Tàme was managed by the River Trent Authority.  All changed now but I assumed the Tame flows into the Trent.  Not navigable of course.  I was only funning about the invasion of Mercia.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on January 26, 2017, 04:11:53 PM
I get that Brian - and loved the rough wooing reference to Stoke in your post!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dave shelley on January 26, 2017, 04:13:04 PM
And of course M********r has a River Tame which no doubt is longer, wider, cleaner and has bigger fish than ours.

I think it joins the Trent at Alrewas.  Ours that is.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on February 01, 2017, 06:47:40 AM
He clearly needs a chance

But I will say that sometimes you look at a player and just think 'no'

I did that with gestede last season. And I did it with Jedinak although in the short term he's now the only one who can protect or defence

But Thor really didn't look like my kind of player last night
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sid1964 on February 01, 2017, 06:49:52 AM
I hope that we kept the receipt so we can return him, looked to me as though he wont be able to cope with the physical side of the game at Championship level
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on February 01, 2017, 07:12:21 AM
I hope that we kept the receipt so we can return him, looked to me as though he wont be able to cope with the physical side of the game at Championship level


Blimey, give the bloke a chance. He's only played 70 mins.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on February 01, 2017, 07:18:59 AM
Wow. We really do live in an age where instant results are expected. No patience whatsoever.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ROBBO on February 01, 2017, 07:37:14 AM
He did look entirely lost out there surprised Bruce didn't change him at half time, needs to spend time getting up to pace before playing again.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 01, 2017, 07:44:47 AM
These are professional football players.  You pay big money money for them, you pay them big wages, you are entitled to expect levels of competence and ability from them.  Football is a business.  It is a results driven business.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Villafirst on February 01, 2017, 07:57:25 AM
I hope that we kept the receipt so we can return him, looked to me as though he wont be able to cope with the physical side of the game at Championship level


Blimey, give the bloke a chance. He's only played 70 mins.

And yet at Euro 2016 the Iceland team were very physical and out-muscled England and other teams. This guy has played in the champions league. This is the problem signing so many new faces in January - there is next to no time for them to gel.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on February 01, 2017, 07:57:44 AM
I dont think it is unreasonable for us to expect a professional international to have a vague idea of what he is doing
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 01, 2017, 08:01:34 AM
I think it's unreasonable to be slagging off players after less than a full game, especially when they'd just come back from weeks without a match.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: lovejoy on February 01, 2017, 08:14:31 AM
Fickle much?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on February 01, 2017, 08:14:47 AM
Sebody was writing him off on 43 minutes at the game. As nonsensical as some of the comments on here about him and Bruce.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nev on February 01, 2017, 08:30:16 AM
I hope that we kept the receipt so we can return him, looked to me as though he wont be able to cope with the physical side of the game at Championship level


Blimey, give the bloke a chance. He's only played 70 mins.

10. When Brentford flexed their muscles he vanished, as did the bloke from Barnsley.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Smith on February 01, 2017, 08:34:20 AM
This was his first game in English football; he isn't the first and won't be the last to take some time to get up to speed.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldtimernow on February 01, 2017, 08:37:44 AM
These are professional football players.  You pay big money money for them, you pay them big wages, you are entitled to expect levels of competence and ability from them.  Football is a business.  It is a results driven business.

And that is why I am falling out of love with it every day
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on February 01, 2017, 08:59:56 AM
These are professional football players.  You pay big money money for them, you pay them big wages, you are entitled to expect levels of competence and ability from them.  Football is a business.  It is a results driven business.

You also expect a bit of patience from fans, especially for someone's first game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 01, 2017, 09:06:28 AM
He shouldn't have played, and that's Bruce's fault. That said, I don't think he's going to turn out to be much use.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on February 01, 2017, 09:07:46 AM
He hadn't been playing regularly recently and has never played in this country before, it can definately effect your performance in a big way. Add to that the general confusion in the midfield with three new players and it was always going to be difficult. Hourahane who has far less excuse was only 5% better and Lansbury who has less excuse only maybe 10% better. We've had some good midfielders in the past take some time to show their best, Petrov springing to mind as one of the more recent. I'm sure they're all good players but my worry is that the formation doesn't work, and is not likely to, and his signings are pretty much geared up to it. There are never enough bodies forward and everyone in the opposition half seem to be isolated, whereas in our own half we seem to be almost getting in each other's way and confusing each other.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on February 01, 2017, 09:10:58 AM
He shouldn't have played, and that's Bruce's fault. That said, I don't think he's going to turn out to be much use.

Ha!

First impressions and lasting impressions and all that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 01, 2017, 10:02:56 AM
He shouldn't have played, and that's Bruce's fault. That said, I don't think he's going to turn out to be much use.

Ha!

First impressions and lasting impressions and all that.

I'm not going off last night, more his club career to date which isn't that impressive. Anyway, hard to believe that Bruce has gone off much more than a few Euro 2016 games! 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on February 01, 2017, 10:04:22 AM
He hadn't been playing regularly recently and has never played in this country before, it can definately effect your performance in a big way. Add to that the general confusion in the midfield with three new players and it was always going to be difficult. Hourahane who has far less excuse was only 5% better and Lansbury who has less excuse only maybe 10% better. We've had some good midfielders in the past take some time to show their best, Petrov springing to mind as one of the more recent. I'm sure they're all good players but my worry is that the formation doesn't work, and is not likely to, and his signings are pretty much geared up to it. There are never enough bodies forward and everyone in the opposition half seem to be isolated, whereas in our own half we seem to be almost getting in each other's way and confusing each other.

It not the formation it's the gaps.  We look like a team that is a defensive unit, a midfield unit and a striker and those 3 are all entirely separate and have never trained together.  We looked like it with Jedi, Westwood and Gardner, people said it wasn't down to Bruce but the fact that those 3 were shit.  We signed 3 new midfielders, 2 who've been playing well for other clubs in this league and the exact same problem is still there.

I said in November that I thought most of our problems could be addressed on the training ground, I think that is doubly true now we have better option in midfield, I'm just not sure I trust Bruce/Calderwood/etc to have the coaching ability to fix it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: AV82EC on February 01, 2017, 10:13:04 AM
Interesting that since Calderwood arrived we haven't progressed at all.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on February 01, 2017, 10:22:34 AM
He shouldn't have played, and that's Bruce's fault. That said, I don't think he's going to turn out to be much use.

Ha!

First impressions and lasting impressions and all that.

I'm not going off last night, more his club career to date which isn't that impressive. Anyway, hard to believe that Bruce has gone off much more than a few Euro 2016 games! 

You've seen him.play for Basel?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 01, 2017, 10:29:47 AM
He shouldn't have played, and that's Bruce's fault. That said, I don't think he's going to turn out to be much use.

Ha!

First impressions and lasting impressions and all that.

I'm not going off last night, more his club career to date which isn't that impressive. Anyway, hard to believe that Bruce has gone off much more than a few Euro 2016 games! 

You've seen him.play for Basel?

No.  But then didn't say or otherwise intimate that I had.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on February 01, 2017, 10:55:34 AM
A couple of seasons ago I would have been happy for us to spend a 100 million in one go and buy the entire Basel team as they were good so I am assuming that this fella  is going to be in the same mould and come good  eventually.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: N'ZMAV on February 01, 2017, 10:57:19 AM
He should be an improvement when he's fit. As he hasn't played for almost two months it's going to take him weeks to get back up and running.
Our best hope is that Jedinak is soon available for selection.
The defensive gaps in the midfield were huge last night.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on February 01, 2017, 11:28:12 AM
BB hasn't played since before Christmas......in an inferior league against lesser opposition.
I believe he can develop and integrate his own style within the SB New Plan and we should judge him after a few games.
Not after an exhausting debut when he was clearly all-at-sea for all to see.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villabear on February 01, 2017, 11:40:48 AM
If he hasn't played a game in two months then surely he shouldn't have started?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: MarkM on February 01, 2017, 11:43:39 AM
He hadn't been playing regularly recently and has never played in this country before, it can definately effect your performance in a big way. Add to that the general confusion in the midfield with three new players and it was always going to be difficult. Hourahane who has far less excuse was only 5% better and Lansbury who has less excuse only maybe 10% better. We've had some good midfielders in the past take some time to show their best, Petrov springing to mind as one of the more recent. I'm sure they're all good players but my worry is that the formation doesn't work, and is not likely to, and his signings are pretty much geared up to it. There are never enough bodies forward and everyone in the opposition half seem to be isolated, whereas in our own half we seem to be almost getting in each other's way and confusing each other.

It not the formation it's the gaps.  We look like a team that is a defensive unit, a midfield unit and a striker and those 3 are all entirely separate and have never trained together.  We looked like it with Jedi, Westwood and Gardner, people said it wasn't down to Bruce but the fact that those 3 were shit.  We signed 3 new midfielders, 2 who've been playing well for other clubs in this league and the exact same problem is still there.

I said in November that I thought most of our problems could be addressed on the training ground, I think that is doubly true now we have better option in midfield, I'm just not sure I trust Bruce/Calderwood/etc to have the coaching ability to fix it.

Agree 100%
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on February 01, 2017, 11:47:27 AM
If he hasn't played a game in two months then surely he shouldn't have started?

I was surprised as well. I thought that Leo should have started
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on February 01, 2017, 11:48:26 AM
Villabear you are absolutely right, but maybe SB thought he had to show the fans that these new men could do it from the off.
Unfortunately, they couldn't. innit ?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on February 01, 2017, 11:51:26 AM
Aren't these European winter breaks designed to give players a rest and have them coming back at the peak of their powers, I can kind of understand his touch not being up to snuff after not playing but his mobility was crap as well.

Surely they still train over the winter break in Europe?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on February 01, 2017, 11:54:40 AM
In Switzerland.......skiing, snow-boarding and the likes.

I think he looked " lost " more in the sense of being overwhelmed by it all and the adrenalin turned to water in his abdomen. He looked like he was wetting himself last night. Let's hope he's got his act together and realises that he is part of a team and not a new kid at school worrying that the others might be better than him. That way lies failure.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on February 01, 2017, 12:07:54 PM
Their last game prior to his departure was postponed, so the last time he played (in a friendly) was 19th January... presumably not for the full game but can't find any way of checking.

His last start in a competitive fixture was in November.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on February 01, 2017, 12:33:53 PM
He hadn't been playing regularly recently and has never played in this country before, it can definately effect your performance in a big way. Add to that the general confusion in the midfield with three new players and it was always going to be difficult. Hourahane who has far less excuse was only 5% better and Lansbury who has less excuse only maybe 10% better. We've had some good midfielders in the past take some time to show their best, Petrov springing to mind as one of the more recent. I'm sure they're all good players but my worry is that the formation doesn't work, and is not likely to, and his signings are pretty much geared up to it. There are never enough bodies forward and everyone in the opposition half seem to be isolated, whereas in our own half we seem to be almost getting in each other's way and confusing each other.

It not the formation it's the gaps.  We look like a team that is a defensive unit, a midfield unit and a striker and those 3 are all entirely separate and have never trained together.  We looked like it with Jedi, Westwood and Gardner, people said it wasn't down to Bruce but the fact that those 3 were shit.  We signed 3 new midfielders, 2 who've been playing well for other clubs in this league and the exact same problem is still there.


Couldn't agree more.  Time and time again, Brentford players found space between our midfield and defence last night.  Baker and Chester were being drawn out, leaving huge holes in our defence.  Conversely, Kodjia became more and more isolated last night and again looked lost playing up front on his own.

The one ounce of comfort I can draw is that is pretty much a new side and is going to take some time to settle in.  First ten minutes aside, it was particularly poor though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 01, 2017, 12:39:15 PM
That was up there with Ugo's debut as worst ever.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 01, 2017, 01:47:24 PM
That was up there with Ugo's debut as worst ever.

Ugo (although not strictly his debut) Djemba twins, Curtis Davies, Stephen Ireland, and now this guy.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on February 01, 2017, 02:19:38 PM
Villabear you are absolutely right, but maybe SB thought he had to show the fans that these new men could do it from the off.
Unfortunately, they couldn't. innit ?
They did for 10 minutes!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: usav on February 01, 2017, 02:23:13 PM
That was up there with Ugo's debut as worst ever.
The infamous Norwich game?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on February 01, 2017, 03:48:54 PM
That was up there with Ugo's debut as worst ever.
The infamous Norwich game?

Please don't bring it up
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: class-of-82 on February 01, 2017, 04:39:15 PM
ugo"s debut ?? you should of seen ken mcnaughts first 5 games for us 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2017, 05:26:15 PM
Very obviously short of match fitness and in retrospect shouldn't have started. In the first 10 minutes he showed a couple of good runs and a good technique with his shot.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Bottom Right 89 on February 01, 2017, 05:35:10 PM
Probably been a tough week for this lad what with moving to a foreign country probably having to sort loads of crap out back in basle and then right in at the deep end starting a match in a new league. Very clear he was knackered after half an hour, let's see how he improves with a few more training sessions. I remember Jedinak moved as slow as a pensioner in his first few games and he is used to the pace of the English game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: achilles on February 01, 2017, 06:27:29 PM
That was the worst debut I have ever witnessed, he just seemed to be in a dream, absolutely no comprehension of what the hell was going on.
Give him a few games in the reserves to get used to English football before committing him again to the first team otherwise the fans will have their new 'Westwood'.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nastylee on February 01, 2017, 06:34:33 PM
Aside from ten minutes from lansbury, I don't think BB was any worse than the others. CH was invisible for most of the game. Anyway,  I'm willing to give him a chance before writing him off in a poor team performance.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on February 01, 2017, 06:43:26 PM
Absolutely, he's got the attributes to do well and needs time and patience.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2017, 06:45:52 PM
That was up there with Ugo's debut as worst ever.
The infamous Norwich game?

Which was long after he made his debut for us but for some reason is still thought of by some as his debut.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 01, 2017, 06:51:28 PM
Aside from ten minutes from lansbury, I done think BB was any worse than the others. CH was invisible for most of the game. Anoway,  I'm willing to give him a chance before writing him off in a poor team performance.

Yep agreed. He look decent in that first 10 mins and hopefully as his match fitness develops that'll be more indicative of his level.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: peter w on February 01, 2017, 07:03:28 PM
I think Bruce knows that BB needs time to get up to speed and I also think he's aware that its unlikely that we'll go up this season. So what we need is a settled unit having a fresh go at it next season. Obviously he didn't go out to lose the game bit he probably thought Brentford away would be a good baptism for him, and the other two playing together, to let them know what to expect and what Bruce expects from them. They need a lot more time together, to get used to how Bruce wants to play, to get used to how their teammates play, to get used to being at Aston Villa. If in 5 games or so time it's still not showing any signs of improvement then fair enough. But one night in Brentford? Even makes a tough guy tumble.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 01, 2017, 08:09:09 PM
That was up there with Ugo's debut as worst ever.
The infamous Norwich game?

Which was long after he made his debut for us but for some reason is still thought of by some as his debut.

They're not all anoraks?!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Not sure how knowing a player made his debut over a year before is being an anorak rather than basic knowledge of the Villa but if it floats your boat go for it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 01, 2017, 08:14:24 PM
Maybe that's the match I was talking about?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aj2k77 on February 01, 2017, 08:14:46 PM
Threw in at the deep end and drowned hideously. To be fair as has been said after not playing competitive football for 2 months, in a new country, surrounded by a team with new faces, it was a dumb decision by Bruce, he should have known better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2017, 08:16:01 PM
Maybe that's the match I was talking about?

Yeah he was awful in that 3-1 win over Arsenal wasn't he.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 01, 2017, 08:23:13 PM
Are you having a bad day? Shamefully I don't remember, don't know if I went to the game or not.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2017, 08:25:09 PM
Nope, i'm not the one saying people are anoraks instead of just saying something like "oops I was wrong".
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 01, 2017, 08:26:54 PM
Nope, i'm not the one saying people are anoraks instead of just saying something like "oops I was wrong".

Fuck sake, I WAS WRONG. I wasn't being entirely serious.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aj2k77 on February 01, 2017, 08:29:21 PM
.......... the Anoraks aren't taking any shit today are they!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LeeB on February 01, 2017, 08:33:38 PM
.......... the Anoraks aren't taking any shit today are they!

Looks like a Stone Island anorak, this one. Pavement dancing whilst screaming Motson-esque football trivia at you.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2017, 08:38:06 PM
I wouldn't wear Stone Island if I was paid. Now George from Asda is a different thing altogether.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ian. on February 01, 2017, 08:40:40 PM
I would have said you was a Fosters or C&A man myself?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 01, 2017, 08:54:42 PM
Are anoraks - not that I am suggesting you are one PWS - exclusively male?  Never seen a feminine equivalent. It's an Inuit word innit?  Bjarnason is an Eskimo.  He might know.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on February 01, 2017, 08:56:44 PM
I think of Mr Shin as more of a Cagoule
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 01, 2017, 08:58:43 PM
I think of Mr Shin as more of a Cagoule

Bench coat if you don't mind.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ACVilla on February 01, 2017, 09:13:36 PM
Not sure how knowing a player made his debut over a year before is being an anorak rather than basic knowledge of the Villa but if it floats your boat go for it.
Well since football didn't exist until The Premiership was invented it was technically his debut.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LeeB on February 01, 2017, 09:19:05 PM
I think of Mr Shin as more of a Cagoule

I like to think of more as Kajagoogoo.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on February 01, 2017, 11:30:51 PM
Threw in at the deep end and drowned hideously. To be fair as has been said after not playing competitive football for 2 months, in a new country, surrounded by a team with new faces, it was a dumb decision by Bruce, he should have known better.

Before the game, Regan on WM was saying that Bruce had been raving about BB after he interviewed him about the new signings and what a good buy he was.  Needs to be given time.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on February 02, 2017, 07:10:44 AM
Threw in at the deep end and drowned hideously. To be fair as has been said after not playing competitive football for 2 months, in a new country, surrounded by a team with new faces, it was a dumb decision by Bruce, he should have known better.

Before the game, Regan on WM was saying that Bruce had been raving about BB after he interviewed him about the new signings and what a good buy he was.  Needs to be given time.

Absolutley. When you have fans giving up on him after one game , then you realise how impatient and ridiculous some people are.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nev on February 02, 2017, 07:17:54 AM
Threw in at the deep end and drowned hideously. To be fair as has been said after not playing competitive football for 2 months, in a new country, surrounded by a team with new faces, it was a dumb decision by Bruce, he should have known better.

Before the game, Regan on WM was saying that Bruce had been raving about BB after he interviewed him about the new signings and what a good buy he was.  Needs to be given time.

Absolutley. When you have fans giving up on him after one game , then you realise how impatient and ridiculous some people are.

I don't think anyone wants to bomb him out, as you say, that would be ridiculous. All of our new signings need to be given time. I was just rather alarmed at the way both he and the ex Barnsley captain shrank so much once Brentford got a foothold in the game. It could be down to any number of reasons many of which were outlined on this thread. Either way, I was concerned, not to mention let down and angry. I sincerely hope my concern is unfounded and that both players become the valuable additions we all hope they will be.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 02, 2017, 07:37:59 AM
I will quote my son when he said about Taylor "I will tell you if he is any good when I have seen him play".   We have seen BB play a little.  It all came as a big shock to him and he is doubtless much better than he looked at Brentford.  However, never under estimate the importance of first impressions. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sid1964 on February 02, 2017, 07:52:10 AM
First impressions of people often stay in your mind

I hope that he improves, when I read about him on the Birmingham Mail after he had signed, I was expecting a Des Bremner type of player - full of energy and tough tackler, I did not see any of this in is debut

Hopefully in a few months once he has settled down (as with all the new joiners) we will start to see their true worth to the team!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 02, 2017, 08:02:05 AM
I always go back to my first impression of Paul Merson when he came to us. I'll admit to getting it wrong initially!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: KRS on February 02, 2017, 08:14:48 AM
Admittedly any player can be made to look good on highlight videos showcasing skills and goals, but its fair to suggest that the player we saw on Tuesday isn't the player that we bought given the little game time he's had recently, a move to England, settling into a new team and getting used to the Championship. Of all the new signings, I'd expect that it's going to take a few weeks at least for us to see anything resembling the player that we bought so we all need to be patient and give him time to settle. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: onje_villa on February 02, 2017, 08:58:40 AM
From what I saw of him (and Hourihane), it wasn't so much that they weren't any good, it's more that they never seemed to be in the right position to show it. They were off the pace our out of position constantly, which is hopefully down to lack of game time/lack of cohesion/perhaps poor tactics from SB.

I'm hoping in 5 or 6 games time, midfield will start to look a lot better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 02, 2017, 09:08:39 AM
He starts with the advantage - and I do not mean this sarcastically - that he can only improve.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 02, 2017, 09:28:06 AM
He may well be a good player, but sticking him straight in after a 5 week break was utter stupidity.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 02, 2017, 09:39:03 AM
Threw in at the deep end and drowned hideously. To be fair as has been said after not playing competitive football for 2 months, in a new country, surrounded by a team with new faces, it was a dumb decision by Bruce, he should have known better.

Before the game, Regan on WM was saying that Bruce had been raving about BB after he interviewed him about the new signings and what a good buy he was.  Needs to be given time.

Absolutley. When you have fans giving up on him after one game , then you realise how impatient and ridiculous some people are.

Don't think people are giving up on him, but then again there are already some saying Bruce is on borrowed time already so who knows?  Isn't it more a case of recognising that he wasn't ready to play and had what can only be described as a bit of a stinker of a debut?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: avfcpg on February 02, 2017, 10:33:49 AM
He may well be a good player, but sticking him straight in after a 5 week break was utter stupidity.

Yep...he looked good for the first 15 mins..then, well we know what happened...
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: supertom on February 02, 2017, 10:49:13 AM
He may well be a good player, but sticking him straight in after a 5 week break was utter stupidity.

Yep...he looked good for the first 15 mins..then, well we know what happened...
It was all a bit desperate. But we do desperation very well. Hourihane and BB get chucked in after a few hours of training (pfft...training...at Villa?).
We have to write off any notion of playoffs because it's gone now. Teams which have gelled together are in decent form up there. The more desperate we are to keep clawing back at it, the more we're going to go into games with absolutely no composure.
We just need to start working now, for a proper promotion push next season. If in 15 games time we suddenly find we're within sniffing distance, hopefully we'll have a bit of cohesion and we might just sneak in the back door.
But we need to take the pressure off. Lets not start thinking of May. Just think about getting an actual game plan and playing style and taking it one game at a time. For me it just seems like we're not thinking of Brentford Away, or Forrest Away. We're thinking "6th by May! 6th by May! 6th by May!"
Fuck it.
Find a game plan first!! Get the players playing as a team, then we can look at finishing in the top 2 next season. Cut the desperation and calm the hell down. We're pathetic to watch.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on February 02, 2017, 11:15:04 AM
I always go back to my first impression of Paul Merson when he came to us. I'll admit to getting it wrong initially!

If your first impression of Paul Merson was that he couldn't be arsed you would have been right. And then after a few months he decided he could be arsed and was fabulous.
As pointed out, players like Ugo and Petrov looked pretty poor to start with, and even the likes of Townsend, Laursen, Angel and Bozzie looked a way off the player they became for us.
There's been plenty over the years that started slow and did well, and some that started well and ended up quite shit, Carlton Cole, Peter Enkelmann etc
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on February 02, 2017, 11:17:37 AM
He may well be a good player, but sticking him straight in after a 5 week break was utter stupidity.

I think Bruce was entitled to have expected him to have kept himself in better shape for those five weeks of rest.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on February 02, 2017, 11:36:52 AM
I always go back to my first impression of Paul Merson when he came to us. I'll admit to getting it wrong initially!

If your first impression of Paul Merson was that he couldn't be arsed you would have been right. And then after a few months he decided he could be arsed and was fabulous.
As pointed out, players like Ugo and Petrov looked pretty poor to start with, and even the likes of Townsend, Laursen, Angel and Bozzie looked a way off the player they became for us.
There's been plenty over the years that started slow and did well, and some that started well and ended up quite shit, Carlton Cole, Peter Enkelmann etc

just look back at the first few ages of the Ashley Westwood thread,
 we thought we'd signed the new Gareth Barry
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 02, 2017, 02:20:25 PM
Lansbury hadn't played for 7 weeks before he started against Preston.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on February 20, 2017, 09:18:06 PM
I just think we should have signed someone who'd played football before
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Jon Crofts on February 20, 2017, 09:22:05 PM
Utter gash footballer.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: supertom on February 20, 2017, 09:28:12 PM
Like a poor mans Brett Holman. Let that sink in for a while...poor man's...BRETT HOLMAN...
Good lord.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on February 20, 2017, 09:34:31 PM
Kodjia what was that ???????
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: BOB MANSFIELD on February 20, 2017, 09:37:02 PM
Took my train of thought away from what I was going to say about Bjarnasson. He still looks like a bit of a fish-out-of-water but he seems to be gaining fitness and strength and might last the whole 90mins today. Can't say this is a game for Grealish to be the saviour.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 20, 2017, 11:30:31 PM
Like a poor mans Brett Holman. Let that sink in for a while...poor man's...BRETT HOLMAN...
Good lord.

On a par with Salifou for me.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: VillaAlways on February 20, 2017, 11:33:37 PM
Yet he came the closest to scoring for us tonight
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on February 20, 2017, 11:36:11 PM
He looks absolutely shite, like he's won a competition to have a kick around but then with this manager they all do.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: QuintonVilla on February 21, 2017, 12:06:23 AM
Let's be honest we could sign Messi and we'd turn him to shit.

Bjarnason is gash though. It's like we've pulled someone from the crowd who's half pissed, they run about like a headless chicken and kick the ball away as soon as it comes near them.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 21, 2017, 12:10:52 AM
I'm convinced he's really a Swedish guitar player called Benny.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 21, 2017, 12:26:53 AM
Is Bjarnson as good as Westwood?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: stubbsyandy on February 21, 2017, 12:52:39 AM
What a bunch of whining tosses we all are on here
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Axl Rose on February 21, 2017, 02:39:10 AM
What a bunch of whining tosses we all are on here

Aren't you whining about us 'tosses'(whatever that means), though?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on February 21, 2017, 05:19:41 AM
He's certainly no Icelandic God
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 21, 2017, 06:23:23 AM
What a bunch of whining tosses we all are on here

How very dare fans want to see good players in a winning side. Sugarbags and fickle tosses to a man.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 21, 2017, 06:40:57 AM
The scene, Bruce's office some time last month.

The phone rings.

SB). Hello?

Voice). Hello boss.  It's me.  Fred.

SB). You back from Switzerland then?

Fred). Yeah, just got to Elmdon.

SB)  Did you watch Bjarnason like I told you?

Fred)  Not exactly.

SB). Not exactly? What is that supposed to mean?

Fred). It's complicated boss.  He plays for Basel, but the taxi driver took us to Basle.  The taxi driver got gobby with us and Charlie twatted him one.  By the time we had walked to the ground the game was over.

SB)  So you never saw him play?

Fred). No but we talked to loads of people in the airport bar and they said he was brilliant in the Euros.

SB). Fair enough.  Well done.  See you at Bodymoor.  Thanks Fred.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aev on February 21, 2017, 06:44:41 AM
I think he will be ok - he seems to be struggling with the pace of it all.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on February 21, 2017, 07:10:36 AM
aren't they all?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 21, 2017, 07:16:22 AM
I don't know whether they are struggling but I certainly am.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aev on February 21, 2017, 07:36:11 AM
Me too.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aj2k77 on February 21, 2017, 10:35:13 AM
Donkey.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Jameson on February 21, 2017, 01:58:24 PM
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on February 21, 2017, 03:00:41 PM
I wonder what position he'll play against Derby?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 21, 2017, 03:04:28 PM
In goal at a guess.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: adrenachrome on February 21, 2017, 03:33:42 PM
At least he's been getting beyond the forwards into scoring positions which was the plan, I suppose.

Between the idea
And the reality
Between the motion
And the act
Falls the Shadow
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: itbrvilla on February 21, 2017, 03:38:21 PM
He's certainly no Icelandic God
He's Thor not.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy65 on February 21, 2017, 07:16:53 PM
His pass completion must be crap after last night. Was awful

The wife was also disappointed that his appearance doesnt live up to some of the selfies he posted when we first signed him
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Des Little on February 21, 2017, 07:28:42 PM
I honestly don't know what his strengths are. Can someone enlighten me?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LeeB on February 21, 2017, 07:33:56 PM
I honestly don't know what his strengths are. Can someone enlighten me?

Hair management.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard on February 21, 2017, 07:36:49 PM
Early days, new to the English leagues, you lot are short on patience.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ian. on February 21, 2017, 07:38:21 PM
He'll be fine when he settles down. He's been out for a while too remember.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: markeeeebeeee2005 on February 21, 2017, 07:58:21 PM
I reckon he'll be alright next season, good forward planning for when we get relegated again.

Fail to prepare, then prepare to fail!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on February 21, 2017, 08:05:53 PM
Brett Holman has grown his hair hasn't he! 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on February 21, 2017, 08:30:42 PM
Is it too much too ask that we sign a player who comes into the side and just settles in?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: old man villa fan on February 21, 2017, 08:34:04 PM
He would stand a better chance of settling in if he played consecutive matches in the same position.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on February 21, 2017, 08:40:31 PM
Agree OMVF but in any position he needs to be able run a bit and to pass to his own men.  Whatever the mitigating circumstances there has to be basic football competence.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on February 21, 2017, 08:43:48 PM
He would stand a better chance of settling in if he played consecutive matches in the same position.

From the little we have seen, I don't think he is a wide player. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Steve67 on February 21, 2017, 09:10:53 PM
He would stand a better chance of settling in if he played consecutive matches in the same position.

From the little we have seen, I don't think he is a wide player. 

From the little we have seen, it looks like we were short of numbers and someone brought their scruffy mate along.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: class-of-82 on February 21, 2017, 09:16:16 PM
he reminds me of shaggy off Scooby doo
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: London Villan on February 21, 2017, 09:23:13 PM
He looks like a £1.7m midfielder.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on February 21, 2017, 09:54:29 PM
He looks like a £1.7m midfielder.

Is the decimal point in the right place?

As an aside I thought Holman looked an asset when he didn't have the ball, he had some energy and hassled the opposition into losing the ball, before promptly giving it back to them. Better first impressions than Benny anyroad.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on February 21, 2017, 09:56:36 PM
Holman looked good early doors and then amount to absolutely nothing.

Hopefully Bjarni will be the opposite.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on February 21, 2017, 09:59:09 PM
he reminds me of shaggy off Scooby doo


Ruh Roh
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on February 21, 2017, 10:07:26 PM
he reminds me of shaggy off Scooby doo


Ruh Roh

When we find out who scouted him I wouldn't be surprised to find it was Old Mr Ingarrson from the amusement arcade who needed Benny to move out of his Reykjavik apartment so he can redevelop the land.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on February 22, 2017, 11:52:42 AM
Bjarnason - he's not very good is my opinion
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 04, 2017, 06:15:20 PM
Bruce saying it's not looking good for Thor. MCL injury and he was starting play decently and getting into good positions. We are not having any luck right now with injuries. And Jack's cut is bad too.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard on March 04, 2017, 06:22:45 PM
We seem to have more midfielders and attackers out now than seems fair :

Gardner
BB
Hogan
Bacuna
RHM
Gabby
Green
Grealish
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 04, 2017, 06:37:11 PM
Hope it's better than it looks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Villafirst on March 04, 2017, 07:25:49 PM
Bruce saying it's not looking good for Thor. MCL injury and he was starting play decently and getting into good positions. We are not having any luck right now with injuries. And Jack's cut is bad too.

I don't think he said Cruciate? He said likely ligament damage.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 04, 2017, 07:29:09 PM
Bruce saying it's not looking good for Thor. MCL injury and he was starting play decently and getting into good positions. We are not having any luck right now with injuries. And Jack's cut is bad too.

I don't think he said Cruciate? He said likely ligament damage.

Sorry you might be right. He said medial ligament and I assumed it was MCL tear, but could be strain. Either way. It good as he said BB was in a lot of pain, so let's hope for the best.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on March 04, 2017, 07:33:46 PM
He said medial ligaments.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on March 04, 2017, 09:49:52 PM
It couldn't have helped the injury when Bjarnason sprinted on the spot in an attempt to show that he was ok to come back on.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Caiphus on March 04, 2017, 11:50:20 PM
MCL = medial collateral ligament so Toronto used the correct acronym. Not a cruciate  so could be anything from 1 week to 3 months depending on whether it's a strain or a tear and also the grade of the injury. The motion that causes medials generally looks worse than an ACL but they heal a lot quicker because they aren't as large or as structurally important. They rarely threaten a career.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: AGRIPPA on March 04, 2017, 11:58:30 PM
Hope it's better than it looks.

Out of crisis comes opportunity.... Who would Have said they would have had Green in the first teM a few weeks ago....bring it in!!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 07, 2017, 11:00:38 AM
According to the Mail he's out for 6-8 weeks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on March 07, 2017, 12:23:40 PM
According to the Mail he's out for 6-8 weeks.

Back for the playoffs then
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 07, 2017, 01:03:16 PM
Bugger

He had started getting into goal scoring positions, missing them of course, but at least he was there
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Phil from the upper holte on March 07, 2017, 01:54:51 PM
According to the Mail he's out for 6-8 weeks.

Back for the playoffs then

:-o
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on July 19, 2017, 05:37:54 AM
Resurrecting this one

I don't get it. Good movement yes. But shocking passing and poor touch

He was the player tasked with getting closest to gabby last night. His goal record in recent seasons is 2/0/2/0 (grealish for 5 last year in a mediocre season).

If we go into the season with him supporting the main striker we're in trouble

I don't often make my mind up on a player so quickly but I'm putting him with gestede, carl tiler and Richard Walker as players that I've taken an instantly negative view of!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on July 19, 2017, 05:48:01 AM
I don't know what he adds or what he's supposed to be doing.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Villafirst on July 19, 2017, 06:28:31 AM
Mediocre best describes him. Too many others in this squad are the same.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ldavfc4eva on July 19, 2017, 06:31:06 AM
Reminds me of Brett Holman, lots of running but nothing much else.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: peter w on July 19, 2017, 06:41:19 AM
I'm not sure. I think there could be a decent player in there. yes, he gave the ball away a lot but he was also unlucky to have teammates that were motionless around him. he seems to be an action player where he likes to get the ball and get this moving with a bit of pace. He reminded me a little bit (little bit) of a Des Bremner. I'm not saying he is that calibre, but I think if we didn't sit so deep, Hourihane and Lansbury were on the front foot more and looking to fill in gaps around the middle of the park to pick up the ball and use it first time, we'd see his worth.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on July 19, 2017, 07:06:15 AM
Don't really see him as a left-sided midfielder given where we're currently at - he seems like another candidate for a midfield three, who can maybe break the lines with his runs, so long as the other midfielders are giving us control.

I know it's the Swiss League and all, but 14 in 42 is good enough of a record to at least suggest he might be able to nick a few goals at this level too.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 19, 2017, 07:21:44 AM
I think his movement is good and maybe he should be given a chance before writing him off. He's barely played yet and is coming back from a nasty injury.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on July 19, 2017, 07:41:15 AM
I'm encouraged if he did score 14 in 42 for Basel

I was going off this

https://www.whoscored.com/Players/16431/History/Birkir-Bjarnason

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on July 19, 2017, 07:47:31 AM
Was really impressed with him in the euros so disappointed he seems to be morphing into a Holman-esque player here.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on July 19, 2017, 08:28:22 AM
I like him. He just seemed to be settling into the side when he got injured last season. He had four chances in the space of 10 minutes last night so if he can keep getting into the box like he was doing, he'll hopefully weigh in with a few. One to preserve with I think.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Mister E on July 19, 2017, 08:46:05 AM
Mediocre.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on July 19, 2017, 10:12:42 AM
His movement is very good

I hope I'm wrong and it's rustiness that accounts for his very poor touch and passing to date
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on July 19, 2017, 10:40:09 AM
I'm encouraged if he did score 14 in 42 for Basel

I was going off this

https://www.whoscored.com/Players/16431/History/Birkir-Bjarnason

I don't think Whoscored covers the Swiss league, understandably - looks like those stats are just for Champions League and when he was in Serie A a few seasons ago, and presumably a different player then.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on July 19, 2017, 10:51:18 AM
Yep sounds right thanks

Slightly more encouraged now

I still wouldn't have him in the team v hull though unless the other options aren't fit
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dave on July 19, 2017, 11:15:36 AM
I'm encouraged if he did score 14 in 42 for Basel

I was going off this

https://www.whoscored.com/Players/16431/History/Birkir-Bjarnason

I don't think Whoscored covers the Swiss league, understandably - looks like those stats are just for Champions League and when he was in Serie A a few seasons ago, and presumably a different player then.

It was 14 in 42 for Basel. 10 in 35 for Pescara before that in Serie B.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: TheTimVilla on July 19, 2017, 01:06:42 PM
He was gash again last night. Maybe he needs to get a goal to calm himself down a bit. He seemed desperate to score in the first half and looked out of his depth in the second. Against Walsall.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on July 19, 2017, 01:46:59 PM


Got to the ball in the box FIVE times in the first half last night ahead of our so called striker. Says a lot

He wasn't much cop mind
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on July 19, 2017, 04:25:34 PM
He was gash again last night. Maybe he needs to get a goal to calm himself down a bit. He seemed desperate to score in the first half and looked out of his depth in the second. Against Walsall.

Some players just struggle to adapt to the pace of English football. I'm worried he's one of them. He gives the ball away all the time. Not sure how readily available these sort of stats are in our league but I'd be keen to his versus say grealish

Jack could however look at his off the ball movement and learn from that
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 19, 2017, 04:38:30 PM
The positive was at least he was having some chances, when was the last time we had a midfielder in the box so often? His finishing was wank mind.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on July 19, 2017, 05:12:56 PM
That is what we lacked last season. Far too rare that we'd trickle midfielders into the box let alone flood it.

Territory and the line the midfield holds is important. We were 10-15 yards too deep. Whether that's because it was more important not to be best given the fragile mindset at the club (evident amongst the supporters still) is a possible answer.

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Des Little on July 19, 2017, 05:13:53 PM
One of my hopes for the season is that I'm proved wrong about this bloke.  I think he's absolutely hopeless. but as I said, i live in hope that I'm massively wrong.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on July 19, 2017, 06:08:48 PM
You and me both Desmond
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Steve67 on July 19, 2017, 06:23:15 PM
Me too.  I think he is pony.  I hope that I am wrong too. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 20, 2017, 07:27:07 PM
I think you can tell from his movement he's potentially good. He's rusty but he's hardly had any game time since his injury so that's hardly uncommon.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: frank black on July 20, 2017, 07:37:07 PM
Right place, right time, wrong guy = face palm

This appears to be the case so far. At least he's getting scoring chances though
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 20, 2017, 07:39:12 PM
He's played what 8 games? Don't people think it might be a bit quick to rush to judgement.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on July 20, 2017, 07:49:33 PM
Well people can only judge on what they have seen, lots of effort but looks like he's petrified whenever he gets the ball and rushes his decisions, wether that be a pass or shot.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on July 20, 2017, 07:56:28 PM
Yes but I think it's a bit premature to make a definitive judgement on someone who has come to a new league, played hardly any games and who is just coming back from a nasty injury.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 20, 2017, 07:57:52 PM
It took me one game to work out how shit Tonev was, despite the "there is a good player in there" comments.
I have seen less of Bjarnson.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ciggiesnbeer on July 20, 2017, 08:03:29 PM
I haven't seen him much but in the pre season games he has jogged around and had the ball bounce off him a few times. Shrug. Hopefully that will change for the better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on July 21, 2017, 01:31:40 AM
It took me one game to work out how shit Tonev was, despite the "there is a good player in there" comments.
I have seen less of Bjarnson.

I'm sure people are lining up to get a dose of your football expertise.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on July 21, 2017, 01:25:27 PM
It took me one game to work out how shit Tonev was, despite the "there is a good player in there" comments.
I have seen less of Bjarnson.

I'm sure people are lining up to get a dose of your football expertise.

Yep, I'm surprised he's not been snapped up by clubs needing scouts already.... Or SkySports for that matter.....
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 21, 2017, 01:32:35 PM
It took me one game to work out how shit Tonev was, despite the "there is a good player in there" comments.
 :)I have seen less of Bjarnson.

I'm sure people are lining up to get a dose of your football expertise.

Yep, I'm surprised he's not been snapped up by clubs needing scouts already.... Or SkySports for that matter.....
Yes, it takes genius to recognise  talent as mediocrity will always find its own level.
Anon. :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 23, 2017, 01:34:57 PM
Really happy for Thor getting his first. He's not the most technically gifted but he puts in a shift and gets into really good positions in the box. Last night he came close before finally breaking his duck. Good for him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2017, 01:37:06 PM
He's another player who I think will be ok. He's much better further up the field rather than in a defending role.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on August 23, 2017, 01:38:00 PM
Yes, let's hope he builds on it because it's a long old season and he can cover a few positions.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 23, 2017, 01:51:15 PM
Yes, let's hope he builds on it because it's a long old season and he can cover a few positions.

Except left back of course!

Worked very well last night but lets not lose sight of its a 2nd tier Wigan after all
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dave on August 23, 2017, 02:06:36 PM
Yes, let's hope he builds on it because it's a long old season and he can cover a few positions.

Except left back of course!

Worked very well last night but lets not lose sight of its a 2nd tier Wigan after all

Third tier Wigan.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 23, 2017, 02:08:50 PM
Yes, let's hope he builds on it because it's a long old season and he can cover a few positions.

Except left back of course!

Worked very well last night but lets not lose sight of its a 2nd tier Wigan after all

Third tier Wigan.

Third tier Wigan reserves.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Three Spires Villa on August 23, 2017, 02:55:07 PM
Why does he take so many touches of the ball? Quite a few times last night he could have crossed or passed earlier, just tends to run with it
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: darren woolley on August 23, 2017, 03:09:20 PM
I was pleased for him to score his first goal last night against Wigan lets hope he will only get better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 23, 2017, 03:12:29 PM
Was good yesterday. Could have had a hat-trick, but still scored, set one up, and worked his arse off throughout. Much better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dekko on August 23, 2017, 07:21:55 PM
I thought he was pretty bad first half, some poor decisions, touches and passes.

That said, I'm not going to knock a player who works hard, gets into good positions and ended the match with a goal and an assist.  He'll be useful to have about.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on August 23, 2017, 08:59:50 PM
I imagine an elephant wearing clown shoes playing on a frozen pitch would have a better touch than this guy

He was effective yday against Wigan reserves but he really doesn't look great to me at all
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 26, 2017, 02:47:04 AM
Impressive tonight. We looked much more dangerous when he was on. Beginning to think he might turn out okay.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dave on August 26, 2017, 07:34:50 AM
Yup. Was very involved when he came on.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: J on August 26, 2017, 07:55:11 AM
He was involved in giving the ball away, being needlessly offside, and shooting poorly. Yet to see him have a good game in a Villa shirt.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on August 26, 2017, 09:08:07 AM
Just a shame about his final ball. Hourihane was in acres of space 12 yards out, but he couldn't find the cross.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on August 26, 2017, 09:28:35 AM
He was involved in giving the ball away, being needlessly offside, and shooting poorly. Yet to see him have a good game in a Villa shirt.

Yes, thought he was poor again. A busy player who runs around a lot but contributes very little in the way of quality.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 26, 2017, 10:55:20 AM
I think if you've decided he wasn't going to play well before he came on the pitch, then he might have had a poor game. He was excellent yesterday and we looked much more dangerous when he came on.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on August 26, 2017, 10:59:01 AM
Seems that way.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Smith on August 26, 2017, 11:04:30 AM
I think if you've decided he wasn't going to play well before he came on the pitch, then he might have had a poor game. He was excellent yesterday and we looked much more dangerous when he came on.

I thought he did well too, added a bit of energy and drive. Understandably it has taken him a while to get up to full speed following his injury but now looks to be getting there.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on August 26, 2017, 11:26:57 AM
I thought he looked a lot like Brett Holman, ran around a lot and got involved but didn't actually impact the game very much despite that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on August 26, 2017, 11:31:29 AM
Didn't watch but glad he seemed to be better

His energy and movement never in doubt

It's with the ball I've been disappointed but happy if I can be proven wrong
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aj2k77 on August 26, 2017, 12:06:42 PM
Very busy just lacks quality. Ok as a back up to be relied on for a few games.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 26, 2017, 04:11:44 PM
I thought he looked a lot like Brett Holman, ran around a lot and got involved but didn't actually impact the game very much despite that.
Was put rough, had a great opportunity to create a chance and fluffed it, I think Holman was a better player, this bloke is very ordinary.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2017, 04:16:07 PM
Him and Hogan were ideal subs last night because they've got a lot of energy which oppoistion players won't like 75-80 mins into the game. I like him a lot, the sort of player every squad needs.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 26, 2017, 04:18:48 PM
Him and Hogan were ideal subs last night because they've got a lot of energy which oppoistion players won't like 75-80 mins into the game. I like him a lot, the sort of player every squad needs. To remain in Division 2.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 26, 2017, 04:57:46 PM
Utter nonsense Hogan and Thor are well capable of being involved in a team that gets promoted.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 26, 2017, 05:01:37 PM
And what's Division 2 anyway?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on August 26, 2017, 05:11:14 PM
Hogan is absolutely capable of performing in a team chasing promotion.

Bjarnasson is fucking gash on every attribute apart from his effort.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on August 27, 2017, 09:14:53 AM
I think if you've decided he wasn't going to play well before he came on the pitch, then he might have had a poor game. He was excellent yesterday and we looked much more dangerous when he came on.

Oh come on, surely it's possible to have a difference of opinion without resorting to comments like that.  What I saw was that he came on, ran around a lot but did absolutely nothing of use with the ball, including completing ballsing up a simple cross when Hourihane was in acres of space.  Still, if you've decided that "there's a player in there" before he came on the pitch etc etc.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 27, 2017, 10:13:13 AM
I think he's got something about him and if he gets enough game time I could see him scoring 8-10 goals this season. I'm sure this isn't the case with everyone but I think he's one of these players where some have already decided he's rubbish and nothing he does will change that view.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 27, 2017, 10:15:49 AM
I think he's got something about him and if he gets enough game time I could see him scoring 8-10 goals this season. I'm sure this isn't the case with everyone but I think he's one of these players where some have already decided he's rubbish and nothing he does will change that view.

Agree with that. Some people have absolutely no patience whatsoever.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kipeye on August 27, 2017, 10:31:08 AM
I think if you've decided he wasn't going to play well before he came on the pitch, then he might have had a poor game. He was excellent yesterday and we looked much more dangerous when he came on.

Oh come on, surely it's possible to have a difference of opinion without resorting to comments like that.  What I saw was that he came on, ran around a lot but did absolutely nothing of use with the ball, including completing ballsing up a simple cross when Hourihane was in acres of space.  Still, if you've decided that "there's a player in there" before he came on the pitch etc etc.
You're such a sensitive soul Risso. This is a fairly mild comment that does not need a victim response.
Just as well you can't ban people anymore.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on August 27, 2017, 10:35:11 AM
I think he's got something about him and if he gets enough game time I could see him scoring 8-10 goals this season. I'm sure this isn't the case with everyone but I think he's one of these players where some have already decided he's rubbish and nothing he does will change that view.

Agree with that. Some people have absolutely no patience whatsoever.

I'm not sure anyone wants to dislike him as he's a trier, it's just difficult to see a lad of his age picking up the necessary basic skills required. His control is simply awful.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on August 27, 2017, 10:40:27 AM
I think he's got something about him and if he gets enough game time I could see him scoring 8-10 goals this season. I'm sure this isn't the case with everyone but I think he's one of these players where some have already decided he's rubbish and nothing he does will change that view.

Scoring 8-10 goals would be great, but I would have to say I think it's highly unlikely.  I think we'll be lucky if Hogan or Snodgrass get that many, let alone the new Brett Holman.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on August 27, 2017, 10:44:38 AM
The comparison to Holman is a good one, he plays like a enthusiastic puppy.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: supertom on August 27, 2017, 10:52:40 AM
I've watched him largely through gritted teeth since he joined, but he wasn't too bad against the tits. He's definitely in the Holman vein, but I think a player like that could prove useful at this level. He'll have to be sold if/when we get back to the Premiership because he'll look almost comically out of his depth. Down here, for a side as persistently unfit as we seem to be, that energy on 70 minutes might prove useful. His final product should get better with more confidence. I think his goal in midweek will have helped because, whilst erratic, he certainly looked more confident friday night.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on August 27, 2017, 11:11:55 AM
Thought he looked better when he came on Friday night, albeit his final product was still a bit poor. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on August 27, 2017, 11:15:04 AM
I still wonder how we came up with him as a potential signing in the first place - all those signings from English football, and him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 27, 2017, 11:15:58 AM
He has looked a bit better lately, think the goal against Wigan gave him confidence.

He works hard, but sometimes lacks an end product.

To be fair he has been asked to play at left-back before, which is never his preferred position.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on August 27, 2017, 11:18:28 AM
I still wonder how we came up with him as a potential signing in the first place - all those signings from English football, and him.

I remember a discussion about him on WM after he signed.  The opinion was that Bruce had been watching him for a while and really rated him. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on August 27, 2017, 11:20:13 AM
He has looked a bit better lately, think the goal against Wigan gave him confidence.

He works hard, but sometimes lacks an end product.

To be fair he has been asked to play at left-back before, which is never his preferred position.

I don't think he is a wide player at all really.  I think he would be much more suited to one of the two more advanced central midfield roles occupied by Onomah and Hourihane.  Him coming on in one of those roles could give us that extra bit of energy. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on August 27, 2017, 11:56:08 AM
I still wonder how we came up with him as a potential signing in the first place - all those signings from English football, and him.

I remember a discussion about him on WM after he signed.  The opinion was that Bruce had been watching him for a while and really rated him.

I do remember that - it just seems a bit odd that he'd be watching given where he's played at club level recently: Pescara in Serie B, and Basel - although the latter plays in Europe every season, of course.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: The Edge on August 27, 2017, 11:59:22 AM
I don't think he's as bad as others are making out. He can be a very useful squad member. I think coming off the bench he could be particularly useful. Last 20 minutes especially his energy could be a valuable weapon.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 27, 2017, 12:03:17 PM
A lot of fans like players that run around a lot.
We have a surplus of better players in all,the positions this guy can play.
He is at best a squad filler or a poor replacement at left back.
Another dim signing and Bruce is good at these.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on August 27, 2017, 12:19:00 PM
By all accounts his best performance was against Wigan (reserves)

That's good to see and he does get in good positions

But even against Wigan he had a couple of absolutely shocking first touches
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 27, 2017, 12:55:29 PM
Yeah I think he's a central midfielder. Trouble is we have loads of them, so he won't get a game there.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Dante Lavelli on August 27, 2017, 01:44:44 PM
You've got to wonder why we signed him as no-one seems to know his best position or how to use him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 27, 2017, 02:11:59 PM
You've got to wonder why we signed him as no-one seems to know his best position or how to use him.

Sounds like most of our signings over the last few years.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: KRS on August 27, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
Unfortunately he's not good enough to get into or fit into a struggling team...but he looked ok against Wigan reserves. Says it all really.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 27, 2017, 07:19:44 PM
Unfortunately he's not good enough to get into or fit into a struggling team...but he looked ok against Wigan reserves. Says it all really.

Not reallly, it says he's come to a new country, played a few games, got a nasty injury and is working his way back. I've seen something I like in the way he plays, but I'm puzzled as to how anyone has had enough time to ultimately decide how successful he'll be. He needs to be given a decent opportunity before that decision is made either way.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 27, 2017, 09:11:53 PM
Unfortunately he's not good enough to get into or fit into a struggling team...but he looked ok against Wigan reserves. Says it all really.

Not reallly, it says he's come to a new country, played a few games, got a nasty injury and is working his way back. I've seen something I like in the way he plays, but I'm puzzled as to how anyone has had enough time to ultimately decide how successful he'll be. He needs to be given a decent opportunity before that decision is made either way.
Technique is pretty easy to spot, and this guy lacks that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 27, 2017, 09:34:23 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 27, 2017, 09:36:11 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on August 27, 2017, 09:37:01 PM
Unfortunately he's not good enough to get into or fit into a struggling team...but he looked ok against Wigan reserves. Says it all really.

Not reallly, it says he's come to a new country, played a few games, got a nasty injury and is working his way back. I've seen something I like in the way he plays, but I'm puzzled as to how anyone has had enough time to ultimately decide how successful he'll be. He needs to be given a decent opportunity before that decision is made either way.
You're puzzled? He's been here 7 odd months not 7 weeks, more than enough time to mske a judgement. He's absolutely gash on every level other than his effort which is admirable.

Even last game when he had one of his better 10 minutes after coming on he managed to completely ruin a break with his awful decision making. But atleast he ran around abit and that makes some people happy.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on August 27, 2017, 09:38:38 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Or you could make you're mind up that he's amazing. Equally as easy.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 27, 2017, 09:42:33 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Or you could make you're mind up that he's amazing. Equally as easy.

Who's said he's amazing?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on August 27, 2017, 09:48:55 PM
Clampy world. Bruce needs time, when thats proven wrong then he needs to buy his own players, when that is proven wrong then we need stability, yep that doesn't work out well so he needs a pre-season, after a pre-season we still look as bad as the day he walked in so now he needs the beginning of the season. This theory is now applied to a player that is completely out of his depth.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 27, 2017, 09:50:57 PM
Clampy world. Bruce needs time, when thats proven wrong then he needs to buy his own players, when that is proven wrong then we need stability, yep that doesn't work out well so he needs a pre-season, after a pre-season we still look as bad as the day he walked in so now he needs the beginning of the season. This theory is now applied to a player that is completely out of his depth.

No, it's not childish digs like 'clampy world' it's differences of opinion. It's a forum, it's how it works.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on August 27, 2017, 09:58:24 PM
Helps if you're not so delicate on a forum in the face of other opinions too.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 27, 2017, 09:58:58 PM
Clampy world. Bruce needs time, when thats proven wrong then he needs to buy his own players, when that is proven wrong then we need stability, yep that doesn't work out well so he needs a pre-season, after a pre-season we still look as bad as the day he walked in so now he needs the beginning of the season. This theory is now applied to a player that is completely out of his depth.

How about you knock off making digs like that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LukeJames on August 27, 2017, 10:03:35 PM
Will do.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 27, 2017, 10:13:12 PM
Thank you.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on August 29, 2017, 09:04:30 PM
Actually - some players can with effort and mentality make a whole team become winners.  He did with Iceland against England ;)

But it is very often that players get written off and every move is analysed negatively. It could affect their performance on the pitch. That sigh in the crowd before kick-off etc.

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brontebilly on August 29, 2017, 09:21:07 PM
Clampy world. Bruce needs time, when thats proven wrong then he needs to buy his own players, when that is proven wrong then we need stability, yep that doesn't work out well so he needs a pre-season, after a pre-season we still look as bad as the day he walked in so now he needs the beginning of the season. This theory is now applied to a player that is completely out of his depth.

He had a solid cameo v Bristol when he came on. He is hardly one of the high earners either. Bruce, Terry, Whelan, Snodgrass, Jedinak, Chester I suspect are the core people that we are banking promotion this term on with crazy wages. Let's hold them to account before writing off others.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 29, 2017, 09:35:34 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Or you could buy some different glasses.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on August 29, 2017, 09:49:08 PM
I think he's got something about him and if he gets enough game time I could see him scoring 8-10 goals this season. I'm sure this isn't the case with everyone but I think he's one of these players where some have already decided he's rubbish and nothing he does will change that view.

Agree with that. Some people have absolutely no patience whatsoever.

Bloody hell, you took your time with that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2017, 10:06:17 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Or you could buy some different glasses.

No irony in that.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 29, 2017, 10:07:35 PM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Or you could buy some different glasses.

No irony in that.
How ironic.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aj2k77 on August 29, 2017, 10:56:26 PM
It's like ten thousand midfielders when all you need is a reserve left back.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on August 29, 2017, 11:13:05 PM
Being patient with crap players hasn't led to much of a pay off in recent years.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: TonyD on August 29, 2017, 11:30:12 PM
It's like 5 defenders away to Bristol....
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 30, 2017, 08:37:38 AM
Actually being short of match fitness and adapting to a new league is likely to impact on a player's sharpness and technique. Pretty sure if you've ever gone a long time without playing football your touch will be a lot worse than it was when you last played, doesn't mean your fundamental technique is flawed.

Or you could just make your mind that he's crap. It's easier.
Or you could buy some different glasses.

Why would I need different glasses when I don't own a pair in the first place?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 06, 2017, 08:29:23 PM
His twin brother just scored the second for Iceland in Turkey.

Maybe we should sign him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: rougegorge on October 06, 2017, 08:32:17 PM
His twin brother just scored the second for Iceland in Turkey.

Maybe we should sign him.

..and it was a good finish
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: VILLA MOLE on October 06, 2017, 08:34:07 PM
Evil twin ??
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on October 06, 2017, 08:45:06 PM
His twin brother just scored the second for Iceland in Turkey.

Maybe we should sign him.
Is there a possibility that we messed up identity there and got the wrong man?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on October 06, 2017, 09:42:54 PM
Or perhaps the real Birkir Bjarnason is locked away in Le Château D'If wearing an iron mask.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Damo70 on October 06, 2017, 10:36:25 PM
I actually rate Bjarny. Although I seem to be the only one who is in the fan club. I anticipate just me and him being there at a very Alan Partridge style fan club Xmas party.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 06, 2017, 11:31:39 PM
I reckon if he ever got a sustained run in this actual position he might do alright.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on October 07, 2017, 09:59:31 AM
He's another one like Hogan who will play his part at some point this season. I think he's ok to be honest.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: CT on October 07, 2017, 10:27:56 AM
Or perhaps the real Birkir Bjarnason is locked away in Le Château D'If wearing an iron mask.

Imagine what he'll do to him if he ever escapes!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on October 07, 2017, 10:36:54 AM
Probably chase him a lot but never catch him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 07, 2017, 01:42:35 PM
I think he’s wasted out on the wing or LB. for me he gets into great positions to score so better suited in an attackjng positions down in central midfield. He ain’t no Platt but I think played in this position he’d grab a few goals.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on October 07, 2017, 05:15:00 PM
I agree.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on October 07, 2017, 07:36:05 PM
If he played centre mid I think his shocking first touch would be even more of a problem

Coming in from wide like a poor man's ljungberg is his best role for me

He's obviously capable of more than he's shown to date so let's hope he can contribute
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on October 07, 2017, 08:34:02 PM
If he played centre mid I think his shocking first touch would be even more of a problem

Coming in from wide like a poor man's ljungberg is his best role for me

He's obviously capable of more than he's shown to date so let's hope he can contribute

He should be nowhere near the squad at the moment. We have better players in every position.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: DB on October 08, 2017, 11:18:16 AM
He is part of an Iceland team doing very well, there must be something about him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 08, 2017, 02:06:44 PM
If he played centre mid I think his shocking first touch would be even more of a problem

Coming in from wide like a poor man's ljungberg is his best role for me

He's obviously capable of more than he's shown to date so let's hope he can contribute

He should be nowhere near the squad at the moment.

Unless he's driving the team bus or something.

I have seen nothing from him in a claret and blue shirt that makes me think he is remotely near good enough.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on October 08, 2017, 02:15:40 PM
He is part of an Iceland team doing very well, there must be something about him.
A team that is all about running and pressing, what they lack in skill they make up for in organisation and hard work.
Seems almost opposite to the way we play.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on October 08, 2017, 05:38:55 PM
Yeah by that logic we should sign a load of Norn Irn players

Different game
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 08, 2017, 06:00:48 PM
I thought he played well for Iceland during the Euros and thought he'd be a good pick up for a lower half prem team. Was pretty happy when we signed him.

I do think he's better than what he's shown but probably another who will amount to little playing for us.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: darren woolley on October 10, 2017, 09:40:36 AM
I'm pleased for him that Iceland have got to to the World Cup for the first time lets hope his form gets better for us now he should be going to Russia next summer.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aev on October 10, 2017, 10:15:23 AM
From memory don't Iceland press as a team, something which we don't do?

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: WarszaVillan on October 10, 2017, 11:30:06 AM
In the away game last year where he picked up his injury (can't remember who it was against) he looked very good for the half an hour or so he was on the pitch and nearly scored a goal. Apart from that he's looked very poor.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kipeye on October 12, 2017, 09:10:06 AM
At least he puts a shift in unlike many we have had in the past. Worth persevering with for this reason alone and may still improve enough. I can remember many who took a full season to come good, or even longer. It is still possible that it is about how the pressing game is played-or not in our case. If you have ever played in midfield you will know that you can run and run but never fit in with the players around you. Maybe we should inject him with Gareth Barry cells...I'm sure a Russian coach could help with this.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on October 12, 2017, 09:32:26 AM
At least he puts a shift in unlike many we have had in the past. Worth persevering with for this reason alone and may still improve enough. I can remember many who took a full season to come good, or even longer. It is still possible that it is about how the pressing game is played-or not in our case. If you have ever played in midfield you will know that you can run and run but never fit in with the players around you. Maybe we should inject him with Gareth Barry cells...I'm sure a Russian coach could help with this.

Putting in a shift is the bare minimum required.  Absolutely pointless without any sort of end product though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: DB on October 12, 2017, 09:50:59 AM
He is part of an Iceland team doing very well, there must be something about him.
A team that is all about running and pressing, what they lack in skill they make up for in organisation and hard work.
Seems almost opposite to the way we play.

Yeah true but some feedback I have seen is his actual ability as a player
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on October 12, 2017, 10:23:18 AM
He is part of an Iceland team doing very well, there must be something about him.
A team that is all about running and pressing, what they lack in skill they make up for in organisation and hard work.
Seems almost opposite to the way we play.

Yeah true but some feedback I have seen is his actual ability as a player

Which with us has been nonexistent.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on October 12, 2017, 01:44:04 PM
Lets hope he has a good World Cup then...we might get some money for him
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on October 12, 2017, 01:52:33 PM
Lets hope he has a good World Cup then...we might get some money for him

Or perhaps we could instead hope that he performs brilliantly and becomes a key member of our squad.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on October 12, 2017, 01:58:17 PM
He will be playing left back this Saturday.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on October 12, 2017, 02:36:18 PM
He will be playing left back this Saturday.

you know for sure?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on October 12, 2017, 03:42:03 PM
No I am guessing that's what Bruce will do.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on October 12, 2017, 03:57:39 PM
Lets hope he has a good World Cup then...we might get some money for him

Or perhaps we could instead hope that he performs brilliantly and becomes a key member of our squad.

I'm a realist
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 13, 2018, 08:07:01 PM
The lad has come in for a lot of criticism since he joined and we might lose him this window if the reports of him possibly moving to Italy are true. But the past few games he has put in very assured displays and arguably his very best one today.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldtimernow on January 13, 2018, 08:14:22 PM
I thought he had his best game for the Villa today
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: West Derby Villan on January 13, 2018, 08:19:35 PM
Agree best game and maybe his best position, Nice, simple and effective play
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 13, 2018, 08:21:08 PM
Agree best game and maybe his best position, Nice, simple and effective play

I like him more advanced because of the runs he can make, but given the way he played he should step in for Jedinak, not Whelan.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: VILLA MOLE on January 13, 2018, 08:28:17 PM
What I saw in the 2nd half , the ball seemed to come to him in the middle of the park, which shows good reading of the game
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on January 13, 2018, 08:40:15 PM
I’ve never been impressed at all with him

But he was fantastic today. Maybe that deeper position suits him as he’s got more time on the ball

He’s probably off though of course!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 13, 2018, 10:59:56 PM
Excellent today. If he plays like that he offers more than anyone we have in that role.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on January 13, 2018, 11:06:03 PM
He needs to back it up though. He's a trier and if he does stay he's not the worst back up, but one good game does not a good player make.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 13, 2018, 11:09:43 PM
No but how many times has he been played in the right role? There's responsibility on the player, but also on the manager.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on January 13, 2018, 11:17:20 PM
Good point. Maybe he should get a small run of games in that role should Jedinak's injury keep him out for a while.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 13, 2018, 11:25:04 PM
He needs to back it up though. He's a trier and if he does stay he's not the worst back up, but one good game does not a good player make.

Has he ever played in that role for us before? I thought he was superb in the second half. I thought Whelan did well in the first half to be fair, but Birkir is so more mobile in the role and would keep him there even ahead of Jedinak for next game
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brentastonb6 on January 14, 2018, 12:29:01 AM
He needs to back it up though. He's a trier and if he does stay he's not the worst back up, but one good game does not a good player make.
Thought he looked good against Bristol City too to be fair.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 14, 2018, 12:39:00 AM
No but how many times has he been played in the right role? There's responsibility on the player, but also on the manager.




To be fair on the manager (who I have slagged off more than once), it was a great choice ahead of Lansbury and Onomah. He was superb
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 14, 2018, 12:43:54 AM
I have seen him play a couple of times for Iceland and he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for them.  Still haven't seen him feature much there for us but we are playing a formation to suit that now.  I would still go with Jedinak in the holding role when fit, but would be tempted to look at Bjarnason a bit further forward.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 14, 2018, 12:50:11 AM
I have seen him play a couple of times for Iceland and he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for them.  Still haven't seen him feature much there for us but we are playing a formation to suit that now.  I would still go with Jedinak in the holding role when fit, but would be tempted to look at Bjarnason a bit further forward.

I like Jedinak, but why would you go with him mate?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 14, 2018, 01:10:44 AM
I have seen him play a couple of times for Iceland and he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for them.  Still haven't seen him feature much there for us but we are playing a formation to suit that now.  I would still go with Jedinak in the holding role when fit, but would be tempted to look at Bjarnason a bit further forward.

I like Jedinak, but why would you go with him mate?

Just think he offers the physical presence needed sometimes in the Championship.  I think the current back four with him in front gives us a really solid base and make us hard to break down.  His fitness record is becoming a bit of a concern though, so it was good to see Bjarnason do well in there earlier.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on January 14, 2018, 01:11:43 AM
I have seen him play a couple of times for Iceland and he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for them.  Still haven't seen him feature much there for us but we are playing a formation to suit that now.  I would still go with Jedinak in the holding role when fit, but would be tempted to look at Bjarnason a bit further forward.

The real issue there is that the role he plays for Iceland is closest to where Grealish is playing and, for me, he has very quickly proven himself to be absolutely key to us looking the sum of our parts going forward so it's the bench and an option in any of the 3 roles for me.

For what it's worth Jedi, Houri, Grealish back to front seems to be the obvious midfield and anyone else is just injury cover/a change if we're struggling.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 14, 2018, 01:25:12 AM
I have seen him play a couple of times for Iceland and he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for them.  Still haven't seen him feature much there for us but we are playing a formation to suit that now.  I would still go with Jedinak in the holding role when fit, but would be tempted to look at Bjarnason a bit further forward.

I like Jedinak, but why would you go with him mate?

Just think he offers the physical presence needed sometimes in the Championship.  I think the current back four with him in front gives us a really solid base and make us hard to break down.  His fitness record is becoming a bit of a concern though, so it was good to see Bjarnason do well in there earlier.

I like Whelan and thought he did a good job first half. Your man comes on second half and he influenced the game for me. I so like Jedinak and he will have a massive role to play, I just think your mans performance made  massive difference to the team
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 14, 2018, 01:44:37 AM
I have seen him play a couple of times for Iceland and he plays in a more advanced central midfield role for them.  Still haven't seen him feature much there for us but we are playing a formation to suit that now.  I would still go with Jedinak in the holding role when fit, but would be tempted to look at Bjarnason a bit further forward.

The real issue there is that the role he plays for Iceland is closest to where Grealish is playing and, for me, he has very quickly proven himself to be absolutely key to us looking the sum of our parts going forward so it's the bench and an option in any of the 3 roles for me.

For what it's worth Jedi, Houri, Grealish back to front seems to be the obvious midfield and anyone else is just injury cover/a change if we're struggling.

Fair enough Paul and I would agree about the three you name as being the ones in possession at the moment, although Hourihane has been a bit quiet the past two games and if we were looking to improve then someone capable of getting the box and scoring goals from midfield would be ideal. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ozzjim on January 14, 2018, 01:47:01 AM
Hourihane scored against Bristol City Tom! In fairness I thought he had a really good game both ends against Bristol, and was noticeably further forward with Jedinak in the holding role. He is a very decent player.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 14, 2018, 03:25:14 AM
Hourihane scored against Bristol City Tom! In fairness I thought he had a really good game both ends against Bristol, and was noticeably further forward with Jedinak in the holding role. He is a very decent player.

Fair point and he did score.  Maybe it was just that he was outshine by Grealish's performance and went a bit unnoticed.  As Paul said earlier in the thread, Hourihane and Grealish are the two starting more advanced midfielders and it is up to the others to force their way in.  Which is how it should be. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: VinnieChase84 on January 14, 2018, 10:14:11 AM
Thought he did very well in that holding role second half. More movement and energy than Whelan. Also can pass a ball which tends to help
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on January 14, 2018, 10:52:10 AM
He did ok yesterday but his role for me is where Hourihane plays. He's got  knack of getting into the box.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 14, 2018, 11:09:10 AM
Ok is harsh, I think he did very well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on January 14, 2018, 11:28:44 AM
Thor's playing for a move, hitherto he's looked gash
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 14, 2018, 11:35:30 AM
Or he's not been played in the right position before.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on January 14, 2018, 11:55:32 AM
Or he's not been played in the right position before.

Right position thus far has been on the bench and staying on it! Glad to him put a good performance in, and hopefully it is the first of many. Petrov (debut aside) was rubbish for the first season, then went on to be a really good player for us. Maybe it has just taken him a while to adjust to the British game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 15, 2018, 03:35:32 PM
Being reported that he's agreed a move to Parma. After recent displays would be very disappointed to see him leave.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: VinnieChase84 on January 15, 2018, 03:42:09 PM
Being reported that he's agreed a move to Parma. After recent displays would be very disappointed to see him leave.

After saturday's performance i will be disappointed in this if true
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: chrisw1 on January 15, 2018, 03:44:55 PM
Being reported that he's agreed a move to Parma. After recent displays would be very disappointed to see him leave.

After saturday's performance i will be disappointed in this if true
It does seem typical and maybe he is about to come good.  But given his general level of performance since he joined you can understand why we would cut our losses with him.  Frustrating timing though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on January 15, 2018, 03:55:25 PM
Putting it in context he's had one good game as a substitute.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: AsTallAsLions on January 15, 2018, 03:59:27 PM
Putting it in context he's had one good game as a substitute.

Out of position too.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 15, 2018, 04:02:17 PM
We are running out of players to support at the World Cup.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Des Little on January 15, 2018, 04:23:49 PM
Just saw a great tweet asking if we could send them Glenn Whelan in a wig instead...
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on January 15, 2018, 05:42:27 PM
the wig on its own would be more effective than either.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Gareth on January 15, 2018, 05:52:23 PM
I never thought he was a bad player but if the deck chairs are suited round a bit to bring in a striker and player who is a bit more mobile to deputise for Jedinak becoming a 1in 4 game player then so be it
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on January 15, 2018, 05:55:24 PM
We are running out of players to support at the World Cup.

That's possibly why he's moving on, to keep his World Cup place. Shame if it's true, he's not a bad player at all.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: McGraths Dry Cleaning on January 15, 2018, 07:11:29 PM
Don't let the bjarn door hit you on the way out
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 15, 2018, 07:30:02 PM
I don't know how much is true in the Amartey loan rumour but if we are looking at him and Ulloa from Leicester, it's an upgrade at that position over Bjarnason. Although I'd be surprised if it happened as Amerey started vs Chelsea this past weekend and looked very good.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on January 15, 2018, 09:36:18 PM
If there's a concrete offer in for him, we should definitely take it.  Midfield is one area where we're not exactly under-resourced, and give the financial constraints we need the money to strengthen other areas.  Keeping players around after one good game is the sort of thinking that led to Agbonlahor's new contract.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on January 15, 2018, 09:55:04 PM
If there's a concrete offer in for him, we should definitely take it.  Midfield is one area where we're not exactly under-resourced, and give the financial constraints we need the money to strengthen other areas.  Keeping players around after one good game is the sort of thinking that led to Agbonlahor's new contract.

I agree, no point if it's just a loan but a loan with a fixed fee or a straight up transfer that sees us get most of our money back would be silly to pass up after about 60-70 minutes of decent performance from him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on January 16, 2018, 12:56:14 PM
If there's a concrete offer in for him, we should definitely take it.  Midfield is one area where we're not exactly under-resourced, and give the financial constraints we need the money to strengthen other areas.  Keeping players around after one good game is the sort of thinking that led to Agbonlahor's new contract.

Yep, agree with this. It's no good thinking there may be something in a player if you can never realise it. There's no evidence he can play in English football. Though there was with Agbonlahor, that was a long time ago.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: garyshawsknee on January 16, 2018, 01:02:20 PM
But he came with a good reputation and has had trouble adapting to a new league. Can play in more than one position too, it's just a shame we have no offers for Lansbury.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on January 16, 2018, 01:03:46 PM
But he came with a good reputation and has had trouble adapting to a new league. Can play in more than one position too, it's just a shame we have no offers for Lansbury.

Yep, I'd prefer to see Lansbury go instead of him as well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on January 16, 2018, 01:06:57 PM
But he came with a good reputation and has had trouble adapting to a new league. Can play in more than one position too, it's just a shame we have no offers for Lansbury.

Yep, I'd prefer to see Lansbury go instead of him as well.

Problem is for whatever reasons neither of them have had much game time and opportunity to show their worth to any potential suitors
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on January 16, 2018, 01:11:08 PM
But he came with a good reputation and has had trouble adapting to a new league. Can play in more than one position too, it's just a shame we have no offers for Lansbury.

Yep, I'd prefer to see Lansbury go instead of him as well.

Problem is for whatever reasons neither of them have had much game time and opportunity to show their worth to any potential suitors

Lansbury has probably had more of a crack than Bjarnnason has. I can't think of too any games where I've come away thinking he had a good game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Des Little on January 16, 2018, 01:12:24 PM
But he came with a good reputation and has had trouble adapting to a new league. Can play in more than one position too, it's just a shame we have no offers for Lansbury.

Yep, I'd prefer to see Lansbury go instead of him as well.

Problem is for whatever reasons neither of them have had much game time and opportunity to show their worth to any potential suitors

Lansbury has probably had more of a crack than Bjarnnason has. I can't think of too any games where I've come away thinking he had a good game.

How about the 2-2 with Forest at VP last season? Sad face
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on January 16, 2018, 02:07:49 PM
The holding role behind the midfield 4 isn't even his position internationally.

He added legs for sure over Whelan but I'd have Jedi in there if fit all day every day. I think Onomah would excell there and it's where Pochetino sees him.

I'd sell him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on January 16, 2018, 02:29:23 PM
The holding role behind the midfield 4 isn't even his position internationally.

He added legs for sure over Whelan but I'd have Jedi in there if fit all day every day. I think Onomah would excell there and it's where Pochetino sees him.

I'd sell him.

My biggest frustration all season is that we haven't tried Onomah in that role and instead Bruce has tried to turn him into a 10 which he looks totally unsuitable for.

Aside from that I think we need to start looking at moving a few players on for some money, we've got far too much value tied up in players who are out on loan or who aren't in with any chance of making the matchday squad.  Our U23s are top of their league and none of them have let us down when given a run so we don't need people like Bjarnason and Lansbury taking a big wage to offer very little.  If we could get rid of both along with Gabby and Richards I'd be much happier and we could probably let de Laet go as well seeing as Bruce clearly doesn't see a place for him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: godzvilla on January 16, 2018, 05:19:47 PM
The way Steve Agnew is rehabilitating under performing players, will it be long before  Gabby and Richards are ´resurrected´?..............Godzvilla! ( watching the horizon for incoming Pigs!)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on January 17, 2018, 03:43:40 PM
Thor's going nowhere - we are asking too much for him apparently
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Mister E on January 18, 2018, 05:23:05 PM
The holding role behind the midfield 4 isn't even his position internationally.

He added legs for sure over Whelan but I'd have Jedi in there if fit all day every day. I think Onomah would excell there and it's where Pochetino sees him.

I'd sell him.
The problem I have with Onomah is that he is prone to giving fouls away and to playing himself or others into trouble. Would we really want to play him just in front of our CB with these habits?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on January 18, 2018, 06:36:45 PM
I’d let Onomah go back to Spurs, he isn’t as good as several other of our own players and will not be signed permanently (nor should he be for the few Spurs would expect). If we are to give game time to prospects from the youth team then we have players of our own to bring through that are arguably better.

As for Bjarnason I’d take anything over 1m for him if offered. One of the players we could shift and not damage squad depth much. You could shift Onomah, Lansbury or Bjarnason and not see any real difference. Similarly we have any of three right backs we could let go.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: saunders_heroes on January 18, 2018, 06:55:40 PM
I wouldn’t sell anyone. We have strength in depth and we finally look like that when we lose a player through injury/suspension the replacement slots straight in a looks the part, so why rock the boat now? If we’re gonna offload players we should leave it till the summer.
The run-in is when the squad plays its part so let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot, eh.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 18, 2018, 06:56:38 PM
Agreed and Thor was a prime example of the value of squad depth last week.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 18, 2018, 07:10:26 PM
I'd turf Gabby and Richards in a New York minute but besides that, we aren't so broke or desperate that we MUST sell now.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard on January 18, 2018, 07:16:24 PM
Agree with SH too as potentially another 22 games still to play
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on January 19, 2018, 09:47:38 AM
Id keep him. Experienced, international player that is just starting to adapt and look the part. Still lots of games to go. Would only get a pittance if we did sell him...etc...
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Jon Crofts on January 19, 2018, 09:56:01 AM
First time I watched him was at Reading, he was mince.

He's improved hugely so he's a keeper for now.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 19, 2018, 10:09:22 AM
Bearing in mind Whelan often looks knackered and Jedinak is made of glass, I'd keep him. We can reevaluate in the summer.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 19, 2018, 11:20:28 AM
Keep. He's starting to show why we recruited him in the first place.  I'd start him as well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: West Derby Villan on January 19, 2018, 11:41:31 AM
He seems to be settling in. Keep him, at least until the end of the season. By then we will have a better indication of his worth and value to the team.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on January 19, 2018, 12:03:04 PM
Keep. He's starting to show why we recruited him in the first place.  I'd start him as well.

I'd play him ahead of Onomah, Whelan and Lansbury (obviously).
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: chrisw1 on January 19, 2018, 12:40:33 PM
I think we may be getting a bit carried away with a couple of good games.  But if he does keep it up he could become a vital asset in the second half of the season.  This is real squad depth that a lot of our competitors could only. dream of.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 19, 2018, 10:06:47 PM
I would start him tomorrow and see how he is in that role again. Will boost his confidence and hopefully he can perform in the same manner he did last week
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: j66acd on January 19, 2018, 10:23:07 PM
First time I watched him was at Reading, he was mince.

He's improved hugely so he's a keeper for now.

I know Steer is out for the rest of the season but I’d rather have Bunn as the back keeper than Bjarnason.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 19, 2018, 10:24:59 PM
First time I watched him was at Reading, he was mince.

He's improved hugely so he's a keeper for now.

I know Steer is out for the rest of the season but I’d rather have Bunn as the back keeper than Bjarnason.

Not so sure about that tbh
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 19, 2018, 10:27:52 PM
He’s been one of the worst players I’ve ever seen in all but  one of his appearances for Villa
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 19, 2018, 10:35:07 PM
He’s been one of the worst players I’ve ever seen in all but  one of his appearances for Villa

How often has he been played in his normal position? I assume you mean the one performance was last week, if so would you start with him tomorrow?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 19, 2018, 10:38:06 PM
He’s been one of the worst players I’ve ever seen in all but  one of his appearances for Villa

I agree, but in his defence, that one game was the last game, which puts a different spin on it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 19, 2018, 10:40:15 PM
Not on your nelly, we look a far better team with Jedinak as DM, if he’s not fit then Whelan, then Barney, reluctantly. He’s been poor for all but one appearance in a year.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 19, 2018, 10:43:36 PM
He’s been one of the worst players I’ve ever seen in all but  one of his appearances for Villa

I agree, but in his defence, that one game was the last game, which puts a different spin on it.

He’s looked crap, playing in a crap team against crap players in a crap league.

Not for me, sell in this window and give one of the young home grown players a chance from the bench.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 19, 2018, 10:49:13 PM
As it happens I’ve got an Icelandic friend of a friend kind of mate who asks me, via FB, every week how Barney is getting on. I might be enjoying reporting on how shit he is too much to retain any objectivity.

He is shit mind.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 19, 2018, 10:54:24 PM
Not on your nelly, we look a far better team with Jedinak as DM, if he’s not fit then Whelan, then Barney, reluctantly. He’s been poor for all but one appearance in a year.

I disagree. I actually like both Jedinak and Whelan, but in a game like tomorrow, we want to keep the ball moving quickly and thought he did that well v Forest and deserves another chance.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SirSteveUK on January 20, 2018, 01:19:39 AM
Keep. He's starting to show why we recruited him in the first place.  I'd start him as well.

This
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Axl Rose on January 20, 2018, 01:20:56 AM
Keep. He's starting to show why we recruited him in the first place.  I'd start him as well.

This

I agree.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: villan from luton on January 20, 2018, 01:42:48 AM
I agree with Peter Withe to a certain extent, has he shown his talents? The answer is no and I text my lad when I saw he come on for Whelan, who I thought had a decent half to be fair. He was excellent, covered play well and was mobile, played it simple. I would start him tomorrow as he was superb IMO,
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: West Derby Villan on January 20, 2018, 06:06:05 PM
Good solid performance today, did the simple things and kept the ball moving. More matches will mean more confidence. Nice to have a player than can adequately fill that position if required, at the moment, after today's display, he should keep his place.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 20, 2018, 06:15:34 PM
Good again Thor.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on January 20, 2018, 06:16:08 PM
I wonder if some of these opinions about him have anything to do with that night, when I was in Nice in 2016? ;)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on January 20, 2018, 06:18:23 PM
About 3 times in the first half I said well played Barny and that’s unusual for me and means a player is more than very active in good stuff😊
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 20, 2018, 06:20:33 PM
I wonder if some of these opinions about him have anything to do with that night, when I was in Nice in 2016? ;)

Did it involve you and Thor, a seedy motel, whipped cream, a fake moustache and a rented outfit from Allo Allo?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on January 20, 2018, 06:49:22 PM
I wonder if some of these opinions about him have anything to do with that night, when I was in Nice in 2016? ;)

Did it involve you and Thor, a seedy motel, whipped cream, a fake moustache and a rented outfit from Allo Allo?
Might - can’t remember much the next morning.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Tayls_7 on January 20, 2018, 06:56:32 PM
I like Nice but I prefer Custard Creams.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 20, 2018, 08:26:49 PM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: AGRIPPA on January 20, 2018, 11:25:53 PM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

I'm not sure there is such a thing as a poor mans Reo-Coker......he'd win the ball, turn 180 degrees then give it back.....very poor player
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 20, 2018, 11:39:50 PM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

Sounds like he did alright to me.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on January 21, 2018, 11:41:09 AM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

Sounds like he did alright to me.
This is why i questioned if the dislike is purely based on performances, as he played well against Barnsley- not like PW describes it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 21, 2018, 11:54:42 AM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

Sounds like he did alright to me.

He did Paul.  Kept it nice and simple when he had the ball and made a couple of good interceptions.  My only concern about him in there is that he maybe lacks the big of physicality Jedinak brings.  In this league the ball spends quite a bit of time in the air in that area of the pitch and he wasn't really imposing in that regard yesterday. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 21, 2018, 02:12:55 PM
When Jedi is fit, he obviously starts. However, I much prefer Bjarney as his back up ahead of Whelan
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldhill_avfc on January 21, 2018, 07:16:41 PM
Poor in the air.
A lot of negative back passes which jack rightly  had a go at him for.
Misplaced too many forward passes which he blamed others for.
If I was NRC I'd be on the phone to my lawyers.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 21, 2018, 07:25:05 PM
When Jedi is fit, he obviously starts. However, I much prefer Bjarney as his back up ahead of Whelan

Yep.  Would still like to see how he gets on in a more advanced midfield role as well. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nastylee on January 21, 2018, 10:12:54 PM
Claude Makelele made a career out of standing around passing square and backwards. Didn't stop the media creaming themselves even though I thought he was crap.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hairbandinho on January 21, 2018, 11:02:32 PM
He is in Italy today. Short break or transfer I wonder?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on January 22, 2018, 06:12:27 AM
Claude Makelele made a career out of standing around passing square and backwards. Didn't stop the media creaming themselves even though I thought he was crap.

I guess that’s why Chelsea didn’t win anything with him and nor did Real Madrid; and why both found it so easy to replace him
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nastylee on January 22, 2018, 07:00:16 AM
My point was when Claude does it it's fantastic. When a Villa player does it they're shit.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 22, 2018, 08:40:30 AM
He is in Italy today. Short break or transfer I wonder?

There was something a week or so ago about a Serie B team being interested in Bjarney
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on January 22, 2018, 08:45:34 AM
Nobody questions Makelele's ability to protect the back four, but he was way more than a sideways or backwards merchant with the ball at his feet.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on January 22, 2018, 08:55:59 AM
I really hate that stupid dance he invented.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithe on January 22, 2018, 09:57:41 AM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

Sounds like he did alright to me.
This is why i questioned if the dislike is purely based on performances, as he played well against Barnsley- not like PW describes it.

 I thought he was poor again, too many passes went either backward or to the opposition. Plus he’s not a lot of use defending set pieces.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: RussellC on January 22, 2018, 10:10:16 AM
It will be interesting to see what Bruce does now, against Sheff Utd. Usually he’s very reticent to change a winning team, but with the likes of Donaldson and Clarke in their line-up we’re going to have to be solid at set-pieces (which we haven’t been of late) if we want to get anything up there.  I can definitely see Barney being sacrificed if Jedinak is fit. Potentially even if he’s not, for Whelan or Onomah (or maybe Tuanzebe..?!).

He’s shown enough in the last game and a half to keep him around for the rest of the season though, if only as an option from the bench. Unless, of course, we get a cash offer that would allow us to bring someone in that would be a guaranteed improvement to the team.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on January 22, 2018, 10:36:04 AM
If Jedinak is fit he will play.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ozzjim on January 22, 2018, 11:06:39 AM
Jedinak is fit he has to start at Sheffield. Barney has done great but he's not Jedinak
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: berneboy on January 22, 2018, 12:55:13 PM
A damning indictment of our previous coaching from him:

"I think we have got the best squad in this league, but we have not shown that yet. Now we seem better drilled than before, and now when there are only three points separating us from the second spot, I think we have a very good chance of doing something great."

birminghammail
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 22, 2018, 01:00:39 PM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

Sounds like he did alright to me.
This is why i questioned if the dislike is purely based on performances, as he played well against Barnsley- not like PW describes it.

 I thought he was poor again, too many passes went either backward or to the opposition. Plus he’s not a lot of use defending set pieces.

He hit 2 or 3 misplaced passes, if that’s too many I’d hate to think how you’d describe  Jedinak’s . Both players have their merits. Passing certainly isn’t Jedinak’s
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: UK Redsox on January 22, 2018, 01:12:48 PM
I saw Bjarney make a couple of good sliding interceptions and also a couple of decent defensive headers against Barnsley.

Jedi is better at the same things but he can't direct passes/headers any better.

Glenn is potentially the best of the three at spotting attacking passes but he's more prone than the other two to an absolute clanger.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on January 22, 2018, 01:26:40 PM
I am in Reykjavik.  There are statues of Bjarnasons everywhere.  They can put up another one if ours helps us win promotion.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on January 22, 2018, 01:27:23 PM
Yes, give him a break, he's clearly improving which is the main thing. I would still have Jedinak in too but he now looks like a very capable stand in, and let's face it Jedinak has more than his fair share of injuries. Could also be good to bring him on for one of the more attacking players to see out a victory, alongside Jedinak.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Pat McMahon on January 22, 2018, 02:12:36 PM
I thought he was decent on Saturday.  Anticipated well and made interceptions rather than tackles then just moved the ball on. First time i have seen him play there and thought he was competent.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 22, 2018, 02:40:20 PM
I thought he was decent on Saturday.  Anticipated well and made interceptions rather than tackles then just moved the ball on. First time i have seen him play there and thought he was competent.

Agree.  He did OK on Saturday and just kept it simple. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: frank black on January 22, 2018, 02:43:45 PM
Jedinak is fit he has to start at Sheffield. Barney has done great but he's not Jedinak

I like Jedinak, but he’s no passer of the ball. I am convinced that if he could head it at ground level he would. Reads the game very well defensively though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on January 22, 2018, 02:44:21 PM
When playing in the DM role he looks like a poor mans Nigel Reo-Coker, his athleticism get him into positions to win the ball before his lack of any kind of talent means he gives it straight back to the opposition.

I admire his effort, I really do, not so much anything else.

Sounds like he did alright to me.
This is why i questioned if the dislike is purely based on performances, as he played well against Barnsley- not like PW describes it.

 I thought he was poor again, too many passes went either backward or to the opposition. Plus he’s not a lot of use defending set pieces.

He hit 2 or 3 misplaced passes, if that’s too many I’d hate to think how you’d describe  Jedinak’s . Both players have their merits. Passing certainly isn’t Jedinak’s

Agree regarding the comment about the passing capabilities of both players.  For me though, Jedinak shades it in a couple of key areas, physical presence (particularly in the air) and experience of the situation we are in. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 22, 2018, 05:41:48 PM
Jedinak is fit he has to start at Sheffield. Barney has done great but he's not Jedinak

I like Jedinak, but he’s no passer of the ball. I am convinced that if he could head it at ground level he would. Reads the game very well defensively though.

I was going to say, Jedi is alright but he's not a nailed on starter for me. I like Thor's ability to pass the ball and get us going forward.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldtimernow on January 23, 2018, 08:25:28 AM
It's like signing a new player!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 23, 2018, 01:35:12 PM
He’s been making quite a few comments latterly in how he is now loving life at Villa and especially this new role. Saying how he’s not a winger and this suits him better.


(http://thumb.ibb.co/mFJKPG/A00_C087_C_3854_4_E84_B039_31_ADB4734_EF9.png) (http://ibb.co/mFJKPG)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on January 23, 2018, 02:16:19 PM
I like what he says!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldtimernow on January 23, 2018, 02:42:25 PM
Given a choice between Angela and him I think he shades it
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldtimernow on January 31, 2018, 06:01:51 PM
Another good performance from Barney who looks to have made himself a key performer at the moment
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on January 31, 2018, 06:12:15 PM
like a new signing

hes doing great
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LeeB on January 31, 2018, 06:14:42 PM
He looks to be perfect for the role, really tidy and in the right places when needed. Looks much more confident and nothing like enthusiastic puppy he’s looked since he came.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 31, 2018, 08:40:35 PM
Doing very well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 31, 2018, 08:54:30 PM
He works very hard. He’s not as naturally talented for the role as Jedinak, but he brings an energy that Jedinak’s physical condition doesn’t allow for. He’s done very well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on January 31, 2018, 09:06:00 PM
He's a more talented passer than Jedinak.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 31, 2018, 09:11:43 PM
He definitely is.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on January 31, 2018, 09:12:31 PM
TV I am sure you remember Des Bremner? He was never rated as a footballer by many but was such an effective part of our team at that time. I hope Barny keeps on improving and become a key cog in our wheel.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 31, 2018, 09:16:09 PM
He's a more talented passer than Jedinak.

There might be aspects or specific skills that Bjarnason is better, but overall as DM when fit Jedinak is better footballer IMO.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 31, 2018, 09:18:21 PM
TV I am sure you remember Des Bremner? He was never rated as a footballer by many but was such an effective part of our team at that time. I hope Barny keeps on improving and become a key cog in our wheel.

Yes of course, and all good teams need players who do the dirty, unheralded work. A slightly more recent version would be Kevin Richardson. Yes, would be great if Thor keeps maturing in this role and makes it his own. Important to remember it’s only game 3 or 4, so he’s still learning it.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on January 31, 2018, 09:18:39 PM
Except Jedinak can't pass the ball competently more than two yards.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on February 01, 2018, 07:46:56 AM
and with respect, Brian, neither could Thor up until a couple of weeks ago. In fact, when I first saw him 'play', I thought football was a completely alien concept to the guy. But top marks for the last few weeks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on February 01, 2018, 08:15:02 AM
There's always been a decent player there. Some players coming over here and take time to settle and get used to it. I'd still prefer to see him further up the pitch though but he's doing well where he is for now.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldtimernow on February 01, 2018, 09:56:59 AM
TV I am sure you remember Des Bremner? He was never rated as a footballer by many but was such an effective part of our team at that time. I hope Barny keeps on improving and become a key cog in our wheel.
the other one I thought of was Frank Carrodus, never standout but was very important for the team
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 01, 2018, 10:25:32 AM
and with respect, Brian, neither could Thor up until a couple of weeks ago. In fact, when I first saw him 'play', I thought football was a completely alien concept to the guy. But top marks for the last few weeks.

I thought he was shocking in the first half against Sheffield, but much improved after the break.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Diablo on February 01, 2018, 11:07:16 AM
I thought the same. At half time I was hoping he was gonna be taken off as we weren't at the races and the midfield was being dominated. Gotta say I'm not convinced by him yet either technically or composure wise (although I appreciate his endeavour). I've a feeling Axel Tuanzebe will take his chance when it comes along.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on February 01, 2018, 11:57:29 AM
There's always been a decent player there. Some players coming over here and take time to settle and get used to it. I'd still prefer to see him further up the pitch though but he's doing well where he is for now.

Agree with that Clampy.  From watching clips of him playing for previous clubs and for Iceland, he looks like he has a knack for getting into the box and getting goals here and there. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: David_Nab on February 01, 2018, 12:01:57 PM
I through in general the MF was poor FH , Sheffields 5 man midfield were dominating and neither Thor or Houriane were up to much .Thor got better in 2nd half his mobility is a clear benefit in the area other Whelan and Jedinek his passing got better too.

I think he could play as part of a 3 man midfield with say Axel as the DM if we needed to be more solid whats clear his that he is no wide player.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on February 01, 2018, 12:06:22 PM
I through in general the MF was poor FH , Sheffields 5 man midfield were dominating and neither Thor or Houriane were up to much .Thor got better in 2nd half his mobility is a clear benefit in the area other Whelan and Jedinek his passing got better too.

I think he could play as part of a 3 man midfield with say Axel as the DM if we needed to be more solid whats clear his that he is no wide player.

Definitely agree about that.  I would like to see him given a chance in that more advanced role, but he is doing fine where he is for the time being.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on February 01, 2018, 05:02:10 PM
and with respect, Brian, neither could Thor up until a couple of weeks ago. In fact, when I first saw him 'play', I thought football was a completely alien concept to the guy. But top marks for the last few weeks.

I thought he was shocking in the first half against Sheffield, but much improved after the break.
Was keeping a good eye on him (due to this thread) - and didn't see him as the culprit of the 1st half (AA and Elmo) - the balls were being lumped up and down, and we generally were messy. Some of the passes that didn't hit target was just as much to do with the receiver of the ball not doing his bit.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Woofles The Wonder Dog on February 01, 2018, 05:55:27 PM
and with respect, Brian, neither could Thor up until a couple of weeks ago. In fact, when I first saw him 'play', I thought football was a completely alien concept to the guy. But top marks for the last few weeks.

I thought he was shocking in the first half against Sheffield, but much improved after the break.
Was keeping a good eye on him (due to this thread) - and didn't see him as the culprit of the 1st half (AA and Elmo) - the balls were being lumped up and down, and we generally were messy. Some of the passes that didn't hit target was just as much to do with the receiver of the ball not doing his bit.

I musty admit that I read the negative comments about him on the match thread, while watching the game. I just assumed that the posters were watching Antiques Roadshow repeats on Dave and were just expressing their pre-conceived opinions. :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on February 01, 2018, 06:43:32 PM
Match thread comments are of no value.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: West Derby Villan on February 01, 2018, 07:30:56 PM
TV I am sure you remember Des Bremner? He was never rated as a footballer by many but was such an effective part of our team at that time. I hope Barny keeps on improving and become a key cog in our wheel.
the other one I thought of was Frank Carrodus, never standout but was very important for the team

Oh yes please either of those two
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Bad English on February 01, 2018, 07:38:04 PM
Match thread comments are of no value.
I don't know. "Fffffyeeeeefapfapfapyeaharrgghh!!!" is quite informative.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on February 01, 2018, 08:17:33 PM
Match thread comments are of no value.

Au contraire,  I find that because they're given without really having time to consider them properly, they're usually the most honest and accurate comments on the site.  The first half was utter shite.  The second half was a fair bit better, but the last minute winner obviously elevated that by a factor of several times.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LeeB on February 01, 2018, 08:28:44 PM
Match thread comments are of no value.

Au contraire,  I find that because they're given without really having time to consider them properly, they're usually the most honest and accurate comments on the site.  The first half was utter shite.  The second half was a fair bit better, but the last minute winner obviously elevated that by a factor of several times.

We appeared to get stronger as the second half went on, which must be the first time I've thought that of a Villa side for what seems like decades.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 01, 2018, 09:05:24 PM
I thought we got better in the second half which given how the first half went shouldn’t have been much to ask. The cup game might have taken its toll on them a little but also credit Bruce and his team for making adjustments at the break. And probably having a word also about upping our game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 12, 2018, 01:39:45 PM
Did he leave the field quickly because of petulance or did he need a wee? 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: McGraths Dry Cleaning on February 12, 2018, 01:51:05 PM
Did he leave the field quickly because of petulance or did he need a wee?
I mentioned this in the post match thread but I wonder if he was 100% - he looked a bit peaky to me...
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on February 12, 2018, 02:51:11 PM
probably overdid the putrefied puffin on toast for breakfast
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on February 12, 2018, 02:53:32 PM
Or maybe he just does not get the association some of the others do - he seems a very paid back personality
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on February 12, 2018, 03:08:09 PM
I think maybe he's a bit of a loner
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2018, 07:32:03 PM
Love this bloke. Brilliant goal.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: wombat on March 10, 2018, 08:50:41 PM
Classic toe-poke tonight. Love a toe poke!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on March 10, 2018, 11:53:07 PM
Excellent goal - question for the people there - did he leave the pitch before the others as well for this one? Seems like he did that the last few games. Might just be that he always needs a shit after a game? ;)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: West Derby Villan on March 11, 2018, 01:07:12 AM
BB should be DB (for those inebriated souls, like me - DOGS BOLLOX)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: adrenachrome on March 11, 2018, 02:26:25 AM
Everybody, including both of my brothers and Lee Hendrie say it was a toe poke. It was not a fucking toe poke. In boxing terms, it was a straight short right jab from a southpaw.  Off the meat of the instep.

Thor has it in his locker. It is well documented.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: nodge on March 11, 2018, 06:06:45 AM
Excellent goal - question for the people there - did he leave the pitch before the others as well for this one? Seems like he did that the last few games. Might just be that he always needs a shit after a game? ;)

Yes he did Edvard, first off the pitch I think. I'm not sure if he had a turtle's head though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on March 11, 2018, 06:39:01 AM
Excellent goal - question for the people there - did he leave the pitch before the others as well for this one? Seems like he did that the last few games. Might just be that he always needs a shit after a game? ;)

Yes he did Edvard, first off the pitch I think. I'm not sure if he had a turtle's head though.
Might be shy just as all Icelanders are... :)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: nodge on March 11, 2018, 07:07:42 AM
Everybody, including both of my brothers and Lee Hendrie say it was a toe poke. It was not a fucking toe poke. In boxing terms, it was a straight short right jab from a southpaw.  Off the meat of the instep.

Thor has it in his locker. It is well documented.

From where I was sat it looked like it was exquisitely placed with the outside of his toe.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2018, 07:36:57 AM
Definite toe poke. Nowt wrong with a well executed toe poke though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: richtheholtender on March 11, 2018, 07:42:33 AM
The Icelandic ronaldinho
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on March 11, 2018, 07:51:18 AM
The Icelandic ronaldinho

Romario
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on March 11, 2018, 09:00:47 AM
Excellent goal - question for the people there - did he leave the pitch before the others as well for this one? Seems like he did that the last few games. Might just be that he always needs a shit after a game? ;)
Yes he did but as you know you northerners like to jump straight into an ice bath as soon as you break sweat😉
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on March 11, 2018, 09:14:33 AM
Having recently returned from Iceland I can vouch for the natives non gregariousness.  With 85% of the population in a conurbation the size of Shirley and the rest scattered around a vast coastline where half a dozen dwellings is the local town they are hard, resourceful, independent loners by breeding and habitat.  Interestingly they consider themselves descended from the Picts/Celts of Scotland, Ireland and Wales as much as Viking stock.  They certainly are scruffier than Swedes, Danes, Finns and Norwegians.  Good bunch.  Very strong toes.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard E on March 11, 2018, 09:46:04 AM
Iceland is an eye wateringly expensive country to visit.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on March 11, 2018, 09:53:47 AM
It was a damm fine toe poke as toe pokes go.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on March 11, 2018, 10:15:36 AM
Spot on Richard.  My eyes are still watering.  £25 for a sit down fish and chip supper served in a polystyrene tray, condiments in sachets.  £3.50 max in Witton.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on March 11, 2018, 11:07:12 AM
Iceland is an eye wateringly expensive country to visit.
Yes indeed but don't give them any prizes till you have been to Singapore.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on March 11, 2018, 02:06:17 PM
Norway is prohibitively expensive for tourists at least, if not the locals. I know per capita they are one of the richest countries on earth but I'm convinced there must be a two tier pricing policy
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on March 11, 2018, 02:35:01 PM
I suspect that Iceland became exhorbitantly expensive in the fall out from their banking collapse and their government's refusal to underwrite losses to savers who made deposits with Icelandic banks.  I imagine as a country their banking status is at rock bottom.  They pay their way in cash of which tourists are a prime source.

Back on topic there are pictures of Bjorn In every Reykjavik shop window.  With his teammates in the national side.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on March 11, 2018, 02:52:53 PM
Norway is prohibitively expensive for tourists at least, if not the locals. I know per capita they are one of the richest countries on earth but I'm convinced there must be a two tier pricing policy

Nah, it's one of the most transparent countries in the world.  The pricing is a funny one, the main issue is that you pay a premium for service.  Go to a bar and order the local beer (Hansa for example) and you'll pay about £8 for a pint (well half litre).  Buy something imported and you'll pay £12-13.  However buy that same beer in cans and you'll pay about £2-3 for the local stuff and £4ish for the imported.  Still expensive but not on the same level.  It's the same with restaurants, you can expect to pay about double what you'd spend in the UK but groceries are about 20-25% higher, again because you're paying a massive service charge.  The main reason is that most of those people are going to be earning 2-3x their UK counterparts (I know a lad who works in a bar in Bergen and is on £17 an hour, he's 19 so here he'd be on £5.60).

Sorry, that's got very little to do with Bjarnason who i still think looks lost playing wide left but he's looking much more confident now than when he arrived.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on March 11, 2018, 02:59:59 PM
Norway is prohibitively expensive for tourists at least, if not the locals. I know per capita they are one of the richest countries on earth but I'm convinced there must be a two tier pricing policy

Nah, it's one of the most transparent countries in the world.  The pricing is a funny one, the main issue is that you pay a premium for service.  Go to a bar and order the local beer (Hansa for example) and you'll pay about £8 for a pint (well half litre).  Buy something imported and you'll pay £12-13.  However buy that same beer in cans and you'll pay about £2-3 for the local stuff and £4ish for the imported.  Still expensive but not on the same level.  It's the same with restaurants, you can expect to pay about double what you'd spend in the UK but groceries are about 20-25% higher, again because you're paying a massive service charge.  The main reason is that most of those people are going to be earning 2-3x their UK counterparts (I know a lad who works in a bar in Bergen and is on £17 an hour, he's 19 so here he'd be on £5.60).

Sorry, that's got very little to do with Bjarnason who i still think looks lost playing wide left but he's looking much more confident now than when he arrived.
my son is 17 and earns about 16 pounds per hour.Bare minimum. but the Icelandic are the crap navigators, that couldn't find Faroe Islands
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on March 11, 2018, 03:07:38 PM
Brian - Norway is more expensive than Iceland.We fight with Iceland to be no 2
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on March 11, 2018, 07:03:40 PM
So based on the above posts was it a toe poke or full on money  driller?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 11, 2018, 07:12:56 PM
Iceland is an eye wateringly expensive country to visit.
Yes indeed but don't give them any prizes till you have been to Singapore.

Too bloody true.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: brian green on March 11, 2018, 07:23:14 PM
If we put our backs into this we could have Birkir's Toe Poke up there with Reversus Africanus, Pourquoi Barry ne prend pas le penalty? and which twat changed the badge?  As legendary topics.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on March 11, 2018, 07:31:01 PM
So based on the above posts was it a toe poke or full on money  driller?

Well its the Icelandic version of the classic Brazilian toe punt finish. Ronaldinho, Romario and Ronaldo. Esq

However if it was a premier league match or a Brazilian or even current England player every one would be on it.

Brazilian Oscar scored a very similar goal in world cup 14 v Croatia. The dribble and deceptive toe ender finish giving element of surprise and,  bang! good goal.

So Bjarnason has a touch of South American influence on that super finish!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 11, 2018, 07:44:32 PM
I wonder how many Iceland people have started to support Villa even thou there is not a lot of them.

I remember a few norwegians started to get into us a few years ago..
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on March 11, 2018, 09:34:03 PM
Well they are all welcomed.


(http://thumb.ibb.co/eZzEXn/Iceland2.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eZzEXn)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ColinMac on March 12, 2018, 09:38:33 AM
They look about 12
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on March 12, 2018, 01:02:46 PM
This is more the Icelandic style - stelpur
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cZSG7BYIses/hqdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on March 12, 2018, 03:16:40 PM
that's the three in the first picture from a different angle and a bit of photoshop
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: cdbearsfan on March 12, 2018, 03:21:17 PM
They look like they're modelling for Edvard's jumper business.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: LeeB on March 12, 2018, 03:21:22 PM
This is more the Icelandic style - stelpur
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cZSG7BYIses/hqdefault.jpg)

Go easy on the baking soda girls.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: David_Nab on March 12, 2018, 04:28:56 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/gSDkq7/Iceman_cometh.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gSDkq7)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JD on March 13, 2018, 08:46:45 AM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/gSDkq7/Iceman_cometh.jpg) (http://ibb.co/gSDkq7)


Brilliant
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: not3bad on March 13, 2018, 09:27:17 AM
I wonder how many Iceland people have started to support Villa even thou there is not a lot of them.

"Why is thy football team, oh Icelander? Thou musteth have one, even though thou dost not say it."
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on March 13, 2018, 11:50:46 AM
you need to get out more
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 17, 2018, 07:37:11 PM
Shirkir Bjarnason, more like.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 17, 2018, 07:41:48 PM
Whilst that is a good play on his name I actually don't think he did shirk, he was just pretty shit really. Jedinak back in please.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: David_Nab on March 17, 2018, 07:46:23 PM
He wasn't great but not helped when Conner was anonymous again and then Bruce decided to play with him as the one CM ...but overall he should of played against QPR and Jed should of played against the more physical Bolton ..
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 17, 2018, 07:48:30 PM
They kicked him to pieces and then he was left as the only midfielder as we went for an 'interesting' 4-1-1-4 formation.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 17, 2018, 08:49:02 PM
Whilst that is a good play on his name I actually don't think he did shirk, he was just pretty shit really. Jedinak back in please.

Neither do I, it's all about the play on his name (see Grealish thread).
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on April 04, 2018, 10:28:47 AM
Byard-na-son. Is how to pronounce his name!!
And yesterday v reading showed qualities to why bought him. Like others needs a run in team but similarly to Hourihane has been capable of scoring a goal.

Well played yesterday Barney B what a hit!!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on April 04, 2018, 07:40:45 PM
Lovely goal, great to see the fella flourish in a position more suited to him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on April 04, 2018, 07:56:19 PM
Absolutely excellent display. So much energy and purpose.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on April 04, 2018, 07:58:19 PM
Would he real Birkir Bjarnason please stand up
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brassneck on April 04, 2018, 09:17:20 PM
I came across this earlier when looking for last nights highlights:



Interestingly, at the end, Birkir walks down the tunnel with all the Sunderland players at the end whilst all his team mates are acknowledging the away support. I'm no comfortable wth it, whatever the reason.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 04, 2018, 09:20:04 PM
I came across this earlier when looking for last nights highlights:



Interestingly, at the end, Birkir walks down the tunnel with all the Sunderland players at the end whilst all his team mates are acknowledging the away support. I'm no comfortable wth it, whatever the reason.

This gets said regularly. Maybe he just likes his own company once the match is over, maybe it's superstition. Whatever the reason, it's not a problem while he's playing like he is lately.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on April 04, 2018, 09:26:31 PM
I really thought he was terrible until recently

Glad he’s proving me wrong. He’s definitely not a winger though!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brassneck on April 04, 2018, 09:29:53 PM
I came across this earlier when looking for last nights highlights:



Interestingly, at the end, Birkir walks down the tunnel with all the Sunderland players at the end whilst all his team mates are acknowledging the away support. I'm no comfortable wth it, whatever the reason.

This gets said regularly. Maybe he just likes his own company once the match is over, maybe it's superstition. Whatever the reason, it's not a problem while he's playing like he is lately.

Yes, in the grand scheme of things it isn't a problem.

I just hope there isn't some underlying issue. It was pleasing to see him approach the Holte End after scoring last night.

The very slight niggle that I have is that 1,500 fans traveled a long way that night and many would have lost time from work in doing so. I don't think that it's asking too much to acknowledge the travelling fans like the rest of the team did. Footballers are in a very privileged position and at times should make an effort in certain scenarios. I always get a feeling that Birkir isn't overly happy here. I can't put my finger on it and hopefully I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: olaftab on April 04, 2018, 09:36:03 PM
A huge influence on that pitch. He was every where.  Nearest  thing to Des Bremner I have seen at Villa Park.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 04, 2018, 09:48:59 PM
I came across this earlier when looking for last nights highlights:



Interestingly, at the end, Birkir walks down the tunnel with all the Sunderland players at the end whilst all his team mates are acknowledging the away support. I'm no comfortable wth it, whatever the reason.

This gets said regularly. Maybe he just likes his own company once the match is over, maybe it's superstition. Whatever the reason, it's not a problem while he's playing like he is lately.

The other thing to point out is that it clearly doesn’t bother his teammates who were all over him when he scored vs Wolves and last night
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on April 04, 2018, 09:56:24 PM
I really thought he was terrible until recently

Glad he’s proving me wrong. He’s definitely not a winger though!

Maybe he would have proved you wrong earlier if he had been played centrally sooner.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard on April 05, 2018, 04:45:53 PM
In that Sunderland video he's with Johnstone anyway at the end - I don't think there's any issue at all.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on May 30, 2018, 12:35:08 PM
Had his moments and I think he would flourish with a consistent run.
Perfectly capable of a lower Prem club taking him on or overseas interests and I would think he could be one sold.

His contract is up in 2020 so this window would best time to make some money on him

Have to say the goal against wolves will never be forgotten what ever happens

A good world cup against Argentina Nigeria and Croatia could see his value rise and that's where we can get a decent fee.

For the greater good I propose we sell him.
(personally want him to stay and be a midfield boss)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on May 30, 2018, 12:55:30 PM
I think he will be gone this summer.  There was interest in him in January if I recall correctly and I think a decent showing at the World Cup will see him move on.  It would be a shame, as I don't think we have seen much of him in his best position (attacking midfielder in a three man midfield). 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 30, 2018, 01:09:37 PM
I think he will be gone this summer.  There was interest in him in January if I recall correctly and I think a decent showing at the World Cup will see him move on.  It would be a shame, as I don't think we have seen much of him in his best position (attacking midfielder in a three man midfield). 

We tried him that position v Preston and Fulham and didn't really come off.

Think he's best in box to box role so him or Hourihane.

He plays wide left for Iceland.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: David_Nab on May 30, 2018, 02:32:42 PM
Think he will be off as he is easily sell able especially if he has a decent world cup ..
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on May 30, 2018, 03:33:37 PM
flashes of ability but little more. I'd look to sell for some ready coin to put in the FFP pot
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brassneck on May 30, 2018, 03:39:44 PM
Sell for me - Hasn't set the world alight here and the transfer fee along with reduced wages will help.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: oldhill_avfc on May 31, 2018, 06:30:08 PM
Not been overly impressed but there have been flashes of ability, especially when played in the centre.

I'd prefer to keep him if it were a simple choice between him and getting rid of Whelan and/or Jedinak (who'll both be a year older and less mobile next season).
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: OCD on May 31, 2018, 06:43:48 PM
Rather keep him than Whelan or Lansbury.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: AsTallAsLions on May 31, 2018, 07:14:31 PM
Rather keep him than Whelan or Lansbury.

Likewise. But I fear he'll go to the first bidder, no questions asked.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 31, 2018, 09:44:08 PM
His style is most similar to Hourihane.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: willenhall villa on May 31, 2018, 09:56:22 PM
Birkir being similar in style to Hourihane isn’t a bad thing. Thinking about it, Birkir offers more with his bursting runs and can beat a player or two. See his goal v dogheads and he’s scored another with a dynamic run v Bristol city. He’s certainly improved in his time here let’s hope with more game time he will get even better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on June 01, 2018, 01:10:52 AM
Our only central midfielder other then Jack that don't shit himself when asked to bring the ball forward. Bastard.
Make it stop!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on June 01, 2018, 06:58:28 AM
Not sure we'd get that much for him?

Personally if we got a big bid for hourihane I'd sell him and keep BB
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ozzjim on June 01, 2018, 06:59:57 AM
If someone offered 10 for Hourihane based on his goal return I'd snap their hands off.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Mister E on June 01, 2018, 07:04:34 AM
Not sure we'd get that much for him?

Personally if we got a big bid for hourihane I'd sell him and keep BB
Agreed.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on June 01, 2018, 08:53:22 PM
If someone offered 10 for Hourihane based on his goal return I'd snap their hands off.

10? Fuck yes

We bought him for so little it would make a massive dent in our FFP problem. Plus he's not actually that good, albeit his habit of scoring is very handy
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 01, 2018, 08:54:58 PM
If someone offered 10 for Hourihane based on his goal return I'd snap their hands off.

10? Fuck yes

We bought him for so little it would make a massive dent in our FFP problem. Plus he's not actually that good, albeit his habit of scoring is very handy
No brainer, he was so ineffective in too many games including the final.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard E on June 01, 2018, 08:56:46 PM
I’d still want more than a tenner for him, though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ZhongYi on June 16, 2018, 02:49:57 PM
tonight (8 hours ahead) against argentina has proved he is a quality player. keep.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: amfy on June 16, 2018, 03:43:06 PM
tonight (8 hours ahead) against argentina has proved he is a quality player. keep.

A quality player that barely gets a game here - hopefully someone might want to give us some decent money for him! That'd be a win for us and him!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sickbeggar on June 16, 2018, 03:58:03 PM
Yep, could be a masterstroke for the finances. After the world cup loads of clubs want a vanity world cup purchase and we have just the man.. 8)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: frank black on June 16, 2018, 03:58:42 PM
Been a dirty bugger today. Effective but a dirty bugger 😂
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Mister E on June 16, 2018, 04:00:22 PM
tonight (8 hours ahead) against argentina has proved he is a quality player. keep.
I think "quality player" is stretching it: he proved to be very competent at doing the job required of him (even if he was very fortuitous not to get a yellow for persistent fouling).
And, he could have been a far more influential player for us last season had he played more often.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: CT Villan on June 16, 2018, 04:20:15 PM
He did well and perhaps could have scored. We should keep him and play him centre-mid.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: garyshawsknee on June 16, 2018, 04:28:04 PM
Wish we could sell Jedi and Whelan and keep BB. Surely that daft prick Pulis would be interested in Whelan.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: robleflaneur on June 16, 2018, 06:40:21 PM
Wish we could sell Jedi and Whelan and keep BB. Surely that daft prick Pulis would be interested in Whelan.
Unfortunately,we also have a daft prick.Jedi could be a mainstay of our defence .
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Villafirst on June 16, 2018, 07:15:23 PM
tonight (8 hours ahead) against argentina has proved he is a quality player. keep.

A quality player that barely gets a game here - hopefully someone might want to give us some decent money for him! That'd be a win for us and him!

No way! He needs to stay next season. Xia needs to go by selling up to someone who knows what they're doing!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 16, 2018, 10:50:16 PM
He did well and perhaps could have scored. We should keep him and play him centre-mid.

He plays as left sided winger for Iceland.

I know we played him as DM last year but to me an effective area for him would be box to box midfielder, I certainly don't think he'd have posted poorer stats than Hourihane if he'd had a similar number of starts.

Anyway he was close to leaving in January so suspect he'll be gone by August so hopefully a good World cup will push his value up a bit more.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 16, 2018, 11:49:19 PM
I hope he’s here next season. If we play him in the right role I think he’s a really good player. He’s good on the ball and has intelligent movement.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: robleflaneur on June 17, 2018, 12:17:55 AM
I hope he’s here next season. If we play him in the right role I think he’s a really good player. He’s good on the ball and has intelligent movement.
Intelligent movement is not compatible with any Bruce side.His ability shows up Bruce's limitations.There was no need to buy Whelan.With him and Jedi we could have played 352 or 4231  or a diamond 442 but Bruce is so inflexible.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 17, 2018, 12:37:14 AM
His performance today in a way reminded of the display Carlos Sanchez put in for Columbia against Messi. Everyone was raving about it. Then he comes back to us and either he was just magnificent that night or as probably was the case we never used him in his best position. Sanchez was a good, not great player that we should have got more out of. I hope we don't make the same mistake with BB because as a defensive midfield player he looked more than solid for us at Championship level last season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on June 17, 2018, 12:38:47 AM
His performance today in a way reminded of the display Carlos Santos put in for Columbia against Messi. Everyone was raving about it. Then he comes back to us and either he was just magnificent that night or as probably was the case we never used him in his position. Santos was a good, not great player that we should have got more out of. I hope we don't make the same mistake with BB because as a defensive midfield player he looked more than solid for us at Championship level last season.

Sanchez you mean?

I was thinking of him earlier. All those players we signed who barely got a look in and then got moved out on loan for the rest of their contracts.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 17, 2018, 12:39:14 AM
His performance today in a way reminded of the display Carlos Santos put in for Columbia against Messi. Everyone was raving about it. Then he comes back to us and either he was just magnificent that night or as probably was the case we never used him in his position. Santos was a good, not great player that we should have got more out of. I hope we don't make the same mistake with BB because as a defensive midfield player he looked more than solid for us at Championship level last season.

Sanchez you mean?

I was thinking of him earlier. All those players we signed who barely got a look in and then got moved out on loan for the rest of their contracts.

Yeh sorry Sanchez
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on June 17, 2018, 12:42:15 AM
His performance today in a way reminded of the display Carlos Santos put in for Columbia against Messi. Everyone was raving about it. Then he comes back to us and either he was just magnificent that night or as probably was the case we never used him in his position. Santos was a good, not great player that we should have got more out of. I hope we don't make the same mistake with BB because as a defensive midfield player he looked more than solid for us at Championship level last season.

Excellent point. I loved Carlos. Just another that was bought without a thought to how he was going to be used or played to his strengths. May as well have bought Messi as our 6th right back choice. Not physical enough.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on June 17, 2018, 01:36:01 AM
His strengths must have been under nines football as the bloke couldn't last an hour.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on June 17, 2018, 02:05:51 AM
Is he at Fiorentina with Veretout these days? He did have fitness issues but there was a player there. Did he leave just before the relegation season?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on June 17, 2018, 02:30:45 AM
His strengths must have been under nines football as the bloke couldn't last an hour.

Yeah, typical donkey Villa management, ask a player to be the opposite of what his strengths are.
When will we learn?

While we're at it, is it only England players that deserve a rest? Carlos played every summer in international competitions but was treated like a mule. And then fans wondered why he disappeared after 60 minutes.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: passitsideways on June 17, 2018, 05:51:26 AM
Is he at Fiorentina with Veretout these days? He did have fitness issues but there was a player there. Did he leave just before the relegation season?

We loaned him out after we got relegated and the move was made permanent last summer. Got loaned out to La Liga at some point last season, I think.

Thing is, we effectively replaced him with Jedinak, who has similar strengths and weaknesses (crap passer, but shields the back 4 well and wins everything in the air), except we paid 4 million for that privilege. Unless he was really, really keen to leave, just one out of a series of pretty unnecessary transfer decisions.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: OCD on June 17, 2018, 06:43:30 AM
Wondered who you were unabout before realising you were talking about Carlos Sanchez.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on June 17, 2018, 07:35:05 AM
Is he at Fiorentina with Veretout these days? He did have fitness issues but there was a player there. Did he leave just before the relegation season?

We loaned him out after we got relegated and the move was made permanent last summer. Got loaned out to La Liga at some point last season, I think.

Thing is, we effectively replaced him with Jedinak, who has similar strengths and weaknesses (crap passer, but shields the back 4 well and wins everything in the air), except we paid 4 million for that privilege. Unless he was really, really keen to leave, just one out of a series of pretty unnecessary transfer decisions.

Jedinak can at least last 90 minutes, so you'd expect him to cost at least a 3rd more than Sanchez.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Lastfootstamper on June 17, 2018, 08:11:46 AM
It fucking grieved me, our use of Sanchez. I'd been a big admirer, I've always loved his kind of player, and thought his arrival was signalling a new dawn of uptempo direct football. Instead he got to play behind the most confused static forward line the world has ever witnessed.

Yeah, well done there.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on June 17, 2018, 08:50:14 AM
Some players just aren’t suited to the Premier League. Sanchez was one of them.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on June 17, 2018, 08:52:01 AM
Some players just aren’t suited to the Premier League. Sanchez was one of them.

Aye. The problem was him, not us.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Lastfootstamper on June 17, 2018, 09:02:39 AM
Sid would've struggled to pick a forward pass from behind those twonks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: The Edge on June 17, 2018, 09:30:52 AM
If someone offered 10 for Hourihane based on his goal return I'd snap their hands off.

10? Fuck yes

We bought him for so little it would make a massive dent in our FFP problem. Plus he's not actually that good, albeit his habit of scoring is very handy
A tenner? Hourihane is worth more than that surely. Barney would of done a good job for us in the final. He would of covered every blade of grass. That's not hindsight speaking either many posters on here and elsewhere made the point.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 17, 2018, 09:43:42 AM
If someone offered 10 for Hourihane based on his goal return I'd snap their hands off.

10? Fuck yes

We bought him for so little it would make a massive dent in our FFP problem. Plus he's not actually that good, albeit his habit of scoring is very handy
A tenner? Hourihane is worth more than that surely. Barney would of done a good job for us in the final. He would of covered every blade of grass. That's not hindsight speaking either many posters on here and elsewhere made the point.

if Hourihane was given away free we would struggle to get him gone
how many other championship clubs are going to pay or could afford to pay 30k a week wages for a bang average championship midfielder

so yes the 10 whether it’s million pounds or pence is to much
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: shipscat on June 17, 2018, 10:33:10 AM
Brighton were very interested in Hourihane in the last transfer window.

Can't imagine we'll have too many issues selling him for 4/5 million in this window.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 17, 2018, 11:08:20 AM
His performance today in a way reminded of the display Carlos Santos put in for Columbia against Messi. Everyone was raving about it. Then he comes back to us and either he was just magnificent that night or as probably was the case we never used him in his position. Santos was a good, not great player that we should have got more out of. I hope we don't make the same mistake with BB because as a defensive midfield player he looked more than solid for us at Championship level last season.

Sanchez you mean?

I was thinking of him earlier. All those players we signed who barely got a look in and then got moved out on loan for the rest of their contracts.

Sanchez was o.k in a few games in his defined defensive role.

Weirdly because he was South American people seemed to have this odd idea he was going to be this attacking playmaker who'd dribbled past 4 players and hit one into the top corner from 30 yards.

He's done fine since he left us and will be starting for Colombia again on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 17, 2018, 11:10:34 AM
Some players just aren’t suited to the Premier League. Sanchez was one of them.

Aye. The problem was him, not us.

Think Veretout was more unsuited, Carlos at least could mix it physically.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on June 17, 2018, 11:12:30 AM
Brighton were very interested in Hourihane in the last transfer window.

Can't imagine we'll have too many issues selling him for 4/5 million in this window.

clubs will look at his statistics and sign him

they wont realise he can be mostly meh in games but has this knack of being in the right place to score but he frustrated me so many times last season.

Hes never a prem player
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 17, 2018, 11:17:39 AM
Brighton were very interested in Hourihane in the last transfer window.

Can't imagine we'll have too many issues selling him for 4/5 million in this window.

clubs will look at his statistics and sign him

they wont realise he can be mostly meh in games but has this knack of being in the right place to score but he frustrated me so many times last season.

Hes never a prem player

if we get 4-5 mill for him and someone takes him on his wages

I'll eat my sou'wester
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on June 17, 2018, 11:20:16 AM
I suppose its possible. Norwich have just sold Josh Murphy for an alleged £11m and he ain't that great.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 17, 2018, 12:52:50 PM
If we want to sell Hourihane I reckon we'd get a decent price for him. He works hard and has, over 2 seasons in this league, 18 goals and 16 assists.  He can be a bit anonymous but just his ability to pick up the ball on the edge of the box and hit the target gives him a value to clubs wanting to get promotion to the prem or to try to avoid relegation.  I wouldn't be surprised if we got something around £7-8m.

Bjarnason will probably see bids of £4-5m as well and I reckon we could get offers of a couple of million for Elmo and Lansbury. Yes they're on big money for most of the championship clubs but the ones who came down and have the parachute payments might well be willing to do what we did and gamble on a few players who've got lots of experience in this league.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 17, 2018, 02:10:27 PM
If we want to sell Hourihane I reckon we'd get a decent price for him. He works hard and has, over 2 seasons in this league, 18 goals and 16 assists.  He can be a bit anonymous but just his ability to pick up the ball on the edge of the box and hit the target gives him a value to clubs wanting to get promotion to the prem or to try to avoid relegation.  I wouldn't be surprised if we got something around £7-8m.

Bjarnason will probably see bids of £4-5m as well and I reckon we could get offers of a couple of million for Elmo and Lansbury. Yes they're on big money for most of the championship clubs but the ones who came down and have the parachute payments might well be willing to do what we did and gamble on a few players who've got lots of experience in this league.

3 clubs came down
none of which in my opinion will be offering the sort of money you suggest for any of the above players
they will need players to improve their squads and get them back up
Not the midfield failures we have hanging about
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 17, 2018, 02:16:57 PM
If we want to sell Hourihane I reckon we'd get a decent price for him. He works hard and has, over 2 seasons in this league, 18 goals and 16 assists.  He can be a bit anonymous but just his ability to pick up the ball on the edge of the box and hit the target gives him a value to clubs wanting to get promotion to the prem or to try to avoid relegation.  I wouldn't be surprised if we got something around £7-8m.

Bjarnason will probably see bids of £4-5m as well and I reckon we could get offers of a couple of million for Elmo and Lansbury. Yes they're on big money for most of the championship clubs but the ones who came down and have the parachute payments might well be willing to do what we did and gamble on a few players who've got lots of experience in this league.

3 clubs came down
none of which in my opinion will be offering the sort of money you suggest for any of the above players
they will need players to improve their squads and get them back up
Not the midfield failures we have hanging about


You can't call Hourihane a failure though, he's not as good as we might have wanted but he had a good enough season to be interesting. Bjarnason didn't play as often as he should've but he looked easily good enough for a side chasing automatic promotion and Elmo has been around the leagues so long that he'll have interest regardless and he, again, had an ok season.  Lansbury is the outside chance of the 3 but I think we could easily get £15-20m for those 4 (combined).
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 17, 2018, 02:19:17 PM
If we want to sell Hourihane I reckon we'd get a decent price for him. He works hard and has, over 2 seasons in this league, 18 goals and 16 assists.  He can be a bit anonymous but just his ability to pick up the ball on the edge of the box and hit the target gives him a value to clubs wanting to get promotion to the prem or to try to avoid relegation.  I wouldn't be surprised if we got something around £7-8m.

Bjarnason will probably see bids of £4-5m as well and I reckon we could get offers of a couple of million for Elmo and Lansbury. Yes they're on big money for most of the championship clubs but the ones who came down and have the parachute payments might well be willing to do what we did and gamble on a few players who've got lots of experience in this league.

3 clubs came down
none of which in my opinion will be offering the sort of money you suggest for any of the above players
they will need players to improve their squads and get them back up
Not the midfield failures we have hanging about


You can't call Hourihane a failure though, he's not as good as we might have wanted but he had a good enough season to be interesting. Bjarnason didn't play as often as he should've but he looked easily good enough for a side chasing automatic promotion and Elmo has been around the leagues so long that he'll have interest regardless and he, again, had an ok season.  Lansbury is the outside chance of the 3 but I think we could easily get £15-20m for those 4 (combined).
e

every one of our central midfield was a failure apart from Grealish imo
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 17, 2018, 02:20:10 PM
I know Hourihane goes missing in games at times but I generally found that when he wasn’t played in a more advanced role. Midfield players who chip in with 10+ goals and who are good at set pieces don’t grow on trees. I would not be selling him at all.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 17, 2018, 02:21:48 PM
I know Hourihane goes missing in games at times but I generally found that when he wasn’t played in a more advanced role. Midfield players who chip in with 10+ goals and who are good at set pieces don’t grow on trees. I would not be selling him at all.

you'll be ok then because none of these players mentioned in the last few posts will be going anywhere
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on June 17, 2018, 02:35:59 PM
Hourihane needs a more mobile holding midfielder than either Jedinak or Whelan to play alongside.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: garyshawsknee on June 17, 2018, 02:40:10 PM
Its a big if, but if we had BB, Hourihane and Jack as a midfield three, most of the other sides in the league would be fearful of that midfield.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ads on June 17, 2018, 04:57:42 PM
Some players just aren’t suited to the Premier League. Sanchez was one of them.

Aye. The problem was him, not us.

Think Veretout was more unsuited, Carlos at least could mix it physically.

But only for so long as he lacked the fitness to play the game here.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Steve67 on June 17, 2018, 10:31:25 PM
We would get over run with a midfield of Hourihane, Grealish and BB as I think they have energy but don't have enough physical presence.  Be interesting to see how Bruce builds the midfield with no money.  Jedinak is likely to drop in to the back four I reckon, so we will need some physicality in the middle of the park.  For me, it's BB OR Hourihane, but not both.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on June 18, 2018, 12:52:43 PM
Jordan Lyden is still on our books and would be ideally suited for the defensive midfield role.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Eiresvillan on June 18, 2018, 01:23:00 PM
Good player, marked Messi out of the game v Argentina. He should be a regular in the 1st team next season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Des Little on June 18, 2018, 02:10:19 PM
If I was him, I'd play out of my skin in the WC and get myself a move away from here, to a club that will play him. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on June 18, 2018, 02:16:40 PM
Jordan Lyden is still on our books and would be ideally suited for the defensive midfield role.

You're a consistent champion of this fella, Mark, how come? I've barely seen him play.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Walmley_Villa on June 18, 2018, 02:16:57 PM
I think he'll look for a swift exit after the World Cup.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 18, 2018, 02:36:56 PM
Jordan Lyden is still on our books and would be ideally suited for the defensive midfield role.

You're a consistent champion of this fella, Mark, how come? I've barely seen him play.

I like him as well, works his tits off, is a good passer and he's scored a decent number of goals (5 in 13 last year).  He's had a few injury problems but without those I reckon he'd be a regular for us by now.  Lyden, Bjarnason and Grealish would be very good midfield at this level.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on June 18, 2018, 03:54:00 PM
Jordan Lyden is still on our books and would be ideally suited for the defensive midfield role.

You're a consistent champion of this fella, Mark, how come? I've barely seen him play.

I like him as well, works his tits off, is a good passer and he's scored a decent number of goals (5 in 13 last year).  He's had a few injury problems but without those I reckon he'd be a regular for us by now.  Lyden, Bjarnason and Grealish would be very good midfield at this level.

Agreed. He loves a tackle too and won't go hiding. Not sure how the injuries have impacted on his development but whenever I've seen him play you can't help but see the maturity and potential of the lad. I was hoping he'd have shadowed fellow Aussie, Jedi but Bruce brought in Whelan and like most managers when they buy a player, they feel obliged to play him.

One thing about Lyden is given the chance you just know he won't let you down.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dcdavecollett on June 18, 2018, 05:48:38 PM
Good player, Lyden. Versatile as well.

A shame he's so injury-prone.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 18, 2018, 08:58:17 PM

(https://thumb.ibb.co/g7MVny/A9632_FF9_2_ADC_46_D9_B0_BD_4784_E1_D75122.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g7MVny)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on June 18, 2018, 09:53:34 PM

(https://thumb.ibb.co/g7MVny/A9632_FF9_2_ADC_46_D9_B0_BD_4784_E1_D75122.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g7MVny)


Maybe he could raffle it off on behalf of his employers.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on June 18, 2018, 10:02:48 PM
First time I've seen him smile.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: nodge on June 18, 2018, 11:03:25 PM
Lionel must've left that in his pocket when he climbed out.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 18, 2018, 11:22:53 PM
It’s amazing to think that we have or had players who have marked Lionel F Messi out of a game. How many clubs can say that? And neither player barely featured or feature for us.

File under “only at Aston Villa...”
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on June 19, 2018, 08:48:00 AM
well in fairness he only did it with the help of at least one other player - it certainly wasn't one on one.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on June 19, 2018, 08:57:49 AM
he had a great chance to score as well.  must admit he does get into good positions to score. I cant believe he wasnt used more last season and properly.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on June 19, 2018, 02:26:08 PM
Quote
I cant believe he wasnt used more last season and properly.

Because SB has a way of playing and is loyal to a certain band of players - it is that simple. Totally shit but simple
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on June 19, 2018, 03:17:26 PM
Quote
I cant believe he wasnt used more last season and properly.

Because SB has a way of playing and is loyal to a certain band of players - it is that simple. Totally shit but simple

I think the formation Bruce played last season would have suited him to be honest.  I would have liked to see him given a run in the role Hourihane played in midfield, as I think that is where he would be most effective. 

Think he will move on after the World Cup.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chris Harte on June 19, 2018, 03:20:37 PM
Think he will move on after the World Cup.
Let's hope he bags plenty of goals then. That'd push his price up.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on June 19, 2018, 03:33:15 PM
Quote
I cant believe he wasnt used more last season and properly.

Because SB has a way of playing and is loyal to a certain band of players - it is that simple. Totally shit but simple

I think the formation Bruce played last season would have suited him to be honest.  I would have liked to see him given a run in the role Hourihane played in midfield, as I think that is where he would be most effective. 


The same Hourianne who scored a eleven goals from midfield?, the best goal scoring return from a Villa midfielder in yonks?

I'm not sure about that logic to be honest, and i'm not even one of Conor's biggest fans.

Since when did Birkir become a great player all of a sudden?



Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 19, 2018, 03:59:20 PM
He didn’t play more often because some of his performances were dire
people on here questioning whether he was an actual footballer at times

yes he had his moments, they all did in that central midfield area but all to few and none were consistent enough
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on June 19, 2018, 04:13:12 PM
Quote
I cant believe he wasnt used more last season and properly.

Because SB has a way of playing and is loyal to a certain band of players - it is that simple. Totally shit but simple

I think the formation Bruce played last season would have suited him to be honest.  I would have liked to see him given a run in the role Hourihane played in midfield, as I think that is where he would be most effective. 


The same Hourianne who scored a eleven goals from midfield?, the best goal scoring return from a Villa midfielder in yonks?

I'm not sure about that logic to be honest, and i'm not even one of Conor's biggest fans.

Since when did Birkir become a great player all of a sudden?

Hourihane's goal return was impressive, but I felt his overall game just wasn't good enough for where we wanted to be last season.  I thought his performances dipped as the season progressed and would have replaced him with Onomah or Bjarnason a few weeks before the season ended. 

As for Bjarnason, I would agree that he didn't make a huge impression last season, but then I don't think he was played in his best position very often.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on June 19, 2018, 04:28:26 PM
He didn’t play more often because some of his performances were dire
people on here questioning whether he was an actual footballer at times

This is of course 100% true, and yet he's now become a footballing God who should've been the first name on our team sheet and it's another ridiculous stick to beat Bruce with
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 19, 2018, 04:42:57 PM
He didn’t play more often because some of his performances were dire
people on here questioning whether he was an actual footballer at times

This is of course 100% true, and yet he's now become a footballing God who should've been the first name on our team sheet and it's another ridiculous stick to beat Bruce with

Or, people think the extra mobility to handle Cairney would've been a good idea, but carry on being a tit towards anyone who disagrees with you about Bruce if you like.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 19, 2018, 06:21:13 PM
He didn’t play more often because some of his performances were dire
people on here questioning whether he was an actual footballer at times

This is of course 100% true, and yet he's now become a footballing God who should've been the first name on our team sheet and it's another ridiculous stick to beat Bruce with

cant speak for others but iv'e never criticized Bruce for not playing him more

i have criticized Bruce for his midfield buys of Barney, Hourihane, Whelan and Lansbury who for me are probably the worst collection of midfield buys i can remember, costing fortunes in wages with virtually no money back

i said during the season that you could put all their names in a cloth bag and pick them out every game at random as to who plays as it didn't matter most of the time
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on June 19, 2018, 06:35:01 PM
He didn’t play more often because some of his performances were dire
people on here questioning whether he was an actual footballer at times

This is of course 100% true, and yet he's now become a footballing God who should've been the first name on our team sheet and it's another ridiculous stick to beat Bruce with

cant speak for others but iv'e never criticized Bruce for not playing him more

i have criticized Bruce for his midfield buys of Barney, Hourihane, Whelan and Lansbury who for me are probably the worst collection of midfield buys i can remember, costing fortunes in wages with virtually no money back

i said during the season that you could put all their names in a cloth bag and pick them out every game at random as to who plays as it didn't matter most of the time

I think that may be what Bruce actually did. Like you I don't think I've ever criticized Bruce for not playing him, just playing him in the wrong position. Looking back at last season, our central midfield was a shambles, not because of the players we had but the positions and roles they were given. Glenn Whelan and his knackered old legs? Let's get him playing box to box. Hotshot Hourianne scores a hattrick, let's play him deep. Onamah on the wing or as a 10. Even Jack would spend the first 25 minutes every game dropping back to pick up the ball from the defence.

If Bruce got the chance to play our central midfield in their least effective position he went for it every time.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on June 19, 2018, 08:01:56 PM
cant speak for others but iv'e never criticized Bruce for not playing him more
i have criticized Bruce for his midfield buys of Barney, Hourihane, Whelan and Lansbury who for me are probably the worst collection of midfield buys i can remember, costing fortunes in wages with virtually no money back

Easily Championship level players though, as is Jedinak. I'd argue Hourianne has more then proved his worth. I also think Whelan gets a lot of undue flak for being the steady eddie keep it simple player he is. He was never going to come in and turn into Cowans. I bet the four of them cost less than 6/7m combined, and that's about all they're worth

Whoever sanctioned their wages (i say that, we have no idea what their wages actually are other than pure speculation) should be asked some strong questions though for sure

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 20, 2018, 09:37:17 AM
cant speak for others but iv'e never criticized Bruce for not playing him more
i have criticized Bruce for his midfield buys of Barney, Hourihane, Whelan and Lansbury who for me are probably the worst collection of midfield buys i can remember, costing fortunes in wages with virtually no money back

Easily Championship level players though, as is Jedinak. I'd argue Hourianne has more then proved his worth. I also think Whelan gets a lot of undue flak for being the steady eddie keep it simple player he is. He was never going to come in and turn into Cowans. I bet the four of them cost less than 6/7m combined, and that's about all they're worth

Whoever sanctioned their wages (i say that, we have no idea what their wages actually are other than pure speculation) should be asked some strong questions though for sure




well i'm glad your happy with them because that's the midfield Bruce has built for next season so we should be all set

they might not have cost the earth to buy but i bet they are on the highest wages in the whole of the championship for a midfield quartet
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 20, 2018, 10:16:46 AM
Parma interested in him supposedly.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on June 20, 2018, 10:29:53 AM
Parma interested in him supposedly.

That'd be a good move all round.  I didn't realise he was as old as he is - 30, so it's not like he's going to improve much.  If we can get a few quid for a player who was mostly pretty uninspiring, then I think we should cash in.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on June 20, 2018, 10:33:47 AM
Parma interested in him supposedly.

That'd be a good move all round.  I didn't realise he was as old as he is - 30, so it's not like he's going to improve much.  If we can get a few quid for a player who was mostly pretty uninspiring, then I think we should cash in.

rip their hands off I think is the term your looking for
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Oscar Arce on June 20, 2018, 10:46:47 AM
He played well in a few games in front of the back four after coming on against Forest away, but apart from that he's looked slow, uninterested and generally not up to Championship level.
I'd keep him as a squad player, but wouldn't be bothered either way.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on June 20, 2018, 10:53:32 AM
cant speak for others but iv'e never criticized Bruce for not playing him more
i have criticized Bruce for his midfield buys of Barney, Hourihane, Whelan and Lansbury who for me are probably the worst collection of midfield buys i can remember, costing fortunes in wages with virtually no money back

Easily Championship level players though, as is Jedinak. I'd argue Hourianne has more then proved his worth. I also think Whelan gets a lot of undue flak for being the steady eddie keep it simple player he is. He was never going to come in and turn into Cowans. I bet the four of them cost less than 6/7m combined, and that's about all they're worth

Whoever sanctioned their wages (i say that, we have no idea what their wages actually are other than pure speculation) should be asked some strong questions though for sure




well i'm glad your happy with them because that's the midfield Bruce has built for next season so we should be all set

they might not have cost the earth to buy but i bet they are on the highest wages in the whole of the championship for a midfield quartet

To be fair, Hourihane was lauded at Barnsley and was easily their best player and Captain. Whelan had tons of experience, International, and was liked by Stoke fans, Championship was his level last year though. Lansbury was one of those players that might just have worked but didn't. BB has been useful but didn't rip up trees.

I'm not sure that there were many criticising those buys when they were made.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: garyshawsknee on June 20, 2018, 10:57:55 AM
Whelan wasn't needed though as we had Jedi, BB and got Onomah on loan, though he was never played in his preferred sitting position. I know he was cheap but the money spent on his wages should have been used elsewhere, now we have a player on high wages who no-one else will want.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on June 20, 2018, 11:02:14 AM
Hourhane has been ok for what we paid for him and no-one really knows how much the guy is on. Lansbury has been a massive let down though and we could have done without Whelan.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on June 20, 2018, 11:13:25 AM
He's on 25-30K a week, probably mainly due to the reduced fee. The problem is if you want to sell him there's not many clubs in division 2 that can pay that and I doubt a top flight club would take him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 20, 2018, 11:28:26 AM
He didn’t play more often because some of his performances were dire
people on here questioning whether he was an actual footballer at times

yes he had his moments, they all did in that central midfield area but all to few and none were consistent enough

Wasn't that in his first six months?

Last season after the new year period he looked decent in most of the games I saw. I agree his best position is the Hourihane box-to-box role.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 20, 2018, 11:32:07 AM
Whelan wasn't needed though as we had Jedi, BB and got Onomah on loan, though he was never played in his preferred sitting position. I know he was cheap but the money spent on his wages should have been used elsewhere, now we have a player on high wages who no-one else will want.

We signed Whelan as Jedinak missed periods the previous season injured (and he also missed start of last season). Think there was also big talk at the time we would play 3-5-2 and it would be him, Chester and Terry as back 3.

Of course Jedinak hardly misses a game from returning in September so suddenly Whelan looks a very expensive sub. Still hoping Boro will come in for him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on June 20, 2018, 12:47:38 PM
Whelan wasn't needed though as we had Jedi, BB and got Onomah on loan, though he was never played in his preferred sitting position. I know he was cheap but the money spent on his wages should have been used elsewhere, now we have a player on high wages who no-one else will want.

We signed Whelan as Jedinak missed periods the previous season injured (and he also missed start of last season). Think there was also big talk at the time we would play 3-5-2 and it would be him, Chester and Terry as back 3.

Of course Jedinak hardly misses a game from returning in September so suddenly Whelan looks a very expensive sub. Still hoping Boro will come in for him.

Looking back, I think there was also the feeling that we needed someone a bit better on the ball than Jedinak to play in that defensive midfield role.  Whelan did fine when he played in that position last season, but I agree that unless he starts pretty much every game then he is surplus to requirements given the money he is likely to be on.   
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 20, 2018, 01:23:52 PM
I'm not sure that there were many criticising those buys when they were made.

I raised plenty of concerns about Lansbury and Whelan, The other 2 I'm ok with and I'd be happy to keep.  Lansbury is a show pony and always has been and Whelan was a waste of money when we had Jedinak and Bjarnason. If he wanted cover for Jedinak whilst he was injured then Onomah (or an alternative loan) was enough, we just didn't need another senior player in there especially one with the same mobility issues as the guy he came in to compete with, it was like Bruce was doing everything he could to form the slowest midfield in the league.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on June 20, 2018, 01:28:54 PM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 20, 2018, 01:35:44 PM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.

That's all true about Lansbury, but it's irrelevant to what you asked because you said you didn't think there were many criticising those buys at the time and I just pointed out that I was against both of them from the first link because they weren't what we needed either in terms of numbers or quality.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on June 20, 2018, 01:38:02 PM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.

I think Lansbury was also Forest's star man for a few seasons
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on June 20, 2018, 01:51:06 PM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.

That's all true about Lansbury, but it's irrelevant to what you asked because you said you didn't think there were many criticising those buys at the time and I just pointed out that I was against both of them from the first link because they weren't what we needed either in terms of numbers or quality.

Very true Paul, very true. I'm not sure why I posted it, such was it's irrelevance.

Good on you for calling it though, you were right.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 20, 2018, 02:02:19 PM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.

That's all true about Lansbury, but it's irrelevant to what you asked because you said you didn't think there were many criticising those buys at the time and I just pointed out that I was against both of them from the first link because they weren't what we needed either in terms of numbers or quality.

Very true Paul, very true. I'm not sure why I posted it, such was it's irrelevance.

Good on you for calling it though, you were right.

So rather than being patronising why don't you explain how those stats show that Lansbury turned out to be a great signing for us and I was wrong to not want him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on June 20, 2018, 02:20:34 PM
It is true that there wasn't too many people at the time against us bringing Lansbury in. There were one or two questioning Whelan though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on June 20, 2018, 02:21:37 PM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.

That's all true about Lansbury, but it's irrelevant to what you asked because you said you didn't think there were many criticising those buys at the time and I just pointed out that I was against both of them from the first link because they weren't what we needed either in terms of numbers or quality.

Very true Paul, very true. I'm not sure why I posted it, such was it's irrelevance.

Good on you for calling it though, you were right.

So rather than being patronising why don't you explain how those stats show that Lansbury turned out to be a great signing for us and I was wrong to not want him.

Read my last sentence.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aj2k77 on June 21, 2018, 09:17:30 AM
Lansbury had scored 6 in 19 at the time we signed him. He was a former Arsenal player, playing a division down but had been a good creative player scoring and creating chances, which is what many wanted us to go for.

Whelan was slow, but given Jedinak had time out due to age and injury, and the number of games we were faced with, it seemed sensible if unimaginative.

I think Lansbury was also Forest's star man for a few seasons

Forest fans were not fond of him at all.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on June 21, 2018, 09:40:27 AM
Lansbury certainly hasn't been anywhere near as good as I expected. On his debut he showed a good touch and pass and I assumed he'd chip in with goals like Hourihane has.

Pretty much amounted to nothing and will certainly be on a big wage here so he's another problem player in the squad.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on June 21, 2018, 09:44:13 AM
Lansbury certainly hasn't been anywhere near as good as I expected. On his debut he showed a good touch and pass and I assumed he'd chip in with goals like Hourihane has.

Pretty much amounted to nothing and will certainly be on a big wage here so he's another problem player in the squad.

He's the one i never fancied from the off. I'dseen all the highlights, and in the flesh for Forest a few times but i was never that impressed. Very much an all fart and no shit player.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: steamer on June 22, 2018, 11:24:49 AM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Nev on June 22, 2018, 11:37:22 AM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.

Ah, Mr Burns whose greatest achievement for the rags was flicking the V's at the Holte End. Flat faced prat.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on June 22, 2018, 12:34:30 PM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.

Ah, Mr Burns whose greatest achievement for the rags was flicking the V's at the Holte End. Flat faced prat.

Didn’t Kenny Burns once do a shit in the house of a poster on here? Can’t believe I’d dream such a thing.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on June 22, 2018, 12:42:18 PM
I thought he looked a right ****** when I saw the video of his initiation song, and have pretty much kept that view since. Maybe I'm quick to judge.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on June 22, 2018, 12:45:06 PM
Ange's best game for us was his debut 60 minutes when he wasn't fit. Since then he's looked like someone who doesn't know what football is.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on June 22, 2018, 12:48:41 PM
I thought he looked a right c*** when I saw the video of his initiation song, and have pretty much kept that view since. Maybe I'm quick to judge.

Yes you are.  However, I'd say you were bang on the money in this instance.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on June 22, 2018, 01:35:06 PM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.

I know a few forest fans who said similar, they played a big part in why i thought he was a poor signing. The main feedback was that he'd do something good (score a goal for example) and then strut around like he was doing them a favour playing for them for the next game or 2.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on June 22, 2018, 08:24:28 PM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.

Ah, Mr Burns whose greatest achievement for the rags was flicking the V's at the Holte End. Flat faced prat.

Didn’t Kenny Burns once do a shit in the house of a poster on here? Can’t believe I’d dream such a thing.

My friend’s parents house
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Damo70 on June 22, 2018, 09:23:40 PM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.

Ah, Mr Burns whose greatest achievement for the rags was flicking the V's at the Holte End. Flat faced prat.

Didn’t Kenny Burns once do a shit in the house of a poster on here? Can’t believe I’d dream such a thing.

My friend’s parents house


Kenny Burns son used to bet in the betting shop I managed in Alum Rock. There is a reasonably chance he once took a shit in the toilets there.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: johnc on June 22, 2018, 10:10:16 PM
I would have heard that Henri has a very active social life  which could well impinge on his ability to play football to a high standard. Mind you even without these distractions I still think he was useless.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 23, 2018, 09:50:36 AM
Certainly should have been rotated with Hourihane who did pretty close t fuck all in the latter part of the season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: dcdavecollett on June 23, 2018, 07:56:33 PM
I used to teach Kenny Burns's son.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on June 23, 2018, 09:46:27 PM
I used to teach Kenny Burns's son.

Did you ever suspect him of being a gambler or a shitter?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ad@m on June 23, 2018, 10:43:14 PM
At the time he signed for us, I read an article by Kenny Burns (I also did not know that he could read and write) who said basically that Lansbury was a tosser and would not be missed.
At the time I thought, sour grapes.
Maybe not.

Ah, Mr Burns whose greatest achievement for the rags was flicking the V's at the Holte End. Flat faced prat.

Didn’t Kenny Burns once do a shit in the house of a poster on here? Can’t believe I’d dream such a thing.

My friend’s parents house


Kenny Burns son used to bet in the betting shop I managed in Alum Rock. There is a reasonably chance he once took a shit in the toilets there.

How desperate for a shit do you have to be to go in a bookies?!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on June 24, 2018, 04:53:55 PM
he probably had a few bob on doing it
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on July 16, 2018, 09:01:26 AM
A potential saleable asset otherwise keep and play him consistently in one position
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Des Little on July 17, 2018, 01:34:47 PM
On his way apparently.  No real surprise
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on July 17, 2018, 01:35:54 PM


i think to be honest, anything over 4m for him would be far too big to turn down for a player of his quality
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clark W Griswold on July 17, 2018, 01:41:31 PM
Bjarnasson and Jedinak out, Marny in and Whelan left. You can see how this is going...
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on July 17, 2018, 01:42:54 PM


i think to be honest, anything over 4m for him would be far too big to turn down for a player of his quality

And his age.  At 30, it's not like he's going to improve much.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on July 17, 2018, 01:44:13 PM
to be perfectly honest for most of his time with us Thor has been shite. When I first saw him play I thought he'd won some sort of fan competition to get on the pitch for a few minutes. He was like a Sunday League player - but I'd agree that his man marking job on Messi was great , notwithstanding  the help of several other players.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on July 17, 2018, 01:45:56 PM
I thought he improved as the season went on  once he got settled.. I'd have liked to have seen him stay because there's a decent player in there for this level.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on July 17, 2018, 01:48:10 PM
possibly but when Tone is in the position of having to sell his Grandma to pay for the postage stamps, it's not an option
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on July 17, 2018, 02:42:39 PM
Who is in for him?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Walmley_Villa on July 17, 2018, 02:47:39 PM
Boro
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on July 17, 2018, 02:52:33 PM
Who is in for him?

Boro are being mentioned today, think there was a Turkish club at the weekend.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ad@m on July 17, 2018, 03:07:55 PM
I thought he improved as the season went on  once he got settled.. I'd have liked to have seen him stay because there's a decent player in there for this level.

He's another one that unsurprisingly looked better when Bruce played him in the right position.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: garyshawsknee on July 17, 2018, 03:18:16 PM
Losing first team players is one thing, but to lose them to Championship clubs is a very depressing thought.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on July 17, 2018, 05:15:00 PM
Losing first team players is one thing, but to lose them to Championship clubs is a very depressing thought.

Only if they're players we really don't want to lose surely

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Villafirst on July 17, 2018, 05:46:08 PM
Relegation beckons.....I wan't the waste of space Xia....OUT!!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on July 17, 2018, 09:00:56 PM
you can't possibly know or believe that without a nanosecond of the new season being played
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on August 08, 2018, 12:01:32 PM
Vs Hull

Came on late.  Was awful and did a stupid foul.  Booked.
Maybe frustrated or just not up to speed.
Maybe thinking why am I on bench

I can see him in for Yeovil and having to play himself in to team.

Hope Bruce uses him , appreciate him and appropriately rotate this season . Also players must be given a decent run .

I always feel BB gets a raw deal and because of versatile play he gets shifted around

Mcginn coming in (that rhymes) could be another in the way of BB ever holding down reg spot.

I don't think loaning out should be considered and seems late to be selling him on.

So thankful he kept as think he has quality in right areas and needs manager to give him more time this season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on August 08, 2018, 12:05:35 PM
Yes, I'd be getting rid of Gardner and Lansbury before him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: themossman on August 08, 2018, 12:08:53 PM
His form for us is so incredibly variable. Beginning to think he is just one of those players who will always be better for country than club. Might be a positional thing, feeling more at home, confidence, whatever it is it's hard to pick a player where you don't know what you're going to get.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on August 09, 2018, 06:46:49 AM
I didn't think he was that bad v hull?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2018, 07:37:03 AM
interest from Italy, apparently.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Steve67 on August 09, 2018, 07:42:46 AM
interest from Italy, apparently.

I think he's a pivotal player as he can cover so many positions. I would let him go for the right price but we could do with a replacement. Despite signing MCGinn I think we are still light in midfield, especially if we are to rely too heavily on grandad's Whelan and Jedinak. Andy King from Leicester might not be fake news!!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2018, 07:52:19 AM
but he's a junior-ish grandad too
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on August 09, 2018, 10:18:31 AM
Similar to other rumours feel that Bjarnasson should be kept on despite signing McGinnty.

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on August 09, 2018, 11:02:00 AM
I don't think he's very good.  Jack of all trades, master of none.  He has more legs than Whelan and Jedinak, but that's about it.  Plus he looks like a right miserable sod, who thinks he's better than he actually is.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2018, 11:03:18 AM
obviously related to Ayew
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on August 10, 2018, 03:08:45 PM
I didn't think he was that bad v hull?

I did Matt
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 10, 2018, 03:14:26 PM
I like him a lot. I'd love to see him get a run in the side but I can't see it happening.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Axl Rose on August 10, 2018, 03:22:30 PM
I like him a lot. I'd love to see him get a run in the side but I can't see it happening.

I'm in a similar boat, Clampy.

I watched a couple of Iceland's World Cup matches here in Japan with my mate and her Icelandic boyfriend. They love Birkir in Iceland, and I think he's a better player than he's showed for us so far. Certainly for Iceland, he knows his role, and does it well. When he's played for us, he's been shifted all over the shop. It isn't beneficial for us or him.

Like a previous poster said, I'd rather get rid of Lansbury, who has been hugely disappointing for us, than Bjarnason.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on August 10, 2018, 03:24:59 PM


I file Birkir down as one of those players i dearly want to love. But the very very few things he's done in a Villa shirt make it almost impossible

I still have no idea what his best role is either

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on August 10, 2018, 03:44:50 PM
I'm glad he's ours and not someone else's.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 10, 2018, 03:54:52 PM


I file Birkir down as one of those players i dearly want to love. But the very very few things he's done in a Villa shirt make it almost impossible

I still have no idea what his best role is either



Van driver.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on August 10, 2018, 04:05:25 PM
To be honest, I think McGinn's arrival means he will be gone if an offer comes in for him before the end of the month.  I remember Mark Regan saying on WM just affter he signed that Bruce thought his capture was a real coup and that he was really pleased to have got him.  Hasn't really worked out for him though and his frustration at not playing regularly has been visible at times. 

Would rather keep him than Lansbury, as BB is more versatile, but I think a move away for a decent fee might be in the best interests of all parties.   
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Edvard Remberg on August 10, 2018, 06:43:21 PM
I don't think he's very good.  Jack of all trades, master of none.  He has more legs than Whelan and Jedinak, but that's about it.  Plus he looks like a right miserable sod, who thinks he's better than he actually is.
2-1 still hurting? 😉
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Jon Crofts on August 10, 2018, 06:48:15 PM
When I first saw him play at Reading away last season he was toilet.

The Wolves goal aside I remain to be convinced otherwise. What does he actually do?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: john e on August 10, 2018, 06:51:30 PM
another midfielder who's best football so far has been played for someone else
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: mcgrath_85 on August 10, 2018, 06:52:19 PM
It’s very difficult and perhaps harsh to judge him until he has a decent run in the first team.
That still hasn’t happened since he joined. The squad being full of central midfielders doesn’t help his chances.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Fasth56 on August 10, 2018, 07:16:57 PM
As someone said, played in the world cup and had Messi in his pocket. First game of the season for us and he's a sub. Do you trust the judgement of a tactically astute international boss who regularly gets the best out of a team or Steve Bruce
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Iamkmkm on August 10, 2018, 07:19:32 PM
He is only decent when he play for his country.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on August 10, 2018, 07:27:04 PM
When I first saw him play at Reading away last season he was toilet.

The Wolves goal aside I remain to be convinced otherwise. What does he actually do?

He's not a winger

But as the deepest midfielder he had several good games and we play better football with him there

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: adrenachrome on August 11, 2018, 12:52:23 AM


I file Birkir down as one of those players i dearly want to love. But the very very few things he's done in a Villa shirt make it almost impossible

I still have no idea what his best role is either



Van driver.

My brother, who is a professional musician and has played with many moody types, says he would rather nail his scrotum to a block of wood than play base guitar for Van the Man, so I sure has hell wouldn't like to drive Van's Van.  Fuck that for a game of soldiers.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 11, 2018, 02:11:31 AM
He is only decent when he play for his country.

because he plays every game in his right position?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 11, 2018, 03:47:02 AM
I file Birkir down as one of those players i dearly want to love. But the very very few things he's done in a Villa shirt make it almost impossible

I still have no idea what his best role is either

We've noticed, Steve.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2018, 05:04:01 PM
I love you Birkir!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Tayls_7 on August 11, 2018, 05:19:00 PM
I love you Birkir!

ég elska þig líka. hvernig er rétti skinninn þinn?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 11, 2018, 05:20:05 PM
Jah, flobba dobba dob dob.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on August 12, 2018, 08:07:00 AM
Vs Wigan
Haven't now recently seen all goals and some highlights it was brilliant to get on the end of that cross and get the 3 points .

Well played Bjarnasson!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on August 13, 2018, 03:10:29 PM
He' rough, crude and not very good.
Just my opinion of course
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 13, 2018, 03:21:45 PM
I thought he was okayish but was partially at fault for the 2nd goal.  It was his responsibility to prevent the cross.  He was too far away from his player.  Whelan might have done a better job defensively but there's no way he would have got himself into the position to score the winner as BB did.  So all is forgiven.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: RussellC on August 13, 2018, 03:45:25 PM
I'm still really torn on BB. Does some things really well, and others really poorly. I agree that we could have done more to stop Powell getting the cross in for the 2nd goal and he very nearly gifted them another after a very heavy touch when taking the ball whilst facing his own goal, later on that half.

Despite his transition to a holding midfielder, he still seems to me to be a player that doesn't really have a natural position.  That said, I think he did enough on Saturday to warrant an extended run in the side now, so hopefully he can add some more consistency to his game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on August 13, 2018, 04:18:46 PM


He was largely very poor on Saturday for me. Then pops up with a crucial winner and it's all forgotten
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Risso on August 13, 2018, 06:43:57 PM


He was largely very poor on Saturday for me. Then pops up with a crucial winner and it's all forgotten

I agree.  He mostly doesn't do very much with the ball, and played a part in their first goal with a lazy pass back to Jedinak when he wasn't under any pressure.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on August 13, 2018, 06:55:35 PM


He was largely very poor on Saturday for me. Then pops up with a crucial winner and it's all forgotten

Agree.  He couldn't seem to get into the game but he did what he normally does quite well and get's into the box which won us that game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Steve67 on August 13, 2018, 06:56:05 PM
If we can sell him. Do it. He's not bad but we could loan to buy so much better.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 13, 2018, 07:00:37 PM
I'd like to see him have a run of games to see how good he is, or isn't. He certainly has the knack of getting into goal scoring positions, but I think his longest run of starts is 3 games, which has happened only twice since he signed.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ad@m on August 14, 2018, 12:26:20 PM


He was largely very poor on Saturday for me. Then pops up with a crucial winner and it's all forgotten

I agree.  He mostly doesn't do very much with the ball, and played a part in their first goal with a lazy pass back to Jedinak when he wasn't under any pressure.

Woah, woah, woah!  That first goal was no-one's fault but Jedinaks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: jwarry on August 14, 2018, 12:34:41 PM
Clickbait site but rumours of him departing

http://www.insidefutbol.com/2018/08/14/player-agrees-terms-but-aston-villa-resisting-selling-to-italian-club/386195/
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kipeye on August 14, 2018, 04:14:10 PM
I'd like to see him have a run of games to see how good he is, or isn't. He certainly has the knack of getting into goal scoring positions, but I think his longest run of starts is 3 games, which has happened only twice since he signed.
Agree with PWS. I would say the same about Elphick too (tin hat now on head). Players need to have a run of games before you can judge them properly. I was with most people about Westwood and a good few others who kept getting played without improving but we have dissed some talented players in the past because we did not give them enough time.
(BTW) I realise for Tommy it is second time around-but I have seen him play well on occasions previously.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on August 19, 2018, 09:39:50 PM
Can come across clumsy and gives away fouls too many needless times .

I not sure if he knows where he's playing or has managers full confidence .

Was right to be subbed off v Ipswich
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on August 24, 2018, 08:48:03 AM
I have Bjarnasson back in against Reading at the mighty Whelan expense .

If not he'll be in for league cup Burton  but at home and fir balance with McGinn maybe Bjarnasson get his game.

I'm actually all for Whelan but rotation needed and be good to keep him involved
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on October 01, 2018, 10:33:25 PM
Can certainly acknowledgement to his contribution and goal Friday v Bristol city .

I think he's played himself in to team and Bruce will have him in v Preston.

Seems Steve "am I really that bad" Bruce plays the one who scores the goal

Also Bruce suggetsd he was saving Bjarnasson after his long summer which I don't know how true that is however I feel he is someone who must be included in the system we play in midfield
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: eamonn on October 02, 2018, 08:33:41 AM
It smells like bullshit as has been mentioned on another thread that a much older Jedinak was also at the World Cup but has played practically every game for us this season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Clampy on October 02, 2018, 08:38:02 AM
It's a tough one with Barney. I like him. He's rarely let us down when he's played and he's got a goal in him but it's just a case of deciding where to play him and who to drop. He does deserve a run in the team though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on October 02, 2018, 09:26:28 AM
It's a tough one with Barney. I like him. He's rarely let us down when he's played and he's got a goal in him but it's just a case of deciding where to play him and who to drop. He does deserve a run in the team though.

I still think his best position would be as one of the two advanced midfielders in a midfield three.  As you say, he has got a goal in him and I think playing him in a position where he could get in and around the box might suit him more. 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Mortimer's Bear on October 02, 2018, 09:53:49 AM
It's a tough one with Barney. I like him. He's rarely let us down when he's played and he's got a goal in him but it's just a case of deciding where to play him and who to drop. He does deserve a run in the team though.

I still think his best position would be as one of the two advanced midfielders in a midfield three.  As you say, he has got a goal in him and I think playing him in a position where he could get in and around the box might suit him more. 

So left back then.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: JUAN PABLO on October 02, 2018, 10:11:31 AM
I like Barney , I think Bruce hasnt really treated him that well too be honest but you could probably say that about a few players . Bruce has his faves and Barney is not one .  Would not be suprised he is dropped tonight .
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: in exile on October 02, 2018, 02:31:16 PM
He's nailed on for a starting place tonight, he scored in the last game. Bruce's reward.
I still don't rate Bjarnason
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on October 02, 2018, 04:46:58 PM
He's nailed on for a starting place tonight, he scored in the last game. Bruce's reward.
I still don't rate Bjarnason

surely because he scored he'll be dropped and Bruce will play Glenn Whelan in a defensive 6 at home.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on October 11, 2018, 10:46:02 PM
Bjarnasson scored a goal running on to pass from outside the box and sidefooting into the net . Right footed powerful accuracy.

Vs France for Iceland .

Well played BB !!
 
I hope he's used effectively and continuously in the villa midfield as he's a very decent player.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Richard on October 12, 2018, 10:42:43 AM
I think we under rate him and he's an eye for a goal so maybe play him as one of the 3 behind the striker - Dean Smith type of player I reckon
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: kipeye on October 12, 2018, 11:54:48 AM
It's a tough one with Barney. I like him. He's rarely let us down when he's played and he's got a goal in him but it's just a case of deciding where to play him and who to drop. He does deserve a run in the team though.

I still think his best position would be as one of the two advanced midfielders in a midfield three.  As you say, he has got a goal in him and I think playing him in a position where he could get in and around the box might suit him more. 

So left back then.
Honestly, I think he would convert well to full back.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: SoccerHQ on October 12, 2018, 11:59:56 AM
He plays left midfield for Iceland.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Hookeysmith on October 12, 2018, 12:01:18 PM
Interestingly he never cracked a smile when he scored that goal last night.

So rather than us thinking he is a moody so and so maybe he is just "Mr Cool"

I think a very decent player
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: chrisw1 on October 12, 2018, 01:18:57 PM
I'd be delighted if Smith get get a bit more out of Barny.  There's a decent player in there somewhere.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Ian. on October 12, 2018, 01:33:32 PM
It's a tough one with Barney. I like him. He's rarely let us down when he's played and he's got a goal in him but it's just a case of deciding where to play him and who to drop. He does deserve a run in the team though.

I still think his best position would be as one of the two advanced midfielders in a midfield three.  As you say, he has got a goal in him and I think playing him in a position where he could get in and around the box might suit him more. 

So left back then.
Honestly, I think he would convert well to full back.
Are you related to Steve Bruce? ;)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: paul_e on October 12, 2018, 01:41:02 PM
Honestly, I think he would convert well to full back.

I think a lot of box to box midfielders can convert to full back so long as they've got a bit of pace and can be be coached to cross a ball.  Most of the skills are pretty transferable. The issue is you do it with a 19-20 year old not a guy who's pushing 30.  It works in reverse as well, for example I think Mitch Clark could be converted into a fantastic defensive midfielder from what I've seen of him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: XXVilla on October 12, 2018, 02:08:37 PM
Interestingly he never cracked a smile when he scored that goal last night.

So rather than us thinking he is a moody so and so maybe he is just "Mr Cool"

I think a very decent player

Mr Grumpy I’d call him
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Bad English on October 12, 2018, 02:35:43 PM
He only got to score because it was a friendly and Deschamps was fannying about with the teamsheet. ;-)
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Drummond on October 12, 2018, 02:50:23 PM
He only got to score because it was a friendly and Deschamps was fannying about with the teamsheet. ;-)

Oui, oui, bien sur.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Pat McMahon on October 12, 2018, 04:27:38 PM
Honestly, I think he would convert well to full back.

I think a lot of box to box midfielders can convert to full back so long as they've got a bit of pace and can be be coached to cross a ball.  Most of the skills are pretty transferable. The issue is you do it with a 19-20 year old not a guy who's pushing 30.  It works in reverse as well, for example I think Mitch Clark could be converted into a fantastic defensive midfielder from what I've seen of him.

My favourite Villa right back was Kenny Swain and he was converted from an attacking midfielder, without that much pace too. He must have been mid 20s minimum when Saunders switched him. He had a good football brain and was a tidy player. It can be done.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Matt Collins on October 13, 2018, 01:51:40 PM
I think he looks very suited to playing the deep lying midfielder role in a Smith team. Perhaps even Lansbury could come back into the fold there. I'm not sure we'll see Whelan or jedinak there regularly

Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: footyskillz on October 22, 2018, 10:43:46 PM
I think he'll be in again v Norwich and hopefully doing a press in Mcginn absence .

Be interesting who comes in along side him
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: walsall villain on October 22, 2018, 11:05:17 PM
I think he looks very suited to playing the deep lying midfielder role in a Smith team. Perhaps even Lansbury could come back into the fold there. I'm not sure we'll see Whelan or jedinak there regularly


Lansbury seemed to lack energy whenever I saw him play. If that’s his style then I can’t see him fitting in.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: tomd2103 on October 22, 2018, 11:23:26 PM
I think he looks very suited to playing the deep lying midfielder role in a Smith team. Perhaps even Lansbury could come back into the fold there. I'm not sure we'll see Whelan or jedinak there regularly

I'm not so sure Matt as he doesn't really get on the ball enough.  When you think how many touches that Ryan Woods has had in the games we have played against them, then I think is more what is needed as the midfielder is going to have to be comfortable getting the ball off the goalkeeper and defence.  I would still like to see how Bjarnason does in a more advanced midfield role.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 18, 2019, 03:58:59 PM
I was actually really impressed by him last night. Worked really hard, scored a super goal. Very positive attitude.

Nice interview here after

https://twitter.com/7500toholte/status/1151849772640342017?s=12
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: not3bad on July 18, 2019, 04:35:20 PM
Always thought BB was a player. Very committed and capable of a storming run.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: KRS on July 18, 2019, 04:45:25 PM
I like him and really want him to do well, but I just don’t think he’s good enough...I’ll be delighted if he proves me wrong.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: AsTallAsLions on July 18, 2019, 04:50:31 PM
I like him and really want him to do well, but I just don’t think he’s good enough...I’ll be delighted if he proves me wrong.

He's certainly not a PL player anyway. Fine as 3rd choice back-up... not somebody I ever want to see in the starting lineup again tbh.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: KRS on July 18, 2019, 04:55:04 PM
I remember he did well against Swansea in Deans first game in charge as DM. I think he picked up an injury not long after that and hasn’t seemed to settle since. Also seems to have a miserable face on him in team photos...not that it’s a crime to be miserable! 😂
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: aldridgeboy on July 19, 2019, 12:49:42 AM
Whenever I’ve seen him play, he’s seemed more than decent. I’m half he’s staying , even if he’s not a first choice.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: atomicjam on August 08, 2019, 04:08:30 PM
AVFC & Birkir Bjarnason have today mutually agreed to the termination of his contract with the Club.
 
The Icelandic international made 54 appearances & scored six goals after joining from FC Basel in January 2017. The Club would like to wish BB the best of luck for the future.


https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1159480841329922048
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Gary Penrice on August 08, 2019, 04:09:05 PM
Contract terminated by mutual agreement!!! 
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: GarTomas on August 08, 2019, 04:09:54 PM
Good luck. Under used in my opinion but never really seemed to settle.

Always remembered for the 4th vs Wolves.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: andyh on August 08, 2019, 04:12:55 PM
Not really surprised.
The Icelandic super cool persona masks what to me, looks like a miserable fucker.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - SIGNED
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on August 08, 2019, 04:13:39 PM
All the best, Birkir, except against us!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Three Spires Villa on August 08, 2019, 04:16:19 PM
I would guess he was touted around and no one wanted him. Good luck, wasn't my favorite player, but always seemed to try, so thanks.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on August 08, 2019, 04:16:20 PM
 Just a keeper or two to lose now!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 08, 2019, 04:19:25 PM
He really was a miserable fcuker.  Guess that’s because he experienced darkness in the uk. No I mean Bruceball.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: KRS on August 08, 2019, 04:20:44 PM
Never expected that. Thought he would be sold or loaned out rather than being terminated. Unfortunately he hasn’t been good enough and won’t be challenging for a place this season so makes sense and wish him all the best at his next club.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: villadelph on August 08, 2019, 04:21:02 PM
Any rumors on possible suitors? I think he'd do well in Germany.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: KRS on August 08, 2019, 04:22:11 PM
Any rumors on possible suitors? I think he'd do well in Germany.
Nope and I’m guessing that’s why he’s been terminated.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: frank black on August 08, 2019, 04:22:26 PM
He’d have rarely got near the first team as I guess we need to play the Brazilian kid x amount of games to keep his work permit and fulfill our agreement with Man city.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: mr underhill on August 08, 2019, 04:26:36 PM
well obviously so - Doug is a fantastic talent and BB isn't. Plus he's the most saturnine footballer ever.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 08, 2019, 04:28:57 PM
Good luck to him, he always tried, the goal against Wolves capped one of our best days this decade and the goal against Wigan may have been crucial to us going up, in the end.

Hope he finds a decent club.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Drummond on August 08, 2019, 04:29:36 PM
We've done him a favour by making him a free agent before the window closes. Good luck to him, just never got going for us.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: pooligan on August 08, 2019, 04:30:02 PM
I am a little sad to see Birkir leave ,not the greatest player to wear a Villa shirt but always gave 100% and was useful in the Championship as a squad player. Would'nt be surprised if he ended up at Small Heath ,that is where all our rejects seem to end up
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: dave shelley on August 08, 2019, 04:31:20 PM
I wish him well, he should have no problem getting fixed up.  Thanks BB and good luck.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 08, 2019, 04:33:07 PM
Never really got going did he?  Not the kind of player we need around if we are looking to be aiming higher.  He will do a job for a half decent championship side still.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Risso on August 08, 2019, 04:33:30 PM
Not remotely sad or surprised to see him go.  He was mostly crap, and a miserable looking sod as well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 08, 2019, 04:38:08 PM
I quite liked him but we've got better players than him now, all the best to him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Flin5tone on August 08, 2019, 04:39:01 PM
Upset

Not a good Day to be half Icelandic!
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Clark W Griswold on August 08, 2019, 04:39:27 PM
I wish him luck, always gave his all and he did get somewhat better after a very poor start with us. Would have preferred to hear Tosser or Lansbury had gone but his game time would have been severely limited this season anyway so he's probably set something up elsewhere.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: phantom limb on August 08, 2019, 04:40:15 PM
I know he wasn’t the greatest player we’ve ever had but I always had a soft spot for him and wanted him to do well, that goal against Wolves will stay in my memory. Hope he does well wherever he ends up.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Mister E on August 08, 2019, 04:40:37 PM
Not remotely sad or surprised to see him go.  He was mostly crap, and a miserable looking sod as well.
This
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: rougegorge on August 08, 2019, 04:41:16 PM
He always played better for his country than us, but on some days he looked quite good.

The highlight was the goal v Wolves and also the bullet header at Bristol. I also recall the dreadful miss at Preston last season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Axl Rose on August 08, 2019, 04:42:54 PM
Not remotely sad or surprised to see him go.  He was mostly crap, and a miserable looking sod as well.
This

This again.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: andyh on August 08, 2019, 04:44:46 PM
Not remotely sad or surprised to see him go.  He was mostly crap, and a miserable looking sod as well.
I 100% agree with Risso !
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: not3bad on August 08, 2019, 04:51:30 PM
Just a keeper or two to lose now!

So Tish has definitely gone as well?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 08, 2019, 05:33:17 PM
I know he wasn’t the greatest player we’ve ever had but I always had a soft spot for him and wanted him to do well, that goal against Wolves will stay in my memory. Hope he does well wherever he ends up.

Same here. I never saw him as a winger or box to box midfielder, I always thought he was more suited to defensive midfield. Problem for him, he never really got a run in that position, what with Connor, Jed and Whelan fighting for that role. I don't think he's as bad as some make out but for this season we've outgrown his use.

Good luck to him. I always thought he'd end up at Leeds.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: manic-road on August 08, 2019, 06:09:34 PM
All the best to BB, he struggled to get into the Villas Championship team so his appearances this coming season would have been even rarer.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: brontebilly on August 08, 2019, 06:14:10 PM
It does seem strange that we couldn't get any club across Europe to part with a transfer fee for BB. Limited player, patently unsuited to Smith's style of football, but I've seen a lot worse in a Villa shirt.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: john e on August 08, 2019, 06:24:58 PM
Not remotely sad or surprised to see him go.  He was mostly crap, and a miserable looking sod as well.


I'm glad you said it because that's my feelings on him as well
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: hilts_coolerking on August 08, 2019, 06:38:51 PM
He came, he played (occasionally), he didn't make much impression, he left.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: olaftab on August 08, 2019, 06:51:29 PM
 I hap high hopes when he signed so very disappointing that he didn't make it. Best wishes Birkir.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Clampy on August 08, 2019, 06:52:17 PM
He didn't really get a run in the team but he did ok when he did play without being brilliant. Good luck to him wherever he ends up.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Nelson Lodge on August 08, 2019, 06:53:23 PM
Signed in January 2017 on a three and a half year contract. So there was less than 12 months left to expiry. Guess the club waited until the last minute of the EPL/Chamnpionship window to see if anyone wanted to pay money for him but it would not have been a lot anyway I would have thought.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: KevinGage on August 08, 2019, 06:55:26 PM
With the window closing far earlier this year I would have kept him. We've got the best part of five months to get through now and injuries can take hold.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Risso on August 08, 2019, 06:58:31 PM
With the window closing far earlier this year I would have kept him. We've got the best part of five months to get through now and injuries can take hold.

We'd have to have the mother of all injury lists for him to get a game. Jack, McGinn, Hourihane, Marvellous, Luiz and Lansbury are going for three places as it is.  Even then I'd rather see O'Hare get a game.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Nelson Lodge on August 08, 2019, 07:00:07 PM
He is also aged 31 years so he is not going to improve on what we have seen already.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: TheMalandro on August 08, 2019, 07:19:02 PM
With the window closing far earlier this year I would have kept him. We've got the best part of five months to get through now and injuries can take hold.

We'd have to have the mother of all injury lists for him to get a game. Jack, McGinn, Hourihane, Marvellous, Luiz and Lansbury are going for three places as it is.  Even then I'd rather see O'Hare get a game.

I'd rather you played.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 08, 2019, 07:34:35 PM
With the window closing far earlier this year I would have kept him. We've got the best part of five months to get through now and injuries can take hold.

We'd have to have the mother of all injury lists for him to get a game. Jack, McGinn, Hourihane, Marvellous, Luiz and Lansbury are going for three places as it is.  Even then I'd rather see O'Hare get a game.

I'd rather you played.

Steady on.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: sirlordbaltimore on August 08, 2019, 07:46:29 PM


What an underwhelming signing he was.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: stubbsyandy on August 08, 2019, 07:47:47 PM
Good luck Barney..you were ok mate
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: KRS on August 08, 2019, 07:59:03 PM
As the kids say or used to say...”Meh!”
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Davkaus on August 08, 2019, 11:14:14 PM
He was often the worst player on the pitch, he put in some proper turgid performances that weren't worth the occasional decent performance he turned in. Not disappointed at all to never see this guy again.Not good enough in the Championship, so there's no way he was going to contribute this season.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 08, 2019, 11:38:13 PM
Not good enough for this level.

A poor signing but he scored a couple of goals, including one very good one, whereas we have signed some players who have contributed literally nothing so he's not the worst.

Always looked miserable as sin.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: paul_e on August 08, 2019, 11:40:29 PM
With the window closing far earlier this year I would have kept him. We've got the best part of five months to get through now and injuries can take hold.

For the record this wouldn't have been an option, we had too many over 21s (we still have) so he wouldn't have got a squad number and wouldn't have been eligible to play, so one of the U23s has to take that backup role instead.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 09, 2019, 12:03:38 AM
He would have been okay, just about, assuming we don't pick four goalkeepers in the squad.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 09, 2019, 12:22:11 AM
Keeping the 4 keepers is one thing that has surprised me. Obviously you need someone to want Kalinic or Nyland but i'd have thought someone would.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: villan from luton on August 09, 2019, 12:23:47 AM
Keeping the 4 keepers is one thing that has surprised me. Obviously you need someone to want Kalinic or Nyland but i'd have thought someone would.

Still can go elsewhere, I suspect Kalinic will
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: villan from luton on August 09, 2019, 12:25:51 AM
As for Barney, sorry he has gone, not sure he would have been involved much. Did a decent job in dcm role
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 09, 2019, 01:05:56 AM
He was a miserable sod but he seemed to try. Good luck to him.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on August 09, 2019, 05:40:37 AM
Meh
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: mr underhill on August 09, 2019, 09:06:02 AM
I remember watching him when he first came and he looked like he'd won a fan competition to play pro football for a day. To me it seemed like he'd never seen a football in his life. Great goal against Wolves, though.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: ROBBO on August 09, 2019, 09:16:11 AM
He will get offers from lower divisions but typical of the hit and miss of that management.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: West Derby Villan on August 09, 2019, 09:28:45 AM
Tar-rah
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: kipeye on August 09, 2019, 09:49:49 AM
Keeping the 4 keepers is one thing that has surprised me. Obviously you need someone to want Kalinic or Nyland but i'd have thought someone would.
Still time to go abroad, 4 weeks left I think.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: kipeye on August 09, 2019, 09:54:28 AM
I think this is one of the nice things that has happened since the takeover and successful promotion. From the players point of view in almost all scenarios, release gives them the maximum opportunity to pursue a career in football or out of it. Look at how many are left hanging around at other clubs holding out for a million or two or just because they can.
I see this as a thank you to those players from the club or in the exception of McCormack's case, a quick ending to a difficult situation. Even with him-he obviously was one unhappy person and is at least free to tackle his own demons.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 09, 2019, 11:47:49 AM
Does this mean that both parties agree to terminate the contract and walk away owing nothing to either?

Plus - it stops us having to pay any remainder of contract

Minus - we lose any transfer fee we paid originally

Nice way to deal with a player who caused us no harm (unlike a good few we have had) and only failing was that he was not really good enough. I feel another who fell to the complete lack of tactical nous that Bruce had and was never played in the correct position
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: paul_e on August 09, 2019, 11:48:23 AM
I suspect we had an agreement that we'd let him leave during the window and because it hadn't happened he was told he wouldn't be involved so could leave on a free so he could find a new club or he could stick around until January. I think it reflects well on everyone that he didn't sit out his contract and that we haven't held him back to try to save a bit of money.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: PeterWithesShin on October 17, 2019, 07:05:12 PM
Has signed for Al-Arabi in Qatar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sKgH1ByfV/
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: LeeB on October 17, 2019, 07:25:02 PM
Has signed for Al-Arabi in Qatar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sKgH1ByfV/

He looks as thrilled as ever.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: The Edge on October 17, 2019, 08:55:51 PM
Not the most talentèd player we've ever had but let's not forget where we were when we signed Barney and players like him. I thought he was a top professional always available never whinging or getting into trouble off the pitch. Scored a blinder against Wolves. I wish him all the best in the future.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: pauliewalnuts on October 17, 2019, 09:44:58 PM
Has signed for Al-Arabi in Qatar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sKgH1ByfV/

He looks as thrilled as ever.

He's a proper miserable bastard isn't he.

I wish him all the best, but fuck me, he could crack a smile once in a while.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Clark W Griswold on October 18, 2019, 09:56:44 AM
It's an interesting question as to whether we have ever had a more miserable looking ****** play for us. Charles N'Zogbia maybe, any others?

I do also wish him all the best though as i have no problems with him other than him looking like a miserable ******.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: PeterWithe on October 18, 2019, 10:00:23 AM
I really did think he was absolute garbage.

I've got a friend who married an Icelander, they are a dour bunch, its put down to the lack of sunlight and well, everything else apart from fish.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Risso on October 18, 2019, 11:41:29 AM
I really did think he was absolute garbage.



Same here, goal against the Dingles aside, he was utterly toilet.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: JUAN PABLO on October 18, 2019, 11:41:50 AM
I really did think he was absolute garbage.

I've got a friend who married an Icelander, they are a dour bunch, its put down to the lack of sunlight and well, everything else apart from fish.

plenty of sunlight now
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Villa Lew on October 18, 2019, 12:30:54 PM
A big disappointment, the Wolves goal was one of his few bits of quality I will remember him for, but I wish him well.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Rioch is King on October 18, 2019, 12:47:46 PM
Personally very keen on miserable looking bastards and his goal v Wolves was a great moment. Good luck BB
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: West Derby Villan on October 18, 2019, 02:47:20 PM
I really did think he was absolute garbage.



Same here, goal against the Dingles aside, he was utterly toilet.

Dont think he smiled when he scored, did he?
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: dcdavecollett on October 20, 2019, 08:18:18 PM
His goal against Brizzle (5-0)was a good one, as well. He played a few good games in the defensive midfield role in 2018.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: villan from luton on October 20, 2019, 08:34:39 PM
I really did think he was absolute garbage.



Same here, goal against the Dingles aside, he was utterly toilet.

He was my motm v the noses when we beat them 2=0.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: brian green on October 20, 2019, 08:41:50 PM
I think he was entitled, speaking as a miserable old git, not to look happy.  How many Villa players have there been whose auntie has a statue in front of the Parliament building?   
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Richard E on October 20, 2019, 08:44:51 PM
I think he was entitled, speaking as a miserable old git, not to look happy.  How many Villa players have there been whose auntie has a statue in front of the Parliament building?   

To be fair it’s a lot easier when you come from a country with a similar population to Dudley.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: dave shelley on October 20, 2019, 08:48:01 PM
I think he was entitled, speaking as a miserable old git, not to look happy.  How many Villa players have there been whose auntie has a statue in front of the Parliament building?   

To be fair it’s a lot easier when you come from a country with a similar population to Dudley.

And just as cold.
Title: Re: Birkir Bjarnason - Released
Post by: Richard E on October 20, 2019, 08:52:05 PM
If he had as much difficulty finding somewhere to eat as we did when we spent the New Year in Reykjavik I’m not surprised he’s bloody miserable.
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal