Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: villabear on February 21, 2017, 10:37:48 PM
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Apologies beforehand if posted on any other threads.
Apparently training with us according to Meaning Evil.
Got realeased by Panathinaikos last month. Has had 'complicated' knee problems in the past.
Recently had trial with Palace but wasn't offered a deal.
If he can kick it out amongst the calamitous six yard box free for all we saw last night or head it out when needed maybe he might be worth a short term deal. Can he be any worse than Elphick?
Mods feel free to move if necessary.
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Remember him? Well he's training with the Villa according to John Percy.
Christ I thought he'd retired.
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Snap
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You beat me to it. Bruce must be pulling his hair out watching our defence balls up every week but this seems a bit desperate. Then again it's desperate times.
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He is only 32. If he has one knee shot he would still be better than Elphick.
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He is only 32. If he has one knee shot he would still be better than Elphick.
True I suppose.
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Desperate, yes, but he's physical and would add a bit of steel - and would keep Elphick further from the team I guess.
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In his thirties with shot knees......hmmmm now let me think.
If only.
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Fucking hell, where are we digging him up from?
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If we are going down the route of signing free agents, surely a striker or a goalkeeper would be the priority over Chris Samba?
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Shittu next
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I used to think he was decent..... id forgotten he still existed.
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In his thirties with shot knees......hmmmm now let me think.
If only.
I was thinking that as well.
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Shit next
Fixed.
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Chris fuckin Samba?! FML!!!
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He was decent about 8 years ago. He was wank at QPR 4 or 5 years ago, and was amusingly costing them a reported £100K a week. I have my doubts that he's improved since then.
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If we are going down the route of signing free agents, surely a striker or a goalkeeper would be the priority over Chris Samba?
The defence is a fuckin nightmare though.
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Hell, why not.
It's not like he's gonna make things worse, is it?
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He is only 32. If he has one knee shot he would still be better than Elphick.
If it he'd actually been shot he'd still be better than Elphick.
Maybe our kit sponsors can sort something out on that score. Too soon?
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Samba eh? It will be just like watching Brazil.
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How much are we spunking on this useless has been cnut?
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He's played 10 games in 18 months and had this "but the transfer fell through, with Trabzonspor manager Shota Arveladze commenting: "This is not the Samba I know, this is some kind of Mike Tyson. I need a football player, not a heavyweight boxer."
We'll give him a 5 year deal.
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Well well if he is the answer to our defensive issues then surely Michael Ricketts will fix our attacking problems.
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Hell, why not.
It's not like he's gonna make things worse, is it?
If there's one thing you can gurantee at Villa, is that just when you think things have hit rock bottom, they find new and enterprising ways to make things even worse.
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Samba eh? It will be just like watching Brazil.
Excellent
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Hell, why not.
It's not like he's gonna make things worse, is it?
If there's one thing you can gurantee at Villa, is that just when you think things have hit rock bottom, they find new and enterprising ways to make things even worse.
Our inability to clear our lines is inexplicably woeful. As such this move is not really surprising. If he comes in and plays in 2 or 3 wins to keep us up I am all for it. Our defence is panic stricken and shaky.
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Can he played straight away? Not that I'm hugely keen on the idea, but a deal until the end of the season might not be a disastrous gamble.
If we are signing him this Summer, then I'd hope better options are available.
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Only played six times this season due to injury apparently.
The final piece in our jigsaw.
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Welcome, Chris.
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Desperate times call for...
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Looks like we're putting together a credible Lg 1 side ready for the big promotion push in 17/18
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(https://latinaish.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/waitwhat.gif?w=630)
Save
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Weren't we linked with him a few years ago when he was at Blackburn, but he ended up at QPR on over £100,000 a week?
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If Our Chris has joined the strength, then who am I to undermine him?
Come on, CS. Do your stuff and get the team going.
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Sigh.
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Another one to keep the medical staff busy, omg.
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Well well if he is the answer to our defensive issues then surely Michael Ricketts will fix our attacking problems.
Haven't we seen enough rickets for one season already?
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Knowing our luck the day he walked in the door as a Villa player, Chester and Baker would both break a leg and we would be left with Boon and Samba as our central defence.
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don't even go there. actually I think he's probably just auditioning to be an understudy to the mascots.
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He will be good when he's gelled, got match fit, got used to the pace of the league, one for the future, be good for the youngsters, the dog ate my homework
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Hell, why not.
It's not like he's gonna make things worse, is it?
If there's one thing you can gurantee at Villa, is that just when you think things have hit rock bottom, they find new and enterprising ways to make things even worse.
Our inability to clear our lines is inexplicably woeful. As such this move is not really surprising. If he comes in and plays in 2 or 3 wins to keep us up I am all for it. Our defence is panic stricken and shaky.
After reading all the comments, I'd mostly agree on this one. If he plays his part in getting us a few wins, then it might be a gamble worth taking although he's never really over impressed me when I've seen him.
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Given time I could think of a hundred reasons not to play Chris Samba. The only reason I can think of playing him is that it might de-rail the ultimate centre back pairing I can see hurtling our way - Elphick and Richards.
With the Obesity Boys Ross and Gabby up front.
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The last time we bought an injury plagued centre back on his last contract who would have done a job 5 years ago it worked out well.
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The last time we bought an injury plagued centre back on his last contract who would have done a job 5 years ago it worked out well.
Yup - Philippe Senderos, Villa hero.
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The last time we bought an injury plagued centre back on his last contract who would have done a job 5 years ago it worked out well.
Yup - Philippe Senderos, Villa hero.
Ha, I was thinking of Lescott!
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Just a pity Coventry pipped us to Yakubu really.
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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The rest of the clubs in the Championship must be looking at Villa and thinking we are now so desperate to be contemplating injury plagued free transfers no body else wants, the club's ripe for the taking as we continue to descend even lower.
Is this a last throw of the dice for Bruce?
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All I know is despite me wishing we had more people with Tommy Elphicks attitude, he has personally played a part in 3-4 goals conceded in the last month and missed 2 really good opportunities to score. Cant be bothered to look through the facts but I would imagine that may have cost us 5-7 points. For whatever reason, we dont have the player bournemouth had and he needs to be dropped. It hasnt worked out here im afraid.
If Samba comes in and does a job for a few games that will do for me
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I assume that Micah's going to be out long term then
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He's only training with us at the moment. If he looks good in training I can't see why people are so averse to us having an extra option, assuming it is a sensible pay as you play deal or the like. It's not like we have an abundance of riches in defence is it?
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
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If I remember rightly, he's a massive fucker.
Maybe we are going to start a heavyweight fight club with him and Micah.
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you mean a sort of 'my balls are bigger than yours, motherfucker' type way?
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I assume that Micah's going to be out long term then
Yes unfortunately that bruise on his little finger is going to take some fixing. It's about 1/4 inch in length so nothing trivial.
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By the way I heard from a good source that the big lad has been hired to provide personal security for Bruce so not able to help us on the pitch.
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I guess we need all the help we can get in defence. It's clearly not working so far. Welcome to Villa, Mr Samba.
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If he can clear a ball more than 10 yards from a set piece then it's an improvement on our lot
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I don,t care where he has come from as long as he can defend. He might be the leader on the pitch we need on the other hand he might be just be like the other tossers robbing a living off us. Welcome Chris.
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
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At 32 he still has another 4 or 5 years of this level in him. I know nothing of his fitness or injury situation but I do know he was a very good defender and if he's training he must be in half decent shape. The prospect of him alongside Chester is more appealing than Chester alongside what we currently have. I welcome his addition to the squad.
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
One issue is the lack of planning. Making no judgement on the player we've been linked with, we've had no new injuries at centre-back since January. If he thought a new centre-back was needed he had ample opportunity and backing to get one last month.
So either he's realised in the last three weeks and not before that :
A) one or more of our current centre-backs isn't good enough and needs replacing or
B) he wants to completely change the system we play and therefore requires more centre-backs than we have.
Neither one reflects particularly well on him.
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
One issue is the lack of planning. Making no judgement on the player we've been linked with, we've had no new injuries at centre-back since January. If he thought a new centre-back was needed he had ample opportunity and backing to get one last month.
So either he's realised in the last three weeks and not before that :
A) one or more of our current centre-backs isn't good enough and needs replacing or
B) he wants to completely change the system we play and therefore requires more centre-backs than we have.
Neither one reflects particularly well on him.
I agree with that as well. We wanted one, we didn't get one so now we're looking round the yellow stickers and rejects for the best we can get.
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
One issue is the lack of planning. Making no judgement on the player we've been linked with, we've had no new injuries at centre-back since January. If he thought a new centre-back was needed he had ample opportunity and backing to get one last month.
So either he's realised in the last three weeks and not before that :
A) one or more of our current centre-backs isn't good enough and needs replacing or
B) he wants to completely change the system we play and therefore requires more centre-backs than we have.
Neither one reflects particularly well on him.
Alternatively the ones he wanted weren't available in January?
Perhaps he wanted the likes Lees or Loovens from Wednesday or Moore from Reading or even Curtis Davies if Hull go down but their clubs didn't want to sell?
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
One issue is the lack of planning. Making no judgement on the player we've been linked with, we've had no new injuries at centre-back since January. If he thought a new centre-back was needed he had ample opportunity and backing to get one last month.
So either he's realised in the last three weeks and not before that :
A) one or more of our current centre-backs isn't good enough and needs replacing or
B) he wants to completely change the system we play and therefore requires more centre-backs than we have.
Neither one reflects particularly well on him.
Alternatively the ones he wanted weren't available in January?
Perhaps he wanted the likes Lees or Loovens from Wednesday or Moore from Reading or even Curtis Davies if Hull go down but their clubs didn't want to sell?
I'd bet that Brentford didn't want to sell Hogan and Barnsley didn't want to sell Bree or Hourihane.
Somehow we managed to get them to change their minds.
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Chris Samba...hmmm...can he play in goal?
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
One issue is the lack of planning. Making no judgement on the player we've been linked with, we've had no new injuries at centre-back since January. If he thought a new centre-back was needed he had ample opportunity and backing to get one last month.
So either he's realised in the last three weeks and not before that :
A) one or more of our current centre-backs isn't good enough and needs replacing or
B) he wants to completely change the system we play and therefore requires more centre-backs than we have.
Neither one reflects particularly well on him.
Or maybe the penny has finally dropped that Elphick is as bad as we have all already concluded.
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That very much falls under choice A.
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Has he actually signed and can he play this season?
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At 32 he still has another 4 or 5 years of this level in him. I know nothing of his fitness or injury situation but I do know he was a very good defender and if he's training he must be in half decent shape. The prospect of him alongside Chester is more appealing than Chester alongside what we currently have. I welcome his addition to the squad.
Please see flabby and mcfatso
I see the point about cover, however the transfer window ended 22 days ago and we had at that point 3 centre halves so why not address it then?
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Has he actually signed and can he play this season?
Not signed yet - having trials - but as a free agent I'm pretty sure he can sign and play this season.
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The penny that I hope has dropped is that Steve Bruce has acknowledged that his own opinion is not enough to bring the Norwegian Blue parrot back to life. A dead parrot is a dead parrot. A useless centre back is a useless centre back.
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The penny that I hope has dropped is that Steve Bruce has acknowledged that his own opinion is not enough to bring the Norwegian Blue parrot back to life. A dead parrot is a dead parrot. A useless centre back is a useless centre back.
and the only thing we would get from Bolton would be the piss taken out of us.
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Chris Samba...hmmm...can he play in goal?
That guy from Sutton is a free agent
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Chris Samba...hmmm...can he play in goal?
He would fill the goal ha ha
People say he's a good player. My concern woul be bedding in yet another new player at this stage
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He will be lucky not to get his collar felt.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
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That goalie from Sutton is a free agent aswell better snap him up pronto.
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That goalie from Sutton is a free agent aswell better snap him up pronto.
We could play a fat back four and keeper.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
The goals we let in at the moment are not due to nifty forwards skinning our central defenders. Their down to our defenders not being able to clear the ball, or block, or preempt danger, lack of marking and kicking the ball in or own net.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
Carew used to bully him ridiculously, he used to wilt at the sight of him.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
Carew used to bully him ridiculously, he used to wilt at the sight of him.
mind you the best bullying Carew ever did is on Cahill when Bolton came to VP. That was a destruction.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
The goals we let in at the moment are not due to nifty forwards skinning our central defenders. Their down to our defenders not being able to clear the ball, or block, or preempt danger, lack of marking and kicking the ball in or own net.
In which case, sticking thus-far-competent-this-season Nathan Baker back there rather than the Tommy Elphick Vaudeville Theatre would probably be a pretty easy solution?
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
The goals we let in at the moment are not due to nifty forwards skinning our central defenders. Their down to our defenders not being able to clear the ball, or block, or preempt danger, lack of marking and kicking the ball in or own net.
I agree, our defensive problems are down to 2 things, lack of organisation and no one taking responsibility. Adding a new central defender with injury problems to the mix seems like a really bad idea.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
Carew used to bully him ridiculously, he used to wilt at the sight of him.
mind you the best bullying Carew ever did is on Cahill when Bolton came to VP. That was a destruction.
I know I don't get to too many games these times but, I think that was the last time I witnessed the Villa win whilst I was there.
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That goalie from Sutton is a free agent aswell better snap him up pronto.
What, to share a pie or two with Gabby?
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Samba even played up front a few times for Blackburn. :|
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He's no Dion Dublin.
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He's no Dion Dublin.
He doesn't play the saxophone or present Homes Under The Hammer, then?
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Samba even played up front a few times for Blackburn. :|
Speaking of defenders playing up front, what's Paul Warhurst upto nowadays?
Surely worth a punt.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
Carew used to bully him ridiculously, he used to wilt at the sight
mind you the best bullying Carew ever did is on Cahill when Bolton came to VP. That was a destruction.
Remember those halcyon days of carew Barry mellberg milner young when we would tear teams new arseholes
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He's no Dion Dublin.
He doesn't play the saxophone or present Homes Under The Hammer, then?
Is Dubs really a TV presenter now? I was wondering what he did other than the occasional football talking head job
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I remember a lean trim Gabby destroying him for pace in the 6-4 game and Samba getting sent off.
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Forced one of the best saves I've ever seen out of Guzan in that crazy 3-2 win against QPR.
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I wonder what he weighs.
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I wonder what he weighs.
Fractionally less than a Hummer H2, and just as nimble. Still, worth a punt I suppose, Competition for Elphick and some height to boot.
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Somebody tell me this is a wind-up. Please ? Pretty please ?
He must be twice the size of Richards and half as fast. You cannot be serious.
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Forced one of the best saves I've ever seen out of Guzan in that crazy 3-2 win against QPR.
It was an incredible save especially from someone so ordinary.
As for Samba, he was shite 5 years ago, only god knows how bad he is now.
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Not good enough for a shit Crystal Palace side. Nailed on for us.
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Are you sure this isn't " fake news " ?
I'd sooner have Steve Bruce playing next to Colin Calderwood, with Stephen Clemence in midfield.
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I wonder what he weighs.
Mainly Pick & Mix by the look of him
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If he's shit at least we can't train skills out of him.
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Bruce must be really desperate. He's been crap for years. Not good enough for Panathinaikos so don't really know what he can offer us.
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#welcomewhateveryourfuckingnameisagain
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Probably free to join and pay as you play. looks a big unit.
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Don't see what the issue is if he comes in as cover on a pay as you play until the end of the season. He's not going to be starting ahead of Baker and Chester and he's unlikely to be any worse than Elphick or Richards.
My exact words. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
I think Bruce is having doubts about Baker to be honest.
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I used to work with a Blackburn fan and he hated Samba, said he was great in the air and would tackle things in front of him all day but had no mobility and got caught out far too easily by people running in behind him. I can't imagine the injury problems he's had will have done anything to improve that.
Not to mention that he left them as a 27 year old. The 32 year old version probably needs wheeling around the pitch on a trolley.
True, he used to get really angry when anyone mentioned him because most people only saw him on motd and thought he was brilliant and that Blackburn were really lucky to have been able to keep him. I heard that 2-3 times and the rant that followed was brilliant.
Carew used to bully him ridiculously, he used to wilt at the sight of him.
mind you the best bullying Carew ever did is on Cahill when Bolton came to VP. That was a destruction.
His performance against Blues in the 5-1 game sticks in mind. He bullied their defence all game, but was superb on the ball that day as well.
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Can honestly see him starting if we sign him.
Baker's form has dipped recently and in any case he'll be injured again soon.
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As somebody else said, we seem to be assembling a very solid Division 1 side.
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The problem for me is that our club is losing millions (I will guess that this season we will make the biggest ever loss in Championship history) and yet we are prepared to pay out another PENSION salary to a player who is coming to the end of his career, why could we not play one of our reserve team players.
Also I thought that Richards was a definite starter when fit according to Bruce, so does that mean it will be Richards and Samba at centre half for the remainder of the season??
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The problem for me is that our club is losing millions (I will guess that this season we will make the biggest ever loss in Championship history) and yet we are prepared to pay out another PENSION salary to a player who is coming to the end of his career, why could we not play one of our reserve team players.
Also I thought that Richards was a definite starter when fit according to Bruce, so does that mean it will be Richards and Samba at centre half for the remainder of the season??
Why on earth would you think Samba and Richards will be playing at centre half for the rest of the season? Honestly, what makes you possibly think that?
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The problem for me is that our club is losing millions (I will guess that this season we will make the biggest ever loss in Championship history) and yet we are prepared to pay out another PENSION salary to a player who is coming to the end of his career, why could we not play one of our reserve team players.
Also I thought that Richards was a definite starter when fit according to Bruce, so does that mean it will be Richards and Samba at centre half for the remainder of the season??
Why on earth would you think Samba and Richards will be playing at centre half for the rest of the season? Honestly, what makes you possibly think that?
Well if the manager is telling the truth then he's got half the partnership correct.
And if we do bring Samba in, it's not outside the realms of possibility that Bruce might want to play him, is it?
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I doubt that Samba would sign unless he was told he was playing and Bruce did say that Richards was a certainty to start when fit
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I doubt that Samba would sign unless he was told he was playing and Bruce did say that Richards was a certainty to start when fit
I doubt a 32 year old who hasn't played a lot of football of late can come into a club on a free and expect to be a starter. I doubt he'll think that at all.
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Bruce does not rate Baker clearly. If he persists with Elphick it confirms Mr Underwood's joke (I think) that Bruce is descending into madness. A very real prospect of a Richards and Samba routine I would say. Solid as a rock against Bristol Rovers.
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I assume this thread is a joke. Surely Bruce can't be stupid enough to sign Samba?
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desperate times for a desperate man - he'll be starting against Bristol City
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I wonder if it's more of a case that he's concerned about Baker fitness rather than not rating him?
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
Please explain why he played Elphik on Monday.
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
Please explain why he played Elphik on Monday.
I think Elphick may have started his last game for us
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
Please explain why he played Elphik on Monday.
I think Elphick may have started his last game for us
we have 3 centre halves, Baker is injury prone, so that means we have not seen the last of Elphick.
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
Please explain why he played Elphik on Monday.
Baker had a knock? The manager wanted to give Elphick a go, I'm not sure.
What I am sure of is that a player missing one game isn't evidence that the manager doesn't rate him.
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
Please explain why he played Elphik on Monday.
Baker had a knock? The manager wanted to give Elphick a go, I'm not sure.
What I am sure of is that a player missing one game isn't evidence that the manager doesn't rate him.
Exactly. See Richards, M.
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Bruce doesn't rate Baker? He's played him most of the season bar his inevitable routine knocks.
Probably due to the fact that the only other real option involves playing Elphick.
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Baker hasn't been that great recently.
I took those comments as more Richards would be at RB ahead of the lamentable Hutton. Him at CB....well I don't even want to think about that carnage!
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When we signed Bree there was talk that he would eventually become a holding midfielder, I wonder if Bruce sees him as better ball playing centre back in a 3?
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Time for a team...
---------------------Bunn--------------------
---------Richards---Samba---Chester------
Bacuna or Bree-------------Amavi or Taylor
-------------------Jedinak-------------------
--------Hourahane-------Lansbury---------
---------Hogan-----------Kodjia------------
Or play Chester right CB and Baker left CB with the massive unit in the middle.
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trouble is Hogan won't be playing due to injury
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Shame it's not Cherno Samba, he was ace in the early versions of Championship Manager.
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This is my concern, which I freely admit may well be based on paranoia.
Bruce's confidence has been severely shaken by recen games and he has gone wrong in his mental tank. He is convinced we are being bullied and pushed around and therefore need large units in the centre of the defence. Enter Samba and Richards.
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Time for a team...
---------------------Bunn--------------------
---------Richards---Samba---Chester------
Bacuna or Bree-------------Amavi or Taylor
-------------------Jedinak-------------------
--------Hourahane-------Lansbury---------
---------Hogan-----------Kodjia------------
Or play Chester right CB and Baker left CB with the massive unit in the middle.
That there is a relegation team. It would ship at least 3 goals every single game. Scary if Bruce is thinking on those lines.
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Richards is pure, unadulterated cat sick on a football pitch, we have seen that with our own eyes too many times. Right back/ centre back. Top flight, Championship opponents or League Two titans Luton - it matters not.
I would have misgivings about Samba, but there is a possibility that he might not be dreadful. Particularly a step down from his normal level. Providing any deal was initially until the end of the season and heavily weighted in favour of appearances, I wouldn't be dead against it.
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Shame it's not Cherno Samba, he was ace in the early versions of Championship Manager.
Yes. Let's see if Tonton Zola Moukoko is available.
*As an aside I still play that version. There's a website dedicated to it, and they update the database after every transfer window so you can play it with today's players.
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We should have signed To Madiera but Ellis wouldn't pay the going rate.
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We should have signed To Madiera but Ellis wouldn't pay the going rate.
When told the price was £5m, he scoffed and said he could get you to Madeira for less than £300.
Bloody travel agents.
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
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Samba is well past his best. Like too many of our defenders still at the club. Not a signing that can get us out of trouble. Hope to be proved wrong.
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Samba is well past his best. Like too many of our defenders still at the club. Not a signing that can get us out of trouble. Hope to be proved wrong.
I could literally list 200 players who are well past their best and could come in and do a fine job for us. I would take John Terry in a heartbeat till the end of the season. Lets see what the guy can do before writing him off
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We'll be dancing to a different beat if this comes off for us.
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And waltzing off with the main prize
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Shame it's not Cherno Samba, he was ace in the early versions of Championship Manager.
Yes. Let's see if Tonton Zola Moukoko is available.
*As an aside I still play that version. There's a website dedicated to it, and they update the database after every transfer window so you can play it with today's players.
I don't suppose you have a link to that website by any chance? I have a few days off work coming up and I can't think of a better way to waste them away!
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If Bruce has got a posh club car and he signs Samba, the club should take the car off him and buy the Boss a Nova.
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Will probably need to work hard to get fit enough for the first team. Is Samba a good trainer?
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Given his lack of fitness, he won't strictly come dancing into the first team
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And even if he proves himself in training signing a contract with us won't be straight forward, there will inevitably be a twist.
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
Training with us and wants to earn a contract but it isnt a trial?
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
Training with us and wants to earn a contract but it isnt a trial?
I read that as Samba seeing as a trial but Bruce seeing it as Villa doing Samba a favour to allow him to get fit.
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
Training with us and wants to earn a contract but it isnt a trial?
I read that as Samba seeing as a trial but Bruce seeing it as Villa doing Samba a favour to allow him to get fit.
I see it more as him saying that we know he's got the ability and experience, he's 32 and played well in his time at Blackburn, so calling it a trial sounds like something you would say of a 17 year old unknown. The trying to earn a contract bit means if he shows the desire and right attitude generally as well as a level of fitness he'll probably get one.
Which is fair enough. I'm not overly optimistic but if it did come off he could be immense for us. Literally.
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
Training with us and wants to earn a contract but it isnt a trial?
I read that as Samba seeing as a trial but Bruce seeing it as Villa doing Samba a favour to allow him to get fit.
I see it more as him saying that we know he's got the ability and experience, he's 32 and played well in his time at Blackburn, so calling it a trial sounds like something you would say of a 17 year old unknown. The trying to earn a contract bit means if he shows the desire and right attitude generally as well as a level of fitness he'll probably get one.
Which is fair enough. I'm not overly optimistic but if it did come off he could be immense for us. Literally.
So a trial then
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
Training with us and wants to earn a contract but it isnt a trial?
I read that as Samba seeing as a trial but Bruce seeing it as Villa doing Samba a favour to allow him to get fit.
I see it more as him saying that we know he's got the ability and experience, he's 32 and played well in his time at Blackburn, so calling it a trial sounds like something you would say of a 17 year old unknown. The trying to earn a contract bit means if he shows the desire and right attitude generally as well as a level of fitness he'll probably get one.
Which is fair enough. I'm not overly optimistic but if it did come off he could be immense for us. Literally.
This. Heard a manager (can't quite remember who) say before in an interview that is was a bit disrespectful to refer to a seasoned pro as a trialist or say they were on trial. Even though they effectively are.
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Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that former Blackburn Rovers defender Chris Samba is training with the club.
However, while the manager admitted the Congolese central defender is looking to earn a contract, he refused to refer to Samba’s Bodymoor Heath involvement as a trial.
The defender worked under Bruce’s good pal, Sam Allardyce, at Blackburn and the Villa boss has had a word with the now-Crystal Palace boss about him.
Speaking at his pre-Derby County press conference, Bruce said: “We’ve known Chris and everybody knows him. He’s back in the country and wanted to come and train.
“I spoke to Big Sam who had him at Blackburn. We are delighted that he’s here. I think it would be wrong to say it’s a trial.
“He wants to earn a contract with us and he’s been here for the past week.”
Training with us and wants to earn a contract but it isnt a trial?
I read that as Samba seeing as a trial but Bruce seeing it as Villa doing Samba a favour to allow him to get fit.
I see it more as him saying that we know he's got the ability and experience, he's 32 and played well in his time at Blackburn, so calling it a trial sounds like something you would say of a 17 year old unknown. The trying to earn a contract bit means if he shows the desire and right attitude generally as well as a level of fitness he'll probably get one.
Which is fair enough. I'm not overly optimistic but if it did come off he could be immense for us. Literally.
That's exactly it. I think Bruce was inferring it's a almost disrespectful to call it a trial.
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I remember Cantona, an international player, having to leave France and joining Wednesday for a trial. IIRC Tricky Trev wanted to renew the trial after one week and Cantona told him to bog off. Wilkinson stepped in and lured him to Leeds, before his defection to Man U.
So if Francis hadn't been such an idiot maybe Cantona could have stayed to help Wednesday stay a top 6 club over several seasons and Man U would never have won the league in 1993...
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So a trial then
Not according to Bruce, you silly billy.
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Samba's so fucking huge we could probably operate with just him and Kodjia
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Shame it's not Cherno Samba, he was ace in the early versions of Championship Manager.
Yes. Let's see if Tonton Zola Moukoko is available.
*As an aside I still play that version. There's a website dedicated to it, and they update the database after every transfer window so you can play it with today's players.
I don't suppose you have a link to that website by any chance? I have a few days off work coming up and I can't think of a better way to waste them away!
Of course mate:
http://champman0102.co.uk/ (http://champman0102.co.uk/)
Enjoy, but remember to say goodbye to the wife.
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We would be very scary with Samba in the line up. Not very good but very scary. Better than being not very good and brown trousers.
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Have we offered Samba any kind of deal yet?
I've not seen anything about it but surely with the amount of injuries we've got a short term deal would make sense? not the David Weir style short term deal though maybe something slightly longer.
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Bump ...
Has there been any movement ... and no i dontmean Chris Samba breaking into a jog
Is he still training with us ???
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I read something about Bruce wanting him to stay and treat tis like an extended pre-season and then we'll review it in the summer.
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I remember Cantona, an international player, having to leave France and joining Wednesday for a trial. IIRC Tricky Trev wanted to renew the trial after one week and Cantona told him to bog off. Wilkinson stepped in and lured him to Leeds, before his defection to Man U.
So if Francis hadn't been such an idiot maybe Cantona could have stayed to help Wednesday stay a top 6 club over several seasons and Man U would never have won the league in 1993...
Cantona wasn't at manure that season was he? Thought it was the following one
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Here you go, it was in the mail; link here (http://www.b*r*i*g*a*m*a*l.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-steve-bruce-reveals-12824450) or copy below:
Steve Bruce is keen for Chris Samba to remain with Aston Villa until the summer and begin pre-season with the rest of the squad in preparation for next season.
Samba, 33, arrived at Bodymoor Heath almost two months ago after a spell in Greece with Panathinaikos which ended last year.
The Congolese defender has proven to be a very popular figure amongst the group and Bruce wants a prolonged stay before making a call on him ahead of next season.
“He’s still here. Nothing’s changed,” said Bruce. “I hope he stays until the end of the season and does pre-season with us.
“If he gets himself fit, and that’s what he’s here for, then that will suit him and it will suit me too.”
Samba featured in a behind closed doors friendly shortly after he arrived at Villa before taking part in a under-23s match against Wolves at Molineux in which he impressed Bruce.
The manager is in the market for a central defender with James Chester, Nathan Baker and Tommy Elphick vying for two slots, while Mile Jedinak has stepped into the heart of defence of late.
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Cheers ... I can sleep a little easier now knowing he is ok !!!
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Looks like he's got his contract then
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Good signing IMO
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Well deserved. I think he's pushing for a starting spot and I wonder if Bruce is going into games with 4-4-2 but is practising 3-5-2 at Bodymoor heath? Keep Hull off the scent for the first game and could also explain why we look slightly disjointed in friendlies. Or we're just disjointed in friendlies and we're playing 4-4-2 because we going to play 4-4-2.
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Welcome Chris.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/20/transfer-news-samba-signs
Never thought he would make me a believer but he really has looked very good in pre season.
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Terry, Chester, Baker and Samba is a lot stronger than Elphick, Baker and Richards as we had to choose from at Hillsborough.
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Good luck Chris. No problem with this.
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Let's hope this pushes a certain Mr Richards nearer the exit door
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I think he will feature in a few punathons.
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On a 1 year deal seems decent enough to me. I like that he's obviously trained etc with us since Jan so seems to have a good attitude.
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Good luck Chris, useful cover.
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Rather him than Elphick, who must be on his bike.
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Rather him than Elphick, who must be on his bike.
Judging from the squad size, that must be a fleet of coaches, not just bikes!
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Rated him a lot at Blackburn, wanted us to sign him in 2011 when he was linked.
Wasn't so great at QPR so hopefully he's decent when the real stuff starts.
You'd like to think we should be good at set pieces this year with all the big units we have. Isn't Terry the highest scoring CB of last 20 years or something?
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Baker to be sold? Have to say Baker is very injury prone.
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Baker to be sold? Have to say Baker is very injury prone.
SB was indicating he seems him more as a squad player, back 3 could well be Terry, Chester and Samba. Two aerially dominant CBs with Chester dropping off to read the play and bring the ball out. Would have Baker who had good games last year and Jedinak as back up.
Would assume Elphick to SHA is all but done.
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Seems to me that Samba has been a great opportunity by the club and he has got his head down, trained hard and proved himself.
No problems with this.
Good luck Chris.
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A big fuck off centre half dominating the opposition will be like welcoming back a long lost friend.
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A big fuck off centre half dominating the opposition will be like welcoming back a long lost friend.
Without the stupid post-stroking histrionics of his predecessor, it might be quite a relief to have someone who just likes twatting any fucker in his path. I approve.
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Seems like a smart signing.
Assuming we're not planning on keeping six centre halves this surely means Elpnick and/or Richards is off.
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Seems like a smart signing.
Assuming we're not planning on keeping six centre halves this surely means Elpnick and/or Richards is off.
Unless Bruce is planning to go to three at the back, I don't see Samba as anything but back up so don't really have any issues with his signing.
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I also approve, which will no doubt be of great interest to the Villa hierarchy.
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Decent signing, on a year's deal we have little to lose.
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He's forgotten more than Baker had learned so will do for me.
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Looks like he's put his head down and earned his contract so welcome Chris. Hopefully Samba can become our Simba.
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As has been said its likely that he is there for back up. 1 up 5 minutes to go, and we bring on the big man to play alongside Chester and Terry, with Jedinak likely to be also involved. it would take a good team to break that down.
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Good luck Mr Samba, welcome to VP
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He's been here, what, 5 months getting fit? He must surely be in the shape of his life now.
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His physical presence should keep Terry on the straight and ecumenical. Should be some good handbags to look forward to in the coming season with the claret and blue ones being swung by Samba, the Beard of Doom, Hutton and Whelan.
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This is a decent signing. We've understandably took our time over it, he's got himself fit and should hopefully be a clever addition.
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'Taken' Clampy, we've understandably 'taken' our time.
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You can't criticise anyone who's been prepared to work unpaid for so long when he could have got a club somewhere else.
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I doubt he's short of a bob or two.
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In which case, he could have easily retired and not bothered.
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Just shows how much "extra" a player, all of them wealthy, can give when you play for nothing in effect.
Samba has clearly impressed with effort being the most crucial (fitness obviously) as we all know he can be a good CB.
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Loads of footballers aren't short of a bob or two but would rather do fuck all than take a pay cut and get on with their careers. I can never understand how the likes of Zog & Micah can just watch their careers pass by why they sit and cream in the money.
I respect Samba for what he's done and wish him all the luck in the world.
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Compare the attitude of Samba to that of Richards and Lescott. Two ostensibly not giving a toss and one putting in the effort required to prolong a career. A useful addition.
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Think that bizarre period where he was shifted back and forth to Russia on ludicrous wages probably set him up for good.
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We have been bossed physically for far too long. The presence of Chris Samba will help rectify that. I don't think he will do much pointing.
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I predict that our centre backs will score a few this season, once hourihane has sorted his delivery out
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From the little I've seen of him in preseason he's looked better on the ball than Baker, better in the air than Chester and quicker than Terry. Fair play to him, he's earned his contract.
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Very pleased with this, looks a beast.
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Compare the attitude of Samba to that of Richards and Lescott. Two ostensibly not giving a toss and one putting in the effort required to prolong a career. A useful addition.
Nail on head
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In which case, he could have easily retired and not bothered.
Why? He's a footballer who wants to play football. The fact that a very rich man is training and not being paid whilst trying to get a contract isn't that remarkable.
EDIT - chris w's point about the amount of wasters that sit on their backside with a big wage packet is fair, though.
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But fair play to him for earning a contract that way all the same.
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We really are assembling a new bomb squad😟
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You can't criticise anyone who's been prepared to work unpaid for so long when he could have got a club somewhere else.
Yes that is to his credit.
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Rated him a lot at Blackburn, wanted us to sign him in 2011 when he was linked.
He was brilliant at Blackburn, loved him and like you really hoped we'd sign him. With such a superb attitude, I have no problems with this signing. Wishing him all the luck in the world. Welcome to the Villa, Big Chris. Better late than never.
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Welcome Big Man, reminds me of the day we signed George Curtis
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It is nice to have another player on the books that I actually like.
A couple of seasons ago I actively detested a good half of the squad, and couldn't answer when my six year old asked who my favourite Villa player was.
Samba seems a good egg, and was brilliant for Blackburn a few years ago. He has talent and as cover is a good signing. We have a few likeable players on the books now (Chester, Kodjia, Jedinak) just need to start performing as a unit.
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Bloody hell, another defender. Not like we need one is it? Where are the attacking players....
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We need cover. He'll be solid enough at this level. I like Baker and he had a decent season but he's always going to get injured. We need to ship off Richards and Elphick, so we will need cover for Terry and Chester. I'd be terrified of player a central two of Terry and Samba though. Possibly the slowest pairing in the English league.
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We need cover. He'll be solid enough at this level. I like Baker and he had a decent season but he's always going to get injured. We need to ship off Richards and Elphick, so we will need cover for Terry and Chester. I'd be terrified of player a central two of Terry and Samba though. Possibly the slowest pairing in the English league.
If you can read the game, don't get pulled out of position and can tackle/block/shield without fouling, pace is not always necessary. Will need midfield in front though to stop runners through the middle.
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he makes a brick shit house look like it's made out of straw. He's one motherfucker Terry won't be dicking around.
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In which case, he could have easily retired and not bothered.
Why? He's a footballer who wants to play football. The fact that a very rich man is training and not being paid whilst trying to get a contract isn't that remarkable.
EDIT - chris w's point about the amount of wasters that sit on their backside with a big wage packet is fair, though.
It's remarkable when you think he could afford be sat on a beach in Barbados!
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Welcome Chris I'm glad we've signed him good player and a beast of a man.
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You can't teach a good attitude and he clearly has it in abundance. I'm sure privately he's fully aware of his role but that's not going to stop him competing for the starting job next to Terry. A good addition.
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Pity we shall not see Barry Bannan marking him.
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... I'd be terrified of player a central two of Terry and Samba though...
Possibly, although:
(i) depends who plays at FB and whether they are instructed to cover: Taylor, De Laet and Bree know about fullback play
(ii) depends who's in MF and what instructions they have for covering: we'd need a pacy DMF to cover; Tshibola, perhaps
(iii) McGrath wasn't known for his pace; it's all about experience and positioning
(iv) in a back three, with Chester as the spare man, they'd work
(v) they looked okay in th eWalsall game (yeah, I know: only Walsall)
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McGrath was rapid.
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McGrath was God.
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McGrath was a bargain.
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McGrath should have changed his name to McGrath MOM. He always was.
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McGrath was God.
Testify brother.
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The idea of Samba & Terry available for us when needed makes me feel very good indeed.
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The idea of Samba & Terry available for us when needed makes me feel very good indeed.
Indeed. Having Samba coming off the bench to defend a lead gives me confidence.
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The idea of Samba & Terry available for us when needed makes me feel very good indeed.
Indeed. Having Samba coming off the bench to defend a lead gives me confidence.
I'd also bring him on when Grealish gets a whack.
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The idea of Samba & Terry available for us when needed makes me feel very good indeed.
They might bang a few in too from set pieces.
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Nice to see more height in the side. With the likes of Samba, Terry, Whelan, Chester and Jedinak in the side, I can't see us conceding too often.
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Unless they decide to run quickly past them rather than trying to out-jump them.
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Unless they decide to run quickly past them rather than trying to out-jump them.
Shhhhhh Bruce hoped nobody would try that.
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Unless they decide to run quickly past them rather than trying to out-jump them.
Shhhhhh Bruce hoped nobody would try that.
he, of all people, will be acutely aware of that I would have thought.
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When I read the Guardian article a few weeks back about Steven Caulker I was thinking that if he is addressing his problems he might be worth a gamble as an understudy to Terry. Still relatively young, with obvious natural ability, but mental issues that have held him back. Perhaps a strong role model and a nurturing environment might get the best out of him. Whoever does get the best out of him will have an top quality player on their hands, and the obvious sell on value. The Celtic move makes a lot of sense.
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Unless they decide to run quickly past them rather than trying to out-jump them.
Shhhhhh Bruce hoped nobody would try that.
he, of all people, will be acutely aware of that I would have thought.
Because of things like this you mean?
Not us this time, I always remember the second goal in this game as it was on one of those season review videos back in the day. Deano absolutely left him for dead!!
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When I read the Guardian article a few weeks back about Steven Caulker I was thinking that if he is addressing his problems he might be worth a gamble as an understudy to Terry. Still relatively young, with obvious natural ability, but mental issues that have held him back. Perhaps a strong role model and a nurturing environment might get the best out of him. Whoever does get the best out of him will have an top quality player on their hands, and the obvious sell on value. The Celtic move makes a lot of sense.
A good, stable club might be able to offer that. But we need the type of characters who are going to improve morale and standards from the outset, not sink them further.
We have more than our quota of chancers, blaggards and basket cases as it is.
Not that I've seen anything in Caulker that makes me think he is worth taking a punt on anyroad. Plenty of chat and hype about him at Tottingham, but that goes with the territory at the most overrated club in the universe. It's not as if he played particularly well at Cardiff, Liverpool, Southampton or QPR. One ropey move could happen to anyone. There's enough data now between all those moves to say Caulker is bang average.
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There is no bonding in this Club. The players go to training, train and then go their separate ways. This is repeated through to match days. They do not mix together away from the Club and that is why there is no togetherness on the pitch. It is no wonder new players seem to fade after starting brightly.
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There is no bonding in this Club. The players go to training, train and then go their separate ways. This is repeated through to match days. They do not mix together away from the Club and that is why there is no togetherness on the pitch. It is no wonder new players seem to fade after starting brightly.
How do you know any of that? Besides, it's not exactly true.
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There is no bonding in this Club. The players go to training, train and then go their separate ways. This is repeated through to match days. They do not mix together away from the Club and that is why there is no togetherness on the pitch. It is no wonder new players seem to fade after starting brightly.
How do you know any of that? Besides, it's not exactly true.
A friend of one of our players told me. The player in question has been out on loan in the past and said some of the things they did as groups never happens at Villa.
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There is no bonding in this Club. The players go to training, train and then go their separate ways. This is repeated through to match days. They do not mix together away from the Club and that is why there is no togetherness on the pitch. It is no wonder new players seem to fade after starting brightly.
How do you know any of that? Besides, it's not exactly true.
A friend of one of our players told me. The player in question has been out on loan in the past and said some of the things they did as groups never happens at Villa.
I'd imagine some of the players mix but not all of them. I don't think it's too much of an issue really and possibly happens at other clubs.
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There is no bonding in this Club. The players go to training, train and then go their separate ways. This is repeated through to match days. They do not mix together away from the Club and that is why there is no togetherness on the pitch. It is no wonder new players seem to fade after starting brightly.
How do you know that? The Andre Green training clip on youtube suggests they don't go their separate ways but are a normal football club.
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I don't always go out with my colleagues at work but when at work I'm dedicated to making the company I work for successful. That's pretty much all my boss really cares about and the shareholders.
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All clubs, including the level I've played at have players that get on with one set of players over another. I've been at a club where I just didn't fit in and was always the outsider (only stayed a season and a bit), and another club where everyone felt like your best mate. Once you went onto the pitch though you were 11 teammates all trying to get the same thing. A win. its better if everyone are mates, but its not the be all and end all at a club.
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They don't need to be best mates. Even if certain players didn't like certain other players, it only becomes a problem if they're unprofessional and allow it to happen on the pitch too i.e. not passing to that person. It would be nice if there was a strong team spirit though. Seemed to help Huddersfield go further than people would have expected.
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Given the track record of some Villa players who have socialized together outside of work in the past I would say this is no bad thing.
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At this stage of his career and with his injury record I don't really see what he brings to our promotion push. Fully fit and focused he might do something, but I don't see it happening myself. Maybe Bruce will just use him as a squad player.
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The choice is Elphick or Samba as 4th choice centre half. I think it's self evident what he brings over what he replaces.
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I don't always go out with my colleagues at work but when at work I'm dedicated to making the company I work for successful. That's pretty much all my boss really cares about and the shareholders.
I would go out with my work colleagues but since they're generally either back under the care of nurse Ratchet for the evening or out howling at the moon, I don't tend to bother.
With regards to the Villa squad I thought that side of things had improved under Bruce, I know there was something of an atmosphere prior to that, especially the season we went down...?
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I saw plenty of centre circle huddles which I took to be a sign of a team ethic.
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The choice is Elphick or Samba as 4th choice centre half. I think it's self evident what he brings over what he replaces.
Yep
All he has to do is avoid playing back pass short, leading to a one on one, in every game
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I saw plenty of centre circle huddles which I took to be a sign of a team ethic.
Make believe bantz, the worst kind.
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Appreciate they're friendlies but got to say he's looked absolute class.
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Legend in the making
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Legend in the making
I'd say more of a cult hero in the making.
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He does basic stuff very well. A great back up for Chester or Terry
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Does seem odd he was a free agent for so long and no one else picked him up
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Congrats on the goal Chris, hope for more in the Championship.
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Does seem odd he was a free agent for so long and no one else picked him up
I think he played in Greece last season.
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Free agent since January I think
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On the official site it says welcome to "Samba", whereas the other new signings are welcomed as "Glenn" and "Elmo"
All a bit impersonal - couldn't the editor spell Chris?
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Fair to say that if either Terry or Chester aren't on the ball then the brick shithouse is more than capable of fitting in. Great signing by the looks of it.
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Has looked good in all pre season games so far. I doubt any other championship club has this level of quality as 3rd/4th choice CB.
Squad depth is very impressive this year.
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I've still got massive reservations personally. I fear he would get run absolutely ragged by any of the Championships less traditional type strikers who play on the floor
But as a go to reserve option with Baker he shouldn't need to be used too often
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On the official site it says welcome to "Samba", whereas the other new signings are welcomed as "Glenn" and "Elmo"
All a bit impersonal - couldn't the editor spell Chris?
Chris is his middle name.
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I've still got massive reservations personally. I fear he would get run absolutely ragged by any of the Championships less traditional type strikers who play on the floor
But as a go to reserve option with Baker he shouldn't need to be used too often
he won't play if Chester, Terry and Baker are fit.
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He's 33 right? That's really not unusually old for a centre back
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On the official site it says welcome to "Samba", whereas the other new signings are welcomed as "Glenn" and "Elmo"
All a bit impersonal - couldn't the editor spell Chris?
Chris is his middle name.
So his actual name is Samba Christpher Samba?
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On the official site it says welcome to "Samba", whereas the other new signings are welcomed as "Glenn" and "Elmo"
All a bit impersonal - couldn't the editor spell Chris?
Chris is his middle name.
So his actual name is Samba Christpher Samba?
that's a great name
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Veijeany is his first name.
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Badass is his middle name.
I want to temper my growing enthusiasm for him but he looks so assured and good. Fingers crossed he keeps it up.
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Veijeany is his first name.
Vei-jeany, he plays at the back
Vei-jeany, like a chimney stack
He's outrageous, he heads away balls
Vei-jeany, he even scores goals
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Veijeany is his first name.
Vei-jeany, he plays at the back
Vei-jeany, like a chimney stack
He's outrageous, he heads away balls
Vei-jeany, he even scores goals
Overall that's shit, but given what you had to work with quite outstanding
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Um.....not sure if that's a compliment but thanks anyway TV :)
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just watched the Hertha game now. Have to say that so far if we hadn't have signed Terry we would have been starting against Hull with Chester and Samba. he was immense. Won every header at the back. very Martin Laursenesque performance I thought it was that good.
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Um.....not sure if that's a compliment but thanks anyway TV :)
Of course mate :)
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Vei- jeany, Vei - jeany,
He's not teeny weeny,
Twice as big
As Andre Greenie
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He looks in better shape than he did 2-3 years back at QPR. Could turn out to be an absolute steel. Baker is going to struggle to get in the side with the 3 in front of him now.
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Vei- jeany, Vei - jeany,
He's not teeny weeny,
Twice as big
As Andre Greenie
Para bailar La Samba.
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He looks in better shape than he did 2-3 years back at QPR. Could turn out to be an absolute steel. Baker is going to struggle to get in the side with the 3 in front of him now.
Unless we go 3-5-2, in which case he's a good option for left of the 3.
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He looks in better shape than he did 2-3 years back at QPR. Could turn out to be an absolute steel. Baker is going to struggle to get in the side with the 3 in front of him now.
He looks like he's made of steal.
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I'm really impressed by his fitness he's looked good so far in the pre season games.
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He looks in better shape than he did 2-3 years back at QPR. Could turn out to be an absolute steel. Baker is going to struggle to get in the side with the 3 in front of him now.
He looks like he's made of steal.
A true Villan.
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Vei- jeany, Vei - jeany,
He's not teeny weeny,
Twice as big
As Andre Greenie
Ooooh Vei- jeany,
you are the love of my life
oh Vei- jeany,
I'd let you shag my wife,
oh Vei- jeany,
I'd like to be a brick shithouse toooo......
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I'm too pissed to be creative, so to the Zambezi Zam song by the Piranhas:
Vei-jeany, Vei-jeany, Vei-jeany Sam,
We're on our way,
Vei-jeany, Vei-jeany, Vei-jeany Sam.
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He looks in better shape than he did 2-3 years back at QPR. Could turn out to be an absolute steel. Baker is going to struggle to get in the side with the 3 in front of him now.
He looks like he's made of steal.
A true Villan.
Not confusing him with Noel Blake?
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On the evidence of tonight's game, if Chris Samba can get a contact at the Villa I'm going to carry on holding out hope of making it.
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Thought he settled down second half and got on the end of almost everything that came into the box.
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Fine in the air, a car crash against any sort of movement.
We should've kept Baker. We're going to have a problem if Chester/Terry pick up an injury I think.
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Awful first half, better second. Luckily they didn't run at him much second half.
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Thought he settled down second half and got on the end of almost everything that came into the box.
His legs look shot im afraid. Definitely need someone new in to be third choice centre back.
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Samba is ok as third choice .............injury time centre forward.
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Not a great performance tonight, but I think he needs a chance considering he hasn't played a game for a long long time.
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to be honest, he looked like he'd never played before.
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Swapped sides 2nd half and looked better. We need 4th choice to be a left sided defender as Chester is also better on the right.
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to be honest, he looked like he'd never played before.
This made me laugh, and I know what you mean.
However, lets not go into panic mode once again over a back up defender having a wobbler in one half, in truly shocking conditions.
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Signing Samba's is a mistake for me I know he didn't cost anything and he's on a short term contract but he's replaciing and we have sold a better player and that means we are going backwards
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Yep. He's back-up at best and hasn't played regularly for ages so will be rusty. When you look at some of the bobbins we have paid money for and can't get rid of, then taking a punt on him doing a job for us for 12 months is hardly a major risk
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Is De Laet a part time central defender too?
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Yep. He's back-up at best and hasn't played regularly for ages so will be rusty. When you look at some of the bobbins we have paid money for and can't get rid of, then taking a punt on him doing a job for us for 12 months is hardly a major risk
general dumbing down of an already average squad won't do us any favours
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Yep. He's back-up at best and hasn't played regularly for ages so will be rusty. When you look at some of the bobbins we have paid money for and can't get rid of, then taking a punt on him doing a job for us for 12 months is hardly a major risk
general dumbing down of an already average squad won't do us any favours
How have we "dumbed down"? I'm looking at our outgoings and i'm struggling to see any world beaters who've left or are leaving. Just rubbish that we paid too much for and couldn't cut it in the prem or indeed the championship. At least Samba has done a job at those levels in the past.
He is what he is. I don't think he's replaced anyone, but has been brought in to supplement the squad with an eye on injuries because Bruce doesn't think the stiffs/youngsters are up to it. He seems to have the right attitude and certainly has the experience so i don't see any problem
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We're going to be in trouble if Chester or Terry get injured with Samba as our only back-up option.
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I like that he blasted the player in the foot and then immediately pointed and claimed he won the ball. At least he's a dishonest fucker, most of our donkey centre backs these last few years would have put their head in their hands and trudged off.
It may have been the pitch and or rustiness either way it's one game but he did look like he plays on stilts.
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I like that he blasted the player in the foot and then immediately pointed and claimed he won the ball. At least he's a dishonest fucker, most of our donkey centre backs these last few years would have put their head in their hands and trudged off.
It may have been the pitch and or rustiness either way it's one game but he did look like he plays on stilts.
Great post!
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We're going to be in trouble if Chester or Terry get injured with Samba as our only back-up option.
Mebbe, but who do you think would come as back-up? Certainly no world beaters. He'd do a job short term and if one of the 1st choice picked up a long term injury, then i'd fully expect Bruce to enter the transfer market
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Is De Laet a part time central defender too?
I think so.
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We're going to be in trouble if Chester or Terry get injured with Samba as our only back-up option.
Mebbe, but who do you think would come as back-up? Certainly no world beaters. He'd do a job short term and if one of the 1st choice picked up a long term injury, then i'd fully expect Bruce to enter the transfer market
keep saying this but its all set up for Alex Bruce (if he hasnt already signed for Bolton/Blackburn)
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We're going to be in trouble if Chester or Terry get injured with Samba as our only back-up option.
There's also Jedinak who did a decent job when Baker got injured last season.
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I have a feeling Samba is a downgrade on Baker and if Terry misses a few games we could be in trouble.
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He had a very ropey first half but improved in the second I thought.
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Agreed. First half he was all over the show. Second, half he was comfortable.
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He is a huge unit so I assume he was closer to the rain and it put him off ;D
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He got used to actual game speed by the second half and looked ok. Probably didn't help being a massive bloke on that surface.
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Do we have any young centre-backs comfortable with the ball? That kid that won with England in the summer? Or the fella from Bury?
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it's all gone very dark on the Bury boy - is he still with us?
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He got used to actual game speed by the second half and looked ok. Probably didn't help being a massive bloke on that surface.
So he'll be OK as long as we're playing division 4 standard teams when it isn't raining. Great.
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He got used to actual game speed by the second half and looked ok. Probably didn't help being a massive bloke on that surface.
So he'll be OK as long as we're playing division 4 standard teams when it isn't raining. Great.
Yep that's exactly what I said 🙄
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really looking forward to seeing him play on a hot dry day.
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really looking forward to seeing him play on a hot dry day.
Next July at the earliest,then.
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Yep. He's back-up at best and hasn't played regularly for ages so will be rusty. When you look at some of the bobbins we have paid money for and can't get rid of, then taking a punt on him doing a job for us for 12 months is hardly a major risk
Problem is as the season goes on and Terry struggles to make the midweek games after playing the weekend one (we've got quite a few of our harder fixtures in midweek this season).
Samba is first in line. When we signed him I assumed he'd be fourth choice behind Baker. We need another CB imo and would imagine it will happen when Elphick is sold.
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Jedinak and De Laet can play centre half too.
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Have we got any kids that can step in as option number 4 or 5?
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it's all gone very dark on the Bury boy - is he still with us?
I'm sure that I say him play in at least one of the pre-season games
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Problem is as the season goes on and Terry struggles to make the midweek games after playing the weekend one (we've got quite a few of our harder fixtures in midweek this season).
Not difficult to solve. Unless Terry has a clause in his contract saying that he has to be allowed to go midweek shopping in London.
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Problem is as the season goes on and Terry struggles to make the midweek games after playing the weekend one (we've got quite a few of our harder fixtures in midweek this season).
Not difficult to solve. Unless Terry has a clause in his contract saying that he has to be allowed to go midweek shopping in London.
If that is the case we could always play Terry in the 'harder' midweek games and leave him out of the 'easier' weekend ones. ;)
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He will be up front in a minute, seeing as we have no fucking strikers on the bench today.
Bruce moron.
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really looking forward to seeing him play on a hot dry day.
Next July at the earliest,then.
Good weather prediction.
Is he still here then, contract ran out end of June I'd imagine? If we sell Chester as well that just leaves Elphick.
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Richards can play centre back when he's not starring in hilarious, banter-filled Christmas videos.
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The story goes that Richards knees are not up to 2 games a week so Bruce decided not to use him at all , and instead added to the wage bill Samba who managed a grand total of 8 appearances ..which is not surprising as in the 2 years before joining us he made a grand total of 6 appearances
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Chris was only ever back-up though. Might have played a bit more but I think he was grateful we took him on at all.
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The story goes that Richards knees are not up to 2 games a week so Bruce decided not to use him at all , and instead added to the wage bill Samba who managed a grand total of 8 appearances ..which is not surprising as in the 2 years before joining us he made a grand total of 6 appearances
I was led to believe Samba was on a pay if you play deal.
Even if not, i'd rather have had him sat on the bench with both legs in plaster than Richards.
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A pay as you play deal sounds far to reasonable for us to have given him ...
Samba - I'll take 10k a week
Wyness - No problem here's 20k
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A pay as you play deal sounds far to reasonable for us to have given him ...
Samba - I'll take 10k a week
Wyness - No problem here's 20k
Isn't that a riff on the Peter Ridsdale, Seth Johnson and the aquarium story?
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A pay as you play deal sounds far to reasonable for us to have given him ...
Samba - I'll take 10k a week
Wyness - No problem here's 20k
Isn't that a riff on the Peter Ridsdale, Seth Johnson and the aquarium story?
Does it involve Steve Guppy?
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A pay as you play deal sounds far to reasonable for us to have given him ...
Samba - I'll take 10k a week
Wyness - No problem here's 20k
Isn't that a riff on the Peter Ridsdale, Seth Johnson and the aquarium story?
Does it involve Steve Guppy?
Or Peter Haddock?
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All I can remember of Samba is a massive clearance/kick he did in a match and his leg kind of created a sonic boom that knocked a player over. At least that's how I remember it. Cant remember the game.
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i think I remember him scoring one, but I'm trying to forget everything Villa at the moment.I want to wake up this time next year to discover we're still here.
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A pay as you play deal sounds far to reasonable for us to have given him ...
Samba - I'll take 10k a week
Wyness - No problem here's 20k
Isn't that a riff on the Peter Ridsdale, Seth Johnson and the aquarium story?
Does it involve Steve Guppy?
Or Peter Haddock?
You're just angling for information
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Well, I'm hooked on this one
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Why is he still here?
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Who?