Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on October 29, 2018, 09:58:20 PM
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It’s almost November, two months to go so I’ll kick this off. The bullshit is starting to trickle in. Deano has identified CB’s today as an area to improve. So cue the Daily Mirror linking us to splashing out £8m on a left footed midfielder by the name of Barry Bannan.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/dean-smith-eyes-8million-aston-13502338
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No doubt it's bollocks, but I could see him doing well as one of the two in a 4-2-3-1.
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Gabby, cheaper than Bannan and just as lightly.
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Does anyone know if Barry Bannan has passed his driving test yet?
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No doubt it's bollocks, but I could see him doing well as one of the two in a 4-2-3-1.
Yep, me too, but not to go in there with McGinn. We need someone who can create a bit, and keep the ball moving but also gives us a bit of protection in there.
The problem is getting players I like the look of has become ridiculous. I watched an Ajax game a couple of weeks and thought the young lad in midfield called de Jong looked like he had potential and decided to keep an eye on him. Over the weekend stories came out suggesting Man City are looking at him and Ajax want £70m, which is ridiculous.
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(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/55bb7874af3ed363371de561410a34a5)
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As good as Bannan looks at Sheffield, I cant forget the endless crap free kicks/corners we endured when he was here first time.
I’d rather see Hourihane continue to fuck every one up, as he appears contracted to do whenever he plays.
It’s a no from me.
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Jesus, just when we’re trying to look forward with some positivity and some ****** at the Daily Miserable suggests Barry Bloody Bannon! What a start to the January transfer thread.....
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We're not going to be able to fix everything in January, so I would say a centre back who playś on the left side, a left back and depending on how Nyland does, a keeper will be the priorities. Can't really see there being much financial wriggle room for much more to be honest.
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Bannan? A backwards step if ever there was one.
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Take a punt on that young U.S prospect. Altidore? (Sick)
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I like Bannan, but not at eight million and in a position which isn't a massive priority.
We have to sort the defence out. Nyland has a couple of months to convince me we don't need a goalkeeper, too.
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Movie Tuanzebe to right back and bring in a natural centre back and a left back. Tuanzebe is quick but heading at corners is poor.
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A QPR fan the other night raving about Grealish's performance told me that the only player to come close to playing as good as Jack was Bananaman three nights beforehand. Then again he also said Gabby Agbonlahor was one of the best strikers he had seen in the past decade and that he wished QPR could coax him out of retirement.
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Movie Tuanzebe to right back and bring in a natural centre back and a left back. Tuanzebe is quick but heading at corners is poor.
Tuanzebe is awful at right back. I don't rate him at all as a defender I must say. His pace gets him out of difficult situations on occasion but they are generally of his own making. We simply have to get in a physically dominant left sided centre half as top priority.
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Bannan is exactly the sort of signing we need to avoid if we have any ambition.
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Goalkeeper and a centre half, for the love of Christ.
Not the current dandy we have between the sticks who looks weak-wristed even when he saves one.
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I don't think we're in for Bannan but I imagine that's the sort of player Smith would like anchoring the midfield; good technical skills and an ability to move the ball onwards accurately and at tempo.
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If there is any substance to the link with Bannan at a reputed £8m it suggests, despite all the changes within the club, we have learned little from our past mistakes - it's probably just more BS however
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We're not going to be able to fix everything in January, so I would say a centre back who playś on the left side, a left back and depending on how Nyland does, a keeper will be the priorities. Can't really see there being much financial wriggle room for much more to be honest.
Spot on.
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I really like Bannan and I thought he got a hard time when he was here but it's a no from me as well, even if it is probably a load of crap.
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Take a punt on that young U.S prospect. Altidore? (Sick)
January will finally see the long awaited arrival of Benni McCarthy
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I don't think we're in for Bannan but I imagine that's the sort of player Smith would like anchoring the midfield; good technical skills and an ability to move the ball onwards accurately and at tempo.
Agreed. Can't remember the last time we had that type of go-to midfielder. It won't be Bannan though. I wish I could get a job as a football story maker upper, seems a piece of piss.
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I'd like DS to get Heaton from Burnley, top keeper and can't get a game at the moment.
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I don't think we're in for Bannan but I imagine that's the sort of player Smith would like anchoring the midfield; good technical skills and an ability to move the ball onwards accurately and at tempo.
exactly this,
whether it's Bannan or someone like Bannan that's the sort of player Smith will be looking at
busy midfield player short sharp quick passing moves linking up with Grealish and Mcginn would be a lot better suited than anything we have at the moment
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There's no way Smith will be in for a luxury midfielder when we have three or four far more pressing priorities. Unless we sell Jack which would change the dynamics of the situation (McGinn playing further forward), but that seems very unlikely to me.
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Bannan isn't a luxury player. He's Sheffield Wednesday's best and he's what makes them tick, dragged them intonthe play offs too a few years back.
I'm not making a case for him, but a player of his ilk.
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I've no problem with Bannan coming back, as long as it's not at the expense of sorting out the problem at keeper, left-back and centre half.
Heaton from Burnley is such an obvious solution for him and Villa, that there's no chance of it happening
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We really need a CB that's what I want.
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I don't think we're in for Bannan but I imagine that's the sort of player Smith would like anchoring the midfield; good technical skills and an ability to move the ball onwards accurately and at tempo.
exactly this,
whether it's Bannan or someone like Bannan that's the sort of player Smith will be looking at
busy midfield player short sharp quick passing moves linking up with Grealish and Mcginn would be a lot better suited than anything we have at the moment
I have wondered if Jack could be a Pirlo type of player.
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I think midfield is the least of our problems. Defence, attack and goalkeeping is more of a worry. Someone mentioned Heaton at Burnley as a goalkeeping option and Forster at Southampton might be another one. They have both been out with fairly long term injuries however, which is why they lost their places.
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Heaton would be a no brainer.
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(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/55bb7874af3ed363371de561410a34a5)
Seconded.
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I think midfield is the least of our problems. Defence, attack and goalkeeping is more of a worry. Someone mentioned Heaton at Burnley as a goalkeeping option and Forster at Southampton might be another one. They have both been out with fairly long term injuries however, which is why they lost their places.
Either of these would be very good signings. Burnley have got Hart and Pope so can't see how Heaton is going to get back in there, and the same for Forster at Southampton with McCarthy and Gunn.
At least a goalkeeper (and send the loan substitute back), a centre back and a left back in the transfer window for me. Anything else dependent on whether we manage to shift some of our unwanted players.
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Bannan isn't a luxury player. He's Sheffield Wednesday's best and he's what makes them tick, dragged them intonthe play offs too a few years back.
I'm not making a case for him, but a player of his ilk.
If we are going to play a more possession based game then the type of midfielder we need is the sort who can play in the defensive midfielder role and get on the ball and pick passes out. I don't think Bjarnason and Jedinak can do that and I'm not sure Whelan has got the legs to play a higher tempo game any more.
There could be a case made for trying to move Whelan or Jedinak on in January if it is felt that type of midfielder is required (though I would like to see Doyle-Hayes given a chance as well).
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I am just hoping to see a considered and coherent transfer policy going forward. I genuinely hope the days of ill-thought out signings and players being brought in with little idea of how to fit them in are gone.
Determine how you want to play, assess the current squad and then starting bringing in players who can plug any gaps that might exist.
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I'd like DS to get Heaton from Burnley, top keeper and can't get a game at the moment.
Yes; my son's been advocating that move, too.
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Heaton or Forster would be great signings. The CB will be Gary Cahill & prising Scott Malone from Derby would be great business as well.
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There could be a case made for trying to move Whelan or Jedinak on in January if it is felt that type of midfielder is required (though I would like to see Doyle-Hayes given a chance as well).
I definitely think that Jedi or - preferably - Whelan should get moved on; and both are, I think, into their last contract year so persuading them to move in January may be quite possible.
I've been wanting to see D-H given a chance to make that DMF role his own - perhaps not immediately, but certainly in the medium-term - but to do that he needs gametime now.
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Can we cancel Moreira's loan? Freeing up the possibility of a keeper like Heaton taking a half-season loan with a view to something permanent.
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Barry Bannan has turned into a great midfield player who runs the show at the perfect pace for a Dean Smith side.
Ryan Woods would probably have been first choice but the Oatcakes got him.
If you listen to Dean talking about our defence, be assured he knows the issues.
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Bannan and Westwood.
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Bannan was always way to slow at everything when with us. I've had enough of painfully slow build ups and zero tempo.
Priority must be a left back as we don't have one that isn't Neil Taylor, closely followed by a centre back, preferably two. Not convinced by Nyland. Supposed to be a fucking viking, plays like a morris dancer at times. So a keeper as well.
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A decent keeper has to come in.
I can see him going back to Brentford to try to get Daniel Bentley.
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Bannan was always way to slow at everything when with us. I've had enough of painfully slow build ups and zero tempo.
Priority must be a left back as we don't have one that isn't Neil Taylor, closely followed by a centre back, preferably two. Not convinced by Nyland. Supposed to be a fucking viking, plays like a morris dancer at times. So a keeper as well.
Oscar Wilde said you should try everything in life once, except incest and Morris Dancing.
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The Morris Men Cometh
We have hanky, but no panky
You hear the bells, you heed the warning
You know the morris men are coming
No rabbit's foot or four-leafed clover
Protects you from the rambling herbert
When you're straying from the city
An act of morris may be committed
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How about getting back some of our players out on loan now for starters.....Steer, De Laet, Clark, Elphick, Green????
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Send Moreira back
Loan - Heaton from Burnley
Loan - Targett from Southampton
Buy - McKenna - Aberdeen
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How about getting back some of our players out on loan now for starters.....Steer, De Laet, Clark, Elphick, Green????
Possibly Steer aside, I'm not sure many of the others will solve too many of the current problems will they?
We still have a lot of options at right-back, so bringing De Laet and Clark back won't help too much. Elphick would probably be on the bench at the moment which I suppose would help somewhat and Green is still injured isn't he?
If we can get the defence and keeper situation sorted in January then we should be in a much better place.
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Send Moreira back
Loan - Heaton from Burnley
Loan - Targett from Southampton
Buy - McKenna - Aberdeen
We would have to drop two loan players from the squad to accommodate two more. That's why Moreira isn't currently making the bench. And further confirmation that Bruce is a fucking idiot who obviously didn't bother checking the rules.
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Bannan was always way to slow at everything when with us. I've had enough of painfully slow build ups and zero tempo.
Priority must be a left back as we don't have one that isn't Neil Taylor, closely followed by a centre back, preferably two. Not convinced by Nyland. Supposed to be a fucking viking, plays like a morris dancer at times. So a keeper as well.
Oscar Wilde said you should try everything in life once, except incest and Morris Dancing.
https://www.quotes.net/quote/10621
Also:
(To a lady cellist) Madame, you have between your legs the most beautiful instrument known to man, and all you can do is scratch it !
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Sir Olaf Melberg "try everything in life once except being a bluenose".
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Mellberg the Cellist - is there nothing we could have done?
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How about getting back some of our players out on loan now for starters.....Steer, De Laet, Clark, Elphick, Green????
Possibly Steer aside, I'm not sure many of the others will solve too many of the current problems will they?
We still have a lot of options at right-back, so bringing De Laet and Clark back won't help too much. Elphick would probably be on the bench at the moment which I suppose would help somewhat and Green is still injured isn't he?
If we can get the defence and keeper situation sorted in January then we should be in a much better place.
Clark has played on the left more than the right for the last couple of years. De Laet would be a better option at right back than Hutton or Elmo because of the extra pace he'd give us.
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How about getting back some of our players out on loan now for starters.....Steer, De Laet, Clark, Elphick, Green????
Possibly Steer aside, I'm not sure many of the others will solve too many of the current problems will they?
We still have a lot of options at right-back, so bringing De Laet and Clark back won't help too much. Elphick would probably be on the bench at the moment which I suppose would help somewhat and Green is still injured isn't he?
If we can get the defence and keeper situation sorted in January then we should be in a much better place.
Clark has played on the left more than the right for the last couple of years. De Laet would be a better option at right back than Hutton or Elmo because of the extra pace he'd give us.
I've not seen much of Clark to be honest Paul, but we need a naturally left footed left back if those in front of him are going to be right footed. So many times it breaks down on that side because Adomah, Kodjia and Grealish can't produce any real quality with their left foot.
I rate De Laet as well, but it just hasn't happened for him with us. I really want to see Bree given a run if games to see how he does.
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Send Moreira back
Loan - Heaton from Burnley
Loan - Targett from Southampton
Buy - McKenna - Aberdeen
We would have to drop two loan players from the squad to accommodate two more. That's why Moreira isn't currently making the bench. And further confirmation that Bruce is a fucking idiot who obviously didn't bother checking the rules.
Bruce didnt bring in Moreira or El Ghazi.
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Send Moreira back
Loan - Heaton from Burnley
Loan - Targett from Southampton
Buy - McKenna - Aberdeen
We would have to drop two loan players from the squad to accommodate two more. That's why Moreira isn't currently making the bench. And further confirmation that Bruce is a fucking idiot who obviously didn't bother checking the rules.
Bruce didnt bring in Moreira or El Ghazi.
We don't know for sure.
Bruce seemed to think he had.
https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2018/08/03/steve-bruce-jorge-mendes-leading-aston-villa-transfers-nonsense/
In El Ghazi's case he also seemed happy enough to have him.
https://sportslens.com/steve-bruce-raves-about-aston-villa-new-signing-anwar-el-ghazi/243287/
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Wonder if Fulham's reserve LB will be available? You know what's his name?!? Unsworth isn't it?!? Hasn't played a game since the end of September by the look of it..
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http://
Wonder if Fulham's reserve LB will be available? You know what's his name?!? Unsworth isn't it?!? Hasn't played a game since the end of September by the look of it..
Suffered a bad injury didn't he?
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Sprained ankle tripping over his thirty pieces of silver.
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I'm sure he'll be fit for their attempt to get in the Play Offs next year.
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How about getting back some of our players out on loan now for starters.....Steer, De Laet, Clark, Elphick, Green????
Possibly Steer aside, I'm not sure many of the others will solve too many of the current problems will they?
We still have a lot of options at right-back, so bringing De Laet and Clark back won't help too much. Elphick would probably be on the bench at the moment which I suppose would help somewhat and Green is still injured isn't he?
If we can get the defence and keeper situation sorted in January then we should be in a much better place.
Seeing as we are under performing as a squad at the moment, depending on what transfer business we are able to do in January I would bring them all back from loan. As a new manager surely Smith would want to see them all at close quarters. I think De Laet and Elphick would make the most difference.
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I'm sure he'll be fit for their attempt to get in the Play Offs next year.
Indeed, and sod him for wanting to warm the bench in the premiership for a season - but if Fulham, Cardiff and Newcastle (Huddersfield) come down and we're still here it won't be as easy next season as it looks to be this.
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An Arsenal supporting friend of mine told me today that he heard from a reliable source that Koscielny could be coming in Jan. Emery has told him he’s not wanted at Arsenal.
Can’t see it myself though
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No nor me, hes far better than the Championship
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Deano made reference to O'Kelly and Terry scouting Clarke and having touched base with all the loan signings.
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McCormack scored at the weekend, making it a bit easier for his loan club to not justify the signing of Usain Bolt.
He has said that he is doubtful of a future here despite the change of management and 19 months left on his Villa deal.
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Mitchell Clark must be doing well because I read an article saying that Premier League clubs had scouts watching him. I think Smith will bring the average of the squad down so I wouldn't surprised if he was one brought back.
I wonder if he'll bring a certain Gary Gardner back too? He obviously doesn't fancy Jedinak and I think Whelan's probably on borrowed time too.
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There were only 2 loan players in tonight’s starting 11 and 1 more on the bench.
I’d look to see if we could send el ghazi back in January as he’s currently 4th choice. Same with Moria.
Priority is a keeper and after that it’s a left back.
There is money to spend but there is also space for a couple of loan signings.
I’d say the money will go on one or two players and another two will come in on loan.
I’ve no idea about the Bannan rumours but he’s just what we need as a step up from Barny/Whelan. Target would be an improvement on Taylor. Hutton played well tonight and I’m loathe to consider replacing him but I think his time has now come.
So for me, it’s a keeper, then 2 full backs and if possible, a central defender. I know it’s a risk making such drastic changes half way through the season but it can’t be any worse and even if we don’t go up, the defence has time to gel and gain stability ready for next season.
Oh and if there’s any money left or a space for another loan signing then a winger/wide midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.
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People not rating Tuanzebe must be watching a different sport to me
I agree he could be better in the air
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There were only 2 loan players in tonight’s starting 11 and 1 more on the bench.
I’d look to see if we could send el ghazi back in January as he’s currently 4th choice. Same with Moria.
Priority is a keeper and after that it’s a left back.
There is money to spend but there is also space for a couple of loan signings.
I’d say the money will go on one or two players and another two will come in on loan.
I’ve no idea about the Bannan rumours but he’s just what we need as a step up from Barny/Whelan. Target would be an improvement on Taylor. Hutton played well tonight and I’m loathe to consider replacing him but I think his time has now come.
So for me, it’s a keeper, then 2 full backs and if possible, a central defender. I know it’s a risk making such drastic changes half way through the season but it can’t be any worse and even if we don’t go up, the defence has time to gel and gain stability ready for next season.
Oh and if there’s any money left or a space for another loan signing then a winger/wide midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.
I think getting the defence and keeper sorted are the priorities for me, so I would be looking to bring in a new keeper (terminate Moreira's loan deal), a centre half and a left back.
If there was any money left I would look at bringing in a defensive midfielder who could control the tempo of the game and pick passes out.
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There were only 2 loan players in tonight’s starting 11 and 1 more on the bench.
I’d look to see if we could send el ghazi back in January as he’s currently 4th choice. Same with Moria.
Priority is a keeper and after that it’s a left back.
There is money to spend but there is also space for a couple of loan signings.
I’d say the money will go on one or two players and another two will come in on loan.
I’ve no idea about the Bannan rumours but he’s just what we need as a step up from Barny/Whelan. Target would be an improvement on Taylor. Hutton played well tonight and I’m loathe to consider replacing him but I think his time has now come.
So for me, it’s a keeper, then 2 full backs and if possible, a central defender. I know it’s a risk making such drastic changes half way through the season but it can’t be any worse and even if we don’t go up, the defence has time to gel and gain stability ready for next season.
Oh and if there’s any money left or a space for another loan signing then a winger/wide midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.
I think getting the defence and keeper sorted are the priorities for me, so I would be looking to bring in a new keeper (terminate Moreira's loan deal), a centre half and a left back.
If there was any money left I would look at bringing in a defensive midfielder who could control the tempo of the game and pick passes out.
I've been really impressed with Axel in the 4 games he's had in the centre. For me, that has lessened the burden of needing another CB ASAP.
We do need cover there, although, I'd argue that Jedi is adequate as cover. Elphick returning would also make sense, if he is prepared to play the role of substitute CB.
I'm looking at improving the 11, rather than strengthening the squad so any player we sign needs to be an improvement. With Chester & Axel, it might be difficult to improve on them and any player coming in would have to take the place of one of those two. I know nothing about the Aberdeen lad but suspect that if he were to come in and replace Axel, it might signal the end of Axel's Villa career so we would not be any better off numbers wise. If McKenna is an improvement on Axel then I'd be for it. However, currently, I want to see a Keeper and left back as priority. Moving forward, we need to get the central pairing sorted for the long term.
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What's the skinny on the Mr. G. Cahill link? Is it horseshit? I'd like to see this happen.
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Bannan was always way to slow at everything when with us. I've had enough of painfully slow build ups and zero tempo.
Priority must be a left back as we don't have one that isn't Neil Taylor, closely followed by a centre back, preferably two. Not convinced by Nyland. Supposed to be a fucking viking, plays like a morris dancer at times. So a keeper as well.
Oscar Wilde said you should try everything in life once, except incest and Morris Dancing.
...and he was right about the morris dancing! :D
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There were only 2 loan players in tonight’s starting 11 and 1 more on the bench.
I’d look to see if we could send el ghazi back in January as he’s currently 4th choice. Same with Moria.
Priority is a keeper and after that it’s a left back.
There is money to spend but there is also space for a couple of loan signings.
I’d say the money will go on one or two players and another two will come in on loan.
I’ve no idea about the Bannan rumours but he’s just what we need as a step up from Barny/Whelan. Target would be an improvement on Taylor. Hutton played well tonight and I’m loathe to consider replacing him but I think his time has now come.
So for me, it’s a keeper, then 2 full backs and if possible, a central defender. I know it’s a risk making such drastic changes half way through the season but it can’t be any worse and even if we don’t go up, the defence has time to gel and gain stability ready for next season.
Oh and if there’s any money left or a space for another loan signing then a winger/wide midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.
I think getting the defence and keeper sorted are the priorities for me, so I would be looking to bring in a new keeper (terminate Moreira's loan deal), a centre half and a left back.
If there was any money left I would look at bringing in a defensive midfielder who could control the tempo of the game and pick passes out.
I've been really impressed with Axel in the 4 games he's had in the centre. For me, that has lessened the burden of needing another CB ASAP.
We do need cover there, although, I'd argue that Jedi is adequate as cover. Elphick returning would also make sense, if he is prepared to play the role of substitute CB.
I'm looking at improving the 11, rather than strengthening the squad so any player we sign needs to be an improvement. With Chester & Axel, it might be difficult to improve on them and any player coming in would have to take the place of one of those two. I know nothing about the Aberdeen lad but suspect that if he were to come in and replace Axel, it might signal the end of Axel's Villa career so we would not be any better off numbers wise. If McKenna is an improvement on Axel then I'd be for it. However, currently, I want to see a Keeper and left back as priority. Moving forward, we need to get the central pairing sorted for the long term.
Some good points there Mr. B. Tuanzebe's recent good form has changed things in terms of desperately needing a centre back in January, but we are still an injury or suspension away from being short. Given that, I suppose bringing Elphick back in January as cover would make sense and then we could revisit the situation in the summer. The other option I suppose would be to sign a young squad player with a view to them being cover for the next couple of years and again looking at the first choice situation in the summer.
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I can't say I have been following Hull avidly this season.
But any time I have caught them, Elphick looks as confident and switched on for them as he did for us. We need cover -or possibly someone who will push Tuenzebe to start and is then ready to step up when his loan expires.
But we must do better than Elphick.
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One thing is for certain - there won't be a better time to make a positive move to strengthen this squad. There are no Wolves or last year's Fulham (at the moment at least) - it really is there for the taking if we can get the right people in.
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What's the skinny on the Mr. G. Cahill link? Is it horseshit? I'd like to see this happen.
A championship side could hardly afford his wages? Surely he will have plenty of top division clubs after him.
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If Cahill is considered a footballing centre back then I dare say we might be interested. That said, I reckon it's horsepoop.
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I can't say I have been following Hull avidly this season.
But any time I have caught them, Elphick looks as confident and switched on for them as he did for us. We need cover -or possibly someone who will push Tuenzebe to start and is then ready to step up when his loan expires.
But we must do better than Elphick.
Had a terrible game v SHA.
Problem with recalling Elphick in January rather than signing a new CB is you can bet the game after the window closes Chester or Axel will get a season ending injury and we'll have to play Elphick for 20 games. A scenario that makes it unlikely we'd get promoted due to his previous level with us.
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The problem with recalling Elphick in January is we would be recalling Elphick in January
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All sounds like a classic case of absence making the heart grow fonder. Elphick isn't good enough for where we want to be. He wasn't when we had him, and he isn't now.
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For me it's all about what the options are. If we're struggling to find a centre back to bring in then I'd rather we recall Elphick as third choice than see Jedinak come back in as injury cover. It's a similar conundrum to left back, I think Taylor is shit but having a left footed player there gives us a better balance than having a right footed player out of position so I'd prefer a new signing with some real quality but I'd still keep Taylor around for now as cover so we don't run the risk of putting Hutton/Bree/Elmo out there and looking lopsided again.
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The problem with recalling Elphick in January is we would be recalling Elphick in January
This. Same with RDL.
With regards Cahill, i just can't see it. It'd be a bit weird bringing him in on huge wages to fight for a spot ahead of Chester/Axel. Surely we'd be better of bolstering our CB options with a younger player who'd be happy to join, fight for a place and not be on huge wages
Just looks like a name signing. I had hoped we'd got past that by now
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All sounds like a classic case of absence making the heart grow fonder. Elphick isn't good enough for where we want to be. He wasn't when we had him, and he isn't now.
Agreed, I just don’t see him fitting into our current style and system.
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I'd say the reason most were talking about Elphick is because we had Fatosaurus Bruce in charge and his main plan was Jedi as a CB. With him gone i'd wager not many give a toss about Elphick as they have a lot more confidence in Smith.
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The difference now is that there is coaching and team management.
Elphick will benefit from this and as he has performed perfectly well at this level it is not a bad idea to bring him back.
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Unless Smith has the ability to perform cloning surgery, he ain’t going to make Elphick a decent centre half. He simply isn’t good enough. You cannot polish wet shoes.
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If former players are being considered, we could do a lot worse than consider Steven Davis. Have always rated him, not getting a game at Southampton, thoroughly dominated Hourihane and others last night. Fine player that could do a job for us.
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If former players are being considered, we could do a lot worse than consider Steven Davis. Have always rated him, not getting a game at Southampton, thoroughly dominated Hourihane and others last night. Fine player that could do a job for us.
Decent player and maybe someone to consider if we were to move Whelan and Jedinak on but other than that, I'm not sure that we need him.
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If former players are being considered, we could do a lot worse than consider Steven Davis. Have always rated him, not getting a game at Southampton, thoroughly dominated Hourihane and others last night. Fine player that could do a job for us.
Decent player and maybe someone to consider if we were to move Whelan and Jedinak on but other than that, I'm not sure that we need him.
He's 33 now, blimey. That makes me feel very old.
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Unless Smith has the ability to perform cloning surgery, he ain’t going to make Elphick a decent centre half. He simply isn’t good enough. You cannot polish wet shoes.
Wonder if he will go for Finn?
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apparently villa along with leeds are in for our kadeem Harris in January
a pacey forward / winger would be a good capture for you . the only downside he is prone to injury .
hope we don't sell him
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apparently villa along with leeds are in for our kadeem Harris in January
a pacey forward / winger would be a good capture for you . the only downside he is prone to injury .
hope we don't sell him
Why the hell would we bring in another winger at this point?
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If former players are being considered, we could do a lot worse than consider Steven Davis. Have always rated him, not getting a game at Southampton, thoroughly dominated Hourihane and others last night. Fine player that could do a job for us.
That's not the worst shout in the world actually. Think the guy was a bit overrated after he left us but he's certainly been a good player at Southampton since he joined in 2012.
I assumed he was injured given he wasn't figuring there but obviously not if he played for Norn Iron the other night.
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Personally I hope we stay well clear of a soon to be 34 year old that doesn't play very often. It's about time we stopped making the same stupid mistakes and i'm hoping from now on those kind of decisions are behind us.
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Personally I hope we stay well clear of a soon to be 34 year old that doesn't play very often. It's about time we stopped making the same stupid mistakes and i'm hoping from now on those kind of decisions are behind us.
Too bloody right.
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Personally I hope we stay well clear of a soon to be 34 year old that doesn't play very often. It's about time we stopped making the same stupid mistakes and i'm hoping from now on those kind of decisions are behind us.
It depends. I don't know what sort of deal he's on at Saints but taking him on loan wouldn't be that detrimental. Giving him a 2 or 3 year deal like we've done to 30 somethings McCormack, Jedinak and Whelan obviously is.
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He last started a game for Saints Jan 31st and since then despite them being shit he's played about 50 minutes of league football for them. For me it's file under 'stay well away as we've seen this movie before'.
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Yesterday’s men are yesterday’s news. No thanks
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Is there an update on Collins ?? did he play in the behind closed doors game the other night ??
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Has Rico Henry been linked yet? Young LB from Brentford, Smith had him at Walsall too.
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Is there an update on Collins ?? did he play in the behind closed doors game the other night ??
He played in that BCD game the other night. Don’t know how he got on. A short term deal is win win.
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Thanks Vinnie :)
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I would prefer to see a motivated young player come through the ranks than an older head. Smith is not afraid of using the young players.
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apparently villa along with leeds are in for our kadeem Harris in January
a pacey forward / winger would be a good capture for you . the only downside he is prone to injury .
hope we don't sell him
Mate you are Premier League we have no chance of signing a good player from you :)
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Has Rico Henry been linked yet? Young LB from Brentford, Smith had him at Walsall too.
Yes, please :)
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Unless Smith has the ability to perform cloning surgery, he ain’t going to make Elphick a decent centre half. He simply isn’t good enough. You cannot polish wet shoes.
Yes but wet shoes look shiny just like anyhow....
Just like Elphick did for couple of matches.
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Has Rico Henry been linked yet? Young LB from Brentford, Smith had him at Walsall too.
Yes, please :)
Been injured for last year.
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Injured for a year? Well that means he is odds on for us in Jan.
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Kalinic looked pretty commanding today apart from last 10 minutes. Is he a better option then an Nyland? He's at Genk now who paid 3million euros for him a year ago.
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Kalinic looked pretty commanding today apart from last 10 minutes. Is he a better option then an Nyland? He's at Genk now who paid 3million euros for him a year ago.
Weren't we after him some time ago?
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Kalinic looked pretty commanding today apart from last 10 minutes. Is he a better option then an Nyland? He's at Genk now who paid 3million euros for him a year ago.
Weren't we after him some time ago?
Yes, we were told we couldn’t buy him because he didn’t get international clearance ... I think!
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Nyland has looked pretty commanding apart from a few odd minutes. He has saved us more points than he has given away. We do not need Kalinic!
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Kalinic looked pretty commanding today apart from last 10 minutes. Is he a better option then an Nyland? He's at Genk now who paid 3million euros for him a year ago.
Weren't we after him some time ago?
Yes, we were told we couldn’t buy him because he didn’t get international clearance ... I think!
It was vetoed by that horrible cow at Sunderland apparently via the FA, the one that tried to cover up their nonce's actions.
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Nyland has looked pretty commanding apart from a few odd minutes. He has saved us more points than he has given away. We do not need Kalinic!
I'd say he's looked pretty commanding for a few minutes.
He's a reasonable shot-stopper, but you can tell the defence are nervous about any ball that goes in behind and his potential reaction to it.
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100% this.
He is not commanding and never will be. People are kidding themselves if they think this will be coached into him at his age.
His shot stopping has been good but only what you would expect.
Let’s hope we can get through to January without any more howlers and then cut our losses. That said, next week worries me. He’s way overdue a howler and they thrive on howlers from our keepers.
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He was commanding against Derby. Picked up every cross with ease and made a pair of cracking saves.
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There were no real crosses to worry about at Derby. There was one bread and butter cross that made my heart miss a beat but he held onto it which was to be expected.
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So he commanded his box.
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No-he wasn’t called upon to do so.
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But your heart missed a beat when he did something expected? Have you seen a cardiologist?
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My heart misses a beat every time the ball enters our 18 yard box.
And no, I haven’t seen a cardiologist but I’ve booked an appointment with the doctor for a flu jab.
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You sound like you're of a nervous disposition.
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Yes
I began to feel this way in August when I first watched our GK
Its remained with me ever since. Hopefully I’ll find a cure in January though.
I don’t know about you but I always look to improve the team. Dropping Taylor is a good shout. He doesn’t seem to get the rub of the green with you that butterfingers gets. Personally, I don’t discriminate- I dislike all our shit players equally.
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Since the defence has started to look like they train together Nyland has looked much better. He's nowhere near as poor as some people insist and a replacement keeper is definitely not a priority in January unless he completely falls apart between now and then. The priority has to be getting better options at left back and centre back, the squad is just too thin in those positions.
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Since the defence has started to look like they train together Nyland has looked much better. He's nowhere near as poor as some people insist and a replacement keeper is definitely not a priority in January unless he completely falls apart between now and then. The priority has to be getting better options at left back and centre back, the squad is just too thin in those positions.
LB I could possibly live with (although i still think Taylor/Hutton is less of a priority than the GK)
I’m not sure what you think the CBS have done wrong since Smith took charge though.
I think players will come in, in all 3 positions but for me, the keeper is the priority.
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Deano himself has stated CB is the top priority. Not to replace what we have but because we only have 2 recognised specialist centre backs.
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Since the defence has started to look like they train together Nyland has looked much better. He's nowhere near as poor as some people insist and a replacement keeper is definitely not a priority in January unless he completely falls apart between now and then. The priority has to be getting better options at left back and centre back, the squad is just too thin in those positions.
LB I could possibly live with (although i still think Taylor/Hutton is less of a priority than the GK)
I’m not sure what you think the CBS have done wrong since Smith took charge though.
I think players will come in, in all 3 positions but for me, the keeper is the priority.
I don't think they've done anything wrong, but the panic that Chester picked up a knock should serve as proof that 2 central defenders in the squad is too big a risk. With Taylor it's more to provide competition, Hutton did an ok job defensively but he was pointless in the opposition half and it's looking like this season might prove to be one too many anyway. From a pure squad balance point of view I'd like those 2 in. If we get a third player then a keeper becomes an option for me but I honestly don't think Nyland started much worse than Johnstone did so I'm not willing to completely write him off after less than 20 games.
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He was commanding against Derby. Picked up every cross with ease and made a pair of cracking saves.
Easily his best game. The double save (at 0-0) was very good and crucial. We need that to be his standard for next 10 games otherwise he'll be replaced in January.
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Since the defence has started to look like they train together Nyland has looked much better. He's nowhere near as poor as some people insist and a replacement keeper is definitely not a priority in January unless he completely falls apart between now and then. The priority has to be getting better options at left back and centre back, the squad is just too thin in those positions.
One game basically. He could've easily thrown in one v Bolton when he dropped the cross infront of the Holte (and then dropped another from the resulting corner).
Flapped at another cross v Norwich that did cost us a goal and didn't even dive for Rhodes winner. He just lets in too many preventable goals for me, there was another v Millwall that went right through him. Bit worried about him when we play Boro, if he can through that game he'll have a future at this level.
Cutler is a good goalkeeping coach so there is hope. He turned Neil Etheridge into a consistant keeper and he's now in the premier league playing well.
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Since the defence has started to look like they train together Nyland has looked much better. He's nowhere near as poor as some people insist and a replacement keeper is definitely not a priority in January unless he completely falls apart between now and then. The priority has to be getting better options at left back and centre back, the squad is just too thin in those positions.
When he made that save at Derby he was congratulated in a very encouraging manner by his team mates and that will have given him a great boost. Good for team spirit that.
I feel his distribution is a lot better than Johnstone's was.
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Since the defence has started to look like they train together Nyland has looked much better. He's nowhere near as poor as some people insist and a replacement keeper is definitely not a priority in January unless he completely falls apart between now and then. The priority has to be getting better options at left back and centre back, the squad is just too thin in those positions.
One game basically. He could've easily thrown in one v Bolton when he dropped the cross infront of the Holte (and then dropped another from the resulting corner).
Flapped at another cross v Norwich that did cost us a goal and didn't even dive for Rhodes winner. He just lets in too many preventable goals for me, there was another v Millwall that went right through him. Bit worried about him when we play Boro, if he can through that game he'll have a future at this level.
Cutler is a good goalkeeping coach so there is hope. He turned Neil Etheridge into a consistant keeper and he's now in the premier league playing well.
I'm not saying there aren't issues still but I just think, even in the games you mention, his all round game was better than his first couple of months and with all the changes that have happened it's worth giving him until the new year before writing him off completely. Plenty of players struggled for the first 2 months of the season but have started to turn things round now, given how much of a mess Bruce got into I'm wlling to give everyone a chance, which is why my priorities for the window are squad depth in the areas where we are 1 injury away from a crisis.
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I think Nylands performances between now and early Jan will determine how high a new goalkeeper is as priority, but we should be making enquiries. It's a toss up between new centre back and new left back as to which is the top priority at this moment in time.
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New LB is critical. New CB very important. New GK and a new forward important but some way below those two.
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on the goalkeeping question
I haven't been over impressed with Nyland,
he does worry me, but he has improved as time has gone on so that's a big positive for me,
all I would say is there isn't much between Nyland, Steer and Bunn so at our level with the money we would be spending we could easily end up with much the same again
ie someone who looks for good some of the time but is always prone to a few clangers
unless there is a real quality keeper or a unknown gem that no one knows about that we can snap up for a reasonable sum, which I very much doubt in either case, I would stick and have another look at the seasons end
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New LB is critical. New CB very important. New GK and a new forward important but some way below those two.
For me personally, I can live with either Taylor or Hutton at LB. It is a position that definitely requires improvement but I wouldn't describe it as crucial.
Likewise, central defence - We have a decent pairing in there. If we can improve on Axel then I'm all for it but with the ability to recall Elphick, I wouldn't describe it as being crucial to bring another central defender in.
That said, I fully expect us to bring players in, in those positions because they are the weakest of the 10 outfield positions.
For me, the GK is the crucial one because he is the one who will directly cost us points between now and the end of the season. Furthermore, it is anything but secure in that box when balls come flying in and even if the GK has not been directly responsible, his uncertainty has contributed to us letting in more goals from set pieces than any other team in the league.
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His uncertainty earlier in the season was a direct result of playing behind a central midfielder and having three of the four in front of him playing out of position. How do you control and dominate with that mess?
He's got better.
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His uncertainty earlier in the season was a direct result of playing behind a central midfielder and having three of the four in front of him playing out of position. How do you control and dominate with that mess?
He's got better.
He's improved although he still has his moments. as someone pointed out, it was only by the Grace of God that he was past the goalpost against Bolton that the one he let slip through his hands went out for a corner rather than a goal. The one he conceded against Ipswich was inexcusable and cannot be blamed on team mates playing out of position etc. He's conceded others that haven't ultimately been as costly but as sure as night turns to day, he will cost us again.
I will be happier than anyone if I'm shown to be wrong but my feeling is that our best chance of promotion is going to be with a new keeper in January, be that a loan signing or permanent.
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CB is the absolute necessity. We're 2 injuries/suspensions away from a pairing of Hutton/Bree and Jedinak. You could have any keeper in the world behind that pairing and they'll still concede a shed load.
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CB and a left back should be a must. Full backs see so much of the ball, but ours never deliver any real quality. Taylor needs to be replaced.
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CB is the absolute necessity. We're 2 injuries/suspensions away from a pairing of Hutton/Bree and Jedinak. You could have any keeper in the world behind that pairing and they'll still concede a shed load.
I would argue that we're one bread and butter cross away from (another) 2 points dropped which could be the difference between 2nd & 3rd place finishes. The CB issue could be resolved by recalling Elphick.
However, I suspect that a new CB will join the club in January.
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CB is the absolute necessity. We're 2 injuries/suspensions away from a pairing of Hutton/Bree and Jedinak. You could have any keeper in the world behind that pairing and they'll still concede a shed load.
I would argue that we're one bread and butter cross away from (another) 2 points dropped which could be the difference between 2nd & 3rd place finishes. The CB issue could be resolved by recalling Elphick.
However, I suspect that a new CB will join the club in January.
I think most agree that Elphick is a busted flush - he has a mistake in him.
In any case, I'd argue we need a proper left-sided CB to play alongside a left-footed LB.
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CB is the absolute necessity. We're 2 injuries/suspensions away from a pairing of Hutton/Bree and Jedinak. You could have any keeper in the world behind that pairing and they'll still concede a shed load.
I would argue that we're one bread and butter cross away from (another) 2 points dropped which could be the difference between 2nd & 3rd place finishes. The CB issue could be resolved by recalling Elphick.
However, I suspect that a new CB will join the club in January.
I think most agree that Elphick is a busted flush - he has a mistake in him.
In any case, I'd argue we need a proper left-sided CB to play alongside a left-footed LB.
Don't watch much Scottish football to be totally honest, but saw a bit of the Scotland game last night and Scott McKenna was playing (he is the one that we were interested in over the summer and that Bruce put a supposedly ridiculous late bid in for).
Not the best opposition last night and I only saw bits of it, but he looked exactly what we need to be honest. Big, left footed, looked pretty mobile and looked comfortable on the ball.
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Seems that some agree with me in recalling some of our loaned players.
The big question is how much money will the club be allowed to spend, due to FFP?
If its the square root of FA, then we'll have to look to loaning in a LB,CB and GK. This brings up another question, how many players on loan can a team have nowadays?
Which makes bringing back some of our own players a sensible back up, In my honest opinion.
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His uncertainty earlier in the season was a direct result of playing behind a central midfielder and having three of the four in front of him playing out of position. How do you control and dominate with that mess?
He's got better.
He's improved although he still has his moments. as someone pointed out, it was only by the Grace of God that he was past the goalpost against Bolton that the one he let slip through his hands went out for a corner rather than a goal. The one he conceded against Ipswich was inexcusable and cannot be blamed on team mates playing out of position etc. He's conceded others that haven't ultimately been as costly but as sure as night turns to day, he will cost us again.
I will be happier than anyone if I'm shown to be wrong but my feeling is that our best chance of promotion is going to be with a new keeper in January, be that a loan signing or permanent.
Have to agree. For me, Nyland would be OK as a number two, but we need a more solid option as first choice (need to send Moreira back as well as I really can't see the point of having him at the club at the moment).
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I think the fact that Nyland now has until January to improve and work with the new coach. Even though the new formed development team of Pitarch-Purslow can still select a keeper in mind if he fails to up his game. Is a good chance to get a clear view of where we are with him. We can not overlook that he has kept us in games more than he has allowed us to concede goals. Every keeper have a dodgy moment or two but mostly he has got away with them. Watching McKenna for Scotland tells me he is exactly what we need to grow in the new Dean Smith era ......
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... We can not overlook that he has kept us in games more than he has allowed us to concede goals ....
Nyland? - that's quite a strong claim, given his very dodgy start to his Villa career.
I'd say it's really only been in the last 2-3 games that he has been a net contributor. Just my perception; no science in my comment.
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Seems that some agree with me in recalling some of our loaned players.
The big question is how much money will the club be allowed to spend, due to FFP?
If its the square root of FA, then we'll have to look to loaning in a LB,CB and GK. This brings up another question, how many players on loan can a team have nowadays?
Which makes bringing back some of our own players a sensible back up, In my honest opinion.
For a start, we should look into sending back the two players currently wasting loan spaces - El Ghazi and Moreira.
Loaning in a reserve keeper not as good as the widely thought to be dodgy first team keeper and sending Steer out on loan is one of our more bizarre decisions of recent years, despite strong competition.
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... We can not overlook that he has kept us in games more than he has allowed us to concede goals ....
Nyland? - that's quite a strong claim, given his very dodgy start to his Villa career.
I'd say it's really only been in the last 2-3 games that he has been a net contributor. Just my perception; no science in my comment.
Can only really think of the QPR game where he come out and missed the punch out. Two top notch saves I think it was preston and a class tip over against Derby last game. But as I said he has got away with a couple. Lets just see if the new coach can balance his game out .......
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Nyland is fine for where we are now.
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Nyland is fine for where we are now.
Mid table in the championship maybe
But we want to be up at the top end
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... We can not overlook that he has kept us in games more than he has allowed us to concede goals ....
Nyland? - that's quite a strong claim, given his very dodgy start to his Villa career.
I'd say it's really only been in the last 2-3 games that he has been a net contributor. Just my perception; no science in my comment.
Can only really think of the QPR game where he come out and missed the punch out. Two top notch saves I think it was preston and a class tip over against Derby last game. But as I said he has got away with a couple. Lets just see if the new coach can balance his game out .......
I have had a feeling for a few weeks now that Sunday is the perfect stage for him to make an absolute howler. I'm sure they will target him with balls into the box all game.
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I'm convinced that a new CB will arrive in January. Where that leaves Axel, I do not know as I suspect that these loan deals include an agreement that the player is going to play games. I also think that a LB will come in. Whether that is a permanent deal depends on who is available. Perhaps we will look at Targett as a loan deal to get us through to the summer.
As my previous posts have revealed, my priority is still the GK. I'm happy with Axel and can live with Hutton at LB. Those are the 2 weakest outfield positions though and I'm sure that we'll strengthen/improve.
The other issue is making too many changes to the defence/back 5.
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If it's true about Sunday then it just confirms that CB is a priority by a country mile.
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If it's true about Sunday then it just confirms that CB is a priority by a country mile.
Yep.
We can probably cover every other position except one of the most critical.
Hopefully they are working on this.
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I would expect McKenna to arrive very early in the window
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If it's true about Sunday then it just confirms that CB is a priority by a country mile.
Yep.
We can probably cover every other position except one of the most critical.
Hopefully they are working on this.
There's a massive difference between covering a position and bringing in someone who goes automatically into the starting line up. If we merely want cover, then Elphick could be recalled. If we want to replace either Chester or Axel then a new signing is required. The next question would be whether Man U would allow Axel to remain here if he's relegated to back up. If Axel gets recalled, we'd be back to square one.
If we got the chance of McKenna, I'd take it as I think he's a step up from where Axel is at this point in time. If there was an issue with Axel returning to his parent club, I would also recall Elphick.
I'm happy with the pairing of Axel & Chester but always welcome improvement. On the other hand, I would like to see the GK replaced before either CB or LB.
It wouldn't surprise me if all 3 positions are subject to incomings in January, whether permanent or loans remains to be seen.
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If we take any in on loan I would imagine some of the current loanees would be going back to their parent club. I think we'll recall some of the players we've loaned out. I certainly expect Mitchell Clark to come back.
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El Ghazi and Moreira are the ones I can see us trying to send back. I doubt Tammy, Axel or Bolasie will leave.
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A S*n journo on Twitter reckons Tom Heaton's coming on loan.
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A S*n journo on Twitter reckons Tom Heaton's coming on loan.
Alan Nixon? He has contacts at likes of Burnley and Blackburn. Would be happy with that. Someone's going to be odd one out when Hart, Pope and Heaton are all fit.
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If it's true about Sunday then it just confirms that CB is a priority by a country mile.
Yep.
We can probably cover every other position except one of the most critical.
Hopefully they are working on this.
There's a massive difference between covering a position and bringing in someone who goes automatically into the starting line up. If we merely want cover, then Elphick could be recalled. If we want to replace either Chester or Axel then a new signing is required. The next question would be whether Man U would allow Axel to remain here if he's relegated to back up. If Axel gets recalled, we'd be back to square one.
If we got the chance of McKenna, I'd take it as I think he's a step up from where Axel is at this point in time. If there was an issue with Axel returning to his parent club, I would also recall Elphick.
I'm happy with the pairing of Axel & Chester but always welcome improvement. On the other hand, I would like to see the GK replaced before either CB or LB.
It wouldn't surprise me if all 3 positions are subject to incomings in January, whether permanent or loans remains to be seen.
I think the Jan window will be to get us through the season.
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If it's true about Sunday then it just confirms that CB is a priority by a country mile.
Yep.
We can probably cover every other position except one of the most critical.
Hopefully they are working on this.
There's a massive difference between covering a position and bringing in someone who goes automatically into the starting line up. If we merely want cover, then Elphick could be recalled. If we want to replace either Chester or Axel then a new signing is required. The next question would be whether Man U would allow Axel to remain here if he's relegated to back up. If Axel gets recalled, we'd be back to square one.
If we got the chance of McKenna, I'd take it as I think he's a step up from where Axel is at this point in time. If there was an issue with Axel returning to his parent club, I would also recall Elphick.
I'm happy with the pairing of Axel & Chester but always welcome improvement. On the other hand, I would like to see the GK replaced before either CB or LB.
It wouldn't surprise me if all 3 positions are subject to incomings in January, whether permanent or loans remains to be seen.
I think the Jan window will be to get us through the season.
We are fine in midfield and upfront, priority needs to be keeper and defenders.
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
He probably would've saved the first if he didn't fall over.
Pretty worried how he's going to cope with Boro slinging in the ball to the box every two minutes.
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Aye. I'm not a fan of Nyland, but thought he did well coming for crosses and claiming them. Particularly late on.
In fairness, he should have been favourite for most of them. But a slip there would have left us in the ha’penny place.
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If ever there was a game for jedinak it's Boro away. It's not like Whelan is much better at passing
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If ever there was a game for jedinak it's Boro away. It's not like Whelan is much better at passing
He would have been effective in dealing with their target man today as well.
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
I did. Watch the Nose in the box pull him back. That goal shouldn't have stood
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
I did. Watch the Nose in the box pull him back. That goal shouldn't have stood
I still can't judge their first goal either way. He did OK second half I thought, but I'm a good way from being convinced though.
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
I did. Watch the Nose in the box pull him back. That goal shouldn't have stood
I still can't judge their first goal either way. He did OK second half I thought, but I'm a good way from being convinced though.
Usually the defender gets between the assailant and goalkeeper.
You try to make sure the keeper can get off his line.
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
I did. Watch the Nose in the box pull him back. That goal shouldn't have stood
There was contact but it was marginal enough. A decent keeper at this level should be dealing with that easily.
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Ashley Cole is now available......
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Ashley Cole is now available......
that won’t bring the average age down
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Ashley Cole is now available......
that won’t bring the average age down
No. But would it improve the quality?
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
I did. Watch the Nose in the box pull him back. That goal shouldn't have stood
There was contact but it was marginal enough. A decent keeper at this level should be dealing with that easily.
It wasn't contact, the bloke was holding him by the shirt and pulled him. Not bothered either way, you can make excuses for anything. The bottom line is they got tonked, again. Their results in a derby are embarrassing , 13 fucking games, that's atrocious.
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I thought Nyland did really well today. You knew they would test him and he didn't look shaky at all. I would rather spend whatever we have on another CB, maybe 2, two full backs and a forward. And midfield depth is becoming a massive problem. Whelan isn't the answer and Lansbury barely lasted 10 minutes. So as much Heaton is an upgrade I'd invest where it is absolutely needed.
Did you miss their first goal?
I did. Watch the Nose in the box pull him back. That goal shouldn't have stood
There was contact but it was marginal enough. A decent keeper at this level should be dealing with that easily.
It wasn't contact, the bloke was holding him by the shirt and pulled him. Not bothered either way, you can make excuses for anything. The bottom line is they got tonked, again. Their results in a derby are embarrassing , 13 fucking games, that's atrocious.
I'm not complaining here but in most games if a keeper goes into a player and ends up on the floor it's normally given as a foul. Personally I think they're protected too much but because it is so common for the ref to blow up it does feel wrong when a free kick isn't given.
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Meaning Evil pushing Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill for Jan. Really don’t know what to think about that to be honest. We do need a new CB and LB but surely Deano will have a better ideas?
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Ashley Cole is now available......
that won’t bring the average age down
No. But would it improve the quality?
If he's not good enough to convince an American League team to renew his contract, probably not.
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Surely just a lazy John Terry link. Can't see either happening.
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On the back of tonight's performance I think Nyland has jumped a fair way up the list, awful for their 2 in the 2nd half. Very frustrating because I really thought he'd started to settle and get a bit of an understanding but it's all a bit 1 step forward and 2 back now.
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On the back of tonight's performance I think Nyland has jumped a fair way up the list, awful for their 2 in the 2nd half. Very frustrating because I really thought he'd started to settle and get a bit of an understanding but it's all a bit 1 step forward and 2 back now.
Watch the goals again and Chester and Hourihane are just as culpable. Nyland at fault for the last goal as he shouldn't have been beaten at the near post, poor positioning despite the small deflection. I think we need a capable defensive ball playing midfielder just as much as a centre half or a keeper.
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On the back of tonight's performance I think Nyland has jumped a fair way up the list, awful for their 2 in the 2nd half. Very frustrating because I really thought he'd started to settle and get a bit of an understanding but it's all a bit 1 step forward and 2 back now.
Watch the goals again and Chester and Hourihane are just as culpable. Nyland at fault for the last goal as he shouldn't have been beaten at the near post, poor positioning despite the small deflection. I think we need a capable defensive ball playing midfielder just as much as a centre half or a keeper.
I agree, but the 4th he just completely misjudged and went the wrong way and the 5th , even though Axel was at fault, you can't let it squeeze through that gap, that's goalkeeping 101.
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On the back of tonight's performance I think Nyland has jumped a fair way up the list, awful for their 2 in the 2nd half. Very frustrating because I really thought he'd started to settle and get a bit of an understanding but it's all a bit 1 step forward and 2 back now.
Watch the goals again and Chester and Hourihane are just as culpable. Nyland at fault for the last goal as he shouldn't have been beaten at the near post, poor positioning despite the small deflection. I think we need a capable defensive ball playing midfielder just as much as a centre half or a keeper.
I agree, but the 4th he just completely misjudged and went the wrong way and the 5th , even though Axel was at fault, you can't let it squeeze through that gap, that's goalkeeping 101.
I wasn't arguing. I am simply pointing out that other players are also at fault. Two sides of the same coin I guess.
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On the back of tonight's performance I think Nyland has jumped a fair way up the list, awful for their 2 in the 2nd half. Very frustrating because I really thought he'd started to settle and get a bit of an understanding but it's all a bit 1 step forward and 2 back now.
Watch the goals again and Chester and Hourihane are just as culpable. Nyland at fault for the last goal as he shouldn't have been beaten at the near post, poor positioning despite the small deflection. I think we need a capable defensive ball playing midfielder just as much as a centre half or a keeper.
I agree, but the 4th he just completely misjudged and went the wrong way and the 5th , even though Axel was at fault, you can't let it squeeze through that gap, that's goalkeeping 101.
I wasn't arguing. I am simply pointing out that other players are also at fault. Two sides of the same coin I guess.
As I said, I agree with you so I didn't think you were. I'm just frustrated with him tonight because he was looking much better, it's so frustrating seeing him make 2 silly mistakes.
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Chester is a big concern for me at the moment, he's cost us more goals than anyone this season.
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I'm starting to think Chester could be the Curtis Davies to Terry's Laursen.
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I'm starting to think Chester could be the Curtis Davies to Terry's Laursen.
best defender in the division last term, out of position on left side and needs a physical presence next to him. Last year he had Terry, Johnstone behind him and often Jedinak ahead of him. Now he has Nyland, Tuanzebe and Hourihane. He still should be a lot better though.
swapping sides at centre back isnt easy. Remember John Terry next to Upson in WC2010 v Germany?
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Chester is a big concern for me at the moment, he's cost us more goals than anyone this season.
I was delighted we kept him in Summer but he has been dodgy all season ,his poor passing has cost 2 goals in the last 2 games alone
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Goalkeeper will certainly be changed in Jan, maybe all three.
Left sided centre back is an absolute must, the hype re Tuanzebe simply has to end, the guy cannot defend to save himself. McKenna is left sided isnt he? Big brute with pace ideally.
Holding midfielder is another must, wouldnt be surprised to see Jedinak leave in Jan. Bjarnasson and Whelan have their uses but neither is the solution. Hourihane categorically is not the solution.
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I've said before how some years ago I read a Clarke Carlisle book and he said that when later in his career he had to swap sides as CB for a while he really struggled. Now I know it's only Clarke Carlise, but he was a 15 year pro at the time and said that everything that was instinctive from all the years on his 'right' side went out the window and he had to constantly think about everything which often meant his reactions were a tiny bit slower but that fraction of time could be costly. Swapping sides can be a different world for players.
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Tuanzebe is playing loads better than Chester in my view
Surprised others disagree
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Tuanzebe is playing loads better than Chester in my view
Surprised others disagree
I don't think anyone has disagreed with you. Chester has been poor, given a fair few goals away and is turning out to be a non-footballing centre back, sadly. When he's rushed, he panics and gives the ball away. I said a while back, if we bring in another centre back, at this rate, it will be to replace him rather than Axel. That said, neither of them are great at marking tightly in the box at the moment.
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Of all the options I'd have bjarnason as holding midfielder at the moment (when fit).
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Tuanzebe is playing loads better than Chester in my view
Surprised others disagree
I certainly don't disagree which is part of the reason why I have been saying a CB is not priority in January.
Tuanzebe is the man - He is the right side of the central defence on merit. If you bring in a left sided central defender then Chester, our captain is the one who has to make way.
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Goalkeeper will certainly be changed in Jan, maybe all three.
Left sided centre back is an absolute must, the hype re Tuanzebe simply has to end, the guy cannot defend to save himself. McKenna is left sided isnt he? Big brute with pace ideally.
Holding midfielder is another must, wouldnt be surprised to see Jedinak leave in Jan. Bjarnasson and Whelan have their uses but neither is the solution. Hourihane categorically is not the solution.
McKenna is left footed and plays on the left side of central defence. I think we might go for Chris Mepham from Brentford, but expect both would be costly.
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A keeper and a centre half to provide some competition could be enough
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The errors Chester is commitng are criminal and have nothing to do with which side the defence he's on. Letting players get in front of him, passing to the opposition, dragging himself out of position to attempt to win the ball, being beaten by a long straight ball.
He's been absolutely diabolical. Last night a couple of goals, Small Heath, QPR, Norwich, Reading, Preston. He's cost us so many points it's beyond parody.
Tuanzebe is miles the better player and even he has his efficiencies in the air and was at fault last night.
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Let's be honest , ideally we need a completely new defense with the likes of Cafu and Chester then put into understudy roles. As for Nyland, he needs to return to the land of the Trolls immediately. A Scandi drama for all the wrong reasons.
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A ridiculous bid for Johnstone on 1 Jan should be top of the list.
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A ridiculous bid for Johnstone on 1 Jan should be top of the list.
Tom Heaton all day - rumours we’re favourites for him. Johnstone’s kicking is shocking so while he’s better than the calamity we’ve got, he’s not good enough for the premiership.
We desperately need a left back; Taylor is woeful going forward and there’s too much of a gap through the channel between him and Chester all the time.
Need a centre back as well as I’d drop Chester on current form.
Ideally we’d get a really athletic midfielder who can play at the base - I’ve heard kante has fallen out of favour with Sarri....
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Regarding the defence - we’ve had such a mixed bag of results it’s hard to call a trend and before last weekend I was actually thinking we could afford to run with what we had, buy some cover and let the defence including Nyland carry on forming an understanding, whilst working to counter the vulnerability to set pieces and route one balls through the coaching.
I’ve changed my mind but I still think we should be careful about making too many changes. Nyland obviously needs to go and Taylor too. But I think Axel and Chester can be a good first choice pair at CB and I’d like to see how they do with a good keeper behind them who can organise. Chester is a quality player but he’s not a leader and he’s never going to fill Terry’s shoes.
I reckon the key to stopping results like like night is replacing Hourihane with a more physical presence, more mobile and happy to tackle but smith obviously doesn’t like an out and out clogger. A NRC type player would do the job.
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Of all the options I'd have bjarnason as holding midfielder at the moment (when fit).
how long is he out , he protects the back four and has legs
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Wouldn’t be surprised if come August the keeper, back 4 and defensive midfielder are all changed. Heatin in Jan would be good, also wouldn’t be surprised in slightest if Bannan came in as that player to take ball from centre halves and bring it forward.
Nyland in terms of distribution is a huge upgrade on Johnstone / Guzan etc but he just seems unable to cut out the basic keeping mistakes.
Hutton for all his cult hero status is not a good defender & surely this is his last year as a starter.
Taylor has been ok recently but will need to be upgraded
Tuanzebe will go back to United a better player but not sure he’ll make it there, does a lot of things very well but still v inconsistent.
Chester seems completely out of it in team with a higher line and an expectation to pass the ball, he is a stopper and that is the limit of his abilities - scares me every time he has ball at his feet
Hourihane, never been a great fan sure he is great over a dead ball but in open play he seems to always be chasing 2/3 yds behind the ball which is pointless - certainly isn’t a deep lying midfielder
Whelan, seems to think he can play that deep role but he also seems to lose the ball in bad places a hell of a lot. Hopefully this is his last year.
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McGinn gives the ball away just as much as the other midfielders but his speed/tenacity often allows him to rectify the error straight away.
I'm not adverse to Whelan playing whist Bjarney is out, but he needs to be either sitting deep or playing up field. He hasn't got the legs to do both anymore.
I don't see how Bannan would fit in, other than as back up for Jack
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it wouldn't surprise me in the least if we kick off next season with a virtually brand new side, with the obvious exceptions like Grealish and McGinn. Lots of players will be returning to their parent clubs, lots will be flogged and lots are out of contract and won'y get offered another one. If we had the money Abraham would be top of the shopping list after defensive upgrades and I'd look to move on Hogan, Kodjia ( if a reasonable bid came in) and Albert, who I have the upmost respect form but who isdn't going to get the extension he wants.
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Goalkeeper and a couple of defenders.
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Tuanzebe is playing loads better than Chester in my view
Surprised others disagree
I certainly don't disagree which is part of the reason why I have been saying a CB is not priority in January.
Tuanzebe is the man - He is the right side of the central defence on merit. If you bring in a left sided central defender then Chester, our captain is the one who has to make way.
Axel was in error for the 5th goal by grabban however. How Grabban was allowed to shoot let alone score was rather naive.
Well as a partnership I do like Chester and Tuanzabe and best option
Here's a thought I wouldn't be averse to playing Tuanzabe at defensive midfield if we did bring in a centre back.
He brings the ball out well enough and would be usefil in team and not dropped.
Chester as captain can't see being dropped .
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I'm not sure Chester is completely fit after the injury he picked up with Wales but we have no other real option for the next month.
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A decent goalkeeper would make all the difference. They wouldn't have scored 5 last night guarenteed. Nyland is like a mirage half the time.
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I’m with Footyskillz. A CB in and Tuanzebe in front of the back four. And a proper goalie. Tuanzebe sitting behind Grealish and McGinn would be awesome with Hourihane the rotation option for the more forward positions.
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Here's a thought I wouldn't be averse to playing Tuanzabe at defensive midfield if we did bring in a centre back.
He brings the ball out well enough and would be usefil in team and not dropped.
Chester as captain can't see being dropped .
I'd be quite interested to see how well that worked. I really like Tuanzebe.
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I think that's where Tuanzebe will play if he 'makes it' at the top level, he's not quite good enough at reading the play to be a top level central defender but that's less of a problem if he's in front of 2. Bring in the left-sided scottish guy, move Chester back to the right side, Axel in front and I think we'd look much better. Would be pretty easy for them to become a 3 if the fullbacks are up the pitch and we lose the ball as well.
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He's only just turned 21 with about a dozen first team games at CB in his career, it's a bit early to decide he won't learn how to read the game better.
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He's only just turned 21 with about a dozen first team games at CB in his career, it's a bit early to decide he won't learn how to read the game better.
I'm not deciding anything, I just think he looks like he'd be better as a DM. It's a bit like Barry, when he came through he was very good on the left of a back 3 but he always looked more suited to playing further up the pitch. Axel is quick, strong and can run all day which means he'll do a decent job in any defensive position with a bit of training though.
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I read "he's not quite good enough at reading the play to be a top level central defender" as you don't think he'll be a top level CB. I agree that he could be decent in midfield, could probably be a better version of NRC in time.
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I think he can be a top level CB but in a partnership where he's the mobile player alongside a more solid and disciplined defender. I think he would have been great with Terry.
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I am a firm believer that central defenders and goal keepers are like fine wines - They mature with age. If I was picking a side, I'd want a central defensive pairing that were both minimum mid 20s. However, I really like the look of Axel and have grown to accept a 21 year old playing there for us. He is far from the finished article but he's impressed me so far and will only get better (unfortunately most likely to the benefit of Man U).
Anyone old enough to remember Ugo when he first broke into the first team will recall that he made many mistakes of the kind being discussed here. As he matured, he became the quality player we all remember him as.
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I am a firm believer that central defenders and goal keepers are like fine wines - They mature with age. If I was picking a side, I'd want a central defensive pairing that were both minimum mid 20s. However, I really like the look of Axel and have grown to accept a 21 year old playing there for us. He is far from the finished article but he's impressed me so far and will only get better (unfortunately most likely to the benefit of Man U).
Anyone old enough to remember Ugo when he first broke into the first team will recall that he made many mistakes of the kind being discussed here. As he matured, he became the quality player we all remember him as.
You're right Brassneck, I think Axel will develop into a great player just like Ugo, it's only natural that a young lad will make mistakes, these get magnified when the player is a defender. It just shows the complete ineptitude of the previous regime, lack of cover and a below average keeper, sooner Jan 1st is here, the better.
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Huth in on a free ... now ... to give Chester a break and give us some options and experience in the big games coming up in December ?
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David Villa available on 1st Jan ....
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Without a doubt an experienced keeper and cb plenty of fringe players as makeweights
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I imagine we'll offer Collins a contract in the near future, he's still training with us despite the change of manager so to me it's a no brainer with the xmas period coming up.
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I read "he's not quite good enough at reading the play to be a top level central defender" as you don't think he'll be a top level CB. I agree that he could be decent in midfield, could probably be a better version of NRC in time.
I agree I probably worded things wrong, let me try again, at the moment he doesn't read a game as well as I'd like but he often gets away with it because of his physicality. As he gets quicker and stronger over the next few years I'd worry that it will become a bit of a crutch. mid-table premier league or below it will be fine but if he wants to play at champions league level he'll be facing strikers that are too good for that. It's the same issue a number of English defenders have had. If he plays in midfield it won't be an issue.
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DS has said he will decide on the James Collins situation in the next couple of days. He has played in behind close doors games and is getting minutes. We have 7 games left before the January window. So a lot of points to be won or lost. I feel Chester needs a rest and only DS knows what level Collins is at. I still think he will bring in another CH in Jan. Probably Yoann Barbet (Brentford out of contract in the summer) Left footed and set piece taker .....
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I'm sure Collins would be happy on a game by game deal, if only to put himself in the shop window for Jan. If he's fit I'd have him on the bench, particularly with Hutton now out I just don't know who could step in at centre back if Chester or Axel get injured.
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I've just had a text suggesting Collins has signed a 5 week contract. Not sure on the original source though.
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It's on twitter from a Daily Mail reporter
https://twitter.com/lauriewhitwell/status/1068483350929858560
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I've just had a text suggesting Collins has signed a 5 week contract. Not sure on the original source though.
I read that as he's signed a 5 year contract and had a mini heart attack.
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5 Weeks is fine which covers the Christmas period. Perhaps Deano has a more long term CH lined up in January.
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I've just had a text suggesting Collins has signed a 5 week contract. Not sure on the original source though.
Wow, that's quite different to the '5 YEAR" contracts we're so used to hading out to players.
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Good decision. He'll bring experience to the back line. Probably on the bench tomorrow as there's no one else thanks to Steve Bruce. Deal to be reviewed again in January.
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Good decision. He'll bring experience to the back line. Probably on the bench tomorrow as there's no one else thanks to Steve Bruce. Deal to be reviewed again in January.
He may even get a start alongside Chester with Tuanzebe in front of them as DM.
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Good decision. He'll bring experience to the back line. Probably on the bench tomorrow as there's no one else thanks to Steve Bruce. Deal to be reviewed again in January.
From what I was told he isn't eligible for tomorrow and that is also what it says on that Twitter link.
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Happy enough with that.
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I wonder if Reuben Loftus-Cheek fancies a promotion campaign. He would be THE perfect fit alongside Jack and John. Really unlikely I know, but he is the very sort of player we need in the holding role. Hourihane was great yesterday but..........
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if we go up that Ramsey’s out of contract at Arsenal looking for a home
he’d be a Smith type of player
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I wonder if Reuben Loftus-Cheek fancies a promotion campaign. He would be THE perfect fit alongside Jack and John. Really unlikely I know, but he is the very sort of player we need in the holding role. Hourihane was great yesterday but..........
He's been more of an attacking midfielder for the past couple of seasons.
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if we go up that Ramsey’s out of contract at Arsenal looking for a home
he’d be a Smith type of player
Talk about getting ahead of ourselves.
Jan window first.
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if we go up that Ramsey’s out of contract at Arsenal looking for a home
he’d be a Smith type of player
Seen rumours linking him to Juventus. Not sure we can compete at that level just yet!!
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We do need 3/4 imo. GK and a LB, a CB for cover and still a CM as I’m not sure we’ve got a natural balance in there.
Heaton, Rico Henry, Gary Cahill (although that drops one of Axel or Chester our of the team) and Bannan maybe?
Perhaps Collins can be an assset an earn himself a deal until the end of the season.
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Please no talk of Bannan, just not good enough, talk about back to the future.
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It’s a good film, but not sure of its relevance here.
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If Dean Smith thinks Bannan will improve us then I'm happy with that. The money quoted seems a bit steep though, I must admit. I read this morning that Fulham are in for Nathaniel Clyne. That is possibly the type of signing we could hijack if we've climbed further in January. Be nice to turn the tables on them as well.
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I trust in Dean Smith he's a great man I know he will do what's best for our team no doubt about it so whoever he get's will do the job for us.
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I would prefer Lolly to Bannan.
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You can just about imagine Barry Bannan as Marty Mcfly.
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If Dean Smith thinks Bannan will improve us then I'm happy with that. The money quoted seems a bit steep though, I must admit. I read this morning that Fulham are in for Nathaniel Clyne. That is possibly the type of signing we could hijack if we've climbed further in January. Be nice to turn the tables on them as well.
Fulham will be relegated....shame
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I would prefer Lolly to Bannan.
Looks a very good player but he's not what we need in this window. We should be looking for someone to sit in and set the tempo who can also protect the defence and be a bit of a leader on the pitch.
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I can’t see us buying a defensive midfielder with three internationals still on the books in that position.
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I can’t see us buying a defensive midfielder with three internationals still on the books in that position.
1, maybe 2 of those players could well be on their way out in January. 2 sets of wages off the books, replaced by 1. We'd still have 3 options for that position as well.
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I still hope Nick Powell might be in DS`s thinking. For probably 2-3m he would be a great asset to our midfield an upgrade on Hourahane ( I am not knocking him) but feel he has more to offer. As previously mentioned I think Barbet & Rico Henry although Henry has only just come back from a long term injury could be involved. I feel the DS transfer team have already identified the players they want and have took the steps to seal their moves …..
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I think that what might be more telling in DS thinking, might be who he moves out during January!
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I reckon a few texts from JT might persuade his old club to let us have Hudson Odoi either on loan or to buy him outright.
He's stalling on a new contract at the moment because he wants more playing time.
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Heaten
McKenna
Matty Targett on Loan
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Not sure why people keep talking about a Hourihane replacement. We don't need one. We need the defence sorting and another striker if Abraham goes back to Chelski. No point loading up with Championship players in January when we're going to the Premier League next season!
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How many spaces do we have left in our squad list submitted at the start of the season? We must be close to our full quota meaning we'll also have to get rid of players.
We're bloated in certain areas such as CM and RB. Can't see Bree or Lansbury getting much of a look in once fit, I imagine Bree would have interest from other teams for a loan deal as his salary is affordable and he's still young and likely to improve. Henri is one of the highest paid midfielders in the league and likely not as motivated to try get a game elsewhere.
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Surely this Chelsea recall option on Tammy is a load of bollocks?
All the talk last summer was of us not taking the short term view again and having to rebuild from scratch when loans expire. In fact, I’m sure I recall talk of us negotiating options to buy Abraham and Bolasie when their loans expire (probably dependant upon promotion, admittedly).
I just fail to believe we’d have accepted an agreement that gives them a recall option in January, thus leaving us back to square one.
We had similar rumours last January regarding Snodgrass once Moyes had taken the WHU job and expressed an interest in having him back. Turned out there was no such option available to him.
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I reckon a few texts from JT might persuade his old club to let us have Hudson Odoi either on loan or to buy him outright.
He's stalling on a new contract at the moment because he wants more playing time.
He looked a magnificent player in the week but I dont suppose its a position we are going to prioritise, at least not this season.
Also, haven't we used up all our loans?
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We think you can loan as many as you like, but there's a limit (5?) on how many you can name in your matchday 18.
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There's as much chance of Chelsea recalling Abraham as there was of getting 15 million quid for Chester in the summer.
Imo.
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How many spaces do we have left in our squad list submitted at the start of the season? We must be close to our full quota meaning we'll also have to get rid of players.
We're bloated in certain areas such as CM and RB. Can't see Bree or Lansbury getting much of a look in once fit, I imagine Bree would have interest from other teams for a loan deal as his salary is affordable and he's still young and likely to improve. Henri is one of the highest paid midfielders in the league and likely not as motivated to try get a game elsewhere.
As far as I can see there's no limit to the squad size in the championship.
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Played under Dean Smith twice , first at Walsall and then signed for Brentford.
I give you Rico Henry.
Plays as a left back for Brentford.
He is a product of the Walsall academy and is a current England U20 international
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if we go up that Ramsey’s out of contract at Arsenal looking for a home
he’d be a Smith type of player
Seen rumours linking him to Juventus. Not sure we can compete at that level just yet!!
I’ve always had a problem overreaching
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I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate!
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James McCarthy at Everton worth a shout as holding midfielder? Nearly back to fitness, might still get back in there ahead of Gueye but needs a run of games after his injuries.
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James McCarthy at Everton worth a shout as holding midfielder? Nearly back to fitness, might still get back in there ahead of Gueye but needs a run of games after his injuries.
He’s more box to box isn’t he although granted DS doesn’t really go for the kante/makelele type holding midfielder.
I think an upgrade on the full backs would make a huge difference to us but I’d only bother with right back if we shifted bree out on loan so I probably would prioritise left back.
Centre back we need someone to replace axel given that he’s going to go back to United in the summer. I’d then look for a really mobile athletic defensive midfielder - there’s a couple knocking around in France if we could wrestle them away.
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James McCarthy at Everton worth a shout as holding midfielder? Nearly back to fitness, might still get back in there ahead of Gueye but needs a run of games after his injuries.
He’s more box to box isn’t he although granted DS doesn’t really go for the kante/makelele type holding midfielder.
I think an upgrade on the full backs would make a huge difference to us but I’d only bother with right back if we shifted bree out on loan so I probably would prioritise left back.
Centre back we need someone to replace axel given that he’s going to go back to United in the summer. I’d then look for a really mobile athletic defensive midfielder - there’s a couple knocking around in France if we could wrestle them away.
Certainly wouldn't be a playmaker anyway if that's what Smith is looking for. Many the game for Ireland the likes of Whelan and himself would turn their backs on their centre backs. Good athlete at his best and well able to press opponents. Not really box to box, rare enough he would score or create that I can recall.
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Not sure why people keep talking about a Hourihane replacement. We don't need one. We need the defence sorting and another striker if Abraham goes back to Chelski. No point loading up with Championship players in January when we're going to the Premier League next season!
I disagree strongly about Hourihane. A physically stronger player, who is not as anonymous when the shit hits the fan would be greatly acceptable. Each to their own I guess.
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James McCarthy at Everton worth a shout as holding midfielder? Nearly back to fitness, might still get back in there ahead of Gueye but needs a run of games after his injuries.
He’s more box to box isn’t he although granted DS doesn’t really go for the kante/makelele type holding midfielder.
I think an upgrade on the full backs would make a huge difference to us but I’d only bother with right back if we shifted bree out on loan so I probably would prioritise left back.
Centre back we need someone to replace axel given that he’s going to go back to United in the summer. I’d then look for a really mobile athletic defensive midfielder - there’s a couple knocking around in France if we could wrestle them away.
I don't rate McCarthy at all so a no from me on that, France and Holland seem to have loads of good players in this role at the moment (the lad at PSV that Lamela elbowed the other week looks superb) but they might be out of our reach. Finding one who's a fringe player at a big club and taking them on loan for half a season with an option to buy might be the simplest solution but that means no room for Moreira and a lot of loanees in our starting 11.
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It's below priority of new keeper and CB but I agree at times we lack a tempo player. McGinn is great but more box to box, someone to sit infront of back 4, pinch the ball and slow and quicken up the play when required would be brilliant but can't think of an obvious target now Woods has gone to Stoke (and the good ones cost about 50m!)
We saw Hourihane certainly can't do that job v quick passing teams like Forest.
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If I was Chelsea why would I want to stifle the outstanding progression of a young striker at a Championship club by sticking him essentially in the reserves? An odd game and sub appear very tossed I now and again. He’s better for his development and certainly for them
if we go up and we want to make the deal permanent if he stays with us and bangs in 25.
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It's below priority of new keeper and CB but I agree at times we lack a tempo player. McGinn is great but more box to box, someone to sit infront of back 4, pinch the ball and slow and quicken up the play when required would be brilliant but can't think of an obvious target now Woods has gone to Stoke (and the good ones cost about 50m!)
We saw Hourihane certainly can't do that job v quick passing teams like Forest.
Agree and it is becoming almost a specialist position, especially as the defensive midfielder might have to become part of a back three at times. I agree that other positions should take priority, but it is a position we will need to address at some point if we are going to move upwards.
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Abraham isn't going anywhere and we do have an option to buy should we be promoted. I have a suspicion we already have a couple of signing lined up (I don't know that for definite or owt mind).
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Not that we'd be looking at him but has anyone been keeping tabs on Veretout this season after a fine year at Fiorentina last season?
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http://
James McCarthy at Everton worth a shout as holding midfielder? Nearly back to fitness, might still get back in there ahead of Gueye but needs a run of games after his injuries.
He’s more box to box isn’t he although granted DS doesn’t really go for the kante/makelele type holding midfielder.
I think an upgrade on the full backs would make a huge difference to us but I’d only bother with right back if we shifted bree out on loan so I probably would prioritise left back.
Centre back we need someone to replace axel given that he’s going to go back to United in the summer. I’d then look for a really mobile athletic defensive midfielder - there’s a couple knocking around in France if we could wrestle them away.
I don't rate McCarthy at all so a no from me on that, France and Holland seem to have loads of good players in this role at the moment (the lad at PSV that Lamela elbowed the other week looks superb) but they might be out of our reach. Finding one who's a fringe player at a big club and taking them on loan for half a season with an option to buy might be the simplest solution but that means no room for Moreira and a lot of loanees in our starting 11.
Not exactly sure what financial position we are in, but I would be reticent to bring in any more loan players unless the option is there to buy them. The problem with having too many loan players is that the heart of the side can be ripped out at the end of the season when they all return to their parent clubs and therefore you can't really build any stability. I would be looking at permanent signings only in January really.
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Abraham isn't going anywhere and we do have an option to buy should we be promoted. I have a suspicion we already have a couple of signing lined up (I don't know that for definite or owt mind).
That's great news.
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Not that we'd be looking at him but has anyone been keeping tabs on Veretout this season after a fine year at Fiorentina last season?
Is he still our player or did they buy him?
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Not that we'd be looking at him but has anyone been keeping tabs on Veretout this season after a fine year at Fiorentina last season?
Is he still our player or did they buy him?
Sold him July 2017.
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Movie Tuanzebe to right back and bring in a natural centre back and a left back. Tuanzebe is quick but heading at corners is poor.
Sorry but disagree 100%. Axel has by and large been very good since he moved to his correct position of centre half. He is not a right back.
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Movie Tuanzebe to right back and bring in a natural centre back and a left back. Tuanzebe is quick but heading at corners is poor.
Sorry but disagree 100%. Axel has by and large been very good since he moved to his correct position of centre half. He is not a right back.
Blimey, picking on a post that was written when Bruce was at his coaching worst is going some. Tuanzebe has been great since Smith took over. When Bruce was here, he was a calamity waiting to happen. Let's move on shall we? I feel stalked!
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Heaten - Loan
McKenna - permanent
Ampadou loan (can operate in front of back 4 also)
Targett on loan would have been an option but the manager change may stop that
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Heaten - Loan
McKenna - permanent
Ampadou loan (can operate in front of back 4 also)
Targett on loan would have been an option but the manager change may stop that
Wouldn't the summer targets be out the window since the Smith/Pitarch arrivals?
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Should be an interesting window with the new Purslow - Pitarch - Smith combo. Purslow said there would be funds available in Jan and you'd think there would possibly be a show of intent from the new owners and set up FFP permitting.
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Go back for that Fulham left back who can't get a game?
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An interesting piece on Dean Smith following him on a trip to Denmark during his time at Brentford. Some interesting thoughts about transfer policy towards the end:
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Reports growing that we are favourites to land Heaton from Burnley.
Would be beautiful if he moved South ::)
Not long since he was considered England standard.
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Heaton would be excellent - if to be believed then it would mean we're looking in the right area. Couple of defenders as well and I'd be happy enough. Can you imagine of we had a defence even 75% as good as last season with our attack?
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Heaton would be excellent, really hope that happens
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Reports growing that we are favourites to land Heaton from Burnley.
Would be beautiful if he moved South ::)
Beautiful! I wouldn't be able to keep it all in. It'll make us dream we could repeat Rotterdam.
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Sign Heaton and everybody's talkin' about us for promotion I reckon
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Reports growing that we are favourites to land Heaton from Burnley.
Would be beautiful if he moved South ::)
Not long since he was considered England standard.
With Jack we've already got the Perfect 10
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Heaton would be excellent, really hope that happens
I think the answer's yes.
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Despite my excitement I'll need a little time to think it over.
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He wants to
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A beautiful south themed pun fest has to be a new low for H&V!
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A beautiful south themed pun fest has to be a new low for H&V!
You’ve clearly not been paying attention.
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Reports growing that we are favourites to land Heaton from Burnley.
Would be beautiful if he moved South ::)
Not long since he was considered England standard.
and Leeds
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Tom will have to be coaxed from Lancs. Upon reading the rumours linking him to Villa, just last night he was heard sobbing to this parents "Mother, father, I think that I would rather, stay at home with you for another year, a-he-ee-year."
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These puns are going right over my head. Absolutely bliss.
You lot listen to some shite.
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These puns are going right over my head. Absolutely bliss.
You lot listen to talk some shite.
Fixed ;)
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When I first met Heaton, well I thought he was alright.
(one for the aficionados there).
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New scout is former Atlético Madrid player Juanfran apparently.
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New scout is former Atlético Madrid player Juanfran apparently.
https://www.marca.com/futbol/celta/2018/12/10/5c0e3b8422601dcc388b4635.html
I think he's the 'other' Juanfran. I think the chap at Atletico is still playing. Though I may well be completely wrong!
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The other one is the founder of the Juanfran Crisp Co.
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New scout is former Atlético Madrid player Juanfran apparently.
https://www.marca.com/futbol/celta/2018/12/10/5c0e3b8422601dcc388b4635.html
I think he's the 'other' Juanfran. I think the chap at Atletico is still playing. Though I may well be completely wrong!
Crap, I've been searching all day for a Housemartins or Beautiful South song called 'Juanfran' :o ;D
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Didn't David Kossof have a brother called Juan?
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Didn't David Kossof have a brother called Juan?
God Almighty ......
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Lolorama
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I think its the Juanfran who knocked us out of the Intertoto Cup with Celta Vigo in 2000. It looks like he was at Valencia when Pitarch was the Sporting Director. He will have something to talk about with Ian Taylor (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/863863.stm).
Schoch then grabbed the spotlight again when he sent off Ian Taylor two minutes into the second half.
He ruled that the Villa midfielder had dived as he was challenged by JuanFran and waved a second yellow card in his direction.
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Bizzarest ending to a game ever (apart from when George Boateng threw a football boot over one of the little baby stands at Filbert Street...or did I imagine that?).
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I think it was muzzy izzets boot! He also waved this hand around his nose saying izzets breath stunk. But I always remember it being Taylor not boateng
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I think its the Juanfran who knocked us out of the Intertoto Cup with Celta Vigo in 2000. It looks like he was at Valencia when Pitarch was the Sporting Director. He will have something to talk about with Ian Taylor (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/863863.stm).
Schoch then grabbed the spotlight again when he sent off Ian Taylor two minutes into the second half.
He ruled that the Villa midfielder had dived as he was challenged by JuanFran and waved a second yellow card in his direction.
Good lord - the very notion of God's cousin diving is so unbelievable, the ref was obviously a moron and/or knew nothing about Ian Taylor !
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The rumour mill stirring in Oz.
Defender and midfielder being watched (https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/aston-villa-keeping-tabs-on-sydney-derby-rivals-risdon-and-o-neill-20181212-p50lub.html)
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
It's not naivety TV, we have our hope back and it's a wonderful feeling. We can also see real improvements on the pitch too that proves it is not just delusion. Long may it continue !
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
Agree TV. I get the feeling that a great deal of consideration will go into the recruitment of players in this set up, as opposed to the previous methods of seemingly just scouring the top scorers' list or agreeing a deal with a mate on a golf course in Portugal.
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
I trust him with everything Villa.
And I think it's because for only the second time in my life, we've appointed a bloke that I am prepared to admit is better at the job than I would be.
High praise indeed, that.
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Didn't David Kossof have a brother called Juan?
I thought it was a sister called Su.
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
I trust him with everything Villa.
And I think it's because for only the second time in my life, we've appointed a bloke that I am prepared to admit is better at the job than I would be.
High praise indeed, that.
I think that's about right, he's certainly the first manager we've had in a while that I'd consider a proper professional who's looking to improve and progress, rather than earn money and hope for a trophy or 2.
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The rumour mill stirring in Oz.
Defender and midfielder being watched (https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/aston-villa-keeping-tabs-on-sydney-derby-rivals-risdon-and-o-neill-20181212-p50lub.html)
Risdon's a RFB: really?!
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
But Smith isn't the key person doing the buying
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I might be naive but I honestly at this point trust Dean Smith with just about whoever he wants to buy. And I would feel exactly the opposite if Bruce was still in charge which isn’t entirely rational given we have some good players at the club from his time here.
What I have utmost confidence in is that Smith will identify players to play his system. I was watching some Brentford highlights last night and at times with players many of us have never heard of they looked really superb. Fast passing, great movement and some lovely goals. All the stuff we are seeing now with us. I’m really looking forward to seeing who comes and goes in this window.
But Smith isn't the key person doing the buying
No, but I very much doubt Pitarch and Purslow are going to go get him Rudy Gestede. He will have identified the types of players he wants to fit the system he plays. I am sure he will have a key role in who comes to the club and who departs.
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I think Bruce was ok in acquiring players,he was just incompetent in producing performances from the players.
With Smith,whoever comes through the door that player will receive high quality coaching and play in a well organised and well drilled team and will probably improve the team.
A goalkeeper certainly.I would bring back Elphick on loan and if possible,a left back or another central midfielder
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And give RDL a chance maybe?
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If De Laet was any good he would have attracted a better club than the Wollongong Battle Frogs, or whichever nonsense Convict club it is that he plays for.
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Someone like Joe Allen would be brilliant in our team imo. Him on a long deal at Stoke will be beyond our budget currently but I thought a few wayward shots aside he was superb today.
Not just the goal but he did so much work off the ball and tracking back to disrupt our attacks. Always in the game whereas Hourihane disappears for spells.
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Sawyers is captain at Brentford and another Brummie
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Are we going to poach Brentford big-time? It's a bit shit innit. Poch will probably do it to Spurs in the summer too.
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Can't see us going for Sawyers to be honest, simply because I just can't see where he would fit in to our side. He plays like a drop off striker and we don't really play that kind of system. Plus, I think we've got enough attacking and midfield options as it stands.
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Can't see us going for Sawyers to be honest, simply because I just can't see where he would fit in to our side. He plays like a drop off striker and we don't really play that kind of system. Plus, I think we've got enough attacking and midfield options as it stands.
From the mouth of the man himself, so it would appear we are
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Can't see us going for Sawyers to be honest, simply because I just can't see where he would fit in to our side. He plays like a drop off striker and we don't really play that kind of system. Plus, I think we've got enough attacking and midfield options as it stands.
If we don't go up Grealish will surely go next summer.
Get Sawyers into the club early, get him used to things and there's your number 10 replacement already.
This move wouldn't shock me as Smith rated him very highly indeed at Walsall and took him to Brentford as soon as his contract ended.
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I've read a few articles saying how grateful he is to Dean Smith. He could cover for Jack.
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I’m voting for Romaine.
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Can't see us going for Sawyers to be honest, simply because I just can't see where he would fit in to our side. He plays like a drop off striker and we don't really play that kind of system. Plus, I think we've got enough attacking and midfield options as it stands.
If we don't go up Grealish will surely go next summer.
Get Sawyers into the club early, get him used to things and there's your number 10 replacement already.
This move wouldn't shock me as Smith rated him very highly indeed at Walsall and took him to Brentford as soon as his contract ended.
Grealish isn't playing as a 'number 10' though, he's part of a midfield three and I can't see Sawyers playing that way. As you say though, Dean Smith knows him very well and if he brings him in he must rate him highly.
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Can’t say I have followed his progress from year dot, but was impressed with him at VP earlier this season.
We are also meant to be in for a Brentford centre half, which scares me a bit.
The Bees had many qualities under Smith. But I never looked at them and wished we defended that way.
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Lettuce not get too carried away just yet.
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Lettuce not get too carried away just yet.
Signing him would be the tip of the iceberg.
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The amount of kickings Jack gets means he’s going to miss a few as the season goes on.
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I'd like us to go back for that centre half from Scotland.
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Lettuce not get too carried away just yet.
Signing him would be the tip of the iceberg.
I think it would leave me feeling a bit flat.
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Can't see us going for Sawyers to be honest, simply because I just can't see where he would fit in to our side. He plays like a drop off striker and we don't really play that kind of system. Plus, I think we've got enough attacking and midfield options as it stands.
From the mouth of the man himself, so it would appear we are
In other words..... Romaine is coming, 'cos he says so
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He's a little gem
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I'd like us to go back for that centre half from Scotland.
If you mean Scott McKenna then an Aberdeen fan I know really rates him and tips him for big things.
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I’m voting for Romaine.
As long as in does not result in Jackexit
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Maybe the persistent rumours of Abraham leaving have created the Sawyers story ....
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Maybe the persistent rumours of Abraham leaving have created the Sawyers story ....
I'd say its more likely because Sawyers has played under Smith before rather than anything to do with Abraham.
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Maybe the persistent rumours of Abraham leaving have created the Sawyers story ....
I'd say its more likely because Sawyers has played under Smith before rather than anything to do with Abraham.
Well, so have several other players!
But - hey - maybe it is simply that.
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Gregg Evans saying Lovre Kalinic is expected to happen.
Interesting, pretty sure he played against England at Wembley last month. Would also mean no Heaton or Darlow.
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Isn’t Kalinic the keeper we got screwed out of signing on a transfer deadline day one year?
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Isn’t Kalinic the keeper we got screwed out of signing on a transfer deadline day one year?
Yep.
Hopefully good news. 6'7" and commanding apparently.
Anyone know what his distribution's like?
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Kalinic has been seen at Bodymoor according to something I've been told this morning.
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Maybe the persistent rumours of Abraham leaving have created the Sawyers story ....
I'd say its more likely because Sawyers has played under Smith before rather than anything to do with Abraham.
Wasn't it because Nev posted that Sawyers told his mate that he was coming? It's two pages back.
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Kalinic has been seen at Bodymoor according to something I've been told this morning.
Advanced talks apparently
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Medical tonight.
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Villa Transfers guy has confirmed medical today. He's usually pretty reliable. Hopefully Kalinic deal is done.
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I dont get how we can sign anyone other than someone not listed with a club, window doesn't open till jan
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Medical tonight.
Good luck ....hope it all goes well :)
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Belgian newspaper claims that the Gent goalkeeper ,Croatia international Lovre Kalinic
has been spotted at Birmingham Airport as he edges closer to joining the Villains in the January transfer window.
Kalinic, 29, was part of the Croatia squad that reached the World Cup final in the summer, although he was an unused substitute in most of his country’s games in Russia.
tanding at 6ft 7in tall, Kalinic will tower over defenders and attackers when Villa are defending set-pieces and crosses, which is something that Nyland has been very poor at this season.
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I dont get how we can sign anyone other than someone not listed with a club, window doesn't open till jan
You sign them now effective from 1st January.
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Maybe the persistent rumours of Abraham leaving have created the Sawyers story ....
I'd say its more likely because Sawyers has played under Smith before rather than anything to do with Abraham.
Wasn't it because Nev posted that Sawyers told his mate that he was coming? It's two pages back.
It was my lads mate. He was working at a house in Dorridge when Sawyers walked in, and during the conversation told him he was coming to Villa
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Sorry! I had a feeling that I ought to have checked before naming names beginning with N.
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Belgian newspaper claims that the Gent goalkeeper ,Croatia international Lovre Kalinic
has been spotted at Birmingham Airport as he edges closer to joining the Villains in the January transfer window.
Kalinic, 29, was part of the Croatia squad that reached the World Cup final in the summer, although he was an unused substitute in most of his country’s games in Russia.
tanding at 6ft 7in tall, Kalinic will tower over defenders and attackers when Villa are defending set-pieces and crosses, which is something that Nyland has been very poor at this season.
just the job for us i hope
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Sorry! I had a feeling that I ought to have checked before naming names beginning with N.
No worries.
Don't want anyone else grabbing the glory for this itk snippet ;D
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I would be every surprised if we signed Sawyers. Kalinic, not so much.
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Sorry! I had a feeling that I ought to have checked before naming names beginning with N.
No worries.
Don't want anyone else grabbing the glory for this itk snippet ;D
it was Romaine Sawyers and not Natalie Sawyer wasn't it
both connected to Brentford in some ways
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For all of you who are good at Dutch.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20181219_04046859
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Belgian newspaper claims that the Gent goalkeeper ,Croatia international Lovre Kalinic
has been spotted at Birmingham Airport as he edges closer to joining the Villains in the January transfer window.
Kalinic, 29, was part of the Croatia squad that reached the World Cup final in the summer, although he was an unused substitute in most of his country’s games in Russia.
tanding at 6ft 7in tall, Kalinic will tower over defenders and attackers when Villa are defending set-pieces and crosses, which is something that Nyland has been very poor at this season.
I've just watched a four minute video of his best saves. He didn't catch the ball once.
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Belgian newspaper claims that the Gent goalkeeper ,Croatia international Lovre Kalinic
has been spotted at Birmingham Airport as he edges closer to joining the Villains in the January transfer window.
Kalinic, 29, was part of the Croatia squad that reached the World Cup final in the summer, although he was an unused substitute in most of his country’s games in Russia.
tanding at 6ft 7in tall, Kalinic will tower over defenders and attackers when Villa are defending set-pieces and crosses, which is something that Nyland has been very poor at this season.
I've just watched a four minute video of his best saves. He didn't catch the ball once.
🤣
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For all of you who are good at Dutch.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20181219_04046859
Dank u wel.
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If this goes ahead is he eligible for the QPR match on New Year's Day?.
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If this goes ahead is he eligible for QPR on New Year's Day?.
No, but he might be eligible for Villa.
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For all of you who are good at Dutch.
https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20181219_04046859
It's all Greek to me.
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I like the fact that we seemingly have acted quickly on a key area of need. Nyland isn’t the answer so get in the replacement now and we get time for the rest of the window to punt him.
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Sounds like a good plan. I hope we make it happen.
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Can’t say I have followed his progress from year dot, but was impressed with him at VP earlier this season.
We are also meant to be in for a Brentford centre half, which scares me a bit.
The Bees had many qualities under Smith. But I never looked at them and wished we defended that way.
If it is Chris Mepham, then I think he would be a good signing. He's in his early 20's, big, plays on the left side of central defence and is comfortable on the ball. I think him or McKenna from Aberdeen would be good buys.
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Sounds like a good plan. I hope we make it happen.
The ' Croatian Giant' ( Kalinic) will sign tomorrow. problem solved !........Godzvilla!
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I like the fact that we seemingly have acted quickly on a key area of need. Nyland isn’t the answer so get in the replacement now and we get time for the rest of the window to punt him.
Yeah it's a strange feeling when the fans all know what we need and the club obviously see it the same as we do. The last regime would have bought in six right backs and sent Nyland out on loan.
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Can’t say I have followed his progress from year dot, but was impressed with him at VP earlier this season.
We are also meant to be in for a Brentford centre half, which scares me a bit.
The Bees had many qualities under Smith. But I never looked at them and wished we defended that way.
If it is Chris Mepham, then I think he would be a good signing. He's in his early 20's, big, plays on the left side of central defence and is comfortable on the ball. I think him or McKenna from Aberdeen would be good buys.
Would be surprised if we signed him. Fairly sure they knocked back a 10m bid from Bournemouth over the summer so imo out of our price range unless he's desperate to play for DS again.
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I couldn't help myself, so I clickbaited and the article that the Mail states that Villa fans will love and it is actually quite pleasing as Smith states that he's recommended players and hasn't been turned down by the owners. I think the minor surgery comment might be an understatement.
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Could they not wait to say this before the last few matches of year as nyland knows he's on the pirates plank.
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If he had any awareness at all, he's probably known that since early November.
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Could work either way with Nyland - he may see the next 4 games as an opportunity to prove a point or put himself in the shop window.
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Could they not wait to say this before the last few matches of year as nyland knows he's on the pirates plank.
To be fair, the club havent said anything. It's come out in the press although Smith will probably be asked about it in today's press conference
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I think Centre-back is going to be the problem position in January. Aberdeen are only 3 points of the top of the league, so they;re not going to let Mckenna leave cheaply, and Brentford will also want big money fro Moepham.
We've been linked with Ampadu on loan, which might make sense, although Smith has suggested that we're going to be looking more at permanent signings than loans, so I woudln't be surprised if we buy a left-back (Knudsen at Ipswich??) and just bring Elphick back from Hull, as cover.
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I couldn't help myself, so I clickbaited and the article that the Mail states that Villa fans will love and it is actually quite pleasing as Smith states that he's recommended players and hasn't been turned down by the owners. I think the minor surgery comment might be an understatement.
Got to wait till we are back in the premier before Messi will come.
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This is from Romaine Sawyers' Instagram account in July. Note Dean Smith in the background, and also Ollie Watkins' comment! Smith is obviously a big fan, and vice versa by the looks of it...
(https://i.ibb.co/Phh5ynL/Sawyers.png) (https://ibb.co/Phh5ynL)
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Could they not wait to say this before the last few matches of year as nyland knows he's on the pirates plank.
To be fair, the club havent said anything. It's come out in the press although Smith will probably be asked about it in today's press conference
He said that it will create competition with Nyland but it appears clear that Kalinic will be number one when he arrives and starting from the FA Cup game on.
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Is it worth trying for Jarrod Bowen from Hull? Perhaps Elphick plus cash?
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If Chelsea do recall Abraham, bring the big man back from Palace??
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If Chelsea do recall Abraham, bring the big man back from Palace??
I think we should just remember Benteke how he was for us .....I don't think he would be able to recreate the passion and enthusiasm - he certainly hasn't impressed this last few seasons
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Plus he is currently injured …….
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Birmingham Mail reported earlier today that we are interested in Rico Henry, the left back at Brentford who also played under DS at Walsall. Also mentioned Sawyers.
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Aston Villa signing this 27-year-old creative wizard would be an outstanding move by Dean Smith
by Mizgan Masani
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Why Aston Villa should sign Romaine Sawyers from Brentford
According to a report in Birmingham Live, Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is targeting a reunion with Brentford’s attacking midfielder Romaine Sawyers. The current Villa boss, who was hired after the club’s disastrous start under Steve Bruce, was managing the Bees before.
Smith is preparing his shortlist for the January transfer window, and Sawyers is included. The gaffer has had a terrific start to life at Villa Park, winning five of the first nine games played. As a result, the team is now closing on the top six spot.
Romaine Sawyers
Both manager and player have had a long working relationship, going back to their days at Walsall. The former recruited the latter for the Saddlers on a loan deal, before making that move permanent after West Brom released the playmaker. Smith brought Sawyers to Brentford in the summer of 2016.
Here’s why the ex-Bees manager should now bring the 27-year-old at Aston Villa next month:
Sawyers’ quality would be fruitful for Villa
Romaine Sawyers is chiefly an attacking midfielder, who can play as a second striker or as a lone front man if required. He possesses a terrific right foot that can do many things, especially in the opposition box.
The 27-year-old is an adept passer of the ball, doing so at success rate of 84.4% in the league this season. He has the propensity of picking out key passes towards the goal, at an average of 1.9 per match, epitomising his strength as a creative wizard.
The St Kitts and Nevis man has the ability to hold the ball and create space for himself by dribbling past defenders in tight areas. He possesses a good turn of pace which is best used in counter-attacking situations.
As of now, Aston Villa are heavily dependent on Jack Grealish to produce the magical moments and fabricate goal-scoring chances for the front men. The manager shouldn’t continue on that reliance, as good teams don’t bank on a player to provide them with the spark.
Read More: Aston Villa signing this 23-year-old Premier League star would provide Hourihane and McGinn with greater freedom to attack
Hence, it makes sense for the club to sign another playmaker, who can play in various central attacking positions along with his favoured number 10 role. From the player’s viewpoint, his current club is going through a free fall at the moment after the departure of Dean Smith. Therefore, if the 27-year-old wants to challenge for promotion, he should reunite with his former boss and help Villa get promoted to top-flight football.
Stats Courtesy – Whoscored.com
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He's 27...a bit old for when we're in the semi-finals of the Champs League in 2023.
Also, wouldn't Brentford have insisted on a 'keep the fuck away from our players' goodwill gesture by Villa when we lured away their two coaches?
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He's 27...a bit old for when we're in the semi-finals of the Champs League in 2023.
Also, wouldn't Brentford have insisted on a 'keep the fuck away from our players' goodwill gesture by Villa when we lured away their two coaches?
Considering Brentford’s model has been kept going largely due to sales of Hogan, Jota, Woods etc, they might be rubbing their hands and the potential influx of cash. If we were to raid Brentford, I’d go for the center half Mepham.
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He's 27...a bit old for when we're in the semi-finals of the Champs League in 2023.
Also, wouldn't Brentford have insisted on a 'keep the fuck away from our players' goodwill gesture by Villa when we lured away their two coaches?
It's hard to see how it's possible for them to have done that.
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He's 27...a bit old for when we're in the semi-finals of the Champs League in 2023.
Also, wouldn't Brentford have insisted on a 'keep the fuck away from our players' goodwill gesture by Villa when we lured away their two coaches?
It's hard to see how it's possible for them to have done that.
I seem to remember that one of their board said there's nothing to stop us bidding on their players just after Dean joined us
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Smith leaving was very amicable.
Brentford are realistic enough to accept that if a team like Villa come knocking for their players, it is difficult to stand in their way. It's a bit like us if Liverpool or Man U come knocking for ours.
The two things that concern me about Sawyers are firstly, 6 goals in 93 appearances isn't great - Especially given the amount of chances Brentford created. Secondly, is he a replacement for Jack? I can't see us paying out big money for a squad player and we're overloaded in midfield. He could only take the place of SJM or Jack.
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Kalinic, who missed the cup match against STVV due to a slight injury, this summer with Croatia reached the finals of the World Championship in Russia and has been dreaming of a transfer to England.
Although he will have to try it first in the second class. 'The Villans' are only eighth in the Championship after 22 days of play with 33 points. That is 12 points less than leader Leeds United and 11 points less than Norwich City. For Villa it comes down to the top six. In it, four teams play for the third and last ticket to the Premier League.
At Aston Villa, Kalinic meets ex-Standard player Birkir Bjarnason. Other famous names include Yannick Bolasie, Anwar El Ghazi, Tammy Abraham and Jack Grealish. Currently the Norwegian Örjan Nyland is the number one in Birmingham. It only came to EUR 3 million last summer from the German FC Ingolstadt and held five times in twenty appearances.
Lovre Kalinic came over in the winter of 2017 from Hajduk Split, his youth club with which he won the Croatian cup in 2013. The Buffalo's then paid 3 million euros for the goalkeeper, who now has sixteen international matches to his name. In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times. He also got a yellow card seven times.
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
Blimey. Stick him up front!
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
Blimey. Stick him up front!
But he kept his nets clean. A very tidy keeper.
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
So, he kept 29 clean sheets - meaning that he conceded 88 goals in 50 games: 1.76 avg per game. Desn't sound great, but then I've no idea what the defence was like.
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Seven yellow cards, wow, what would they be for?
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
So, he kept 29 clean sheets - meaning that he conceded 88 goals in 50 games: 1.76 avg per game. Desn't sound great, but then I've no idea what the defence was like.
Well, it’s better than that isn’t it? Wrong statistically to wipe the clean sheets from the average. It’s like rating a striker only on the games in which he scored.
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Or the ones he didn't.
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
So, he kept 29 clean sheets - meaning that he conceded 88 goals in 50 games: 1.76 avg per game. Desn't sound great, but then I've no idea what the defence was like.
Well, it’s better than that isn’t it? Wrong statistically to wipe the clean sheets from the average. It’s like rating a striker only on the games in which he scored.
True - and the 29 cleans from 79 ain't a bad ratio.
I was just trying to get some scale to the guys recent record.
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
So, he kept 29 clean sheets - meaning that he conceded 88 goals in 50 games: 1.76 avg per game. Desn't sound great, but then I've no idea what the defence was like.
Granted I'm not a great mathematician but should this not be 88 goals in 79 games, so more like 1.11 average per game?
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You're right
You can't work out an average goals conceded by stripping out all the games in which he got clean sheets!!
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In 79 games for AA Gent, Kalinic got 88 goals and kept his nets clean 29 times.
So, he kept 29 clean sheets - meaning that he conceded 88 goals in 50 games: 1.76 avg per game. Desn't sound great, but then I've no idea what the defence was like.
Well, it’s better than that isn’t it? Wrong statistically to wipe the clean sheets from the average. It’s like rating a striker only on the games in which he scored.
Yep. In the games Abraham hasn't scored, he's averaging no goals every 90 minutes. Send him back!
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Get a defence in please Dean and maybe work on our fitness.
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Get a defence in please Dean and maybe work on our fitness.
yes re the fitness perhaps pop down to Asda and get some power bars
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The concern isn’t just about getting in talent but it was very noticeable today that as soon as they scored our heads dropped. We need proper leadership in the team to calm things down and get players focused again. Chester clearly isn’t it.
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Kalinic, Cahill and Rico Henry would be good business.
And keeping Tammy.
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We can make the playoffs but in reality I want us taking steps in the transfer window to make sure at minimum next season we dominate this division.
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Left sided centre half and at least one full back desperately needed if we're going to finish in the Play Offs.
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Several out of contract in the summer. Hutton, Whelan and Jedinak from the usual squad, as well as Bunn, Elphick and Richards. I think we need to rebuild, starting this winter and bed players in. Both full backs, centre half, central midfield all needs addressing. Too much to do this season but shouldn't give up on the play off's just yet.
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Kalinic, Cahill and Rico Henry would be good business.
And keeping Tammy.
I think a keeper, centre half and a left back might be all we can bring in in the window (might not even be able to do that if the finances are not there), but it is becoming apparent that other areas need addressing as well. I don't think Whelan, Jedinak or Bjarnason are the answer as the defensive midfielder in the way Smith wants to play, so I think we need someone in there as well.
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Several out of contract in the summer. Hutton, Whelan and Jedinak from the usual squad, as well as Bunn, Elphick and Richards. I think we need to rebuild, starting this winter and bed players in. Both full backs, centre half, central midfield all needs addressing. Too much to do this season but shouldn't give up on the play off's just yet.
All expendable as far as I am concerned, though I think we might be able to get some money for Jedinak and Elphick in January.
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Who would buy Jedinak? H makes Nathan Baker look bullet proof
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Al I want for Christmas is.....Gary Cahill.
Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill Cahill
......oh, and Gary Cahill.
Please, Santa .
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We are in for Yoann Barbet from Brentford according to Gregg evans and elphick recalled
Can’t say I know anything about Barbet.
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Who would buy Jedinak? H makes Nathan Baker look bullet proof
Which is another reason why Bruce relying on him at CB was madness ..No one will buy him but hopefully we will let him go for free / pay off
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We are in for Yoann Barbet from Brentford according to Gregg evans and elphick recalled
Can’t say I know anything about Barbet.
Me either. Just looked him up though, and it seems Smith has used him both as a central defender and as a left back, so you can see why he'd be linked.
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Two CB
A LB
A RB
Romaine Sawyers
...and a partridge in a pear tree
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I want a defensive midfielder. to be honest i'd settle for a 33% reduction in the goals scored column if it meant the goals against column dropped by 50%
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About 10 prem clubs would pick up Gary Cahill before we do. Arsenal were linked the other week.
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About 10 prem clubs would pick up Gary Cahill before we do. Arsenal were linked the other week.
I was hoping he might be sentimental but then I remembered KMac 🤔
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I want a defensive midfielder. to be honest i'd settle for a 33% reduction in the goals scored column if it meant the goals against column dropped by 50%
If we can come up with a defence that'll halve the goals against, I reckon the goals for will go up.
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just watching Sunderland til I die and seeing how close McCormack came to leaving. fuck
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We (the guys I go with) spoke before the game about the Sawyers rumours. If true, he could only realistically come in for either Jack or McGinn.
We discussed whether we could move McGinn back & play Sawyers with Jack.
We would then only really need 2 from Whelan, Lansbury, Hourihane, Jedinak & BB. Personally, I'd keep Hourihane & Lansbury.
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We (the guys I go with) spoke before the game about the Sawyers rumours. If true, he could only realistically come in for either Jack or McGinn.
We discussed whether we could move McGinn back & play Sawyers with Jack.
We would then only really need 2 from Whelan, Lansbury, Hourihane, Jedinak & BB. Personally, I'd keep Hourihane & Lansbury.
Their inconsistency, large salary and the fact that for some of them, coming to Villa has just simply not worked out, every one of them could go and I wouldn't shed a tear. Hourihane is the only one who has made any kind of difference and that's down to his goals. Nyland, Taylor, RDL, Elphick and Hogan were also poor signings and all part of a boom or bust recruitment process by Bruce and RDM. Grealish, MCGinn and Kalanic are the start of a hub for Smith to work around, Chester as well I guess. The rest of them are why we are where we are. The loans aren't ours to build from, though Abraham has been excellent and really cares.
Lots of work to do. Consistency is a real issue as Smith looks to build a team and removes the individualism.
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Priority;
Keeper - sorted
Left back
Left sided centre half
Maybes
Attacking midfielder
Deep lying play maker
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A new centre half - McKenna
A new left back
Sawyers
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Talk of Barbet coming in from Brentford
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TBH Dean needs to fill in the blanks around the new keeper, Chester, SJM, Grealish and Abraham - if he could tempt him to come. As for the others? Sell, if possible, release from contract. I might keep Bree as cover for right back. Major rebuilding needed - and Abraham apart, that doesn't equate to spending a fortune.
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I don’t think we need too many more new players to challenge for top two in this division, it’s more about getting rid of enough of the deadwood to free up money and spots for them.
I think with an energetic left back, two centre backs and a box to box midfielder, we should be well set
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Barbet is an obvious shout. Can play cb or lb. Knows Smith.
But it would be a squad filler. Can't see him dramatically improving our defence when all are fit. I think Smith will be looking for the team press to improve to do that, more than anything
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A couple of signings in next months window a couple of defensive options would be good.
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Barbet is an obvious shout. Can play cb or lb. Knows Smith.
But it would be a squad filler. Can't see him dramatically improving our defence when all are fit. I think Smith will be looking for the team press to improve to do that, more than anything
Anybody resembling an actual left back who can play football would dramatically improves the options there. We've had such a catalogue of numpties playing there in recent years, it almost feels like a practical joke.
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I think Taylor has been hugely improved under Smith personally
Were really missing him at the moment
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Priority;
Keeper - sorted
Left back
Left sided centre half
Maybes
Attacking midfielder
Deep lying play maker
I should add that Is recall both Elphick and RDL.
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I really think we need a mobile defensive midfielder. There was next to no protection in front of the back 4 yesterday, and the same against Forest a few weeks ago. Whelan isn't up to the job and all of our other midfielders are too attack-minded. I'd love us to be in for Marlon Pack at Bristol City, but would imagine he'd cost a fair bit.
Alternatively, I have a vague recollection of James Bree being touted as a someone who could play as a holding midfielder as well as a full-back - a bit like Eric Dier. I wouldn't advocate trying him there now, but may be one for the future?
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I really think we need a mobile defensive midfielder. There was next to no protection in front of the back 4 yesterday, and the same against Forest a few weeks ago. Whelan isn't up to the job and all of our other midfielders are too attack-minded. I'd love us to be in for Marlon Pack at Bristol City, but would imagine he'd cost a fair bit.
Alternatively, I have a vague recollection of James Bree being touted as a someone who could play as a holding midfielder as well as a full-back - a bit like Eric Dier. I wouldn't advocate trying him there now, but may be one for the future?
I think that has really become apparent over the past few months. In the way we played under Bruce, the likes of Whelan, Jedinak and Bjarnason were fine as they could just sit in, but in the system under Smith we really need someone who can get about and dictate the play. Bjarnason is more mobile than the other two, but I'm not sure he is good enough on the ball really to play there (his passing was sloppy when he came on yesterday albeit he has been out a while).
Before we part with any money for a player in that position, I would like to see Jake Doyle-Hayes given a chance there as I think he could develop into that type of player.
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Hourihane has played that role much better than I expected
Except against forest where it was a disaster
I agree we need a new player there but I'm not sure it's the most pressing concern.
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We (the guys I go with) spoke before the game about the Sawyers rumours. If true, he could only realistically come in for either Jack or McGinn.
We discussed whether we could move McGinn back & play Sawyers with Jack.
We would then only really need 2 from Whelan, Lansbury, Hourihane, Jedinak & BB. Personally, I'd keep Hourihane & Lansbury.
Sawyers is a number 10. From memory he never played anywhere else in Walsall's 4-2-3-1, always just off a striker.
Personally to me it's a long term move as yet again there will be bids for Jack next summer and that will remain an issue every year we don't go up.
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Sawyers has played for Brentford in more or less the same position Jack has been
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Whatever happened to Jacob Bedeau? He was highly thought of when he arrived - is he still at the club even?
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Sawyers looks an obvious move if we don't go up and Jack goes. We are missing Jack and Taylor at the moment, because Hutton and Elmo are then out of position. If this Barbet can play both roles to the left of the defence it immediately helps us no end. Get Elphick back in too and we are at least playing players in position again. After that this window for me a proper mobile holding midfielder that can pick a pass. Hourihane is trying, but not up to the task, Whelan is desperately past it now, and Jedinak is shot. I would happily swap all 3 for 1 player that could competently sit in and be athletic enough to get round the pitch. The lad at Chelsea on loan might be a decent shout in there. Young but looks a hell of a player.
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Hourihane has played that role much better than I expected
Except against forest where it was a disaster
I agree we need a new player there but I'm not sure it's the most pressing concern.
Agree about that Matt. Centre half and left back are definitely more of a priority.
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Hourihane has played that role much better than I expected
Except against forest where it was a disaster
I agree we need a new player there but I'm not sure it's the most pressing concern.
In what way has Hourihane done better than expected? He's a passenger with a left foot like Hitz.
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He was excellent against boro for example. Hes passed it better than expected. It was him moving the ball quickly from that position that enabled us to overload twice against blues to get those first half goals
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That's true and he played an important part in the slick move for our first goal against Leeds but he still hides too much, lacks pace to drive us on and without the ball is poor.
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Yeah I'm not a huge fan. There's a reason someone with his productivity is never linked with the Premier league. And him PLUS whelan is too stodgy to play Smiths way
But he's been better than I thought he would be under Smith
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He was excellent against boro for example. Hes passed it better than expected. It was him moving the ball quickly from that position that enabled us to overload twice against blues to get those first half goals
Boro is snail pace team, we generally match up very well against them as conceding no goals in our last five matches show.
We need better midfield against teams who can actually run and pass. Not just Leeds and Forest but Stoke outplayed us in that department.
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I agree without grealish its too pedestrian. We're well stocked in midfield but too many aren't suited to Smith
Ideally we'd have a proper deep lying playmaker and an alternative to grealish. I just think that's a job for the summer. The priority has to be the defence
I thought he was good v West brom too though
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I agree without grealish its too pedestrian. We're well stocked in midfield but too many aren't suited to Smith
Ideally we'd have a proper deep lying playmaker and an alternative to grealish. I just think that's a job for the summer. The priority has to be the defence
I thought he was good v West brom too though
Again West Brom only played two in central midfield and obviously Barry and Livermore aren't good to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes.
Just like last season against fast paced midfielders our own can't handle it.
Think we saw right at end of last season Hourihane's strengths and weaknesses. Home leg v Boro he was superb but at back of my mind I was dreading just him and Jedinak against Fulham's lot and so it proved.
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I agree. I was watching the Fulham game from up in the gods. The difference between their midfield and the stodginess of ours was so clear
But thats why I'm saying the way he's passing it is better than I expected. I think the deeper role suits him as he gets more time on the ball
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I think Hourihane is fine in that position when we have possession of the ball, it's when we don't that he's found wanting, especially against the teams that play fast, attacking football. The ideal player to go in there would be a 28 year-old Stan Petrov, so if we could find a replica of that it would be great!
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Agree petrov would be fantastic in that role
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According to a Spanish journalist , this is our new defensive midfielder. From Celta.
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I always thought he’d be a good fit for us
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Never heard of him.
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Me neither
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Well, no idea who he is but I’d be an upgrade on Whelan! This and the goal keeper is more proof that the club can identify the problem areas. Hopefully between now and next season the fullbacks and centre halves will also be upgraded.
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Radoja from Spain, I'm sure there's some Rioja based punnery to be had from that.
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I'm in the never heard of him category.
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Blimey. Another midefielder. Let’s pray we can get Bjarnsson and maybe even Jedinack off the books this January, or at least one of them.
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This would tie-in with the Juanfran links, I suppose.
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Surprised at us doing this without DS having a close look at Barney.
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https://eldesmarque.com/vigo/celta/noticias/120801-el-celta-recibe-una-oferta-por-radoja
"The departure of Nemanja Radoja from Celta de Vigo is the chronicle of an announced death. The Serbian midfielder, who did not want to renew his contract with the Vigo club, is waiting for an offer enough juicy for the celestial entity to open the door. And it seems that a first proposal has been put on the table.
According to Radio Galega's 'Ao Contraataque' program, Celta has received an offer from the English Aston Villa for Radoja. Although it is a team from the Second Division of England , the Championship, the Serbian has always confessed that his dream would be to play in the English competition, so he would not look with bad eyes to go to a historic British country like the Villa.
Juanfran , ex-Celta player and now scout for Aston Villa was in Vigo talking to Radoja's brother to convince the Serbian to sign for the English side. The villain's intention is to fight clearly for the promotion to the Premier in the second part of the season as he is now ninth in the table.
Thus, the English team would have great opportunities to take over the services of Radoja, a footballer who pointed ways but who has ended up relegated to a second plane in Celta because of disagreements with the sports management.
Interest from Italy
It should be remembered that according to the international press, Radoja has received the interest of several teams. Especially in Italy , where both SPAL and Fiorentina have wanted to get hold of him since last summer . But the Serbian would have rejected them all for his desire to play in England.
It does not seem complicated that the agreement between Celta and one of the two entities of the transalpine country becomes effective. The contract of the Serbian is not very high and the Vigo club cost him less than one million euros to make effective his transfer from Vojvodina, team from which he arrived in Vigo in the summer of 2014."
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Can he play centre back?
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I just love those direct translations.
I’m glad he isn’t looking at us with bad eyes.
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https://eldesmarque.com/vigo/celta/noticias/120801-el-celta-recibe-una-oferta-por-radoja
"The departure of Nemanja Radoja from Celta de Vigo is the chronicle of an announced death. The Serbian midfielder, who did not want to renew his contract with the Vigo club, is waiting for an offer enough juicy for the celestial entity to open the door. And it seems that a first proposal has been put on the table.
According to Radio Galega's 'Ao Contraataque' program, Celta has received an offer from the English Aston Villa for Radoja. Although it is a team from the Second Division of England , the Championship, the Serbian has always confessed that his dream would be to play in the English competition, so he would not look with bad eyes to go to a historic British country like the Villa.
Juanfran , ex-Celta player and now scout for Aston Villa was in Vigo talking to Radoja's brother to convince the Serbian to sign for the English side. The villain's intention is to fight clearly for the promotion to the Premier in the second part of the season as he is now ninth in the table.
Thus, the English team would have great opportunities to take over the services of Radoja, a footballer who pointed ways but who has ended up relegated to a second plane in Celta because of disagreements with the sports management.
Interest from Italy
It should be remembered that according to the international press, Radoja has received the interest of several teams. Especially in Italy , where both SPAL and Fiorentina have wanted to get hold of him since last summer . But the Serbian would have rejected them all for his desire to play in England.
It does not seem complicated that the agreement between Celta and one of the two entities of the transalpine country becomes effective. The contract of the Serbian is not very high and the Vigo club cost him less than one million euros to make effective his transfer from Vojvodina, team from which he arrived in Vigo in the summer of 2014."
Maybe this has been released to flush out other potential suitors. I think West Ham have also shown interest.
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a footballer who pointed ways
Oh no! Another pointy midfielder!!!
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Wonderful flourishes of English language there, if he speaks like that in person, get him in.
Always had a soft spot for Celta since they played plus off the park when we seemed unstoppable in Nov '98.
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a footballer who pointed ways
Oh no! Another pointy midfielder!!!
The Serbian Westwood?
I actually think Westwood would be more effective under Smith. Not more than this guy as never heard of him just generally.
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Surprised at us doing this without DS having a close look at Barney.
I know he's been sidelined but he looked pants when he came on in the Leeds game. The club are clearly looking to the future. 25 year old with a decent pedigree is the kind of upgrade I'm expecting all over the pitch.
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https://eldesmarque.com/vigo/celta/noticias/120801-el-celta-recibe-una-oferta-por-radoja
"The departure of Nemanja Radoja from Celta de Vigo is the chronicle of an announced death. The Serbian midfielder, who did not want to renew his contract with the Vigo club, is waiting for an offer enough juicy for the celestial entity to open the door. And it seems that a first proposal has been put on the table.
According to Radio Galega's 'Ao Contraataque' program, Celta has received an offer from the English Aston Villa for Radoja. Although it is a team from the Second Division of England , the Championship, the Serbian has always confessed that his dream would be to play in the English competition, so he would not look with bad eyes to go to a historic British country like the Villa.
Juanfran , ex-Celta player and now scout for Aston Villa was in Vigo talking to Radoja's brother to convince the Serbian to sign for the English side. The villain's intention is to fight clearly for the promotion to the Premier in the second part of the season as he is now ninth in the table.
Thus, the English team would have great opportunities to take over the services of Radoja, a footballer who pointed ways but who has ended up relegated to a second plane in Celta because of disagreements with the sports management.
Interest from Italy
It should be remembered that according to the international press, Radoja has received the interest of several teams. Especially in Italy , where both SPAL and Fiorentina have wanted to get hold of him since last summer . But the Serbian would have rejected them all for his desire to play in England.
It does not seem complicated that the agreement between Celta and one of the two entities of the transalpine country becomes effective. The contract of the Serbian is not very high and the Vigo club cost him less than one million euros to make effective his transfer from Vojvodina, team from which he arrived in Vigo in the summer of 2014."
" The departure of Nemanja Radoja from Celta de Vigo is the chronicle of an announced death" wtf?
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According to Transfermarkt, he doesn't seem to have any EEA passport. Maybe someone who has Football Manager could check?
Without it, I'm struggling to see how we could obtain a work permit for someone who has only two caps, neither of which were in the last two years, and who doesn't seem to have played in European competition since 2013.
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if there is anything in this, it’s obviously a Pitarch choice.
I would expect he has done any due diligence to ensure the bloke can sign/play.
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" The departure of Nemanja Radoja from Celts de Vigo is the chronicle of an announced death" wtf?
Probably the journo having a bit of a laugh with the title of the novel 'Chronicle of a Death Foretold'. Hilarious.
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I've never heard of him either but then again I'd never heard of Benteke and look how that turned out for us on the playing side. If this bloke can perform to that kind of standard then who knows?
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if there is anything in this, it’s obviously a Pitarch choice.
I would expect he has done any due diligence to ensure the bloke can sign/play.
Hopefully it's more that Deano has said "Chaps, find me a decent defensive midfielder so I never have to play Whelan again", off popped Pitarch and Juanfran around the world to scout a few likelies, brought back a couple of options of which they collectively but with Deano having the final decision chose Radoja, and then Pitarch did the deal.
That would be the best indication yet that we've finally got the set-up right. Well, that and Radoja morphing into the next Vieira.
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According to Transfermarkt, he doesn't seem to have any EEA passport. Maybe someone who has Football Manager could check?
Without it, I'm struggling to see how we could obtain a work permit for someone who has only two caps, neither of which were in the last two years, and who doesn't seem to have played in European competition since 2013.
Would it help that he seems to have played in another EU country for four years?
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...who has ended up relegated to a second plane in Celta because of disagreements with the sports management.
Just as well we have a great history of trouble-free Serbs. Phew!
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According to Transfermarkt, he doesn't seem to have any EEA passport. Maybe someone who has Football Manager could check?
Without it, I'm struggling to see how we could obtain a work permit for someone who has only two caps, neither of which were in the last two years, and who doesn't seem to have played in European competition since 2013.
Would it help that he seems to have played in another EU country for four years?
.
I don't think so, rules seem to be based on international appearance percentage, and FIFA rankings.
Official FIFA Ranking Required % of international matches in past 2 yrs
FIFA 1-10 30% and above
FIFA 11-20 45% and above
FIFA 21-30 60% and above
FIFA 31-50 75% and above
Serbia are ranked 20th so just about scrape into the second category. Even so, he is nowhere near the required 45% figure... he hasn't played for the national team at all in the past couple of years.
You can appeal, but as I recall that took into consideration how many Champions League matches he had played, and he hasn't played any. The fact that he plays top flight in one of the traditional big leagues may count in his favour, but I'm struggling to find the comprehensive ules anywhere now, just working from memory from when Lovre got turned down previously.
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" The departure of Nemanja Radoja from Celts de Vigo is the chronicle of an announced death" wtf?
Probably the journo having a bit of a laugh with the title of the novel 'Chronicle of a Death Foretold'. Hilarious.
Whoosh that went straight over my head
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Has someone just made that name up?
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On bunging his name into twitter, first thing that comes up is that he's not played this season?
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Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemanja_Radoja)
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I only know him from Pro Evolution Soccer. He's pretty good on that.
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Is 'prank' a more twattish word than 'banter'?
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I only know him from Pro Evolution Soccer. He's pretty good on that.
Sign him up.
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I only know him from Pro Evolution Soccer. He's pretty good on that.
Sign him up.
Yes! Absolutely.
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/12/28/aston-villa-pull-potential-move-chelsea-defender-gary-cahill/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw
As much as it would have been great to bring Cahill in, it does suggest a more sensible approach form the club this time around...
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/12/28/aston-villa-pull-potential-move-chelsea-defender-gary-cahill/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw
As much as it would have been great to bring Cahill in, it does suggest a more sensible approach form the club this time around...
Although we are desperate the days of taking the piss are over aren’t they?
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If you were Chelsea I don’t think you’d consider it unreasonable for a team to pay a players wages whilst on loan, it’s utterly obscene but I’d guess that’s the going rate for a senior player at a leading club.
Very pleased we are leaving it alone.
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Would there be anyone else at Celta Vigo we might be looking at? I wouldn't mind something more substantial than "two blokes spotted talking" before I get over excited
@scoutsattending #avfc spanish scout Juanfran has been seen talking to brother of 25yo #celta Vigo MF Nemanja Radoja...leading to speculation he could be on the move soon
#SPAL & #fiorentina have been interested but he wants to play in England
https://t.co/I7FMARcrs0
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I only know him from Pro Evolution Soccer. He's pretty good on that.
Speaking of which I signed Kalinic on FIFA 19 and he’s just a massive fucking wall. Based purely on that, roll on January.
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Having watched the Sunderland Till I Die documentary is this any different to how the McCormack deal fell through for them on deadline day? In the end we wanted the wages moved or a good chunk at least.
As good as signing Cahill might have been from a quality standpoint its very short term and I’d sooner we found players in their early to mid 20’s to build our future around. Signing Gary Cahill feels a lot like a Steve Bruce/Wyness move.
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Is 'prank' a more twattish word than 'banter'?
mad bantz and kewl prankx
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I only know him from Pro Evolution Soccer. He's pretty good on that.
Speaking of which I signed Kalinic on FIFA 19 and he’s just a massive fucking wall. Based purely on that, roll on January.
Just texted my Celta supporting mate. Am not overly thrilled with his response.
(https://i.ibb.co/r49NhCD/Screenshot-20181229-001805.png) (https://ibb.co/r49NhCD)
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I wonder if he's more of a traditional dm or more of a deep lying playmaker
Also wonder if he's lined up for a summer free transfer rather than now
Or indeed if its true at all
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Sky reporting we are in for sawyers
It does seem a very obvious move if Jack is injured for a while
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Always been impressed with him when I have seen him, certainly talented.
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I think the hierarchy of knob headedness goes banter-prank-punk-merc
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Doesn't seem to get many goals and assists tho. Similar record to Jack
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/75200/History/Romaine-Sawyers
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We may as well keep the Radoja posts in here until there's a bit more basis to the story.
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Doesn't seem to get many goals and assists tho. Similar record to Jack
https://www.whoscored.com/Players/75200/History/Romaine-Sawyers
What’s interesting about sawyers is he has the same feedback a lot give jack. Some say he doesn’t contribute enough and yet the majority say if you can’t see what he brings to the side then your an idiot.
For me Sawyers would be perfect. Can play all central roles and always wants the ball to carry/develop phases of play. Without Jack, for me we don’t have this in our makeup. Sawyers would be a superb purchase and really suit us
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Having watched the Sunderland Till I Die documentary is this any different to how the McCormack deal fell through for them on deadline day? In the end we wanted the wages moved or a good chunk at least.
As good as signing Cahill might have been from a quality standpoint its very short term and I’d sooner we found players in their early to mid 20’s to build our future around. Signing Gary Cahill feels a lot like a Steve Bruce/Wyness move.
Ross fell through cause his agent led Sunderland up the garden path. Told them we would offload last minute for next to nothing on loan as all other options had failed. We then stuck to our guns and demanded a fair wage contribution
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Did Radoja play in the World cup?
Our old chums Celta Vigo have quite a cosmopolitan squad....just the other weekend they had a 5 man midfielder of Radoja, Lobotka (Slovakian midfielder who scored v England at Wembley), Okay Yokusulu (Turkish) and two Danes, Pione Sisto and Andrew Hjulsager. They've also got Emre Mor who was rated only a few years back at Borrusia Dortmund but has a poor attitude.
Example anyway of a club that scouts well from all corners of europe and then moves players on for a profit 2-3 years later.
25 year old who's played over 100 games in La Liga, need more of those types of signings so all for this one.
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He also started both legs of Celta's europa league semi final v Man. United in May 2017.
This will be a bit of a transfer coup I think, sort of signing which would've been more than good enough if we were back in the premier league.
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Blimey. Another midefielder. Let’s pray we can get Bjarnsson and maybe even Jedinack off the books this January, or at least one of them.
Whelan and Jedinak both out of contract in the summer (wouldn't actually shock me if Jedinak left in this window) so that's pretty much 80k off the books and scope to freshen up central midfield which is needed.
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Would there be anyone else at Celta Vigo we might be looking at? I wouldn't mind something more substantial than "two blokes spotted talking" before I get over excited
@scoutsattending #avfc spanish scout Juanfran has been seen talking to brother of 25yo #celta Vigo MF Nemanja Radoja...leading to speculation he could be on the move soon
#SPAL & #fiorentina have been interested but he wants to play in England
https://t.co/I7FMARcrs0
Pione Sisto would be interesting, bit of Bolaise type and will probably play in England eventually. Also has the sort of name that means he's a god on FM so will get the yoof excited.
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Premier league players potential , they aren't get a look in at current clubs ...
Ideas Defender selections
Cahill- Chelsea
Jagielka-Everton
Scott Dann- Palace
Ideas Midfielder selections
Mo Elneny -Arsenal
Danny Drinkwater -Chelsea
Ethan Ampadu-Chelsea
James Mcarthy - Everton
Jo Jo Shelvey - Newcastle
Issac Hayden- Newcastle
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Cahill is joining Arsenal on 6 month loan so no idea who's even linking him to us.
Jagielka or Dann would be good pick ups though.
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Shelvey is one of the most over rated players to ever play the game. Absolute gash for 6 games, in the 7th he'll score a belter.
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Shelbey one of the best long passers of an English football his real challenge is his temper and I think Dean Smith would help his emotional control.
Would definitely bring an array of ball passing to villa midfield.
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I could add premier league left backs baines and fuchs who are out of contract in summer.
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Shelvey one of the best long passers of an English football
I fucking love you, this sentence has wiped me out!
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Some Championship players out of contract in summer who worth signing up this window
Left back lloyd Kelly of Bristol City 20 .
Nick Powell 24 attacking player of Wigan
Brentford
Alan Judge attacking player , Irish
Josh McEachran defensive mid. Plays as number 6 under Smith . Ball playing dm.
Preston
Midfielder Alan Browne 23 year old decent footballer. Irish.
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I could add premier league left backs baines and fuchs who are out of contract in summer.
Christian Fuchs is going back to New York and wants to play NFL so I can rule him out!
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I can see Nick Powell having offers I hope villa go in for him as well as sawyers.
Would be excellent moves
Sawyers, Powell and Grealish, Mcginn .
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Cahill is joining Arsenal on 6 month loan so no idea who's even linking him to us.
Jagielka or Dann would be good pick ups though.
Dann would be ideal
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Cahill is joining Arsenal on 6 month loan so no idea who's even linking him to us.
Jagielka or Dann would be good pick ups though.
Dann would be ideal
Dann hasn't played for a year, if we think about signing him hopefully he has new legs.
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Some Championship players out of contract in summer who worth signing up this window
Left back lloyd Kelly of Bristol City 20 .
Nick Powell 24 attacking player of Wigan
Brentford
Alan Judge attacking player , Irish
Josh McEachran defensive mid. Plays as number 6 under Smith . Ball playing dm.
Preston
Midfielder Alan Browne 23 year old decent footballer. Irish.
Love how you have put Irish after the description of Judge and Browne. I know it’s not sinister but it just made me laugh.
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Irish at the villa often appreciated!
Makes sense as those 2 would be pushing first team starters as part of new ROI set up and always better when Ireland have a few Aston villa players in there!
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Given the surnames, if you had asked me to guess the two Irish players from that list, I wouldn't have chosen those two.
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I suspect our signings will come from abroad this window given Pitarchs contacts are most likely in Europe, he said without having a clue who is in his little black book
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let's hope they're better than that goalkeeper we bought in on loan who is now more invisible than the Invisible Man
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let's hope they're better than that goalkeeper we bought in on loan who is now more invisible than the Invisible Man
I wouldn’t be totally surprised if we don’t buy him in January to free up a loan slot and/or if Nyland goes.
Despite looking useless in the cup game he’s very highly rated.
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Some Championship players out of contract in summer who worth signing up this window
Left back lloyd Kelly of Bristol City 20 .
Nick Powell 24 attacking player of Wigan
Brentford
Alan Judge attacking player , Irish
Josh McEachran defensive mid. Plays as number 6 under Smith . Ball playing dm.
Preston
Midfielder Alan Browne 23 year old decent footballer. Irish.
Love how you have put Irish after the description of Judge and Browne. I know it’s not sinister but it just made me laugh.
Alan Judge was a rising star a few years back, but got a serious injury. Not really sure how he has done since then.
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McEchran being out of contact will be one of we don't go up I can see Smith looking at.
Anyone else tempted to bring Gardner back from loan to send him anywhere other than blues to bugger them up?
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McEchran being out of contact will be one of we don't go up I can see Smith looking at.
Anyone else tempted to bring Gardner back from loan to send him anywhere other than blues to bugger them up?
That's almost Bond super villain shizzle - I love it.
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let's hope they're better than that goalkeeper we bought in on loan who is now more invisible than the Invisible Man
I wouldn’t be totally surprised if we don’t buy him in January to free up a loan slot and/or if Nyland goes.
Despite looking useless in the cup game he’s very highly rated.
I think it's more likely that we'll just cancel his loan. In fact, I think Smith has pretty much said as much.
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Bring Richie delaet back.
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Neal Maupay wants to join us looking at what he's said today.
Could be an option I guess if Abraham is recalled.
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let's hope they're better than that goalkeeper we bought in on loan who is now more invisible than the Invisible Man
I wouldn’t be totally surprised if we don’t buy him in January to free up a loan slot and/or if Nyland goes.
Despite looking useless in the cup game he’s very highly rated.
I think it's more likely that we'll just cancel his loan. In fact, I think Smith has pretty much said as much.
Yep
He's not that highly rated
And this stuff about freeing up a loan slot doesn't make sense. The only limit is 5bin your natchday squad. He wouldn't be on the bench anyway
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Neal Maupay wants to join us looking at what he's said today.
Could be an option I guess if Abraham is recalled.
What's he said?
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Neal Maupay wants to join us looking at what he's said today.
Could be an option I guess if Abraham is recalled.
What's he said?
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/neal-maupay-transfer-brentford-aston-villa-championship-premier-league-dean-smith-a8702426.html
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a come and get me if ever I saw one.
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I can't imagine us paying what Brentford would want sadly.
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neither can I ut a lot of that suggested he'd jump at the chance. A lot of people will be looking at him in the summer.
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A centre back, a left back, a midfielder will be coming in that’s for sure
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I can't imagine us paying what Brentford would want sadly.
Could always give the Hogan back + 6m or something.
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I can't imagine us paying what Brentford would want sadly.
Could always give the Hogan back + 6m or something.
Brentford wouldn't be able to touch Hogan's wages.
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We’ve been linked with Ipswich’s left-back Jonas Knudsen before. Sounds like he could be on the move in January;
https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/paul-lambert-on-jonas-knudsen-future-1-5834483
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is he any good?
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Maupay even looks looks like Scott Hogan. No thanks. Brentford have bitten us once.
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That Maupay appears to be a grade A prick. No thanks.
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Went for a pint with a nose mate after we get back from Preston yesterday. I’d already asked him about Henry and Sawyers and he said both were quality, especially Sawyers. Described him as ‘elegant” on the ball and ran the midfield.
I’d sign them both tbh. Get Smith’s men in.
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That Maupay appears to be a grade A prick. No thanks.
He was a proper bell-end in the game at Villa Park earlier in the season.
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If Grealish really is a long-team absentee, then I think we need two new midfielders because - McGinn aside - we are horribly one-paced and slow to move the ball.
If we can get Sawyer and Dack, let’s do it.
After we’ve got a new leftback, of course.
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I’d also add that Daniel Johnson consistently demonstrates excellent DMF qualities...
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we are being linked to a DM today - agent in Birmingham this weekend. Plays for Levante I think
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bruce wants a CB ( yes i know) a MF and a striker for SWFC
elmo , Whelan and Hogan it is then
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is he any good?
Reasonably solid defensively but poor with the ball at his feet and dosen't off much going forward. Long throw so would be the typical Boro signing.
Don't think he's better than Taylor personally.
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If Grealish really is a long-team absentee, then I think we need two new midfielders because - McGinn aside - we are horribly one-paced and slow to move the ball.
If we can get Sawyer and Dack, let’s do it.
After we’ve got a new leftback, of course.
Spurs were looking at Dack earlier this season. Blackburn want 20m in any case. Sawyers is far more realistic.
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Sawyers would do the job.
The guy from Levante might be useful. A mobile holding midfielder or 2 would be most useful. Personally long term I think we need 2 of them to replace Whelan and Jedinak in the squad. Lansbury doesn't even count anymore.
Getting defenders sorted to allow us to use Elmo to shore up the right layer in games would be useful too.
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Maupay is a nasty f**ker yes, but also a feisty competitor and a damn good player. At 22 years of age, this would be a real coup for me if we could get him, because this lad is going places.
Prick? Bell-end? Who gives a shit? I see him as a striker who causes defenders problems and scores goals.
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We definitely need two midfielders. Grealish being injured, we need that conduit to move the ball out wide with pace.
Equally, we cannot suffer Hourihane deep or Whelan deep. The way we set up, we need legs and presence which they don't offer.
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Dean needs to unearth the next Maupay. They paid around 3m for him and he'll go for 15-20m. no more paying top top dollar please.
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Hear hear.
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Maupay is a nasty f**ker yes, but also a feisty competitor and a damn good player. At 22 years of age, this would be a real coup for me if we could get him, because this lad is going places.
Prick? Bell-end? Who gives a shit? I see him as a striker who causes defenders problems and scores goals.
I agree. It would be nice if we had a player or two like this as the opposition wouldn't only then concentrate their efforts on kicking the crap out of Jack Grealish! He's also a very good little player and scores goals. What's not to like about that?
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Dean needs to unearth the next Maupay. They paid around 3m for him and he'll go for 15-20m. no more paying top top dollar please.
I agree. It’s the trap this club and management constantly falls into. I’d like to have our budget and at times shop where Brentford has. That and build up and USE the academy. We shouldn’t have to pay £5m-10m just because we are Aston Villa. That’s a card we use when we absolutely have to. I don’t mind Maupay but we shouldn’t be lashing out top money for him.
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Ollie Watkins would have been a much buy than Scott Hogan IMO.
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Maupay is a nasty f**ker yes, but also a feisty competitor and a damn good player. At 22 years of age, this would be a real coup for me if we could get him, because this lad is going places.
Prick? Bell-end? Who gives a shit? I see him as a striker who causes defenders problems and scores goals.
How many times have we said we're too nice and we need to be a little nastier?
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I'm sall for being a little edgier but not if it costs us 15 million quid. The only winners from that are Brentford, just as the only winners for McCormack and Kodjia were Fulham and Bristol City. We pay too much for players generally, I'd love that to change.
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I think Kodjia has been a decent signing for us overall and worth what we paid.
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If the lad is as good as they say, I have no problem us spendng £10-£12mill plus add ons. At 22 years, that could represent a very good investment rather than splurging big money on players at the other end of their careers.
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We don't need him.
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Maupay can play up front, out wide or as a number 10. Would represent some useful options for those key positions, particularly if Grealish remains out injured.
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Why on earth would we spend £15m, which let's face it would be the majority of our budget if not all, on another striker when we have gaping holes in both full back positions, centre half, defensive midfield and a back-up for Jack?
Tammy with Kodija and Davis as back-up and Hogan if we are really desperate, with RHM if he's ever fit is more than enough in that position for this year.
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Why on earth would we spend £15m, which let's face it would be the majority of our budget if not all, on another striker when we have gaping holes in both full back positions, centre half, defensive midfield and a back-up for Jack?
Tammy with Kodija and Davis as back-up and Hogan if we are really desperate, with RHM if he's ever fit is more than enough in that position for this year.
Nobody knows what our budget is. Regarding the forward department, perhaps there are doubts over whether or not Tammy will be recalled. Kodjia is inconsistent, Davis is a kid coming back from a bad injury who has scored two senior goals in his career, and Hogan is utterly dreadful in every single way. If we really want to build for the future, then not waiting until the summer when all our loan signings go back, would be a good idea.
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I don’t think goalscoring is as much the problem we have as creating chances and maintaining possession and tempo since Jack got injured. We need a creative midfielder who either actually creates chances or like Jack did opened up space by his touch and movement for all of the other creative players in our squad. I’d rather we invested there and defence.
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If we’ve got £15m to spend I’d rather try and buy Tammy. Or at least put it toward the bill.
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I'm hoping that they'll be able to strengthen the whole squad.
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If we’ve got £15m to spend I’d rather try and buy Tammy. Or at least put it toward the bill.
With so many other pressing needs why would we blow so much of our money on a player we have anyway? And I can’t see Tammy committing to us if we remain a Championship club. I do think there is a good chance he would stay if we went up and it would likely cost in the region of £30m.
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Can't see us signing Abraham. Even if we went up there would be premiership clubs interested now who would look a better bet to stay up at than us, especially when our budget would take a sizeable knock anyway from trying to build some sort of squad that could stay up. The whole loaning premiership players thing was a good short-term Plan A for Bruce, but of the ones who've been a success here, they've all returned to their original clubs to benefit them or been sold on, and the only thing we've got to show for it was the loan fee and the wages we've paid. Time to look a bit further than the end of the season i think.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DvqgMv9XcAAKrVT.jpg:large)
Nicked from Twitter
There's going to be a lot of players moving on in the next 12-18 months. Of that list players worth re-signing are the kids deemed good enough to remain at the club, but I assume very few of the older players.
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The order of need is - IMHO - as follows:
1. left back
2. left centreback
3. an energetic, footballing DMF
4. an energetic McGinn-type player to go into midfield
We have plenty of strikers and wingers and they will all get better if the above are procured.
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Aye, its pretty scary when you think about it. With the exception of the kids there's 18 players we've paid money for, and bar one or two of them, you wouldn't be bothered if all of them left. Certainly not a basis for a premiership squad
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We definitely need two midfielders. Grealish being injured, we need that conduit to move the ball out wide with pace.
Equally, we cannot suffer Hourihane deep or Whelan deep. The way we set up, we need legs and presence which they don't offer.
McGinn also on verge of two match ban so we'll be seeing plenty more of Whelan in January.
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We are miles from a prem squad. Massive rebuild needed at sensible fees that have decent sell on value. Smith has proved himself at being able to coach players so no reason why we can't do that now.
If we lose Tammy, some sort of replacement will be needed but there will be a chance for Kodj and Hogan who are both pretty decent at this level.
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
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The order of need is - IMHO - as follows:
1. left back
2. left centreback
3. an energetic, footballing DMF
4. an energetic McGinn-type player to go into midfield
We have plenty of strikers and wingers ahdnthey will all get better if the above are procured.
I agree with the first three, but think we could do with a more consistent wide player. Someone like Bowen from Hull would be ideal really and it would mean the likes of Bolsaie and El Ghazi could be used a bit more sparingly.
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We are miles from a prem squad. Massive rebuild needed at sensible fees that have decent sell on value. Smith has proved himself at being able to coach players so no reason why we can't do that now.
If we lose Tammy, some sort of replacement will be needed but there will be a chance for Kodj and Hogan who are both pretty decent at this level.
I have seen nothing to suggest Hogan is decent at this level.
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
If its not, then playoffs are an ask. Would need a jack replacement, left back, 2 centre backs and a forward this month that could hit the grid running.
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The more I think about it the more I just want this season to be one where Dean Smith gets to do as much weeding as possible and as needed to get our house in order for next season.
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
If its not, then playoffs are an ask. Would need a jack replacement, left back, 2 centre backs and a forward this month that could hit the grid running.
Axel was a given with his injury, but let's hope there isn't any truth in that about Jack and Tammy otherwise playoffs won't be realistic at all with the current squad.
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I don't. I'm not prepared to write off promotion at all. If we stay down, we'll lose Grealish and I would imagine the FFP situation will take a turn for the worse as the parachute payments will stop completely. There's no reason we can't go up this season, providing Smith does what needs to be done this January.
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
Wouldn’t surprise me re Tammy given Morata’s position at Chelsea
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Would have thought Batshuayi was more likely to come back. There was rumours he was anyway. Still if they sold Morata i'd want a replacement or two not Abraham
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I don't. I'm not prepared to write off promotion at all. If we stay down, we'll lose Grealish and I would imagine the FFP situation will take a turn for the worse as the parachute payments will stop completely. There's no reason we can't go up this season, providing Smith does what needs to be done this January.
Not writing off promotion. If it happens then fantastic. I just think Bruce left us in so much shit that it will take some time to repair. We can already see it just by losing Jack how different and weaker a side we are. There is just no depth at all. The manager needs to have a squad of players that play in the same manner as he wants vs a team of 12 or 13 who can. My point is won’t happen overnight. We talk about rebuild all the time. We need to do it properly at some point versus sticking plasters over the cracks.
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We definitely need two midfielders. Grealish being injured, we need that conduit to move the ball out wide with pace.
Equally, we cannot suffer Hourihane deep or Whelan deep. The way we set up, we need legs and presence which they don't offer.
McGinn also on verge of two match ban so we'll be seeing plenty more of Whelan in January.
I hope not.
Smith likes a high press when off the ball and Whelan cannot do that. We cannot transition quickly either. We'd be better off with 10 men.
Through in Hourihane and is it any wonder we've been awful the past 4 games with 9 men. DCM and another number 10. Just as important as a left sided centre half.
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Along with several other defensive additions, a new DM in January is looking vital
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Would have thought Batshuayi was more likely to come back. There was rumours he was anyway. Still if they sold Morata i'd want a replacement or two not Abraham
I agree, I can't see a side who are seriously chasing a top 4 spot thinking a guy with 5 premier league goals to his name is the replacement for a guy who cost them the best part of £60m 18 months ago.
If he does go they'll get a big chunk of that back and will probably throw it at someone much more established. I think Abraham may well have a future there but it won't be as the replacement for Morata in this window.
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Why on earth would we spend £15m, which let's face it would be the majority of our budget if not all, on another striker when we have gaping holes in both full back positions, centre half, defensive midfield and a back-up for Jack?
Tammy with Kodija and Davis as back-up and Hogan if we are really desperate, with RHM if he's ever fit is more than enough in that position for this year.
Nobody knows what our budget is. Regarding the forward department, perhaps there are doubts over whether or not Tammy will be recalled. Kodjia is inconsistent, Davis is a kid coming back from a bad injury who has scored two senior goals in his career, and Hogan is utterly dreadful in every single way. If we really want to build for the future, then not waiting until the summer when all our loan signings go back, would be a good idea.
Perhaps not, but it's a safe bet we're not going to go from being in trouble with FFP to splashing out £15m on one signing out of 6 or 7 needed. It would go against everything the owners, Purslow and Smith have said about being sensible since they got here.
If Tammy goes back, which I doubt, then fair point. Other than that striker is a long way down our list of priorities unless we can find someone stupid enough to buy Hogan (Steve, is that you?), and even then, spunking £15m on someone like Maupay would be as daft as many of our previous striker purchases.
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This Levante bloke is supposed to be close, defensive midfielder.
Elphick helps, but we're desperate for a left footed centre half and a left back.
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Ollie Watkins would have been a much buy than Scott Hogan IMO.
He went to Brentford at more or less the same time, and at more or less the same money, as we signed Glenn Whelan. I’m guessing he’s on significantly in terms of salary too...
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Villa contract expiry 2019
Albert Adomah & Hutton (year's extension options I think?)
Gk Steer & Bunn (think has a rolling contract option)
Defenders
Micah Richards finally !! He have to go
Tommy Elphick - solid pro are we now looking to keep him ?
Ritchie De Laet - bring him back and move Elmo on this window !
Midfielders
Mile Jedinak who is 34 thank you good bye
Glenn Whelan who is 35 thank you good bye
Youngster
Jordan Lyden 23 !!
Easah Suliman
Mitch Clark,
Harry McKirdy,
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Villa contract expiry 2019
Albert Adomah & Hutton (year's extension options I think?)
Gk Steer & Bunn (think has a rolling contract option)
Defenders
Micah Richards finally !! He have to go
Tommy Elphick - solid pro are we now looking to keep him ?
Ritchie De Laet - bring him back and move Elmo on this window !
Midfielders
Mile Jedinak who is 34 thank you good bye
Glenn Whelan who is 35 thank you good bye
Youngster
Jordan Lyden 23 !!
Easah Suliman
Mitch Clark,
Harry McKirdy,
Apart from the youngsters i'd want them all off the books to be honest. Adomah is the only mebbe for me and you have to say at his age is he worth another year?
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Adomah and maybe Elphick depending on the next few months.
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We should be rebuilding from the back. We are desperate at the back and these are usually the positions where players take longer to settle.
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Realistically we have 1 centre half that we actually own from July. So however we play it, we are going to need to sign 3, preferably one that is left footed. Then we need a first choice attacking left back.and a first choice right back and let Hutton, Elmo, DeLeat leave. Thats 5 new players just in the back line. How Bruce managed the squad in that area looking back was really negligent. Hopefully we can scout and find some bargains there. We will then need 2 holding midfielders, a Jack replacement, 2 wingers and a centre forward too. With FFP to contend with. All things considered the next 7 months are going to be bloody hard work for Smith whichever league we are in next season, but rebuilding massive chunks of the team after promotion won't end well at all.
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All things considered the next 7 months are going to be bloody hard work for Smith whichever league we are in next season, but rebuilding massive chunks of the team after promotion won't end well at all.
That's why the previous regime's talk of a team for now, a team for the following year and one for the future was rubbish.
Rebuilding for the future starts in this division. No more buying stopgaps to get us promotion. If we need short term, use the loan system. Building a football team is not like playing a computer game.
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well Radoja won't be joining - he's off to Real Betis apparently as he can't get a UK work permit
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All things considered the next 7 months are going to be bloody hard work for Smith whichever league we are in next season, but rebuilding massive chunks of the team after promotion won't end well at all.
That's why the previous regime's talk of a team for now, a team for the following year and one for the future was rubbish.
Rebuilding for the future starts in this division. No more buying stopgaps to get us promotion. If we need short term, use the loan system. Building a football team is not like playing a computer game.
Couldn’t agree more
that really was one of the most rediculous things the club ever said
some people still swallowed it, I was arguing with people on here who thought it was a great 3 stage plan
Unbelievable shorttermism (I just made that word up) and the reason we need a team rebuild now after spending more than anyone ever has before in this league,
you could cry when you think of the incompetent shit we’ve been through the last 8 years or so
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well Radoja won't be joining - he's off to Real Betis apparently as he can't get a UK work permit
Hopefully Doukouré will be ok on this front then, as he has around 20 caps for the Ivory Coast apparently.
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yes, doesn't he play with Kodjia for IC?
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Is there an African Cup this year?
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Seems a big lad, pretty mobile and according to YouTube he can do mad skills. Having watch said clip against Betis I can confirm he has both skills and that said skills are indeed, mad.
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Is there an African Cup this year?
Yes
The first time it's being played similar to world cup months mid June to mid July so no problems there.
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Along with several other defensive additions, a new DM in January is looking vital
Agree with that !
I feel a defenders and midfielders will be the targets this wonder window
Happy new years to you and let's hope 2019 is a great one all round !
Up the villa
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Doukouré looks to be the best-bet of those linked so far as he adds a bit of height (as well as mobility) to the team. None of our central defenders are particularly dominant in the air so somebody who could do a job similar to the one Jedinak did in that Blose game last season- just screening the back 4 from long balls - whilst having the legs to drag the team further up the pitch, would be very welcome.
I know I've mentioned him before, but Marlon pack at Bristol City does this excellently for them, and would be a great signing for us.
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But that just doesn't sound like the sort of holding midfielder Smith has played with before
Seems like a bit of an odd one to me
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You're right, but he hasn't really played with 2 out-and-out wingers before either. I think he realises that he needs an anchor in midfield to allow our wide-men to attack more freely.
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Seems a big lad, pretty mobile and according to YouTube he can do mad skills. Having watch said clip against Betis I can confirm he has both skills and that said skills are indeed, mad.
Bit like Glen Whelan then?
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Is there an African Cup this year?
Yes
The first time it's being played similar to world cup months mid June to mid July so no problems there.
might be for them scortchio !!!
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I see Mr. Potato Head is due to roll up at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. I wonder if we can interest him in any of our
crap/deadwood erm... experienced reliable pro's in exchange for anyone who can pass the ball in their team, seeing as they're now surplus to requirements.
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I see Mr. Potato Head is due to roll up at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. I wonder if we can interest him in any of our crap/deadwood erm... experienced reliable pro's in exchange for anyone who can pass the ball in their team, seeing as they're now surplus to requirements.
Elmo has to be odds on
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Aren't Wednesday under some kind of transfer embargo? They've backed the wrong horse in Bruce if so!
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i know our defence is weak, shallow and all over the shop with people playing out of position etc
but i still worry about the midfield more
imo we only have two really decent midfielders and one of them is out for a while, unless we strengthen in that area we will just keep giving up possession and inviting trouble onto the defence and will never be as dangerous in attack
midfield to me is the key
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
How good is your source??
Don't come oh here saying that 'just read on twitter' without more substance
It's unhelpful !
If this isn't true that's really irresponsible and I'm upset either way because that news is hard
Otherwise I aware you the mean post of 2018 !!
I like to trust what I read in here !
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I see Mr. Potato Head is due to roll up at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. I wonder if we can interest him in any of our crap/deadwood erm... experienced reliable pro's in exchange for anyone who can pass the ball in their team, seeing as they're now surplus to requirements.
Elmo has to be odds on
My car is being warmed as we speak, and a flask of coffee being prepared for the journey.
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
How good is your source??
Don't come oh here saying that 'just read on twitter' without more substance
It's unhelpful !
If this isn't true that's really irresponsible and I'm upset either way because that news is hard
Otherwise I aware you the mean post of 2018 !!
I like to trust what I read in here !
fuck me we don't have to go through Reuters before we post a twitter rumour on here
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
How good is your source??
Don't come oh here saying that 'just read on twitter' without more substance
It's unhelpful !
If this isn't true that's really irresponsible and I'm upset either way because that news is hard
Otherwise I aware you the mean post of 2018 !!
I like to trust what I read in here !
fuck me we don't have to go through Reuters before we post a twitter rumour on here
Just ignore him.
The thread title is speculation/guaranteed/nonsense! Tell him we have signed Eric cantona and your source is as good as HP
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Rumours we are loaning a 24 year old centre back from Everton that played for Sunderland last season.
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Just read on twitter that Jack is out for the rest of the season and Axel and Tammy are being recalled.I hope to God its a dodgy rumour.
How good is your source??
Don't come oh here saying that 'just read on twitter' without more substance
It's unhelpful !
If this isn't true that's really irresponsible and I'm upset either way because that news is hard
Otherwise I aware you the mean post of 2018 !!
I like to trust what I read in here !
fuck me we don't have to go through Reuters before we post a twitter rumour on here
Don’t speak for me, I’d like Reuters and Fox confirmation.
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Rumours we are loaning a 24 year old centre back from Everton that played for Sunderland last season.
Coupled with Axels Loan being cancelled as he may not be fit by end of season
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That'll presumably be Sunderland relegation legend Tyias Browning then.
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Rumours we are loaning a 24 year old centre back from Everton that played for Sunderland last season.
Coupled with Axels Loan being cancelled as he may not be fit by end of season
With Chester carrying a knee injury can't help but think this won't be the last defender through the door.
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Rumours we are loaning a 24 year old centre back from Everton that played for Sunderland last season.
Coupled with Axels Loan being cancelled as he may not be fit by end of season
With Chester carrying a knee injury can't help but think this won't be the last defender through the door.
100% it won’t be. We will sign a whole new back 4 almost imo
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I suppose it would be far too optimistic to think that DS could get something out of Tshibola as a dynamic and tenacious midfielder, if they recalled him now?
Yes, you’re right - probably way beyond redemption.
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Rumours we are loaning a 24 year old centre back from Everton that played for Sunderland last season.
Coupled with Axels Loan being cancelled as he may not be fit by end of season
With Chester carrying a knee injury can't help but think this won't be the last defender through the door.
100% it won’t be. We will sign a whole new back 4 almost imo
And if you're Martin O'Neill, for a laugh, you do it all again the next window!
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And wonder why the defence is disjointed. If we are to scramble into the playoffs this season it will be our ability to score goals that does it for us. Half a (pressurized) season is not long enough for a reconstructed defence to bed in. IMO.
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Part of me thinks that we don't want to go up this year. The defence is so far off being capable of playing in the top flight. I don't think any of the current lot, even including an in form Chester perhaps, are good enough. And you can't just throw together a defence, especially into an attack minded set up. As Fulham have found
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We would get battered even if we spent £100 plus million in the summer if we go up. Miles away from a competitive squad. We need some players who are not simply loaning a load of names, but are our own (even if that is loan to buy), that can grow together and become a team. Wolves have proved that good scouting, ambitious buying and a manager with attacking intent can be successful.
See the sun are stirring up that Tammy wants out to go to a prem side. Good as he has been I am a bit shruggy about him going back, because he won't be here next season and I still think we will score goals without him.
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If there was a way we could get promoted to the Premier League but not have to play in it straight away, that would be great. Kind of like deferring your place at the London Marathon.
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We would get battered even if we spent £100 plus million in the summer if we go up. Miles away from a competitive squad. We need some players who are not simply loaning a load of names, but are our own (even if that is loan to buy), that can grow together and become a team. Wolves have proved that good scouting, ambitious buying and a manager with attacking intent can be successful.
See the sun are stirring up that Tammy wants out to go to a prem side. Good as he has been I am a bit shruggy about him going back, because he won't be here next season and I still think we will score goals without him.
Bruce left us in a worse mess than when he took over.With the fixtures we've just had and the injuries,I think we wouldn't be too far away from the bottom 3.But that's the past and with this board and manager we are heading in the right direction and normally playing very watchable football.
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We would get battered even if we spent £100 plus million in the summer if we go up. Miles away from a competitive squad. We need some players who are not simply loaning a load of names, but are our own (even if that is loan to buy), that can grow together and become a team. Wolves have proved that good scouting, ambitious buying and a manager with attacking intent can be successful.
See the sun are stirring up that Tammy wants out to go to a prem side. Good as he has been I am a bit shruggy about him going back, because he won't be here next season and I still think we will score goals without him.
Wouldn't be overly confident of Kodjia or Hogan providing those goals. Wouldn't be surprised if neither of those two were still with us come the end of the month.
Abraham flopped last time in the top division. Think for his development he would be best of staying with us rather than another lower league EPL side on loan. Don't think he would be anywhere near good enough for Chelseas first team.
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I wouldn't say no to a Hogan-Maupay swap deal. As for Kodjia, I think there's goals in there but he is such an individual player that i think Smith wouldn't mind losing him if we can get a decent replacement.
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I wouldn't say no to a Hogan-Maupay swap deal. As for Kodjia, I think there's goals in there but he is such an individual player that i think Smith wouldn't mind losing him if we can get a decent replacement.
he is the opposite of a team player
he is to football what Geoffrey Boycott was to Cricket
he does some good things and he can be tricky
but you can’t trust him
His 10 minute cameo at the end of the WBA match is right up there with the worst I’ve ever seen
it was disastrous
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I find the Kodjia / boycott comparison pretty hard to compute
But I agree he's a real maverick and not a consistent team player
He's immensely frustrating
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I wouldn't say no to a Hogan-Maupay swap deal. As for Kodjia, I think there's goals in there but he is such an individual player that i think Smith wouldn't mind losing him if we can get a decent replacement.
The problem surely would be Hogan's wages?
Kodjia is unlikely to attract much interest whilst being so inconsistent.
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I find the Kodjia / boycott comparison pretty hard to compute
But I agree he's a real maverick and not a consistent team player
He's immensely frustrating
Both had great ability
Both played for themselves
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I wouldn't say no to a Hogan-Maupay swap deal. As for Kodjia, I think there's goals in there but he is such an individual player that i think Smith wouldn't mind losing him if we can get a decent replacement.
The problem surely would be Hogan's wages?
Kodjia is unlikely to attract much interest whilst being so inconsistent.
Hogan and 15 million might buy Maupay.
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Replace Hourihane with someone who can defend and set the tempo for the passing and replace Hutton with a proper left back and we're set, literally everything they've done has been those 2 leaving gaps.
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Reports we have had an offer accepted for Kourtney Hause at Wolves. Always quite liked him when I have seen him. Let fitted too I think, 23, and a decent size.
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Reports we have had an offer accepted for Kourtney Hause at Wolves. Always quite liked him when I have seen him. Let fitted too I think, 23, and a decent size.
All my Dingle pals are saying that he is a good player, quick, good on the ball and unlucky to be second choice since the Coady to sweeper experiment went so well. Would be a good signing as long as he's only costs us a few million. Has also played with Jack and Tammy at England youth level so there's hopefully a relationship already there
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TBH I think Eze is a very good player, would really like to see him at VP
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All I know about Hause is he's played 10 minutes of league football since May 2017 which doesn't fill me with me confidence.
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best not to write him off even before he joins
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Reports we have had an offer accepted for Kourtney Hause at Wolves. Always quite liked him when I have seen him. Let fitted too I think, 23, and a decent size.
WM were reporting it after the game.
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TBH I think Eze is a very good player, would really like to see him at VP
He'll be in premier league next season whatever QPR do.
Will easily go for big money. Obvious move to Palace if they flog Zaha for 50m as he's made for counter attack system.
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All I know about Hause is he's played 10 minutes of league football since May 2017 which doesn't fill me with me confidence.
Obligatory YouTube. Kids looks a bit of tank
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best not to write him off even before he joins
Which no one has done.
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Have Wolves loaned him out at all in last 18 months? You'd think with Nuno playing 3 at the back and their style of football he'd have featured a fair bit for them last season but obviously not unless he was injured.
Dominic Iorfa was also linked to us a few years back. Another one who's career has stagnated with little game time.
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Have Wolves loaned him out at all in last 18 months? You'd think with Nuno playing 3 at the back and their style of football he'd have featured a fair bit for them last season but obviously not unless he was injured.
Dominic Iorfa was also linked to us a few years back. Another one who's career has stagnated with little game time.
Nope, he just hasn't played much. A few cup appearances and that 10 mins in the league. 30 games in all comps in 16/17 so may just not be a Nuno player.
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https://www.wolvesforum.co.uk/showthread.php?34358-The-Winter-2018-19-Transfer-Thread/page26
Some Wolves fan seems to think they're getting 5-7m for him. I don't think so.
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I saw him play a couple of times for Wolves the season before last and he looked good, he was in fact their stand out player in the one game. He's also tall which would be useful. Not saying I'm certain he'll do well but I wouldn't be disappointed to see us try him. He's local as well and played in the championship unlike that French lad we missed out on in August.
If we have Chester, Taunzebe, him and Elphick I would think we'll be ok. A better left back and a proper alternative for Grealish and there shouldn't be any excuses for finishing outside the top 6, considering our GK options should also be drastically improved as well.
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Interesting that he's left sided - looking to move Chester to the right side? Looks like a big unit.
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Left sided centre back who can play left back
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My tatter mates rate him highly
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My tatter mates rate him highly
Just don't understand why he didn't feature at all last season. Given we eventually want to be playing Wolves type football you'd think he'd have played some games last year (can understand more if they don't think he's got enough for premier league).
Just hope there's no attitude issues e.g. he was probably given big contract while ago and lost that hunger as so many young players do.
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His last contract was done in April so that probably isn't the case.
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His last contract was done in April so that probably isn't the case.
Fair enough, just hope we don't have to pay them stupid money because of it.
2-3m and then rest of add ons (plays for England, wins us the Champions league etc)
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Excellent in the bodyguard and Line of Duty
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When I first saw Revan playing for the reserves he really reminded me of someone but I couldn't think who, reading this I've realised that it was Hause who I remember seeing for the England U20s (or U21s) a couple of years ago and thinking he looked a great prospect. 23 is still young for a centre back so I'm all for this so long as the fee reflects the fact that he's not played for 18 months, about £3-4m seems right to me.
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Daily fail are reporting just over 2m with add ons.
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Worth the gamble at that, was worried Wolves would go crazy and ask for 7-10m!
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Daily fail are reporting just over 2m with add ons.
Bargain if that's right, get it done. With Axel staying and back in late Feb I reckon that'd be us sorted in the centre, happy with Bree as emergency cover until Axel is back if we got a couple more injuries.
Move on, left back and defensive midfielder next please.
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It is in a bull shit story about Tammy going to the dog heads though
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TBH I think Eze is a very good player, would really like to see him at VP
Don’t bet against it, he has a strong link with our new goalie.
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My tatter mates rate him highly
Just don't understand why he didn't feature at all last season. Given we eventually want to be playing Wolves type football you'd think he'd have played some games last year (can understand more if they don't think he's got enough for premier league).
Just hope there's no attitude issues e.g. he was probably given big contract while ago and lost that hunger as so many young players do.
With Boli being so consistent and strong on the left side, would you have left him out for a young player. Wolves strength last season was not chopping a d changing their defence much.
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I don't know whether I'm just showing my age, but there's something slightly unsettling about the first line of his Wiki page: Kortney Paul Duncan Hause (born 16 July 1995) is an English professional footballer and rapper[3] who plays as a centre back for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kortney_Hause
I guess Stuart Pearce was a left-back and electrician.
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I would have been fine with protest singer, but rapper? FFS!
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Anyone else grimace when we keep being referred to as:
“A platform for players to develop”
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Perhaps that is code for 'professional footballer and part time railway guard'.
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I guess this is where we find out how good Smith is at finding bargains. A centre half who disappeared from the wolves side just as they got "good" doesn't hint there's a big budget knocking around and certainly sounds like he could have been on Smith's brentford transfer target list . Still, he fits the criteria of building a squad of players we actually own and who aren't approaching or past 30.
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Anyone else grimace when we keep being referred to as:
“A platform for players to develop”
Not in the slightest. Having a reputation of taking young players and making them better is exactly what I want. If the first few seasons of that mean they move on after 1-2 years at a big profit then that's ok.
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I don't know whether I'm just showing my age, but there's something slightly unsettling about the first line of his Wiki page: Kortney Paul Duncan Hause (born 16 July 1995) is an English professional footballer and rapper[3] who plays as a centre back for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kortney_Hause
I guess Stuart Pearce was a left-back and electrician.
UI would have been fine with protest singer, but rapper? FFS!
as opposed to Ched Evans who was a ......(allegedly)
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I reckon we will bring in at least four new players this window, Kalinic already included.
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My tatter mates rate him highly
Just don't understand why he didn't feature at all last season. Given we eventually want to be playing Wolves type football you'd think he'd have played some games last year (can understand more if they don't think he's got enough for premier league).
Just hope there's no attitude issues e.g. he was probably given big contract while ago and lost that hunger as so many young players do.
With Boli being so consistent and strong on the left side, would you have left him out for a young player. Wolves strength last season was not chopping a d changing their defence much.
It was more Danny Batth getting games (he started the 4-1) and that guy is awful at this level.
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I reckon we will bring in at least four new players this window, Kalinic already included.
Ok so that's a GK
What other positions are you speculating
If I said 4 they would be left back , centre back and midfielder
So left back Lloyd Kelly - Bristol city 20 . Under 21 England international out of contract in summer.
Midfielder - Nick Powell out of contract in summer can play attacking role 24
Or Josh McEachran plays as deep lying midfielder for Brentford in number 6 . Out if contract in summer
Centre back - Seems like Courtney Hause
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Striker now - maupay I would imagine
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Striker now - maupay I would imagine
Yep. Knows Smith's system and wants to play for him again.
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Benteke on loan I reckon might be an option. With a loan to buy agreement in place for around 8 million in the summer
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Wouldn't want him back tbh, just wouldn't be as fun second time around.
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Wouldn't want him back tbh, just wouldn't be as fun second time around.
Just looking for cheap like for like replacements tbh.
I don't want to pay 17 million for Maupay or the like
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Yeah I get that.
In fairness a loan for premier league striker is way to go, Grabban was decent for most of last seaon, Tammy obviously and Dwight Gayle has done well for WBA.
We know this is a league where it's pretty easy to score in with the defences down here.
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There will be someone rotting on a bench somewhere we can give games too I'm sure. Not the end of the world in all honesty. Scoring goals isn't our problem. It's conceding!
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Bonatini would be ok on loan
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Bonatini would be ok on loan
Pretty sure he didn't score a goal for Wolves after xmas last season!
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Kodjia 15 million
Hogan 15 million
One of these 2 to be utilized.
Davis and Hepburn Murphy back up.
We been having THREE strikers on the bench at times why bring in another ?!
Surely it's time to bring on our own. Davis is a handful as said by JT I love him to get given a go and Kodjia is one of the best in league who is dying to play central.
If another loan character comes in that's not fair on Hogan and Kodjia
That said this is Smith squad and he may want to assemble some striking recruits
We want a competitive squad but I not sure if another loan striker or an expensive one is the way to go
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I'd go and try for Benteke until the end of the season.
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I think Benteke would be just like an up to date version of Marlon Harewood ......what's Marlon doing these days?
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I see our options in order of probability
1. Gets a decent premiership reserve in on loan
2. Persevere with what we have out of Hogan/Kodjia/Davis *sobs*
3. Buy a championship/foreign striker. Downside is you need cash for that
4. The return of adomah or one of the other attacking midfielders
5. Look at McCormack seeing on paper he's our best striker
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If we had to get someone Sturridge, ?Defoe ?
This benteke talk ? He's injured more chance of Jordan Ayew as Benteke doesn't suit system .
As Tammy was a Bruce signing Smith would want his own style of striker .
Abrahams was never his choice of striker and Hogan could well be promoted .
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I think Benteke would be just like an up to date version of Marlon Harewood ......what's Marlon doing these days?
He runs a company called AC13 doing wraps and mods on high end cars & specializes in conversions of Mercedes Benz vans.
https://ac13uk.com/
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Defoe isn't a bad shout if we want to just replace his goals. Very different player but would score a fair few in this team. Kodjia will get the chance first though, and I am sure we will be looking for a wide forward with pace to supplement the first line.
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Kodjia thrived under Bruce-ball. Not sure he will under Smith to be honest. If he was that suited then surely Smith would have played him up front instead of Abraham.
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I think Benteke would be just like an up to date version of Marlon Harewood ......what's Marlon doing these days?
He runs a company called AC13 doing wraps and mods on high end cars & specializes in conversions of Mercedes Benz vans.
https://ac13uk.com/
Thanks John .....so a sort of "goals to Rolls" transformation?
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If we had to get someone Sturridge, ?Defoe ?
This benteke talk ? He's injured more chance of Jordan Ayew as Benteke doesn't suit system .
As Tammy was a Bruce signing Smith would want his own style of striker .
Abrahams was never his choice of striker and Hogan could well be promoted .
Seeing as this season is basically done as far as automatic promotion is concerned, I can see Hogan getting first go at replacing Tammy rather than bringing in someone new.
Whilst Grealish is out, a front two of Hogan and Davis might be worth the experiment
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I sure I'll post this again and won't be alone with concern.
That villa beginning to look dangerous of being small time .
A loan player who is our main source of goals is from Chelsea . An established top end English club
Now off to Wolves.- seeking big things
Our history and ranking in English football as a great club will continue but slowly , year by year, falling down and I think we have years still as an acknowledged big club but it pains me with this situation of being championship .
We can only deal with current here and now it seems a long road back to the top flight
A system has been put in place
Head coach - one with longevity .
Sporting director.
A appeasement to make sure have entertaining matches.
That said there seems to be a settling and contentment rather than a drive to push on .
The way Purslow said we don't have to get promoted this season
The move towards bringing in and developing players is a long game .
I can certainly see no big move for strikers in the window when we have 2 of the 15 million strikers in our squad.
It will be looked at to use them.
I would to address things establish the youth players coming through and build this way.
I think that would keep core villa at heart and give the essence of a big club with decent stature despite here and now building a big future
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Kodjia thrived under Bruce-ball. Not sure he will under Smith to be honest. If he was that suited then surely Smith would have played him up front instead of Abraham.
Good point but maybe Abraham had to play if he didn't he be recalled anyway .
He was too good not to start but the system didn't allow another striker once Bruce left we never threw on two up top.
Hogan would fit Smith work ethic and press from front with his pace and energy but a combination of Abrahams always playing and system meant others had little chance as a central striker
I also found Abraham in the way and in some ways a typical Bruce for the moment signing.
Now chance for long term and having own players
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Maupay is the obvious replacement but not sure we can afford him under ffp
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If we had to get someone Sturridge, ?Defoe ?
This benteke talk ? He's injured more chance of Jordan Ayew as Benteke doesn't suit system .
As Tammy was a Bruce signing Smith would want his own style of striker .
Abrahams was never his choice of striker and Hogan could well be promoted .
Seeing as this season is basically done as far as automatic promotion is concerned, I can see Hogan getting first go at replacing Tammy rather than bringing in someone new.
Whilst Grealish is out, a front two of Hogan and Davis might be worth the experiment
I'd be surprised if Smith went for that.He likes to play between the lines and operate a high press,so a third central midfielder is required,Sawyer perhaps.We have good options in wide areas but their weakness is tracking back,so just 2 central midfielders would be overwhelmed .
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Be stunned if he played 442
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If we had to get someone Sturridge, ?Defoe ?
This benteke talk ? He's injured more chance of Jordan Ayew as Benteke doesn't suit system .
As Tammy was a Bruce signing Smith would want his own style of striker .
Abrahams was never his choice of striker and Hogan could well be promoted .
Seeing as this season is basically done as far as automatic promotion is concerned, I can see Hogan getting first go at replacing Tammy rather than bringing in someone new.
Whilst Grealish is out, a front two of Hogan and Davis might be worth the experiment
I'd be surprised if Smith went for that.He likes to play between the lines and operate a high press,so a third central midfielder is required,Sawyer perhaps.We have good options in wide areas but their weakness is tracking back,so just 2 central midfielders would be overwhelmed .
That's something that is bugging me about smith now a few months in tenure.
Man needs to work with squad he's got and deploy system to get best out of them or at least be flexible to do it
Would be annoyed at any coach or manager who has only one set way of playing.
We already be countles counter attacked at peril and detriment convenient to opposition attack thus leading to ' big chances ' and goals against us.
I'm all for the expanse and press but if we don't or do have players who could go to a hybrid 4-4-2 then try it.
The wide forwards are essentially wingers apart from kodjia.
Grealish was at first told to get in box more do work off the ball and stay higher up the pitch was working well then wesaw change to being back on ball and holding it and playing deeper I think as Smith realised he needed Grealish there in midfield as the others are ineffective at ball keeping . Or Grealish so much better.
What needs to be identify is where the squad strengths and numbers lie as much as the changes .
Now Abraham is out the way Hogan and Davis or Kodjia can play . And be nice to have ,2 of them sometimes .
Also Elghazhi should defo play a number 10 or even Bolasie but he's putting mcginn there who I think should play deep lying .
What is interesting is if continue to score all these headers and crosses as that was more Bruce tactic .
So it can be said we have played in part to strength with the wingers and crosses if not the total Dean Smith way.
Clearly in transition but hoping there is flexibility too
Otherwise teams will know how to play us
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I don't think Smith rates Kodjia as highly as you do Skillz and I'm personally not sure he's be as prolific as Tammy playing centrally.
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Priority regardless of TA is to sort the back line out. If we sharpen up this area we won’t need to score 3 every game just to stand any chance of getting the 3 points.
JK would score a lot with how much we create if played in TA’s role. Would it be as many?Debatable.
TA has a shot conversion though of 25% with us, which shows he’s missing a lot of chances still. Positive from this is how creative we are in the first place
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I don't think Smith rates Kodjia as highly as you do Skillz and I'm personally not sure he's be as prolific as Tammy playing centrally.
he’s the opposite of a Smith player he plays for himself and is not a team player
Smith will use him because he has to but I’m sure he won’t figure in his long term plans
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Kortney Hause havjbg his medical tonight ahead of signing tomorrow according to Villa transfers guy on Twitter (he’s usually very spot on)
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I agree with footyskillz comments about playing to your strengths but totally disagree with his annoyance at any coach or manager who has only one way of playing.Has Guardiola ever changed his way of playing the game ?
I'm not averse to different shapes but the philosophy of football shouldn't change.
Just try to improve Plan A..Certainly adapt to match conditions,more attack minded players if you need to win but that's tempered by what's happening out there,Liverpool's Chumps Lge comeback from a 3-0 deficit to Milan was triggered by the introduction of a defensive midfielder,Hamann,in order to get hold of the ball.
Flexibility should come from the players on the pitch.Leeds were impressive in their movement off the ball and support play and so,encouragingly, were Brentford.
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Kortney Hause havjbg his medical tonight ahead of signing tomorrow according to Villa transfers guy on Twitter (he’s usually very spot on)
https://twitter.com/avfctransfers1/status/1080502152253136898?s=19
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If and when Tammy goes, Kodjia will get the central striker role and will have to step up. He will get lots of chances as we create a lot these days. He was good in his first season and then got injured and hasn't been the same since. However, I reckon he will do ok until we get the end of this season and then we can look to replace. I don't want us to turn into Brentford Mk2 but wouldn't mind seeing Maupay here next season.
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Evening standard is reporting that Tammy can't be registered by anyone else this season as he played in an under 23s game for Chelsea. Regulations state that they are official matches. Hatem Ben Arfa had a transfer blocked by fifa for this reason.
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Evening standard is reporting that Tammy can't be registered by anyone else this season as he played in an under 23s game for Chelsea. Regulations state that they are official matches. Hatem Ben Arfa had a transfer blocked by fifa for this reason.
When I looked at the rules earlier it appeared he could be registered with three clubs but only play for two meaning someone else could buy him but either couldn’t play him or loan him to us again. It seemed to me that the Charity Shield was classed as a competitive game by the FA but someone else on here disagreed.
It was also a bit unclear on if a loan was classed as a registration.
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Evening standard is reporting that Tammy can't be registered by anyone else this season as he played in an under 23s game for Chelsea. Regulations state that they are official matches. Hatem Ben Arfa had a transfer blocked by fifa for this reason.
Music to my ears/eyes :-)
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Peter Withe, it's the U23 match that's stopping him from going to Wolves (or anywhere else) well, they can sign him but he can't be registered so that would be his season over.
I just don't see: a) him wanting to stop playing right now. Or, b) Chelsea wanting him to go but not play, rather than keep scoring and increase in value as he gains experience.
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Perhaps he will sign Friday :)
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I think Defoe would be a great option to have, to start for an hour or throw on for the last 30 minutes. Would get chances in this league and would take them.
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I think Defoe would be a great option to have, to start for an hour or throw on for the last 30 minutes. Would get chances in this league and would take them.
I agree with you but I read somewhere (probably on here) that the club was going for younger/hungrier talent moving forward?
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I think Defoe would be a great option to have, to start for an hour or throw on for the last 30 minutes. Would get chances in this league and would take them.
I agree with you but I read somewhere (probably on here) that the club was going for younger/hungrier talent moving forward?
Defoe's a vegan so there's a good chance that he's starving.
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It would be consistent with our policy of signing players roughly 10 years after we should have.
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For me, signing Defoe would show we have learnt absolutely nothing as a club.
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I think Defoe would be a great option to have, to start for an hour or throw on for the last 30 minutes. Would get chances in this league and would take them.
I agree with you but I read somewhere (probably on here) that the club was going for younger/hungrier talent moving forward?
Defoe's a vegan so there's a good chance that he's starving.
Defoes from Las Vegas? I never knew that.
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If we are still at risk of FFP rules, surely signing Defoe wouldn't be a good move? Let Wolves have him!!
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Perhaps he will sign Friday :)
Nah. There's more chance of me building a raft out of coconuts.
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The Villa Transfers guy on Twitter has stated that the Hause deal is almost over the line. I'll be pleased if true as hopefully, he would then feature against Swansea on Saturday.
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Boy is built like a Brick Shithause
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Hope it is not another loan!
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Hope it is not another loan!
We’re in the market to buy, not rent.
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The Villa Transfers guy on Twitter has stated that the Hause deal is almost over the line. I'll be pleased if true as hopefully, he would then feature against Swansea on Saturday.
The Villa Transfers Twitter account subsequently seems to have been deleted!
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Just done a bit of Hause hunting online prior to exchange and he's a big old property isn't he?
6 foot 3, good in the air, quick, appears to be able to make a simple pass. Left footed! Seems promising.
Gives Chester a chance, with Elphick back and actually looking confident, to recover from his knee injury.
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Just done a bit of Hause hunting online prior to exchange and he's a big old property isn't he?
6 foot 3, good in the air, quick, appears to be able to make a simple pass. Left footed! Seems promising.
Gives Chester a chance, with Elphick back and actually looking confident, to recover from his knee injury.
He'll make mistakes, he's 23 so that's a given, but quick, strong, good in the air, decent passer and decent technique is pretty much the search you'd do on something like football manager and he ticks all those boxes. If the price that was suggested is correct then it's a very good deal in my opinion.
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The links with that Serb and the Levante midfielders have gone quiet...wonder how much truth there was in them. As much as I want say 2 solid defenders I would love 1 or 2 centre mids with legs and passing capabilities.
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The links with that Serb and the Levante midfielders have gone quiet...wonder how much truth there was in them. As much as I want say 2 solid defenders I would love 1 or 2 centre mids with legs and passing capabilities.
A left back is essential but a defensive midfielder is nearly as important, Tuesdays game highlighted quite clearly that those 2 areas were where we had weaknesses and QPR made the most of it. If we address them well, and get Hause in to add options, then this window will be a success, especially as we seem to be keeping hold of Tammy. Backup for Grealish would be the cherry on top but I'm willing to let that go as we have options to put alternatives in, even if they aren't the same quality and signing someone who gives us even 90% of what Grealish does is a £15-20m commitment.
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The links with that Serb and the Levante midfielders have gone quiet...wonder how much truth there was in them. As much as I want say 2 solid defenders I would love 1 or 2 centre mids with legs and passing capabilities.
A left back is essential but a defensive midfielder is nearly as important, Tuesdays game highlighted quite clearly that those 2 areas were where we had weaknesses and QPR made the most of it. If we address them well, and get Hause in to add options, then this window will be a success, especially as we seem to be keeping hold of Tammy. Backup for Grealish would be the cherry on top but I'm willing to let that go as we have options to put alternatives in, even if they aren't the same quality and signing someone who gives us even 90% of what Grealish does is a £15-20m commitment.
Do you think there's any chance BB could grow into the defensive midfielder role? I know he was poor on Sat, but he is just coming back from a longish lay off. He looked pretty bright prior to his injury.
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The links with that Serb and the Levante midfielders have gone quiet...wonder how much truth there was in them. As much as I want say 2 solid defenders I would love 1 or 2 centre mids with legs and passing capabilities.
A left back is essential but a defensive midfielder is nearly as important, Tuesdays game highlighted quite clearly that those 2 areas were where we had weaknesses and QPR made the most of it. If we address them well, and get Hause in to add options, then this window will be a success, especially as we seem to be keeping hold of Tammy. Backup for Grealish would be the cherry on top but I'm willing to let that go as we have options to put alternatives in, even if they aren't the same quality and signing someone who gives us even 90% of what Grealish does is a £15-20m commitment.
Do you think there's any chance BB could grow into the defensive midfielder role? I know he was poor on Sat, but he is just coming back from a longish lay off. He looked pretty bright prior to his injury.
I don't think so, I think his passing game and ability to distate the play isn't strong enough to do the job that Smith wants from that player. Under Bruce he should've been first choice because working hard, winning the ball back and quickly getting it up field is all well within his range.
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Signed Dimitar Sheytanov Bulgarian U23 keeper who was at Leeds (on trial I think) on a free.
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Signed Dimitar Sheytanov Bulgarian U23 keeper who was at Leeds (on trial I think) on a free.
SOTV
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The links with that Serb and the Levante midfielders have gone quiet...wonder how much truth there was in them. As much as I want say 2 solid defenders I would love 1 or 2 centre mids with legs and passing capabilities.
A left back is essential but a defensive midfielder is nearly as important, Tuesdays game highlighted quite clearly that those 2 areas were where we had weaknesses and QPR made the most of it. If we address them well, and get Hause in to add options, then this window will be a success, especially as we seem to be keeping hold of Tammy. Backup for Grealish would be the cherry on top but I'm willing to let that go as we have options to put alternatives in, even if they aren't the same quality and signing someone who gives us even 90% of what Grealish does is a £15-20m commitment.
Do you think there's any chance BB could grow into the defensive midfielder role? I know he was poor on Sat, but he is just coming back from a longish lay off. He looked pretty bright prior to his injury.
To be totally honest Chris, I found myself thinking during the QPR game that Bjarnason just isn't really ever going to be the player that we need and it is time to move on. When the likes of McGinn are available for under £3m then it shows that there are players out there.
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Signed Dimitar Sheytanov Bulgarian U23 keeper who was at Leeds (on trial I think) on a free.
Blimey, goalkeeper is the new right back!
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Signed Dimitar Sheytanov Bulgarian U23 keeper who was at Leeds (on trial I think) on a free.
Seems to come from a story in Sportal.bg which a re-hash of a story in Meridian Match which is a daily (I think) sports paper in Bulgaria. He is 19, and the son of Georgi who was also a goalkeeper for Levski. It might happen, but I don’t think these tabloid sports papers have a brilliant hit rate.
Goalkeeper Dimitar Sheytanov, who left Levski, is close to a contract with Aston Villa, says Meridian Match.
The guard refused to re-sign the "blue" and became a free agent on January 1. So he can move to the Birmingham team without a transfer amount. The English club has long enjoyed Shaitanov and will now take the opportunity to take it without a transfer fee.
Previously, the goalkeeper was on Leeds's show, performing well, but the "white" refused to pay Levsky for his rights.
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John Percy has said tonight
1) Abraham’s future will be decided by 14th Jan. set recall option date
2) Hause’s move has stalled as wolves want more cash
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John Percy has said tonight
1) Abraham’s future will be decided by 14th Jan. set recall option date
2) Hause’s move has stalled as wolves want more cash
wolves having a huff cause they lost out on TA
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John Percy has said tonight
1) Abraham’s future will be decided by 14th Jan. set recall option date
2) Hause’s move has stalled as wolves want more cash
wolves having a huff cause they lost out on TA
More likely John Percy posting click bait on the internet.
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Wish they would make their bloody mind up about Abraham.Every time i look there is a different story .This morning i read Chelsea had said he is not for sale and had no intention of recalling him .So where has the latest story come from ?
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Good call
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Good call
Have we learnt nothing ?
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Good call
Off to Ibrox I think
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Always found JP to be one of the decent journos to be fair
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Good call
Have we learnt nothing ?
Defo is off to Rangers apparently 18 month contract - he'll no doubt score plenty in bonnie Scotland.
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The links with that Serb and the Levante midfielders have gone quiet...wonder how much truth there was in them. As much as I want say 2 solid defenders I would love 1 or 2 centre mids with legs and passing capabilities.
Radoja wouldn't qualify for a work permit apparently.
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Bournemouth are willing to let Jermaine Defoe go in the January transfer window. He could score a decent number of vital goals for a Championship side between now and the end of the season. Even if just as a sub. I wouldn't mind him coming to Villa, even if it meant giving him an eighteen month contract.
Good call
Have we learnt nothing ?
Defo is off to Rangers apparently 18 month contract - he'll no doubt score plenty in bonnie Scotland.
Rumours that his Bournemouth deal is £130k a week. No thanks.
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John Percy has said tonight
1) Abraham’s future will be decided by 14th Jan. set recall option date
2) Hause’s move has stalled as wolves want more cash
Nice one VC . Percy like someone who wears big trousers not like other sourced journos who wear trousers where all you see is bollocks
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Losing out on Hause to Albion would be a blow. Must be some sort of structured deal we can put in place. Holding midfield and left back are vital though.
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Losing out on Hause to Albion would be a blow. Must be some sort of structured deal we can put in place. Holding midfield and left back are vital though.
Think this could just be agent talk to get the deal done!? Albion has just signed Holgate on loan for CB, have that man city loanee for RB already and have Gibbs at LB. Not sure he would play?
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Dunno they are pretty shocking at the back so wouldn't suprise if they were in for him. Seems to for our needs pretty perfectly though so bit of a blow. Left sides centre half been needed for a while now.
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Dunno they are pretty shocking at the back so wouldn't suprise if they were in for him. Seems to for our needs pretty perfectly though so bit of a blow. Left sides centre half been needed for a while now.
Agree, would be a massive blow. A pacy left footed centre back we are desperate for.
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Dunno they are pretty shocking at the back so wouldn't suprise if they were in for him. Seems to for our needs pretty perfectly though so bit of a blow. Left sides centre half been needed for a while now.
Agree, would be a massive blow. A pacy left footed centre back we are desperate for.
Yes, as if we got one we could defend a bit higher and squash the gap between midfield a bit more. A pacy central midfielder as well would be a bonus!
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Losing out on Hause to Albion would be a blow. Must be some sort of structured deal we can put in place. Holding midfield and left back are vital though.
Think this could just be agent talk to get the deal done!? Albion has just signed Holgate on loan for CB, have that man city loanee for RB already and have Gibbs at LB. Not sure he would play?
Holgate is class act for championship
Speculating a holding midfield that Smith likes is not exactly what you may be wanting
A deep lying midfielder who gets the ball like a jorginho is what I think smith would like.
It's what I like too.
At a push a fabinho style player but it's more understanding the structure and style of play .
That's why likes of Romain Sawyers and maybe Mcharen could be signed from Brentford.
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All this talk about West Brom getting the Wolves lad from under our nose is utter MADNESS
why? I'm sure I read somewhere on Twitter we had as good as signed him .......that's right
" our Hause , in the middle of a tweet"
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I'd suggest the Albion rumour is a media stalking horse.
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I'd suggest the Albion rumour is a media stalking horse.
Nay.
I said nayhay.
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He might make us look a bit more stable at the back.
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or the horse has already bolted?
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It's the rules you can't start puns from anything I say. Doing so only quickens the Rapture.
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We should have got this deal done by now. Never look a gift hause in the mouth.
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Losing out on Hause to Albion would be a blow. Must be some sort of structured deal we can put in place. Holding midfield and left back are vital though.
Think this could just be agent talk to get the deal done!? Albion has just signed Holgate on loan for CB, have that man city loanee for RB already and have Gibbs at LB. Not sure he would play?
Holgate is class act for championship
Speculating a holding midfield that Smith likes is not exactly what you may be wanting
A deep lying midfielder who gets the ball like a jorginho is what I think smith would like.
It's what I like too.
At a push a fabinho style player but it's more understanding the structure and style of play .
That's why likes of Romain Sawyers and maybe Mcharen could be signed from Brentford.
I suggested McEchran a few days ago would be a decent signing. And how do you know what I would like! Kante would be ideal but doubt we will get him. Jorginho isn't half the player either, Kante is just as good a footballer while being defensively sound. As it's unlikely we will get either, someone mobile that can even the back 4 to stop side literally running through the middle of us, and have an ability to play a bit would be nice.
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Losing out on Hause to Albion would be a blow. Must be some sort of structured deal we can put in place. Holding midfield and left back are vital though.
Think this could just be agent talk to get the deal done!? Albion has just signed Holgate on loan for CB, have that man city loanee for RB already and have Gibbs at LB. Not sure he would play?
Holgate is class act for championship
Speculating a holding midfield that Smith likes is not exactly what you may be wanting
A deep lying midfielder who gets the ball like a jorginho is what I think smith would like.
It's what I like too.
At a push a fabinho style player but it's more understanding the structure and style of play .
That's why likes of Romain Sawyers and maybe Mcharen could be signed from Brentford.
I suggested McEchran a few days ago would be a decent signing. And how do you know what I would like! Kante would be ideal but doubt we will get him. Jorginho isn't half the player either, Kante is just as good a footballer while being defensively sound. As it's unlikely we will get either, someone mobile that can even the back 4 to stop side literally running through the middle of us, and have an ability to play a bit would be nice.
Now I know what you like !
I wasn't sure if you were advocating and favoring a destroyer type who is a tough tackler or a creator type who controls the play that's all
Sorry !
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All this talk about West Brom getting the Wolves lad from under our nose is utter MADNESS
why? I'm sure I read somewhere on Twitter we had as good as signed him .......that's right
" our Hause , in the middle of a tweet"
Yeh thought it was reported that he was having medical last night too......not another joe Bryan escapade again !?
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End of the day we may have to get used to this type of thing with Hause and Abraham. Wolves are in the promised land, and WBA have the parachute payments to fall back on to fund them but its all swings and roundabouts in the end. Parachute payments didn't help us get promoted, and we probably outbid clubs for some of the crap still on our books 8)
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With the financial meltdown at the blose, I’d try and nick Maikel Kieftenbeld. I’ve always thought he was a decent player, dirty perhaps but just what we need.
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He's rubbish isn't he?
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With the financial meltdown at the blose, I’d try and nick Maikel Kieftenbeld. I’ve always thought he was a decent player, dirty perhaps but just what we need.
Bit early to be drinking but each to their own.
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I would sooner nab Harlee Dean off them. And Che Adams.
I do hope it Tammy goes we sign another forward that can play wide though. If Kodjia goes down the middle he will score goals, but we will need wide options. Ideally someone with a bit of pace and skill.
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He's rubbish isn't he?
He plays for Birmingham City - res ipsa loquitur.
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Mail have us interested in Timothy Muso-Mensah, currently on loan at Fulham from Man Utd. Central Defender.
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Mail have us interested in Timothy Muso-Mensah, currently on loan at Fulham from Man Utd. Central Defender.
Fulham fans are glad to see the back of him, a bad attitude supposedly.
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Mail have us interested in Timothy Muso-Mensah, currently on loan at Fulham from Man Utd. Central Defender.
Fulham fans are glad to see the back of him, a bad attitude supposedly.
I think PW's word filter has changed 'Fosu' to 'Muso'!
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Mail have us interested in Timothy Muso-Mensah, currently on loan at Fulham from Man Utd. Central Defender.
Fulham fans are glad to see the back of him, a bad attitude supposedly.
The Fulham website says he's a right back who can play in the middle. Not sure that's exactly a priority right now.
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We should go for Maja at Sunderland if Tammy goes
Strong, quick, good leap and plays through the middle. On a free in the Summer.
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Losing out on Hause to Albion would be a blow. Must be some sort of structured deal we can put in place. Holding midfield and left back are vital though.
Think this could just be agent talk to get the deal done!? Albion has just signed Holgate on loan for CB, have that man city loanee for RB already and have Gibbs at LB. Not sure he would play?
Yeah not sure they have genuine interest as they also have Bartley, Dawson and Hegazi as their regular CBs so stockpiling them.
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We should go for Maja at Sunderland if Tammy goes
Strong, quick, good leap and plays through the middle. On a free in the Summer.
Saw him play against Walsall recently and he barely had a kick all game. 15 goals this season though so would be work in progress if he came up to play in championship.
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With the financial meltdown at the blose, I’d try and nick Maikel Kieftenbeld. I’ve always thought he was a decent player, dirty perhaps but just what we need.
He's absolute dog shite. only players I'd touch from them are Adams and Jota.
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I noticed that their left back had recently been named in a ‘championship team of the season’ so far on one of the newspaper websites, I remember him scoring against us but that’s about it.
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We should go for Maja at Sunderland if Tammy goes
Strong, quick, good leap and plays through the middle. On a free in the Summer.
Saw him play against Walsall recently and he barely had a kick all game. 15 goals this season though so would be work in progress if he came up to play in championship.
He came across well on Netflix.
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So..
We've got 5 loan slots in the first team squad. With tuanzebe injured for a while, and Tammy off, that's only really el ghazi and bolasie taking up slots
Personally, I'm doubtful we should be going hell for leather for promotion tbis year if it means more short term loans at the expend of developing a side to challenge for automatic next season. Unless a loan to buy
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We should go for Maja at Sunderland if Tammy goes
Strong, quick, good leap and plays through the middle. On a free in the Summer.
Saw him play against Walsall recently and he barely had a kick all game. 15 goals this season though so would be work in progress if he came up to play in championship.
He came across well on Netflix.
.
So does that brendan out of making a murderer
Don't fancy him upfront
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Centre back, Centre forward, defensive mid, left back. More fucking work to do.
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What’s the new young goalie like?
(Joke)
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We need to get fucking proactive now.
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We need to get fucking proactive now.
Absolutely. We are not even mid table quality right now and need players in urgently. Failure begets failure and another month of pissing around followed by half a season of labouring against shite like QPR and where the hell where we be.
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So err, how many bad goalkeepers have we now got???
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What’s the new young goalie like?
(Joke)
I think you’ve answered your own question there.
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We're not going to sort out this teams problems this january. If we try we'll make it worse
Sort the defence out please villa
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We need a centre half, central midfielder and a striker. Desperately.
****** Bruce has left such a slop of shite.
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I'd get gardner back unless Smith has someone lined up in the next week or so to replace Whelan. That or bite the bullet and buy him an electric wheelchair so he can keep up.
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Gardner is wank. We want to be promoted. Shit like Wehlan or Gardner should be nowhere near our midfield.
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First player I'd sign would be a creative midfielder. The whole defence needs replacing but you can cover a multitude of sins, as well as give your confidence a shot in the arm, if you're scoring goals.
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let's be brutally honest - we are a very ordinary side.
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No Mr U, much of the time we are a very poor side.
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We need a whole new defence. The one player we have who is good enough with the ball at his feet isn't even ours and is out until the end of Feb.
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let's be brutally honest - we are a very ordinary side.
Yes yes and yes. We are bang average.
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We need fucking everything.
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Pacy CB, Pacy LB and a pacy CM - ASAP
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Deano
Build your own team from back to front.
We have billionaire owners with penny arcade players.
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Taylor, Hutton, Elmohammedy, Elphick, Bree, Whelan, Hogan, any Keeper you can name make up the total shit added to by mild shit made up of Chester, Hourihane, Adomah, El Gazi, Lansbury, and the occasional shit of Bolasie, Kodjia, Jedinak, Bjarnason, which leaves Grealish, Abrahams, McGinn as the 3 decent players we have. So in this window and the next one Dean has a lot of work to do.
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So we need a left back, centre half, defensive mid and a striker. Not much to do then.
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Loanee approach really isn't working this year.
Get Grealish back fit and we will improve a lot. Completely reliant on him. Bolasie or El Ghazi haven't stepped up at all in his absence.
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Loanee approach really isn't working this year.
Get Grealish back fit and we will improve a lot. Completely reliant on him. Bolasie or El Ghazi haven't stepped up at all in his absence.
I think a lot of the problem is that with him being out the opposition doesn't have to close mark him so they can pay more attention to our wingers.
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The last player we had that the opposition had to double mark was Adama Traore and we got rid.
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I think the wishlist just got considerably longer after today ......when you lose 0-3 at home to Swansea you realise just how low this club has sunk over the last 10 years or so.
Will the fan base be patient to allow Smith to build " his side" over the next season or two ?
Likewise will the new owners be happy to wait such a period of time - judging by the comments coming out of the club it's a long term project rather than a quick fix ....with That in mind it would have been nice to enjoyed a cup run to keep us excited .... I'm not sure there will be a concerted play off attempt with this squad
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Grealish on top of his game lifted the whole team performance by example, it is an indicator that leadership on the pitch is badly lacking. I expected a Dean Smith outfit to at the very least compete even if we are undermanned. The drop in performance the last few weeks clearly indicates that the core of the squad isn't up to scratch, badly need strengthening and quick.
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Someone who isn't Alan Hutton, someone who isn't Glenn Whelan, someone who isn't Scott Hogan. Cheers.
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What about outgoings ? No doubt after today's performance which I missed through illness,lots of you will say about 10 players but perhaps at least it's time to jettison the older players such as Jedinak,interest from Oz ,Whelan and Albert who is 31 plus 3rd choice RB,Elmo.
Unfortunately,this is not the best time to buy players but improve a couple of positions,get rid of 4+ players and promote some of the youngsters would be FFP feasible.
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What about outgoings ? No doubt after today's performance which I missed through illness,lots of you will say about 10 players but perhaps at least it's time to jettison the older players such as Jedinak,interest from Oz ,Whelan and Albert who is 31 plus 3rd choice RB,Elmo.
Unfortunately,this is not the best time to buy players but improve a couple of positions,get rid of 4+ players and promote some of the youngsters would be FFP feasible.
I'd keep Adomah, he works hard and has a decent amount of pace still and we don't have a winger we own in the squad otherwise. He's not been great but he's fine as a squad option. Jedi, Whelan, Elmo and Hogan can all go.
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The last player we had that the opposition had to double mark was Adama Traore and we got rid.
He was crap for us though
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Agree with Paul_e. We need new blood but Adomah is a solid player
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I'd like to disagree. I think Albert Adomah has been crap for the last 12 months. The odd contribution here and there but he's past his best. In my opinion, of course.
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I thought Albert was poor today, although did improve a bit later in the second half. I’d Keep him though.
But jettisoning players is always easier said than done when they’re on good wages with us.
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His contract is up in the summer.
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The reason why I suggested Albert was that Boro were after him and thus willing to pay decent money ,so Moneyballs philosophy as he is 31 and his performances might decline next year and does he fit the profile of what Smith wants.
On the plus side he is certainly worth his place in the squad,especially if Tammy leaves and Kodjia moves to a central position.
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The reason why I suggested Albert was that Boro were after him and thus willing to pay decent money ,so Moneyballs philosophy as he is 31 and his performances might decline next year and does he fit the profile of what Smith wants.
On the plus side he is certainly worth his place in the squad,especially if Tammy leaves and Kodjia moves to a central position.
I’m a big Albert fan but he was truly awful until the final few minutes today. I’d keep him until the summer unless we get a silly offer, but then he’s got to be thanked for his contribution and moved on. Part of the past, not the future, sadly.
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The reason why I suggested Albert was that Boro were after him and thus willing to pay decent money ,so Moneyballs philosophy as he is 31 and his performances might decline next year and does he fit the profile of what Smith wants.
On the plus side he is certainly worth his place in the squad,especially if Tammy leaves and Kodjia moves to a central position.
I’m a big Albert fan but he was truly awful until the final few minutes today. I’d keep him until the summer unless we get a silly offer, but then he’s got to be thanked for his contribution and moved on. Part of the past, not the future, sadly.
I’m of this mind too. Especially with Andre Green developing at Portsmouth. Much rather see us develop him - and a few like him - is possible.
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The reason why I suggested Albert was that Boro were after him and thus willing to pay decent money ,so Moneyballs philosophy as he is 31 and his performances might decline next year and does he fit the profile of what Smith wants.
On the plus side he is certainly worth his place in the squad,especially if Tammy leaves and Kodjia moves to a central position.
I’m a big Albert fan but he was truly awful until the final few minutes today. I’d keep him until the summer unless we get a silly offer, but then he’s got to be thanked for his contribution and moved on. Part of the past, not the future, sadly.
I’m of this mind too. Especially with Andre Green developing at Portsmouth. Much rather see us develop him - and a few like him - is possible.
Absolutely agree. I just don't think it's worth moving him on now.
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Did any of the reporters ask Smith about a transfer update today?
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The reason why I suggested Albert was that Boro were after him and thus willing to pay decent money ,so Moneyballs philosophy as he is 31 and his performances might decline next year and does he fit the profile of what Smith wants.
On the plus side he is certainly worth his place in the squad,especially if Tammy leaves and Kodjia moves to a central position.
I’m a big Albert fan but he was truly awful until the final few minutes today. I’d keep him until the summer unless we get a silly offer, but then he’s got to be thanked for his contribution and moved on. Part of the past, not the future, sadly.
I’m of this mind too. Especially with Andre Green developing at Portsmouth. Much rather see us develop him - and a few like him - is possible.
Thanks for the reminder,thought Green had a long term injury,scored the winner v Norwich.
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Left back, left sided centre half with pace, holding mid with legs. Get those as a minimum and we are a different team straight away.
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Moxey says we have asked Leicester for Christian Fuchs.
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Moxey says we have asked Leicester for Christian Fuchs.
Makes you wonder what the financial situation is, if we're looking at another loan for a 32 year old.
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We need fucking everything.
slut
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For Fuchs sake.
There. Pun done. No more needed.
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The major concern for me is the players who underperform are getting picked regardless, shows the weakness of the squad and players not feeling under pressure about losing their spot. Adomah is not in the top six I would be moving on.
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Moxey says we have asked Leicester for Christian Fuchs.
Makes you wonder what the financial situation is, if we're looking at another loan for a 32 year old.
If we're considering paying someone 60k a week it suggests its it that bad. Indeed I'd rather we stopped making this sort of signing. Especially short term
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t would prove we have learned nothing. In fact we haven't learned anything since god knows when. BTW over on Villatalk some people are making a thing of a contretemps between Terry and Smith yesterday. Did anyone who was at the game pick up on that? I was too far away in the Lower Holte to notice anything other than the gutless display on the pitch.
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I think we’ll almost certainly be after Rico Henry in the Summer - so maybe a loan at LB as a stop gap
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Seen a we have a plan for FFP.
Flogging BMH and pumping money back in via that means, as HS2 going through it has proved advantageous. Or something.
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Mail reporting that the Hause deal has been held up as he isn’t fit enough to play at the moment as he is carrying a foot injury. If it goes ahead it will be a loan with view to being made permanent in the summer.
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I'm hoping we get a defensive midfielder in this week.
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Fuchs would be a completely uninspiring signing.
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Moxey says we have asked Leicester for Christian Fuchs.
Just read that it would be a loan until the end of season.
His Leicester contact finishes at the end of season and he's expected to go to America in the MSL.
Possibly a decent stop gap aso he's a genuine left back.
Think he'd need to lower his wage expectations though
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Fuchs is a league champion, would be a good signing imo.
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If there is a plan in place for recruiting a LB in the summer, then Fuchs could be a decent option.
Though our recent experience of signing fullbacks from Leicester is not great. Of our considerable collection of RBs, perhaps the best is playing in the Australian league!
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So, assuming Abraham is off, who can we realistically get to replace him? This is a decision that could make or break the season.
Is it true that Maupay is in the last 6 months of his contract? If so then he may be gettable.
Otherwise a short term loan could tide us over (like Grabban last year) as long as we sign a permanent replacement in the summer.
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Sexy move. But it's a short term fuchs.
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For Fuchs sake.
There. Pun done. No more needed.
Yes there is:)
"Christian thrown to the Lions"
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As the weeks roll on, the need for new blood increases. I'd be happy for an entirely new back 4. We don't seem to have a decent full back at the club and I still don't see Elphick as the answer at CB. I would reluctantly give Chester a chance on the right but he's been pretty poor so far this season.
A defensive midfielder is also essential which is frustrating, given the amount of players we have who can play there. Then there is cover/replacement for Jack. Since Jack has been missing, we've been completely devoid of creativity and have virtually reverted back to Bruceball.
Striker is an issue now - Do we stick with what we have to see how we fare or do we gamble on a replacement for Abraham.
January is traditionally difficult and prices tend to be over inflated but it's becoming increasingly clear that our current players aren't going to adapt to Smith's style of play. I think it's a case of getting 2 or 3 in now and the rest in the summer. September 1 2019 will see an almost entirely new line up to the one we have seen over the past few games.
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An unpopular opinion possibly, but I wouldn't prioritise Abraham's replacement, simply because it wasn't so very long ago that we were thanking all the gods that Kodjia was coming back early from the Africa Cup of Nations. The guy can still score and is more than capable of leading the line, even if at the moment he's struggling. Part of the issue for me has been fitting Abraham and Kodjia in the same team. So (and I'm not saying we shouldn't be looking for another option up front, btw) if I was Smith I'd be looking at other areas first instead of panicking and paying the January premium like we did with Hogan.
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An unpopular opinion possibly, but I wouldn't prioritise Abraham's replacement, simply because it wasn't so very long ago that we were thanking all the gods that Kodjia was coming back early from the Africa Cup of Nations. The guy can still score and is more than capable of leading the line, even if at the moment he's struggling. Part of the issue for me has been fitting Abraham and Kodjia in the same team. So (and I'm not saying we shouldn't be looking for another option up front, btw) if I was Smith I'd be looking at other areas first instead of panicking and paying the January premium like we did with Hogan.
Kodjia will chip in with goals but I think the two bad injuries he's had since his excellent 16/17 have reduced his effectiveness. He's gone from being a 1 in 2 goalscorer to now a goal every 3-4 games.
I'm not sure moving him back permanently centrally will solve that. I also don't want that because of all the endless whingeing posts on here and elsewhere that he holds onto the ball too long, he's bad but Baros still easily the worst Villa striker I've watched for ball hogging.
Anyway we were taking Tammy's goals for granted in the end so going to be tough to replace but we have to try.
We tried replacing Benteke another way and it was comical. Generally as a rule when clubs lose a top striker they go out and sign another.....Liverpool lost Torres and went out and got Suarez for example rather than just replacing him internally.
Logical suggests a move for a younger striker so wouldn't have an issue with Maupay being targeted.
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I’m sure we’ll be buying one or two players from Brentford this window.
The chairman said he wouldn’t have a problem selling to Smith, as long as they were not looking likely to be in the playoffs.
I doubt very much we have the funds for Maupay, Mepham or the full back (name escapes me) Sawyers should be within reach.
They’ve had a long time to evaluate the squad, let’s hope we can get at least four solid signings.
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I don't know much anout Maupay, but I get the impression he's more Hogan than Abraham. If we're going to attack from the wings while Grealish is injured, would he be the best option for that?
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I don't know much anout Maupay, but I get the impression he's more Hogan than Abraham. If we're going to attack from the wings while Grealish is injured, would he be the best option for that?
Davis, in my opinion.
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An unpopular opinion possibly, but I wouldn't prioritise Abraham's replacement, simply because it wasn't so very long ago that we were thanking all the gods that Kodjia was coming back early from the Africa Cup of Nations. The guy can still score and is more than capable of leading the line, even if at the moment he's struggling. Part of the issue for me has been fitting Abraham and Kodjia in the same team. So (and I'm not saying we shouldn't be looking for another option up front, btw) if I was Smith I'd be looking at other areas first instead of panicking and paying the January premium like we did with Hogan.
No - I agree, striker isn't a priority and I'd be prepared to give Kodjia a run given we're virtually out of the race for top 2.
Kodjia would return to being penalty taker which would net him a couple possibly - He'd also score a couple of the sitters that Tammy misses so I don't think the difference would be that great. Kodjia is also deceptively good in the air when he is in the box.
Ultimately, it doesn't matter who scores the goals and with improvements further back, we have the potential to share them around a bit.
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By all means sign Maupay, but we signed Hogan because he was scoring, nothing more. If we don't yet have the players or the method to get the best from him, what's the point?
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I'd do little more than try and shore up the defense . The time for squad rebuilding is as soon as the season finishes. There will be 20 players out of contract or going home then, plus one ot two more Dean will want to shift, so that's the ideal opportunity to start a lengthy rebuild.
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I'd do little more than try and shore up the defense . The time for squad rebuilding is as soon as the season finishes. There will be 20 players out of contract or going home then, plus one ot two more Dean will want to shift, so that's the ideal opportunity to start a lengthy rebuild.
Have to agree with this. No point in panic buying this month and potentially adding to the lengthy list of players who are not really good enough just so we can get some bodies in. If there are players who are going to come in and add to the team then so be it, but I want us to be much more considered in our transfer dealings.
If Abraham goes, then I think Kodjia and Davis should be given the opportunity to fight it out to lead the line. If a quality left back, centre half and defensive midfielder can be identified then I would go for it, but wouldn't be looking for much else until the summer.
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Priority needs to be a centre back and 2 full backs.
It was only a month ago that we were lauding the team after hammering the rags, Middlesboro,Derby and outplaying the Bitters. We know there are problems but if the defense is more sturdy we will be up there.
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The priority will be determined by wether we are building for the future or scrambling to make the play offs.
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Priority for me are full back left side.
Centre midfielder , deep lying ball player and Centre back.
Maybe another striker.
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Most important thing is we sort out defence and centre midfield in this window. Let's not worry about replacing Tammy just now.
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Fuchs would be a great player at this level.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
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Fuchs would be a great player at this level.
It's a shame Leicester couldn't give us two of them.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
I agree in that I'd rather we signed a young gem but have we scouted any? Let's not denigrate Christian Fuchs ability, the guy is a very good footballer for this level and would walk in to our team. Head and shoulders above any of the donkey clown full backs we currently have.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
This.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Well yes in an ideal world, but that requires capital and we just don't know how much FFP will allow us to spend. If we can't buy players then we have no alternative to the loan market or making do with what we have.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Well yes in an ideal world, but that requires capital and we just don't know how much FFP will allow us to spend. If we can't buy players then we have no alternative to the loan market or making do with what we have.
We just lashed out £7m on a keeper.
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Fuchs would be a great player at this level.
It's a shame Leicester couldn't give us two of them.
It's a cracker!
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Well yes in an ideal world, but that requires capital and we just don't know how much FFP will allow us to spend. If we can't buy players then we have no alternative to the loan market or making do with what we have.
We just lashed out £7m on a keeper.
yeh but is that "new" money or was that what Bruce was planning to spend on the Fulham guy in the summer until he escaped down the M40? I haven't a clue what the budget is but even 3 new players at around 3m is going to take our spending into the 16m mark this month and i'm not sure we have that.
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Fuchs would be a solid enough option at 30k a week. 60k is mad money for him.
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Fuchs would be a great player at this level.
just been creamed by Newport’s Wilmot for the first goal of the game.
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Fuchs would be a great player at this level.
just been creamed by Newport’s Wilmot for the first goal of the game.
Yep, I can certainly see him as one of our full-backs...
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Fuchs would be a solid enough option at 30k a week. 60k is mad money for him.
yep. If the money isn't there for a permanent signing then fair enough, but spending 1.5m on a guy for 5 months and then being back to square one in the summer seems like something Bruce would do.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Well yes in an ideal world, but that requires capital and we just don't know how much FFP will allow us to spend. If we can't buy players then we have no alternative to the loan market or making do with what we have.
We just lashed out £7m on a keeper.
Who was desperately needed. At the time we were also looking for fullbacks and centre halfs. We couldn't really justify what small FFP budget we had on a striker and frankly couldn't have afforded any one anywhere near Tammy's quality in any event. He was an excellent cheap solution up front. It's a shame he's been recalled but the deal made perfect sense really.
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Fuchs looks dodgy
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Fuchs would be a solid enough option at 30k a week. 60k is mad money for him.
yep. If the money isn't there for a permanent signing then fair enough, but spending 1.5m on a guy for 5 months and then being back to square one in the summer seems like something Bruce would do.
His goals have given us a realistic chance of getting into the play-offs. How much is that worth?
By £1.5m do you mean his wages? If we had bought a striker we would have had to pay their wages too, so we're not really worse off in that respect.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Well yes in an ideal world, but that requires capital and we just don't know how much FFP will allow us to spend. If we can't buy players then we have no alternative to the loan market or making do with what we have.
We just lashed out £7m on a keeper.
Who was desperately needed. At the time we were also looking for fullbacks and centre halfs. We couldn't really justify what small FFP budget we had on a striker and frankly couldn't have afforded any one anywhere near Tammy's quality in any event. He was an excellent cheap solution up front. It's a shame he's been recalled but the deal made perfect sense really.
Was it really though Chris? I am struggling to see what Jed Steer has done wrong really because unless he is a complete 'Tommy tanker' behind the scenes or is just generally not rated, I would have thought he deserved a chance this season. He did well at Hull first game of the season and looked solid enough against QPR the other day.
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Fuchs has looked decent. Likes to get forward.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Well yes in an ideal world, but that requires capital and we just don't know how much FFP will allow us to spend. If we can't buy players then we have no alternative to the loan market or making do with what we have.
We just lashed out £7m on a keeper.
Who was desperately needed. At the time we were also looking for fullbacks and centre halfs. We couldn't really justify what small FFP budget we had on a striker and frankly couldn't have afforded any one anywhere near Tammy's quality in any event. He was an excellent cheap solution up front. It's a shame he's been recalled but the deal made perfect sense really.
Was it 7m desperate or could a loan or a cheaper option until the summer have done just as well? Truth is nobody knows what we have to spend I have to assume that the board have worked with the manager on identifying all of the positions of need. So if they can spend that on a GK there must be something left for the other areas. On Jan 6th I'm confident that we will have signed at least 2 or 3 more players by the end of the window and they won't be frees.
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Fuchs would be a solid enough option at 30k a week. 60k is mad money for him.
Isn't it just short term. His family live in New York and I read he was going there in the summer and wants to play NFL.
Think I'd swerve him tbh, he hasn't been great at all in their game on atm. Lacks match sharpness and all that.
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Fuchs would be a solid enough option at 30k a week. 60k is mad money for him.
Isn't it just short term. His family live in New York and I read he was going there in the summer and wants to play NFL.
Think I'd swerve him tbh, he hasn't been great at all in their game on atm. Lacks match sharpness and all that.
Like us he will not be cup tied for the rest of the season. Plus he looks a poor defender.
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Fuch’s looked dreadful
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Fuch’s looked dreadful
Well that tells me we're fuched!
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Fuchs would be a terrible decision. We shouldn’t be bringing in anyone who we don’t have plans for past the summer
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I'd be amazed if Smith brought in a high waged, ring rusty 32 year old. Doesn't seem his style. Now Taylor's back, I'd guess he'd stick with what we have. Getting in a defensive minded midfielder should be top priority.
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We’ve experimented with premier league players at the end of their career, they struggle in this league.
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Yep. It's so physical.
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One of the papers were reporting Hause might be closer with a few agreed today. Right age, not slow, big left footed centre half is essential. Also read we might go back for the French lad that didn't like Bruce style of play in the summer. That's the age of player we should be targeting. Holding midfield is a shame Woods left Brentford last summer, he would have been great here. Although Oldham had a decent holding mid against Fulham today.
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The French lad mokoudi? Or someone else?
I wonder if we'll go for woods in the summer
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The French lad mokoudi? Or someone else?
I wonder if we'll go for woods in the summer
Woods has just formally signed for Stoke Matt. Was a loan to buy agreement and now sorted permanently.
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Has Woods actually pulled up any trees for Stoke though? Joe Allen is their main man pulling the strings in midfield and Rowett has them playing even more mince than us.
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I'd be amazed if Smith brought in a high waged, ring rusty 32 year old. Doesn't seem his style. Now Taylor's back, I'd guess he'd stick with what we have. Getting in a defensive minded midfielder should be top priority.
Aren't we set up so that the Sporting Director does most of the identifying?
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Hope he's not a Fuchs fan.
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See our old boy Steven Davis has gone to Rangers on loan. I would happily taken him back for the season.
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Surely there are young and upcoming LB’s that we can sign permanently? Why are even interested in a 32 year old back up PL player? Off course he’s on very good money. It’s right out of the Steve Bruce book of player acquisition.
Yes i touted lloyd kelly Bristol city . Out of contract in summer
Decent
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Linked with Patrick Bauer of Charlton, right sided centre back.
Refused to sign new contract, which expires in 2019. So you’d imagine would be cheap.
Should add that’s from twitter!
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He's right sided though.
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Good, everyone that stood on the Holte knows the right side is the best, and the left is for idiots.
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Any news about Tammy training today
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i'm sure SSN will have twats brandishing giant microphones hiding in bushes in and around BH as we speak
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What about the centre half we tried to sign from a Scottish club on deadline day in the summer? They rejected the offer, but IIRC he was quite highly rated so why not go back with an improved offer..?
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What about the centre half we tried to sign from a Scottish club on deadline day in the summer? They rejected the offer, but IIRC he was quite highly rated so why not go back with an improved offer..?
Think it was 10m+ - none of us know but wouldn’t think we’d be spending 10m+ after already shelling out 6m on another keeper that wouldn’t have been budgeting for after spending in the summer on Nyland
John Percy from Telegraph who is usually spot on says Hause joins on loan today for rest of season
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Good, everyone that stood on the Holte knows the right side is the best, and the left is for idiots.
Fighting talk. And the left was far louder.
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Would be nice to hear of one of our donkey fullbacks replaced this week. And Whelan sent to the glue factory.
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Good, everyone that stood on the Holte knows the right side is the best, and the left is for idiots.
This might be the wrongest post I've ever seen on here, and I include the recent epidemic of "you're not a proper racist if you don't come from North Birmingham" nonsense.
The Left Side is obviously better. As in politics, the Left are seekers of a noble truth, a band of brothers and sisters dedicated to the bettering of humankind. The Right Side have no such values, and are lacking in any form of decency or character.
Even the layout is a giveaway, with the Left Side sharing in the glorious history of its neighbour, the Trinity Road Stand, while the Right Side sluttishly joins onto the disgracefully renamed Quisling Stand.
I remember for a cup game once having to sit on the Right Side. It made me feel physically sick. I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror for weeks afterwards which, admittedly, made shaving quite difficult. Luckily I had decided to grow a beard in a desperate attempt to disguise myself in case anyone had seen me at the game and pointed me out as a filthy Right Sider. The shame would have been unbearable.
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Good, everyone that stood on the Holte knows the right side is the best, and the left is for idiots.
This might be the wrongest post I've ever seen on here
Ahem. Roasters.
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Good, everyone that stood on the Holte knows the right side is the best, and the left is for idiots.
This might be the wrongest post I've ever seen on here
Ahem. Roasters.
Bacon. Ketchup.
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Looks like Hause May sign on loan Today, according to John Percy (Telegraph). Wonder if it would be a loan to buy
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Looks like Hause May sign on loan Today, according to John Percy (Telegraph). Wonder if it would be a loan to buy
It was reported yesterday that he was currently injured so is unlikely to pass a medical for a permanent deal at the moment.
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Oh great, another injured defender!
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Another loan who also has injury problems.Will we ever learn.
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You'd imagine that there would be a clause to send him back if he doesn't recover within x days, unless there is a loan fee...
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Oh great, another injured defender!
I was going to say, if someone can’t pass a medical for a permanent deal why on earth would you want them on loan?! Presumably you sign someone on loan to make an immediate impact!
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Looks like Hause May sign on loan Today, according to John Percy (Telegraph). Wonder if it would be a loan to buy
Have we sorted the mortgage?
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Oh great, another injured defender!
I was going to say, if someone can’t pass a medical for a permanent deal why on earth would you want them on loan?! Presumably you sign someone on loan to make an immediate impact!
I'd rather take a loan punt than buying him so we can see how he recovers from his injury and also if he as good as we hope he can be given he's hardly played in the last 12 months. Obviously it would be better if there's an option to buy.
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Oh great, another injured defender!
I was going to say, if someone can’t pass a medical for a permanent deal why on earth would you want them on loan?! Presumably you sign someone on loan to make an immediate impact!
I'd rather take a loan punt than buying him so we can see how he recovers from his injury and also if he as good as we hope he can be given he's hardly played in the last 12 months. Obviously it would be better if there's an option to buy.
My point was more that if you’re signing a player on loan it would seem pointless to have someone who can’t make an impact in the short-term. If his injury would cause him to fail a permanent medical why would he be of use for our purposes on loan? Unless it’s a technicality around inclusion on insurance.
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Oh great, another injured defender!
I was going to say, if someone can’t pass a medical for a permanent deal why on earth would you want them on loan?! Presumably you sign someone on loan to make an immediate impact!
I'd rather take a loan punt than buying him so we can see how he recovers from his injury and also if he as good as we hope he can be given he's hardly played in the last 12 months. Obviously it would be better if there's an option to buy.
My point was more that if you’re signing a player on loan it would seem pointless to have someone who can’t make an impact in the short-term. If his injury would cause him to fail a permanent medical why would he be of use for our purposes on loan? Unless it’s a technicality around inclusion on insurance.
I've no idea what the injury is, but there can certainly be injuries where players can play but not pass a medical. A loan just takes out the risk. But yeah, if it will take several weeks before he's up to speed then we should probably look elsewhere. Of course if there's an option to buy and the loan is cheap we may also be looking at the longer term.
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Championship Players out of contract this summer
Birmingham City
Tomasz Kuszcak
Michael Morrison
Dan Scarr
Viv Solomon-Otabor
Blackburn Rovers
Craig Conway
Paul Downing
Ben Gladwin
Sam Hart
Jayson Leutwiler
Jack Rodwell
Willem Tomlinson
Bolton Wanderers
Mark Beevers
Will Buckley
Clayton Donaldson
Jack Hobbs
Mark Little
Craig Noone
Jake Turner
Josh Vela
David Wheater
Marc Wilson
Brentford
Yoann Barbet
Alan Judge
Lewis MacLeod
Josh McEachran
Moses Odubajo
Bristol City
Frank Fielding
Niki Maenpaa
Callum O'Dowda
Eros Pisano
Matty Taylor
Bailey Wright (option to extend to 2020)
Derby County
Craig Bryson
Jacob Butterfield
David Nugent
Tom Huddlestone (option to extend to 2020)
Bradley Johnson
Joe Ledley
Marcus Olsson
Alex Pearce
Kelle Roos
Hull City
Fraizer Campbell
Evandro
Markus Henriksen
Will Keane
David Marshall
Ondrej Mazuch
Robbie McKenzie
James Weir
Ipswich Town
Tom Adeyemi (option to extend to 2020)
Teddy Bishop
Luke Chambers
Myles Kenlock
Jonas Knudsen
Jordan Spence
Grant Ward
Leeds
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Middlesbrough
Stewart Downing
Grant Leadbitter
Millwall
Jordan Archer
Tom Elliott
Shane Ferguson
Lee Gregory
Jem Karacan (expires in January)
Conor McLaughlin
Aiden O'Brien
Ryan Tunnicliffe
Norwich City
Todd Cantwell
Timm Klose
Ivo Pinto
Nottingham Forest
Danny Fox
Juan Fuentes
Stephen Henderson
Jamie Ward
Preston North End
Andy Boyle
Paul Gallagher
Michael Howard
Tommy Spurr
Calum Woods
QPR
Alex Baptiste
Jake Bidwell
Jordan Cousins
Grant Hall
Niko Hamalainen
Joel Lynch
Charlie Owens
Angel Rangel
Olamide Shodipo
Paul Smyth
Idrissa Sylla
Pawel Wszolek
Reading
David Edwards
Anssi Jaakkola
Paul McShane
John O'Shea
Rotherham
Alex Bray
Anthony Forde
Akeem Hinds
Michael Ihiekwe
Joe Mattock
Joe Newell
Darren Potter
Jon Taylor
Will Vaulks
Sheffield United
Billy Sharp
Paul Coutts
Martin Cranie (expires January 31)
Harvey Gilmour
David McGoldrick
Conor Washington
Sheffield Wednesday
Almen Abdi
George Boyd
Fredrik Fisker Nielsen
Gary Hooper
David Jones
Kieran Lee
Marco Matias
Connor O'Grady
Fraser Preston
Daniel Pudil
Keiren Westwood
Stoke City
Charlie Adam
Ibrahim Afellay
Peter Crouch
Darren Fletcher
Jakob Haugaard
Swansea City
Wilfried Bony
Leroy Fer
Adam King
Luciano Narsingh
Martin Olsson
Wayne Routledge
Mike van der Hoorn
West Brom
Gareth Barry
Chris Brunt
Rekeem Harper
James Morrison
Boaz Myhill
Bakary Sako
Wigan Athletic
Alex Bruce
Nathan Byrne
Jamie Jones
Shaun MacDonald
Gavin Massey
Callum McManaman
Chris Merrie
Nick Powell
Gary Roberts
James Vaughan
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Obvious ones
Nick Powell, esp if grealish goes. Tho he's more of a second striker
Barbet or odubajo
Bidwell
Paul coutts is meant to be good?.
Can't well would be a coup
Klose
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That Alan Nixon has just said we're recalling Jordan Lyden.
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RudyCantFail is his biggest fan so he'll be happy about that. Lyden will be a household name in Portugal before his career is over!
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I think it's so that we can take a direct look as hes out of contract soon
Don't imagine hell he into the squad
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Kortney is ours - official. Loan with option to buy
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Kortney is ours - official. Loan with option to buy
Well that's something. would have preferred us buying him but beggar can't be choosers
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Kortney is ours - official. Loan with option to buy
Well that's something. would have preferred us buying him but beggar can't be choosers
Why would you prefer buying him when we have an option to buy anyway? Just wondering.
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Happy with a loan and option, covered our backs well there. Very happy with this one.
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Happy with a loan and option, covered our backs well there. Very happy with this one.
Yep makes sense.
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Kortney is ours - official. Loan with option to buy
Well that's something. would have preferred us buying him but beggar can't be choosers
Why would you prefer buying him when we have an option to buy anyway? Just wondering.
Because all it means is we have agreed a fee with wolves and if he's a major success and someone in the premiership gets interested then he can go "nope".
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Kortney is ours - official. Loan with option to buy
Well that's something. would have preferred us buying him but beggar can't be choosers
Why would you prefer buying him when we have an option to buy anyway? Just wondering.
Because all it means is we have agreed a fee with wolves and if he's a major success and someone in the premiership gets interested then he can go "nope".
Ok fair enough. He'd have to have a hell of a few months for that to happen mind given he hasn't really played first team football for 18 months.
The flip side is we get the player without using up too much of our FFP funds and hopefully all being well complete a deal in the summer.
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Obvious ones
Nick Powell, esp if grealish goes. Tho he's more of a second striker
Barbet or odubajo
Bidwell
Paul coutts is meant to be good?.
Can't well would be a coup
Klose
O'Dowda is a very handy player. Inside forward with a nice left foot and plenty of guile. If he got a bit stronger could develop into a player like Snodgrass.
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Birmingham Mail reported rumours of us bidding £10m for Adam Reach at Sheffield Wednesday? Bruce will love that!
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Isn’t he a winger?
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Birmingham Mail reported rumours of us bidding £10m for Adam Reach at Sheffield Wednesday? Bruce will love that!
He is a good player, it will be good to have reach around.
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Reach is a 2nd striker isn't he?
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At least It wouldnt be a loan
looks a good player when Ive seen him
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Che Adams anyone (puts tin hat on and runs away)
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Don’t know much about Reach but his profile seems right. 6’1, 25 years old and can play as an attacking left back?
Would bring the height of the back four up and seems to be highly rated at this level.
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That Alan Nixon has just said we're recalling Jordan Lyden.
Is it right he left back as I think at Villa
lyden played left back but is a midfielder yes
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I'm not sure how we could afford Adam Reach to be honest. Sheffield paid £5m for him and I imagine they consider him to be worth 2 or 3 times that. I can't think that sort of money on a left winger would be a good use of our budget.
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Isn’t he a winger?
Yep. Scored an absolute screamer against us at VP a couple of seasons ago if I recall correctly.
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We need fullbacks and a mobile defensive midfielder. No more wingers needed. With El Ghazi, Bolasie and Adomah we are stocked. Priorities please.
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We need fullbacks and a mobile defensive midfielder. No more wingers needed. With El Ghazi, Bolasie and Adomah we are stocked. Priorities please.
Non of which will be hear next season. Then again we can worry about that in the summer
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Birmingham Mail reported rumours of us bidding £10m for Adam Reach at Sheffield Wednesday? Bruce will love that!
He is a good player, it will be good to have reach around.
Applause ;D
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Taken from a NewsNow article, so hardly concrete:
"According to reports, Aston Villa are interested in signing Adam Reach from Sheffield Wednesday.
The 25-year-old winger (who can also play as a full-back) has scored 6 spectacular goals for the Owls this season and has been their shining light in what has ultimately been an underwhelming campaign so far.
Therefore, in a strange twist of fate, Steve Bruce, who will become Wednesday’s manager at the start of next month, could find himself losing one of his best players to a club that sacked him just four months ago.
It is understood that Sheffield Wednesday want at least £10 million for their star man, but Villa might not be able to afford that figure as they are supposedly in a lot of trouble with Financial Fair Play. This means that they might be limited to loan deals during the transfer window.
However, if they were able to sign him, it would be a great signing as he would add some more attacking flair to Dean Smith’s side."
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what about Danny Drinkwater on loan
he aint getting much action
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what about Danny Drinkwater on loan
he aint getting much action
Neither am I
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At £10M the Wednesday player will be out of reach for us.
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How good is Reach really? We know he can score the occasional screamer but has anyone spotted him doing anything else of use over the last few years? We've already got Hourihane in the 95% anonymous role. I wouldn't want us to blow anything like 10 million on another highlights player. Shop smartly and we could get three players for that sort of money.
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what about Danny Drinkwater on loan
Blimey, there's a name that I haven't heard for a while.
Is he permanently injured or just way down the pecking order at Chelsea.
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what about Danny Drinkwater on loan
he aint getting much action
Neither am I
soz mate I aint got his phone number
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what about Danny Drinkwater on loan
he aint getting much action
Neither am I
soz mate I aint got his phone number
I can wait...I'm good at that
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Oh yeah, then eventually a little seems a lot 😛
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You'd imagine that there would be a clause to send him back if he doesn't recover within x days, unless there is a loan fee...
Don’t.
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what about Danny Drinkwater on loan
Blimey, there's a name that I haven't heard for a while.
Is he permanently injured or just way down the pecking order at Chelsea.
He's on mega bucks
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Drinkwater all but retired the day he signed for Chelsea
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I hope to god that we never ever sign Drinkwater, the puns on here would be unbearable.
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Drinkwater all but retired the day he signed for Chelsea
He definitely seemed to lose his thirst for the game.
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Drinkwater all but retired the day he signed for Chelsea
He definitely seemed to lose his thirst for the game.
Pvb1968 saw him in a Villa shirt, alas it was just a mirage
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I hope to god that we never ever sign Drinkwater, the puns on here would be unbearable.
I disagree, and soda many others I reckon. He'd be a tonic.
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I hope to god that we never ever sign Drinkwater, the puns on here would be unbearable.
I disagree, and soda many others I reckon. He'd be a tonic.
Water load of bollocks. Danny Drinkwater come to the Villa, meh?
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Well, you can take a horse to water ....
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Eau for a DM like Danny.
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Can we pull a reverse Tony Moon on him and just call him Danny Beberagua?
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FFS, another sea of puns.
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I know Leicester consider the subject of his departure water under the bridge.
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Was it not a bridge over troubled water
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I'm sure we'd be oceans apart from Leicester's valuation on the player
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If we moved him up front I think he could become the next Aguaro.
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Because of his Chelsea contract, Isn't he tide to them?
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Because of his Chelsea contract, Isn't he tide to them?
Yes, he’s their beach.
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Because of his Chelsea contract, Isn't he tide to them?
Yes, he’s their beach.
He's not the most talkative of footballers.
Try saying hello to him and he just waves.
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Dear Lord...Danny Drinkwater puns...no wonder Mazrim and Mark Fletcher eloped.
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Overweight and not as quick as he used to be, he's Evian slow
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Chelsea nearly signed Spurs midfielders elders girl instead.
It would have been Harry Winksdaughter.
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Chelsea nearly signed Spurs midfielders elders girl instead.
It would have been Harry Winksdaughter.
Now that is awful.
I love it.
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Allegedly he's washed up as a footballer. I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.
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Meanwhile, away from the most tiresome punathon of all times, are we going to sign a left back?
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Not a left-back, but I saw someone on Twitter suggest that, with Blose desperate for cash, we should offer them £1m + Gary Gardner for Jota. Given how well he played under Smith for Brentford, that could be a stroke of genius.
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Not a left-back, but I saw someone on Twitter suggest that, with Blose desperate for cash, we should offer them £1m + Gary Gardner for Jota. Given how well he played under Smith for Brentford, that could be a stroke of genius.
i dont think blues are strapped for cash - arent they just hamstrung by FFP?
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Standard press talk about Maupay for big money, more than 17M which would be silly. Better spent on midfield and defence. Although I would trade hogan back if they wanted him. In fact I’d trade hogan for quite a few players who would cost half his transfer.
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Not a left-back, but I saw someone on Twitter suggest that, with Blose desperate for cash, we should offer them £1m + Gary Gardner for Jota. Given how well he played under Smith for Brentford, that could be a stroke of genius.
i dont think blues are strapped for cash - arent they just hamstrung by FFP?
Same thing really isn't it? It'd add revenue to the Balance Sheet that they wouldn't otherwise have, and allow them to keep their favourite son without having to show and expenditure towards him (presuming that they're already covering his wages in full).
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How much of McCormacks wages are Motherwell covering - £3k of £40k? And possibly nothing until he's fit. Average wage at a middling Scottish club must be League One/Two levels surely.
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How much of McCormacks wages are Motherwell covering - £3k of £40k? And possibly nothing until he's fit. Average wage at a middling Scottish club must be League One/Two levels surely.
Maybe not that much; see Rooney & Salford.
I recognise that Salford aren't your normal non-league outfit but I think it was £4k per week that Rooney was given. I assume that this was more than Aberdeen were paying him.
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You'd expect Aberdeen will have significantly greater resources than Motherwell, too.
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Standard press talk about Maupay for big money, more than 17M which would be silly. Better spent on midfield and defence. Although I would trade hogan back if they wanted him. In fact I’d trade hogan for quite a few players who would cost half his transfer.
I'd trade Hogan for quite a few people who aren't even footballers.
I wouldn't even rule out swapping him for inanimate objects.
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Seems Brentford are trying to price Maupay out of the market
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Seems Brentford are trying to price Maupay out of the market
From what I’ve seen, he probably is worth over ten million. I hope that’s enough to price us out, nevermind twenty million!
Fingers crossed we don’t have to look for a forward.
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Seems Brentford are trying to price Maupay out of the market
For me about £5m is enough to do that. He had a 10 game spell at the start of the season where he scored a goal a game and other than that is a 1 in 3 striker over 18 months in this league. That's about the same as Kodjia who he'd effectively be the replacement for. He's 22 and may well improve but given our finances and squad he's just not worth the gamble for the sort of fee that would get Brentford to even talk to us.
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As per usual, it looks like the vast majority of business will happen at the very end of the window. From that list of Championship players that are out of contract in the summer, I'm sure clubs will be looking to cash-in if they haven't signed new contracts so will be looking for as much money as possible. I still think we'll get Barbet, for example, but probably at the very last minute.
Hopefully, with our fixture-list between now and the end of the month, this might work in our favour a bit.
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I wouldn't even rule out swapping him for inanimate objects.
Why do you have to bring Glenn Whelan into the conversation, that's just mean :)
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I think Paulie was usi g the term in its strictest sense ie being without life. I am pretty sure Glenn Whelan is alive it is just that he never shows it.
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Assuming Jack is going be fit soon then we need a LB as priority. If we get someone in there and the rest of the team stay fit we’ll get top 6 IMO
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Seems Brentford are trying to price Maupay out of the market
For me about £5m is enough to do that. He had a 10 game spell at the start of the season where he scored a goal a game and other than that is a 1 in 3 striker over 18 months in this league. That's about the same as Kodjia who he'd effectively be the replacement for. He's 22 and may well improve but given our finances and squad he's just not worth the gamble for the sort of fee that would get Brentford to even talk to us.
I agree that we have other priorities but I think Maupay could very well be the real deal .
He was the 2nd youngest goalscorer in Ligue 1 history.As a teenager he had scored 9 goals in 50 plus appearances but 3/4 of those were as a sub.So time wise less than 30 games ? Then as a 20 yr old ,11 goals in under 30 appearances in League 2.Already 27 goals for Brentford in 49 + 17 as a sub.Game time 54-56 matches.About 1 in 2 and improving.
Add to that ,a lot of appearances for all the French age groups and a record of almost 1 in 2 for them. So ,a record of being a fairly consistent scorer.He's mobile and strong ,has to be if he plays upfront in England,and 22. Strikers scoring ratios usually improve as they mature..His eventual price would be not too exorbitant as he's in the Championship and a relative newcomer and comes with the caveats of 'not done it at the top level' and 'could be a one season wonder'.
If we got promoted,I would make it a priority to sign him.
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Seems Brentford are trying to price Maupay out of the market
For me about £5m is enough to do that. He had a 10 game spell at the start of the season where he scored a goal a game and other than that is a 1 in 3 striker over 18 months in this league. That's about the same as Kodjia who he'd effectively be the replacement for. He's 22 and may well improve but given our finances and squad he's just not worth the gamble for the sort of fee that would get Brentford to even talk to us.
I agree that we have other priorities but I think Maupay could very well be the real deal .
He was the 2nd youngest goalscorer in Ligue 1 history.As a teenager he had scored 9 goals in 50 plus appearances but 3/4 of those were as a sub.So time wise less than 30 games ? Then as a 20 yr old ,11 goals in under 30 appearances in League 2.Already 27 goals for Brentford in 49 + 17 as a sub.Game time 54-56 matches.About 1 in 2 and improving.
Add to that ,a lot of appearances for all the French age groups and a record of almost 1 in 2 for them. So ,a record of being a fairly consistent scorer.He's mobile and strong ,has to be if he plays upfront in England,and 22. Strikers scoring ratios usually improve as they mature..His eventual price would be not too exorbitant as he's in the Championship and a relative newcomer and comes with the caveats of 'not done it at the top level' and 'could be a one season wonder'.
If we got promoted,I would make it a priority to sign him.
I don't really look at scoring records in youth football and I have no idea what the standard of Ligue 2 is like so it's hard to know how good he was. My worry is that he seems to be a bit of a bully who is good against poor defenders that he can just out battle. I don't think that would translate to the premier league which is why I'd be wary of spending big money on him on the back of what is really 6 months of top form. We made that mistake with Hogan (I'm not comparing them, just the situation) and it's one I would want to see repeated. If we don't go up the cost is too high, if we do the risk is too high, I rather use the money on Tammy as at least he'd know the club and have a much longer run of form. I just can't think of a situation where Maupay, in 2019, is a worthwhile use of £20m.
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Regardless of his scoring record, or what the fee would be - if there's one person who would know if he's worth what they're asking, it's Dean Smith. If he really wants him, I hope the club go all out to get him.
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Regardless of his scoring record, or what the fee would be - if there's one person who would know if he's worth what they're asking, it's Dean Smith. If he really wants him, I hope the club go all out to get him.
I'm coming round to that train of thought to be honest. Smith and O'Kelly know him and if they rate him highly and the opportunity to buy him is there then we should probably look at it. I can't see some of the figures being quoted for him as being accurate and players always tend to end up going for less than the rumoured amount anyway.
I can't see Abraham being here beyond the end of the season, so we will need a replacement then anyway. Decent strikers are a real commodity in football and he might not be available if he has a strong end to the season with Brentford
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Assuming Jack is going be fit soon then we need a LB as priority. If we get someone in there and the rest of the team stay fit we’ll get top 6 IMO
If we sign a left back and a defensive midfielder who are a decent age and are going to first team regulars going forward, and we can keep Abraham for the rest of the season, then it will have been a decent enough window.
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So according to Sky, Brentford want £20m + for their striker, yet Chelsea only want £18m for Abraham - the football world is totally mad!
Surely a Championship club, no matter how wealthy the owners, should not be allowed to spend that kind of money on a player.
For me at the end of this season we need to have a major clear out of players
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So according to Sky, Brentford want £20m + for their striker, yet Chelsea only want £18m for Abraham - the football world is totally mad!
Surely a Championship club, no matter how wealthy the owners, should not be allowed to spend that kind of money on a player.
For me at the end of this season we need to have a major clear out of players
I thought Chelsea wanted £50m now?
I think the trick here is that if Smith wants him, and our DoF want him, then we should go for it. We've been bitten too many times by ex managers signing their players who've then turned out to be shit.
The DoF role surely has to rubber stamp purchases as well as seeking players out for the Head Coach to look at.
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Regardless of his scoring record, or what the fee would be - if there's one person who would know if he's worth what they're asking, it's Dean Smith. If he really wants him, I hope the club go all out to get him.
I'm coming round to that train of thought to be honest. Smith and O'Kelly know him and if they rate him highly and the opportunity to buy him is there then we should probably look at it. I can't see some of the figures being quoted for him as being accurate and players always tend to end up going for less than the rumoured amount anyway.
I can't see Abraham being here beyond the end of the season, so we will need a replacement then anyway. Decent strikers are a real commodity in football and he might not be available if he has a strong end to the season with Brentford
Equally he might not score for the next 10 games and Brentford get relegated & his price tag goes down.
I really can’t see our owners throwing around more serious money in this window, if I remember right from when we were selling/keeping Jack the FFP time was March so I’d guess the unexpected 6m to rectify the keeper situation plus whatever it cost to pay off the Bruce & his band of ineptness will have put a big hole in coffers.
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Any sign of a defender deal?
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We signed one two days ago.
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Why would we consider spending £15m or more on one player now when we need to improve half of the team.
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because this is Aston Villa where, as we have proved time and time again, anything is possible .
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Why are we not giving our young lads a chance on a regular basis - rather than continually having to buy these over priced players from other clubs, who in 6 months time most on here will be saying "waste of money" and we can't give them away!
Surely we have must have lads in the reserve team who can step up into the 1st team.
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Why are we not giving our young lads a chance on a regular basis - rather than continually having to buy these over priced players from other clubs, who in 6 months time most on here will be saying "waste of money" and we can't give them away!
Surely we have must have lads in the reserve team who can step up into the 1st team.
That's the point. We clearly don't, either that or the players they ae expected to play with aren't good enough to support them.
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Why are we not giving our young lads a chance on a regular basis - rather than continually having to buy these over priced players from other clubs, who in 6 months time most on here will be saying "waste of money" and we can't give them away!
Surely we have must have lads in the reserve team who can step up into the 1st team.
That's the point. We clearly don't, either that or the players they ae expected to play with aren't good enough to support them.
I think that’s the issue with O’Hare. Some of the players he was playing with were miles behind him in terms of speed of thought and movement yet strangely some on here ( but not on the Holte) thought he was poor.
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O'Hare gave the ball away and was physically bullied. He was poor. It's ludicrous to blame others for what's he's responsible for.
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O'Hare gave the ball away and was physically bullied. He was poor. It's ludicrous to blame others for what's he's responsible for.
I thought O'Hare was okay against Swansea. Yes, he was bullied but he also put in some great first-time passes and his movement was excellent.
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Why are we not giving our young lads a chance on a regular basis - rather than continually having to buy these over priced players from other clubs, who in 6 months time most on here will be saying "waste of money" and we can't give them away!
Surely we have must have lads in the reserve team who can step up into the 1st team.
That's the point. We clearly don't, either that or the players they ae expected to play with aren't good enough to support them.
[/quote
Your second point is pretty much spot on for me. We have a poor squad in my opinion with the exception of Grealish and Abraham who isn’t actually ours anyway.
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O'Hare looked OK I thought. Certainly the best of a poor bunch on Saturday.
However, his rare appearances so far haven't shown anything to suggest he's ready for a regular role. Maybe, in the post-Grealish era, he'll get more game time and prove to be a star.
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O'Hare gave the ball away and was physically bullied. He was poor. It's ludicrous to blame others for what's he's responsible for.
That’s the great ( and bad ) thing about football Ads. Two people can watch the same game and player and have completely different opinions. Even stats are open to interpretation. It’s great from a fans point of view because we can waste hours debating it on Forums like this but bad from a player’s point of view because even professional managers have different opinions to an extent as well. So I hope for O’Hares sake Deano sees what I see in him, not what you do !
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The problem is with our fan base in general and I'm not saying on here I mean as a cross section. We massively jump the gun on saying a player is shit!
Perfect example was gueye... I reckon 80% of villa fans I know personally were calling him shit and not good enough whilst I was sat here saying he was one of the best centre miss in the prem. Fast forward a few years and he is on the brink of joining PSG.
Someone got bullied and made a few mistakes but for most of the game was quite slick. Now half our fans base are already writing him off whilst the others are proclaiming the second coming of Christ.
The fact is untill someone has 15-20 games under their belts and I mean 90 min games not here and there as a sub we will have no idea if they can cut it. But this should be the time we dabble with youth because if we go up we can't afford to chance it. I want a cdm in this window now and that will give us decent enough cover in every department to supplement it with kids.
Left back we have Taylor, Hutton, Hause and let's not forget Chester can also play there.
Center back Chester elphnick Hause Tunzebee bree
Right back hutton Elmo bree and Tunzebee
If nobody leaves we don't need anything but a cdm and we should be scouring Europe not buying at inflated prices of rival clubs because we missed the boat.
Let's go and buy wilmar barrios from Boca. He can play right back, center back and cdm and is a total monster
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It was the same with Veretout, who most were saying he is crap - how much is he worth now?
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O'Hare gave the ball away and was physically bullied. He was poor. It's ludicrous to blame others for what's he's responsible for.
That’s the great ( and bad ) thing about football Ads. Two people can watch the same game and player and have completely different opinions. Even stats are open to interpretation. It’s great from a fans point of view because we can waste hours debating it on Forums like this but bad from a player’s point of view because even professional managers have different opinions to an extent as well. So I hope for O’Hares sake Deano sees what I see in him, not what you do !
I saw the same as ADS unfortunately. He did start really brightly, always making himself available and had some really good touches - very Grealish-esq. But he faded very badly, got bullied and became largely anonymous. I have high hopes for him long term, but was disappointed on Saturday.
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It was the same with Veretout, who most were saying he is crap - how much is he worth now?
It wasn't the fanbase who sold him, though, was it?
The club has a long history of not looking after its assets (by which I mean players). Witness the bomb squad and all that bullshit.
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It was the same with Veretout, who most were saying he is crap - how much is he worth now?
Yeah but he was crap for us, as were Gate, Amarvi and Ayew.
I am sure Palace and Liverpool fans think Benteke is crap, but he was excellent for Villa. You can only judge on what you see at the time, and none of that lot showed anything to suggest they were good players.
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O'Hare gave the ball away and was physically bullied. He was poor. It's ludicrous to blame others for what's he's responsible for.
Being bullied is something he needs to learn to deal with, it's the main reason why he should've been allowed to go on loan last year so he could have 4-5 months of game time in league 1 to get used to the physical side of it.
Giving the ball away is as much about the team as it is the player in many cases. Some players just aren't very good at passing the ball, Jedinak suffers from that, but the vast majority of players will be able to pass 10-15yards consistently on a training pitch but in a match it changes and if you're in a team with players you don't know well and none of them are offering any leadership things can fall apart quite quickly.
For me I'd rather see someone like O'Hare in the team making mistakes than see Whlen/Jedinak making them. For the former it's an opportunity to improve, for the latter it's too late for that.
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Rico Henry having a medical..
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Rico Henry having a medical..
A Bluenose ...
... not that that should mean anything
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Rico Henry having a medical..
excellent, hope this is true.
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It was the same with Veretout, who most were saying he is crap - how much is he worth now?
It wasn't the fanbase who sold him, though, was it?
The club has a long history of not looking after its assets (by which I mean players). Witness the bomb squad and all that bullshit.
In any case, there have been far bigger players at arguably bigger clubs who haven't cut it in the Premier League. Veron, Falcao and di Maria at Man U, and Shevchenko at Chelsea, being obvious examples. Then some players seem to do well at one club, and then not at others. Benteke with us, and Torres at Liverpool for example. There's no science to it, and just because a player has gone on to do well after leaving us, it doesn't mean that he'd have been a success if only the nasty fans had had a bit more patience.
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I'm assuming it's Idrissa Gana Gueye.
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@avfctransfers1 would have told about Rico Henry but the Twitter account had disappeared after the Hause delay. I hope he isn't in trouble.
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I thought most of those players mentioned above were ok
better than what replaced them certainly no worse
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When is the deadline for availability for Saturday? Friday at noon?
If we can get Henry in as well, we'll have made a solid start to the year in terms of bringing players in. All 3 should be upgrades on what we currently have in the first team.
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Rico Henry medical complete
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Rico Henry medical complete
Did he pass ?
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Left back we have Taylor, Hutton, Hause and let's not forget Chester can also play there.
WHAT?
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Rico Henry medical complete
Did he pass ?
No, it sailed harmelessly out of play.
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I'm assuming it's Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Yes, typed it on a phone and it autocorrected - sorry.
Looked awful for us, and showed no indication that he would go on to be a good player for Everton.
The other point is that some of those players sulked and did not want to play for us post relegation - Vertout for example. So as much as it is annoying to see them perform at a level that places a high value now, I don't think you can attack the club for that. It is the players that should be getting pelters for not performing for us.
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Rico Henry medical complete
Pleased if that happens, good player in a position we need to improve in.
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Finally Henry to villa!!
But on Rico he's defensive not the best but decent going forward
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I'm assuming it's Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Yes, typed it on a phone and it autocorrected - sorry.
Looked awful for us, and showed no indication that he would go on to be a good player for Everton.
The other point is that some of those players sulked and did not want to play for us post relegation - Vertout for example. So as much as it is annoying to see them perform at a level that places a high value now, I don't think you can attack the club for that. It is the players that should be getting pelters for not performing for us.
I disagree on Gueye, he looked a decent player but the club around him was a mess. Amavi looked like he needed someone to work with him on his defensive positioning but he was excellent going forward and was always going to become a good player. Veretout, I think, needed a bit of an arm around him and to be helped get used to the different league and culture, instead Sherwood threw him under a bus and he never got over it. Finally Ayew looked very good in patches but was infuriatingly inconsistent. Something that was true before we signed him and is true since.
If we'd had a full squad of players of that standard I don't think we'd have been relegated.
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If you knew what happened to the incoming foreign players when Gabby's gang ruled the dressing room you might notice a consistent thread of players who were deemed to be "sulking" and moved on to become highly respected, competent players. Perhaps they were not sulking, perhaps they were angry.
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Rico Henry to be completed later this evening or tomorrow apparently.
A left back was on my list, although I confess I don't know much about the lad.
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https://youtu.be/5Cje_s44ixw as Footy said he looks great going forward!
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blimey I know it's youtube, but feck he is quick and has got good feet too...
UTV
The Doc
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Please just be a decent left back. You would think that the laws of probability would state that a professional manager at Villa must buy one at least half way competent player for that position eventually, but given the extremely long line of absolute duffers we've had, it almost seems like they've been having a private competition to see who can find the worst footballer on the planet to play there.
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He does seem quick with good feet based on that. Aggressive little bugger.
Not the tallest, but recovery pace can cover a multitude of sins.
Anybody whose seen him know more about him?
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I thought most of those players mentioned above were ok
better than what replaced them certainly no worse
Talking of players who were here before their time.
Carlos Sanchez. Looked totally lost when he was here, but, would probably be a perfect fit in a Dean Smith team
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It'll be good to have more pace in the team, we're still so bloody slow all the time. Just hope he can defend.
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This is taking some getting used to. We were all pretty much agreed we need GK, CB, LB. 10th of January, all in, no messing about, done.
We seem to have management that watches the same games we do.
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This is taking some getting used to. We were all pretty much agreed we need GK, CB, LB. 10th of January, all in, no messing about, done.
We seem to have management that watches the same games we do.
In fairness, it wasn't rocket science though was it?
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Where’s the news about Rico Henry coming from? I’ve seen nothing other than Villa fans discussing it on Twitter.
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This is taking some getting used to. We were all pretty much agreed we need GK, CB, LB. 10th of January, all in, no messing about, done.
We seem to have management that watches the same games we do.
its great isn't it
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He needs to be a good defender first and foremost. All good and well being quick and bombing down the line but more than anything I want him to secure that left side of the defence. Wins the ball runs forward puts in a good cross or gives it to the winger.
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Rico Suave.
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Where’s the news about Rico Henry coming from? I’ve seen nothing other than Villa fans discussing it on Twitter.
If you're quick, his wiki page says he plays for us.
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he's running about like he's got a red hot poker up his arse on that YT montage - a bit Adama -esque in a way. Be good, please.
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He needs to be a good defender first and foremost. All good and well being quick and bombing down the line but more than anything I want him to secure that left side of the defence. Wins the ball runs forward puts in a good cross or gives it to the winger.
On the occasions I have seen him, he looks very much the modern full-back. Quick, decent on the ball and gets forward well. There were a few suggesting we should sign him when he left Walsall, but he ended up following Smith to Brentford.
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Left back we have Taylor, Hutton, Hause and let's not forget Chester can also play there.
WHAT?
Chester has played left back on quite a few occasions over his career
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I thought most of those players mentioned above were ok
better than what replaced them certainly no worse
Talking of players who were here before their time.
Carlos Sanchez. Looked totally lost when he was here, but, would probably be a perfect fit in a Dean Smith team
I thought Sanchez was a good player and felt that he was not helped by having to cover for the incompetence and physical weakness of Westwood. Sometimes this “playing for two” resulted in passes going astray and unfair criticism of him.
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Sanchez was knackered on the hour mark.
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I don't know who Gate is but it is not true that Veretout, Amavi and Ayew showed no signs of quality for us. The talent in all three was there to see as it was in Traore and Gueye. Problem was not with the players it was the chaotic shambles the club had become.
I thought most of those players mentioned above were ok
better than what replaced them certainly no worse
Talking of players who were here before their time.
Carlos Sanchez. Looked totally lost when he was here, but, would probably be a perfect fit in a Dean Smith team
I thought Sanchez was a good player and felt that he was not helped by having to cover for the incompetence and physical weakness of Westwood. Sometimes this “playing for two” resulted in passes going astray and unfair criticism of him.
I reckon Sanchez would have been one of the best footballers on the planet has football been 7 a side and no more than 30 minutes each way.
Like most of Lambert's signings he had ability that was negated by fatal flaws.
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First-Half-Sanchez was good but Second-Half-Sanchez was abysmal and costly. I've never seen a player so consistently conk out on the hour mark like he used to. It was like his batteries suddenly ran out in every single game.
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blimey I know it's youtube, but feck he is quick and has got good feet too...
UTV
The Doc
Pretty much the same, has loads of pace which is always a positive, from what I can find from Walsall fans apparently he's works his tits off up and down the pitch so he gets a big thumbs up from me straight away. |I wonder what the cost will be though.
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Sanchez was knackered on the hour mark.
Yes, you're correct, but, he was always having to compensate for others. He always seemed to last the pace for Columbia and Fiorentina.
Anyway, it's in the past now.
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Meaning Evil saying the Henry imminent story has no legs
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https://youtu.be/5Cje_s44ixw as Footy said he looks great going forward!
Fuck me, how quick is he?
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Can he defend?
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Where’s the news about Rico Henry coming from? I’ve seen nothing other than Villa fans discussing it on Twitter.
If you're quick, his wiki page says he plays for us.
BOOOOOOO. He's back to Brentford.
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Meaning Evil saying the Henry imminent story has no legs
I’m all for equal opportunities but I genuinely don’t think we should sign a player with no legs.
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Agreed. We've already got Whelan for that role.
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Whelan = Davros.
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Meaning Evil saying the Henry imminent story has no legs
Pity. Could do with a full back, although I think we need a defensive midfielder more.
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Played under Dean Smith twice , first at Walsall and then signed for Brentford.
I give you Rico Henry.
Plays as a left back for Brentford.
He is a product of the Walsall academy and is a current England U20 international
I watched him on Monday night football sky 1-1 draw with WBA .
Was only ok tbh. Struggled a bit defensively as was given quite a lesson by Matty Phillips. Played around an hour
I flagged up he would totally be an option both in other games and also in this thread.
It was an obvious link in more ways than 2! and wonder how much substance it is apart from above info
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Sounds like we’re interested in him, but he’s not yet at Bodymoor Heath being photographed stretching the shirt.
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Left back we have Taylor, Hutton, Hause and let's not forget Chester can also play there.
WHAT?
Chester has played left back on quite a few occasions over his career
I did not know that. And judging by how bad he looks playing as a left sided centre back i don't ever want to see it in a Villa shirt
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Meaning Evil saying the Henry imminent story has no legs
Pity. Could do with a full back, although I think we need a defensive midfielder more.
Could really do with both!
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Left back we have Taylor, Hutton, Hause and let's not forget Chester can also play there.
WHAT?
Chester has played left back on quite a few occasions over his career
I did not know that. And judging by how bad he looks playing as a left sided centre back i don't ever want to see it in a Villa shirt
He's basically a static lb and didn't get up the park much but my point was backs to the wall he could do a job there if needed for a few game.
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Chester left back was a total Pulis move.
Smith likes his full backs forward moving and actually left backs .
Granted he could play there and good info sharing .
Even for a 5 min cameo late in match but again not in line with dean smith footballing ideals.
Quite right too.
Only way he could be good at left back would be playing for chester
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Chester left back was a total Pulis move.
Smith likes his full backs forward moving and actually left backs .
Granted he could play there and good info sharing .
Even for a 5 min cameo late in match but again not in line with dean smith footballing ideals.
Quite right too.
Only way he could be good at left back would be playing for chester
He also played left back for Wales a fair few times.
I agree about him being a poor left back but I'm talking about him being a 4th or 5th choice desperation back up.
I hope we do sign Rico but I would prefer a cdm who is mobile and scary to the opposition front line. A Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira type. Fed up of being bullied by shit house little teams because we are to nice
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Chester left back was a total Pulis move.
Smith likes his full backs forward moving and actually left backs .
Granted he could play there and good info sharing .
Even for a 5 min cameo late in match but again not in line with dean smith footballing ideals.
Quite right too.
Only way he could be good at left back would be playing for chester
He also played left back for Wales a fair few times.
I agree about him being a poor left back but I'm talking about him being a 4th or 5th choice desperation back up.
I hope we do sign Rico but I would prefer a cdm who is mobile and scary to the opposition front line. A Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira type. Fed up of being bullied by shit house little teams because we are to nice
Sorry, but I've seen the majority of his games for Wales and he has never played left back. Pulis played him at RB a but during his time at Albion because I think he thought he was too small to play CB. That was after he had paid nearly £10m for him if I recall.
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Chester left back was a total Pulis move.
Smith likes his full backs forward moving and actually left backs .
Granted he could play there and good info sharing .
Even for a 5 min cameo late in match but again not in line with dean smith footballing ideals.
Quite right too.
Only way he could be good at left back would be playing for chester
He also played left back for Wales a fair few times.
I agree about him being a poor left back but I'm talking about him being a 4th or 5th choice desperation back up.
I hope we do sign Rico but I would prefer a cdm who is mobile and scary to the opposition front line. A Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira type. Fed up of being bullied by shit house little teams because we are to nice
Sorry, but I've seen the majority of his games for Wales and he has never played left back. Pulis played him at RB a but during his time at Albion because I think he thought he was too small to play CB. That was after he had paid nearly £10m for him if I recall.
I seem to remember his first few caps were at left back. Maybe I'm miss remembering. Baggies I'm sure he played left back to start with
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Henry isn't the best defender. I would assume that defensive solidarity would be the first priority right now for us so it's a confusing move in some ways if it is true.
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Chester was a stand in right back.
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Henry is following the villa coach driver and our sports science guy on Twitter now. Weird!
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Henry is following the villa coach driver and our sports science guy on Twitter now. Weird!
That’s nearly as weird as you knowing about it, stalker ? 😂
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Rico Henry to be completed later this evening or tomorrow apparently.
A left back was on my list, although I confess I don't know much about the lad.
Good going forward but tiny, could be new Alan Wright I guess.
DS has a history of signing players he's worked with in the past, I fully expect Sawyers to join sometime in next six months.
Let's hope he steers clear of injury with us, missed about 18 months of football in last 3 years.
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Henry isn't the best defender. I would assume that defensive solidarity would be the first priority right now for us so it's a confusing move in some ways if it is true.
If it was some dull manager like Rowett or Bruce then yes, I can see the defence being shored up to the detriment of the attack. Not Dean Smith though and I'm not knocking it, nor his philosophy. I want to see us going for it in games and the full backs/wing backs are crucial.
I'd add that Smith knows a lot more about Henry than we do and if he thinks he's good enough then that will do for me. I trust his judgement.
I'm also looking forward to watching a full back get past our wingers. I hope his crossing is good - It sisn't look great in the short YT clip.
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Henry is following the villa coach driver and our sports science guy on Twitter now. Weird!
That’s nearly as weird as you knowing about it, stalker ? 😂
No, I’m the bus driver. 😂
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Henry is following the villa coach driver
He’ll probably end up outside a hotel in Wigan later today then.
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Henry is following the villa coach driver
He’ll probably end up outside a hotel in Wigan later today then.
First training run...
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Villa's coach driver is on twitter?
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Not going to question DS judgement but he has a horrendous injury record (2 ACL injuries) at 21 is very worrying even when DS-JT & co went to watch him at WBA he came off injured ……...
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Henry is following the villa coach driver and our sports science guy on Twitter now. Weird!
That’s nearly as weird as you knowing about it, stalker ? 😂
No, I’m the bus driver. 😂
That’s the last line of an incredibly offensive joke that I’m not going to tell.
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Would that be the Nun and graveyard
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I see Harvey Barnes has been recalled by Leicester...let's see how they cope without him! Shame for the Baggies....ha!
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Oh dear what awful news for Sandwell Town .Their fans will be on WM tonight moaning how unfair it is that Villa keep Abraham and they lose Barnes
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8 points between us and WBA with a home game to come
we do need to get going again and could pip them come the end of the season
we were the better side by far when we played them at their place even with Barnes
(although he was one of the best players on the pitch that night)
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Shame for Albion with Harvey Barnes, wouldn’t it be funny if he turned up at Villa for loan until the summer!
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Would that be the Nun and graveyard
I thought that one was a bus conductor?
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Shame for Albion with Harvey Barnes, wouldn’t it be funny if he turned up at Villa for loan until the summer!
I'd love it just love it If that happened
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Oh dear what awful news for Sandwell Town .Their fans will be on WM tonight moaning how unfair it is that Villa keep Abraham and they lose Barnes
In their desperation to see Abraham moved on, WM and the Birmingham Mail didn't even acknowledge the possibility that Barnes might be recalled to Leicester. Expect a lot of "it ay fair" comments in the local media over the next few days.
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They've been struggling without Dwight Gayle through injury, they could now (hopefully) implode!
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The Russian has gone on loan to Cambridge.
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The Russian has gone on loan to Cambridge.
I presume that means they're very confident Tammy won't change his mind.
RHM really needs to step up and hopefully this loan can be the start for him.
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The Russian has gone on loan to Cambridge.
I presume that means they're very confident Tammy won't change his mind.
RHM really needs to step up and hopefully this loan can be the start for him.
It’s a shame Cambridge didn’t ask for Hogan.
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The Russian has gone on loan to Cambridge.
oooh I may have to nip down the Abbey and see how he gets on...
UTV
The Doc
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Good to see RHM has gone to Cambridge and not them Villa haters Coventry .If he can stay fit i think he will do well
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Not going to question DS judgement but he has a horrendous injury record (2 ACL injuries) at 21 is very worrying even when DS-JT & co went to watch him at WBA he came off injured ……...
The last Henry we nearly had on our books is now languishing near the bottom of a French league. Perhaps we might be better off with Lenny from Sandwell.
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Not going to question DS judgement but he has a horrendous injury record (2 ACL injuries) at 21 is very worrying even when DS-JT & co went to watch him at WBA he came off injured ……...
The last Henry we nearly had on our books is now languishing near the bottom of a French league. Perhaps we might be better off with Lenny from Sandwell.
Propped up only by Guincamp... whoever they are.
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The Russian has gone on loan to Cambridge.
Better cathedrals than Salisbury I hear
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8 points between us and WBA with a home game to come
we do need to get going again and could pip them come the end of the season
we were the better side by far when we played them at their place even with Barnes
(although he was one of the best players on the pitch that night)
Barnes is good but WBA's results always dip when Dwight Gayle picks up a hamstring injury. Not sure if he's back this weekend for them or not
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Villa's coach driver is on twitter?
Why not, he's just a man like you and me?
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Being linked with Everton's James McCarthy. Is he the sort of player we really need? I don't know much about him.
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Being linked with Everton's James McCarthy. Is he the sort of player we really need? I don't know much about him.
Would add a lot more mobility and presence in midfield (if over injuries). However, he is certainly not a playmaker. He used get loads of abuse playing for Ireland for turning his back on the centre backs and not trying to get on the ball.
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Would he make a good defensive midfielder?
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One day we'll be linked with someone that's actually played in the last couple of years.
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Would he make a good defensive midfielder?
In a Bruce team yes, in a Smith team that's trying to play out and build from the back he's a terrible choice from what I've seen of him. I'd be amazed if this one isn't bullshit.
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Would he make a good defensive midfielder?
Yes, for definite. Did a good job for Ireland at Euro 2016 as the holding midfielder in a midfield diamond.
His injury problems since then have been significant, only 16 league games in 2.5 seasons is a huge worry. We need someone to come in and start regularly so we aren't relying on Whelan, Jedinak or Lansbury.
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Isaac Hayden from Newcastle presumably a best choice?
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Isaac Hayden from Newcastle presumably a best choice?
Newcastle fans think he’s crap, from what I’ve been reading.
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He played a lot when they won this league I think
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He played a lot when they won this league I think
Yes he did and I always thought he did well.
I'm not the best judge of opposing teams or their players though as I tend to focus on Villa.
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Isaac Hayden from Newcastle presumably a best choice?
I hope we don’t get Shafted with him
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No more puns now.
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What happened to the Rico Henry story? Anyone have any idea?
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Isaac Hayden from Newcastle presumably a best choice?
I hope we don’t get Shafted with him
He'd be no use ....he won't come out when there's danger all about
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According to the BBC Gossip page Aaron Tshibola , currently at Kilmarnock, is attracting interest from 'several' Serie A clubs. Football agents- don't you just love 'em.
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Would he make a good defensive midfielder?
Yes, for definite. Did a good job for Ireland at Euro 2016 as the holding midfielder in a midfield diamond.
His injury problems since then have been significant, only 16 league games in 2.5 seasons is a huge worry. We need someone to come in and start regularly so we aren't relying on Whelan, Jedinak or Lansbury.
At his best he was a decent player.
But we wouldn't even be linked with him if he was near his best, obv.
Rehabilitating one Everton player this season is enough.
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Being linked with Everton's James McCarthy. Is he the sort of player we really need? I don't know much about him.
Liked him a lot when he was at Wigan and early seasons at Everton, certainly a deep lying midfield playmaker.
Had horrible luck with injuries last few seasons. Similar risk to Bolasie I guess.
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What happened to the Rico Henry story? Anyone have any idea?
Having a very long medical
it's lasted 3 days so far
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Didn't a Stripey break his leg?
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According to the BBC Gossip page Aaron Tshibola , currently at Kilmarnock, is attracting interest from 'several' Serie A clubs. Football agents- don't you just love 'em.
Does he have the same agent as Reo Coker?
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There's more chance of me twerking Cheryl than Tshibola going to Serie A.
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Is Kodjia off?
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Is Kodjia off?
Nothing about him being injured, unless taken ill overnight. It was the first thing that I thought too Frank.
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He told the bloke who took the picture he has a slight injury. Whatever that means.
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He told the bloke who took the picture he has a slight injury. Whatever that means.
It means he's injured.
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Brum Online:
Jonathan Kodjia has missed Aston Villa’s trip to Wigan Athletic due to a ‘knock’.
The striker was a shock exclusion from Villa’s squad for today’s match against Wigan Athletic and the club says his absence is due to a small injury sustained in training.
Pictures of the Ivory Coast international at Birmingham Airport emerged this afternoon after it was revealed he hadn’t been included in Villa’s 18-man squad for the clash at the DW Stadium.
Kodjia hails from France and regularly returns to visit friends and family. The former Bristol City man, 29, has scored six times in 27 appearances for Villa this season.
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there isn't a single player I would keep other than SJM & Jack. The rest are jack shit.
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How do these players we sign become so abominable without their former team-mates? Hourihane, for example - stellar at Barnsley with shots going in from all over the place. At Villa, turns into Darren Anderton. Hogan, well, nothing more to be said. Neil Taylor was solid and dependable until we brought him in. So, bring who you want in, Dean - they'll be shit come the weekend.
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Hourihane wasn’t stellar at Barnsley. He’s precisely the player we bought. You saw YouTube highlights where he scored goals, lots of free kicks and set some up. It’s exactly what he’s done for us. The difference is he stood out at Barnsley. That’s why ultimately they’re in League One.
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Left back and midfielder with energy please.
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Left back is absolutely critical because teams are targeting that side of the pitch. We will get murdered for the rest of the season if we only have Taylor. And an attacking midfielder also so that Jack comes back when he’s ready to.
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According to the BBC Gossip page Aaron Tshibola , currently at Kilmarnock, is attracting interest from 'several' Serie A clubs. Football agents- don't you just love 'em.
He can’t be any worse than our current MF surely
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We can't spend more money look what it's got us so far....f all.
Shut up shop and survive this season. Sack off all the high earners and try the youth. What choice will we have with no parachute payments next season anyway?
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How do you sack off the high earners?
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How do you sack off the high earners?
I think that's another problem we didn't foresee. Not only do they eat into your budget, but it's not even worth paying them off because of FFP.
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How do you sack off the high earners?
You can’t. But what you can do is not make the same mistakes over and over again. And as a club we’ve been really guilty of that. What are we shelling out on Abraham and Bolasie? How much are we paying Whelan and Jedinak? Even Chester who we signed from PL Albion at the time. Not saying signing better players when we can shouldn’t be part of the strategy (like Tammy who is young and needs game time) but the core of our squad needs to be players who really want to be here. I don’t think signing older PL players as a Championship club is the right approach at all.
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there isn't a single player I would keep other than SJM & Jack. The rest are jack shit.
Which is ironic as they’re the most likely to leave at seasons end as the only 2 we can get decent money for and will attract interest.
The loaners will go back and we’ll take a haircut on moving out the other dross.
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there isn't a single player I would keep other than SJM & Jack. The rest are jack shit.
Which is ironic as they’re the most likely to leave at seasons end as the only 2 we can get decent money for and will attract interest.
The loaners will go back and we’ll take a haircut on moving out the other dross.
Something like this I'd guess
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Where does Dean Smith go from here/ he has watched a team playing great football over many weeks disintegrate in to a complete shambles, it can't just be that Grealish is missing good player that he is, the shape the desire the teamwork has vanished to be replaced by the worst of a Steve Bruce side. For me the worry was that Dean would like his predecessors find the job overpowering, just the name Aston Villa seems to turn decent managers to water, hope I'm wrong.
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The gig's eating Dean and Terry alive at the moment. Will they survive? Only if we start winning, it's as simple as that.
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Speaking of Terry that is some job he did as captain last season. We had one of the best defences in the league so to think he must have shown some serious leadership to keep us organized.
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He and Chester were immense. The team was much much better - but even so , still not good enough
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Chester was better because of Terry. Hutton at LB looked like fucking Maldini because when he did bomb forward we were organized enough to offer cover. Tuanzabee was a very decent RB even though he was a CB.
Now it’s a mess. Chester is no leader and Bruce knew that he had to bring in help which he failed to do. His punt being trying to get Terry to come back again. We have no genuine leaders or organizers at all in the squad.
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Chester was better because of Terry. Hutton at LB looked like fucking Maldini because when he did bomb forward we were organized enough to offer cover. Tuanzabee was a very decent RB even though he was a CB.
Now it’s a mess. Chester is no leader and Bruce knew that he had to bring in help which he failed to do. His punt being trying to get Terry to come back again. We have no genuine leaders or organizers at all in the squad.
Don't remember Hutton as
Maldini. Mal Donaghy maybe.
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Speaking of Terry that is some job he did as captain last season. We had one of the best defences in the league so to think he must have shown some serious leadership to keep us organized.
wasnt just the back four though
we had the best keeper in the division behind them
Jedinak usually but Whelan at times, also sitting in front of the back four helped, our widemen Adamoah and Snodgrass worked like troopers
our team was far better organised last season even with some average individuals in it (elmo, hutton, hourihane)
we have been a rabble all season under both Bruce and Smith, so easy to play against and no real coherent plan
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Get rid of Taylor, and take it from there.
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I'm convinced that basically Jack and McGinn have papers over alot of issues. To play effectively at this level you need pace in your team. That's been obvious since we came down, all the better teams have had pace, or some outstanding midfield players. We are way too slow in the middle of the park and don't have anyone that can see a pass without Jack. Whelan needs to be let go ASAP, Hourihane play at the base of midfield or not at all, and McGinn needs help. We have to find another number 10 this window or we will keep struggling whenever Jack isn't here. Sawyers is ideal. We have to have faster wide players full stop, wingers and full backs. Bree needs a season out on loan playing, Taylor needs to be reserve to Henry if we can get him. Holding midfield is desperate. Our wife options, sell Adomah now, too slow, ageing and not going to take us forward. Bolasie, and back. El Ghazi is decent 1 in 5. Go and scout like buggery and find 4 young, cheap, pace to burn wingers to get into the squad that can be moulded. Pace is killing us. Slow and ponderous and without Jack making any inspiration. Good scouting and patience is needed from here. And guts to do this squad up and start fresh.
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Snodgrass was a huge positive last season. He wasn't perfect but he ran his bollocks off and was a phenomenal presence off the pitch. That kind of attitude rubs off on a team.
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New left back and fast!
A pacy, mobile DM
Wingers - unfortunately AEG and Bolasie are highlight reel players. They don’t graft enough and current leave our flanks totally exposed on the defensive.
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We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.
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Snodgrass was a huge positive last season. He wasn't perfect but he ran his bollocks off and was a phenomenal presence off the pitch. That kind of attitude rubs off on a team.
I know he’s old but I’d take him back like a shot if the chance came up. If anyone ever epitomised “ never say die “ it was him. He worked his bollocks off and never, ever, was billy big time. Top bloke.
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We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.
Really good point. If James Chester is the best leader we have, given he's a decent defender but a poor technical footballer and struggles when pressed, then we are really in need of a new captain. He was fantastic last season but has been found out. I know that Whelan is apparently really good in training and in the changing rooms but he forgets to bring his ability out on to the pitch with him. Might as well make SJM captain and let him lead by example if not by shouting and screaming and organising people like JT did last season.
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We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.
Really good point. If James Chester is the best leader we have, given he's a decent defender but a poor technical footballer and struggles when pressed, then we are really in need of a new captain. He was fantastic last season but has been found out. I know that Whelan is apparently really good in training and in the changing rooms but he forgets to bring his ability out on to the pitch with him. Might as well make SJM captain and let him lead by example if not by shouting and screaming and organising people like JT did last season.
Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality
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We had numerous real leaders in the squad last season. Players who were a positive influence both in their play and how they would motivate. Now we don’t have any. It makes a massive difference.
Really good point. If James Chester is the best leader we have, given he's a decent defender but a poor technical footballer and struggles when pressed, then we are really in need of a new captain. He was fantastic last season but has been found out. I know that Whelan is apparently really good in training and in the changing rooms but he forgets to bring his ability out on to the pitch with him. Might as well make SJM captain and let him lead by example if not by shouting and screaming and organising people like JT did last season.
Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality
I don’t think anything has changed in that regard. He needs multiple leaders at the club to employ that approach. Chester is the best of a weak bunch so not a lot you can in terms of change.
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Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality
Did he really say that? There's bigging up your team and there's talking out of your arse.
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Whatever happened to Smith’s ambition to effectively rotate the captain every week because we had a team of leaders - I seriously wonder if I dreamt that cos it couldn’t be further from reality
Did he really say that? There's bigging up your team and there's talking out of your arse.
It was a Brentford thing and when asked about it very early on after he joined us he said he’d like to it here but made no commitment to it. He couldn’t have made that statement having just walked through the door.
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It was a Brentford thing and when asked about it very early on after he joined us he said he’d like to it here but made no commitment to it. He couldn’t have made that statement having just walked through the door.
Ah, fair enough.
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A left back and a mobile central defensive midfielder please.
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A left back and a mobile central defensive midfielder please.
If we can squeeze in a right back too, that would be a good. I think I'd be happy with a re-think from the club now in terms of our ambitions for promotion and for them to say that we are going to assess the squad for the rest of the season and try to build more steadily. Other than Grealish, SJM, Kalinic I would happily pay for the taxi for any other player to leave. Maybe not Davis as I think he might be worth hanging on to.
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A left back and a mobile central defensive midfielder please.
Ar. Jack's presence meant we could keep the ball higher up the pitch, and took the pressure off this position. Without him as a shield, our soft underbelly is exposed for all to see. Even with him back, it's now looking like we won't storm the division til this is addressed. You don't go up drawing 5-5 every week.
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Rico Henry scored v Stoke and Sawyer's looked very good .
Bring these 2 in asap!
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We need to stick with him and back him IMO. The initial improvement was so stark that it was clear it’d drop off eventually, but the performances recently are concerning. However we’re down the Smith path now and we need to back him.
We need a pair of fullbacks and a centre mid he can work with. A left back and centre mid as a minimum. I know it’s been said but if we can get the two lads from Brentford it might change the tide a bit. Abraham and Jack are on board with the manager so if those two can come in and hit the ground running and we get Hause up to speed all of a sudden we look a different prospect.
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Buy Henry, recall Clark. That’s our leftback issue sorted immediately. Sell Taylor to anyone who will take him
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Found a buyer for Taylor and Whelan
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/animals-glue_factory-horse_product-glue_production-animal_products-horses-njun1591_low.jpg)
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Buy Henry, recall Clark. That’s our leftback issue sorted immediately. Sell Taylor to anyone who will take him
I think Clark is naturally a right back who sometimes plays left back isn't he?
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Played left all season for Vale hasn't he?
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Played left all season for Vale hasn't he?
Don't know to be honest mate. I always thought the verdict was that he was a centre half by trade, but was a bit on the small side so played full-back. Naturally right footed but, could cover on the left.
May have got that wrong though.
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Played left all season for Vale hasn't he?
Don't know to be honest mate. I always thought the verdict was that he was a centre half by trade, but was a bit on the small side so played full-back. Naturally right footed but, could cover on the left.
May have got that wrong though.
He is right footed but has featured at left back mostly for Vale
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From what I've seen he's pretty 2 footed and is comfortable on either side, could probably slot in as a defensive midfielder as well.
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Our Declan Rice maybe?
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Anyone know what is actually going on with Jedinak? Doesn’t even get mentioned by DS anymore or seen in any official training photos etc
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I think all we can hope for this January is the beginning building blocks of a Smith team with one or two additions.
Realistically, until there’s a clear out of the dead wood (jedinak, Whelan, Hutton, Richards to name a few) we will be hamstrung financially. When those 4 leave in the summer it’ll free up about £160k a week!
It’s disappointing as I think we all hoped we’d be flying still with the hope of further January additions to mean we blow the league away in the second half of the season as we push on for playoffs/automatics but sadly I think it’s a slow burning work in progress
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Links to players gone cold. Would imagine we'll be active on the last day as always but I'd have liked a decent player or two in for Hull. We need to win that game after all.
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I think all we can hope for this January is the beginning building blocks of a Smith team with one or two additions.
Realistically, until there’s a clear out of the dead wood (jedinak, Whelan, Hutton, Richards to name a few) we will be hamstrung financially. When those 4 leave in the summer it’ll free up about £160k a week!
It’s disappointing as I think we all hoped we’d be flying still with the hope of further January additions to mean we blow the league away in the second half of the season as we push on for playoffs/automatics but sadly I think it’s a slow burning work in progress
It's just like groundhog day.
::)
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Still no left back in - how many years have we been trying to solve this problem? Underwhelmed so far. No chance of play-offs as it stands....
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Still no left back in - how many years have we been trying to solve this problem? Underwhelmed so far. No chance of play-offs as it stands....
Since Bouma got injured?!
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All rather quiet on the transfer front. I wonder if they have given up? Hibernating, along with Jedinak.
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Rumour of Micah Richards to Celtic. I’ll be delighted if it’s true to see the back of him and in equal measure massively fucked off if he gets there and plays well knowing he could have done so for us at a time of great need either as a CB or RB.
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It must be a piss take, surely.
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Anyone know what is actually going on with Jedinak? Doesn’t even get mentioned by DS anymore or seen in any official training photos etc
I can’t help thinking that Jedinaks Villa career has been all about getting him on the pitch for Australia.
He has had virtually no influence or impact for us due to his continued unavailability.
A complete waste of space.
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massively fucked off if he gets there and plays well
I don't think you're going to be massively fucked off somehow.
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He’s not fit enough to play for anyone.
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Anyone know what is actually going on with Jedinak? Doesn’t even get mentioned by DS anymore or seen in any official training photos etc
I can’t help thinking that Jedinaks Villa career has been all about getting him on the pitch for Australia.
He has had virtually no influence or impact for us due to his continued unavailability.
A complete waste of space.
He's been retired since the World cup.
He played well enough for most of last season.
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Despite his lack of mobility our results with him in the team seemed far better than without him.
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I would rather have Jedinak over Whelan any day of the week .At least he can win the ball in the air and tackle .Whelan ,well i struggle to see what he actually brings to the team
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Misery
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Jedinak is even less mobile than Glenn and can't pass a ball. He's a better stopper though. Our central midfielders are all such a rabble of incompetence though.
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Despite his lack of mobility our results with him in the team seemed far better than without him.
And how often is that?
28 appearances last season and 9 this.
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Not sure if he’s been mentioned but apparently ManUre are considering letting Scott McTominay leave this month. Would be a great signing for us, IMO.
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It must be a piss take, surely.
It’s a full transfer. A big miss, in my opinion.
(https://i.ibb.co/YRDLHNL/FCCC3911-8-BBB-4-FB6-B8-D5-2-C84-A4-FF069-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YRDLHNL)
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How unfit is Richards as measured on a Hauseometer?
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Played left all season for Vale hasn't he?
Don't know to be honest mate. I always thought the verdict was that he was a centre half by trade, but was a bit on the small side so played full-back. Naturally right footed but, could cover on the left.
May have got that wrong though.
He is right footed but has featured at left back mostly for Vale
Didn't he play left back for us in pre-season aswell?
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This transfer window has been mostly shit. So far.
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Every time I look at the Mail they just keep linking us to players we have looked at in previous transfer windows (apart from half the Brentford team that we want to sign)
In this modern era of football do managers actually go and watch players that they want to sign, or is it left to someone else to watch them, and decide who we sign?
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Pitarch brings a list of players to Smith which meet his requirements.
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I find the links amusing more than anything and don't really take them too seriously unless it has legs (yes, I know all footballers do).
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I find the links amusing more than anything and don't really take them too seriously unless it has legs (yes, I know all footballers do).
Except Neil Taylor of course...
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Doesn't look like we'll be going to Brentford for Mepham...off to Bournemouth apparently.
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Looks like we've signed that young Bulgarian keeper on a free, according to the Meaning Evil. Yes, Jesus is REALLY busy! We now have more keepers than defenders!!
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Looks like we've signed that young Bulgarian keeper on a free, according to the Meaning Evil. Yes, Jesus is REALLY busy! We now have more keepers than defenders!!
He posted a picture with Terry at BMH on his instagram, not sure if that means he's signed or just that's he's been on a trial though. Happy for the club to pickup players of that age though, 17-18 year olds cost so little compared the first team that even if the scouting team are 50/50 it's worth doing. Using the academy effectively means getting good numbers through there and regularly pushing the very best up quickly. Ramsey, for example, looks like he'd be worth pushing into the U23s even if he is 17.
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If we played all 6 of our keepers at the same time we might be able to keep a clean sheet.
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Doesn't look like we'll be going to Brentford for Mepham...off to Bournemouth apparently.
They had a bid of 12m rejected for him in the summer so imagine they've upped that and he's well out of our price range.
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Paying over the odds for Brentford players? Who would be stupid enough to do that?
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Christian Purslow returned from London to address AVST AGM in the Holte Suite tonight and said he was going straight back for a 9.15 meeting at The Westbury hotel. He strongly hinted it was to do with urgent transfer activity. (this is how I understood it but may be anyone else who was there can correct me?)
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Ooh...interesting. How was the meeting, was Dean present?
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Sawyers?
We should have a vote on whether we want Romaine. Albion supposed to be interested in him.
Would be useful to have, especially if we don't make the Play Offs and Grealish goes.
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Christian Purslow returned from London to address AVST AGM in the Holte Suite tonight and said he was going straight back for a 9.15 meeting at The Westbury hotel. He strongly hinted it was to do with urgent transfer activity. (this is how I understood it but may be anyone else who was there can correct me?)
That was my understanding of the same comment too .
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I hope its Sawyers. Having a player that can play that role to take some pressure off Jack is almost essential for us to function under Smith.
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I’m hoping the the link to Charlie Colkett is genuine, I’ve seen him a few times, he reminds me of Barry.
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I hope you mean Gaz Baz not The Wee Yin.
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Christian Purslow returned from London to address AVST AGM in the Holte Suite tonight and said he was going straight back for a 9.15 meeting at The Westbury hotel. He strongly hinted it was to do with urgent transfer activity. (this is how I understood it but may be anyone else who was there can correct me?)
Is there a separate thread or info/agenda from this meeting last night anywhere please ?
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I hope you mean Gaz Baz not The Wee Yin.
The Barry who steals cars when drunk, or the Barry that crashes cars when drunk.
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You missed out 'allegedly' cdward. Always wise to include one to protect ourselves.
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Andre Green just been recalled.... wonder if we have other outgoings to cover ?
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Christian Purslow returned from London to address AVST AGM in the Holte Suite tonight and said he was going straight back for a 9.15 meeting at The Westbury hotel. He strongly hinted it was to do with urgent transfer activity. (this is how I understood it but may be anyone else who was there can correct me?)
Is there a separate thread or info/agenda from this meeting last night anywhere please ?
I believe two forms of info sources are usually published on here. One is note taken by an “unofficial” H&V attendee and second is official minutes from AVST. If nothing appears today I will post my recall from the meeting and invite other attendees to add/correct as required.
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Christian Purslow returned from London to address AVST AGM in the Holte Suite tonight and said he was going straight back for a 9.15 meeting at The Westbury hotel. He strongly hinted it was to do with urgent transfer activity. (this is how I understood it but may be anyone else who was there can correct me?)
Is there a separate thread or info/agenda from this meeting last night anywhere please ?
I believe two forms of info sources are usually published on here. One is note taken by an “unofficial” H&V attendee and second is official minutes from AVST. If nothing appears today I will post my recall from the meeting and invite other attendees to add/correct as required.
Thanks , appreciated, I’m always interested to hear what’s going on or current thought processes behind the scenes
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I’m hoping the the link to Charlie Colkett is genuine, I’ve seen him a few times, he reminds me of Barry.
Decent reviews and influential captain of their younger teams winning trophies..... another JT influence in scouting him probably
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I’m hoping the the link to Charlie Colkett is genuine, I’ve seen him a few times, he reminds me of Barry.
Seen his name before...isn't he a Chelsea kid who's had a million loans and not done much?
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I wonder if they’re bringing young recruits in to watch in U23’s so our current crop can go out on loan to get first team games ?
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According to an efl site and several Pompey ones he has been recalled rather than sent back . Just read brief bit of an atucoe from last nights trust ago too... this move coincides with what was mentioned. Trying to reduce the average age again and try to make u23’s like the old reserve teams with our own players waiting to start in first team . Sound great but we have to trust and believe in those running the club as this approach certainly won’t ensue a quick return to premiership or 3 Pts most Saturdays for foreseeable
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Was there not previously a ITK where Sawyers had told someone that he was signing for us - quite a while back I think
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Looking at Villa transfer news
Islam Slimani linked with villa .
He's contracted to Leicester city to end of season but has been on loan in Turkey
Interesting he's a big number 9 striker and hasn't set world alight in English football though has decent pedigree.
Capable and very decent for championship level.
That said I like to think Davis would get opportunity .
Also interesting that Slimani played in Portugal at sporting so wonder if there is a link there.
Also read that "Aston Villa have sent scouts to watch Mansfield Town star CJ Hamilton ahead of a possible bid"
A winger.
So that's a striker and a winger neither I see as major priority.
Also read about being linked to a right back from Barry Town
I think that one is far fetched!
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Was there not previously a ITK where Sawyers had told someone that he was signing for us - quite a while back I think
Yes.
Came from my lads mate who met him while he was working over Dorridge way.
Sawyers actually told him he was going to sign for us.
Have to admit I expected it to be done by now, so, whether things have changed with a couple of other clubs showing interest I don't know.
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Was there not previously a ITK where Sawyers had told someone that he was signing for us - quite a while back I think
Yes.
Came from my lads mate who met him while he was working over Dorridge way.
Sawyers actually told him he was going to sign for us.
Have to admit I expected it to be done by now, so, whether things have changed with a couple of other clubs showing interest I don't know.
We trust you ! He'll be in by end of window then !
That's great info .
These things take time so I think this is a good one other wise you wouldn't post up what your son told you
So I think he'll come then when it's FA cup weekend
They play Monday night 28th and I think he won't play then.
Window closes 31st
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I hope you mean Gaz Baz not The Wee Yin.
The Barry who steals cars when drunk, or the Barry that crashes cars when drunk.
Or one who lives in Barry: https://clwbpeldroed.org/2019/01/16/macauley-southam-hales-football-league-interest/
Supposedly showing an interest in Barry Town United's Macauley Southam-Hales.
(right wing back, #21)
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Barry could feel liked we've dished out a penalty by taking their promising youngster. I'd hope they wouldn't take it like that, but then again, why wouldn't they?
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The noise that accompanied that video has made my ears bleed
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So Smith wants to bring down age of squad.
Makes sense with the time of football pressing to play and having energy and tempo
Here is the squad with Current age (and age by end of season)
30s
Glenn Whelan 35
Mile Jedinak 34
Mark Bunn 34
Alan Hutton 34
Ross McCormack ! 32!!
Ahmed Elmohamady 31
Tommy Elphick 31
Albert Adomah 31
Birkir Bjarnason 30 (31 end of May)
Ritchie de Laet! 30!
Micah Richards! 30! (31 June)
Neil Taylor 29 (30 in Feb)
James Chester 29 (30 in a week or so)
20s
Jonathan Kodjia 29
Lovre Kalinić 28 (29 in April)
Ørjan Nyland 28
Henri Lansbury 28
Conor Hourihane 27 (28 in Feb)
Scott Hogan 26 (27 in April)
Jed Steer 26
Gary Gardner ! 26!
24 and under
John McGinn 24
Aaron Tshibola ! 24!
Jack Grealish 23
Keinan Davis 21
James Bree 21
Andre Green 20 (21 in Feb)
Callum O’Hare 20 (21 in may)
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That list seems a little scary to me. Is it just a reflection on how Bruce gambled on experience to get us promoted?
There will be a few big holes to fill come the summer whatever the outcome is!
At the Trust AGM, the u23’s was talked about in a way of not producing the next generation. This could save us a shed load of cash if the lads take their opportunity.
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Wow that’s an eye opener. No wonder we are struggling. This lot don’t have the legs to play Deano’s way
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You forgot Bree and Hause.
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And JT
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Wow that’s an eye opener. No wonder we are struggling. This lot don’t have the legs to play Deano’s way
Absolutely, the age of that squad won't have the legs to play a high pressing game for 60 minutes never mind 90.
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You forgot Bree and Hause.
Bree (21) I initially left out as it's veganuary!
Hause 23 as I wasn't aware he was a permanent move however are we correct in saying he will be come end of season ??
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You forgot Bree and Hause.
Bree (21) I initially left out as it's veganuary!
Hause 23 as I wasn't aware he was a permanent move however are we correct in saying he will be come end of season ??
Not based on first few touches last week I hope
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Seems a like a good sample to decide.
Anyhoo...
It would be interesting to see what the number of games the players have played, to see how much time the over 30s have compared to younger elements of the squad over the past 10 games.
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Deano has spoken!
On squad age:
What we want to do is have competition for places and find a better balance for the squad. That will be position-wise but also age-wise. We are a fairly old squad in this league.
“With Jack [Grealish] and Axel [Tuanzebe] coming out of the team we probably need to look at that and balance it with a bit more youth.”
On transfer out:
"Possibly but you always need suitors. We will listen but we don’t particularly want to push anybody out because it is a quality squad, People who aren’t playing will get frustrated."
On younger players / loans:
"If they’re not playing for us at the moment, then they need to be playing elsewhere for their development, for the future of Aston Villa"
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He meat with Sawiris and Purslow in London apparently. Sounds like a strategic meeting for long term planning as much as anything.
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Good work Skillz, never realised the squad was that old. Interesting DS mentioning needing suitors for transfers out, sounds to me that no one is interested in the players we don't want, no wonder really as their wages will be high.
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Yes with the sporting directiir and CEO .
Smith prefers term 'spinning plates' to bruce 'irons in the fire'
Ads or anyone have any other phrases we could call such Transfer tryouts ?
:D :D
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Slightly off topic but he was by a mile the most impressive Championship manager on the Sky collage talking about Spygate. Mature, measured and sensible, even humour with his quip about a long held hope of being the first ginger James Bond. A true son of Brum.
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Yes with the sporting directiir and CEO .
Smith prefers term 'spinning plates' to bruce 'irons in the fire'
Ads or anyone have any other phrases we could call such Transfer tryouts ?
:D :D
"Balls in the air"
Just too easy to misinterpret.
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Yes with the sporting directiir and CEO .
Smith prefers term 'spinning plates' to bruce 'irons in the fire'
Ads or anyone have any other phrases we could call such Transfer tryouts ?
:D :D
"Balls in the air"
Just too easy to misinterpret.
Haha it's good!!
Ah so it's like ball juggling !!
Maybe then looking at a few 'ball jugglers for our performing circus'
However I like to think gone are the days where we recruit
'clowns for the circus'
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Reducing the overall average age of a squad is as much a sensible business decision, as it is a sensible sporting/performance decision.
So it would make sense that Smith, Purslow and Wasiris are all thinking the same, albeit they may have different agendas.
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It's quite amazing how much some of them will be on with no resale value. Jedinak, Richards, Whelan and their contracts ending probably frees up £100k a week and £5.2m a year off the wage bill.
Frightening.
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He meat with Sawiris and Purslow in London apparently. Sounds like a strategic meeting for long term planning as much as anything.
BBQ?
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Another left sided centre back?
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Sadly, without a decent midfielder coming in I can see us struggle - hope the rumours about Sawyers are true. How long does it take to get a footballer from Bruce fit to Smith fit anyway? Surely 3 months is plenty?
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It's always sounded like these owners wanted to emphasise a youthful approach and Smith's management style requires it for his tactics.
And how often, as a club, are we going to fall for going for the experienced approach only to get nowhere and end up with very costly players (fees and wages), only to have no re-sale value and not got anywhere from it.
And thank god we're looking at players who've got legs.
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Sadly, without a decent midfielder coming in I can see us struggle - hope the rumours about Sawyers are true. How long does it take to get a footballer from Bruce fit to Smith fit anyway? Surely 3 months is plenty?
I’d have thought that it’s pretty difficult to improve fitness levels mid-season. What with preparing for games and then recovering from games etc.
The real fitness benefit will come once Smith has a full pre-season with them.
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Another left sided centre back?
Looking at him for LB I’ve been told
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The age of our squad is exactly why Smith needs a plan B and even, God forbid, a plan C. Quite apart from the fact that it keeps the opposition on their toes.
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He meat with Sawiris and Purslow in London apparently. Sounds like a strategic meeting for long term planning as much as anything.
BBQ?
Sounds like they were just getting together to 'chew the fat'.
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He meat with Sawiris and Purslow in London apparently. Sounds like a strategic meeting for long term planning as much as anything.
BBQ?
Sounds like they were just getting together to 'chew the fat'.
You silly sausage
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
We can hope Mings will be merciless in defense
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Has Mings come back from a long term injury recently?
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Has Mings come back from a long term injury recently?
Yeah. He’s only played something like 24 games in last 3 seasons 😳
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I always think of Tyrone Dobbs from Webster's Garage when Mings comes up. What's he like with a monkey wrench?
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I always think of Tyrone Dobbs from Webster's Garage when Mings comes up. What's he like with a monkey wrench?
For me Tyrone brings this to mind. Big Train’s crowning glory.
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Does anyone seriously think he's going to buy another keeper when he's just paid £7m for this one? He wouldn't be allowed to if he wanted to.
Edit: viewing this on an old slow phone and was actually looking at page 2... As you were!
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I always think of Tyrone Dobbs from Webster's Garage when Mings comes up. What's he like with a monkey wrench?
For me Tyrone brings this to mind. Big Train’s crowning glory.
Still funny, 20 years later.
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Ahhh Mark Heap, gauranteed to brighten up even the dullest transfer window!!
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(Vulva/Walliams): (witheringly) Oh Brian, you came.
(Brian/Heap): (mumbles meekly) No, I just spilt my drink.
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Aston Villa have made an approach to sign highly-rated French defender Frederic Guilbert. Guilbert would be very interested in making a move to Aston Villa if they can agree a deal with Caen. [@SportsPeteO]
I’d like to see him play alongside Suliman (I’ll show myself out).
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Aston Villa have made an approach to sign highly-rated French defender Frederic Guilbert. Guilbert would be very interested in making a move to Aston Villa if they can agree a deal with Caen. [@SportsPeteO]
I’d like to see him play alongside Suliman (I’ll show myself out).
Bravo !
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Aston Villa have made an approach to sign highly-rated French defender Frederic Guilbert. Guilbert would be very interested in making a move to Aston Villa if they can agree a deal with Caen. [@SportsPeteO]
I’d like to see him play alongside Suliman (I’ll show myself out).
Bravo !
Nothing Rhymed with me in this rumour.
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A topsy turvy pairing if ever I saw one :)
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I'm seeing this SportsPeteO crop up on Twitter a fair bit of late. What is it?
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Watched a bit of Barca-Levante last night. Doucoure played and looked decent I thought. Good mobility and not a bad passer at all, hit some nice ones to the wide players which is what we need our midfielders to be doing far more quickly.
No idea if he's still a target for us mind.
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I'm seeing this SportsPeteO crop up on Twitter a fair bit of late. What is it?
It's some wierd object known as Sky sports news reporter Peter O'Rourke I think. Pete Colley was better.
Edit: Appears he's freelance.
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Legit do you think?
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Yes
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Legit do you think?
Probably got contacts like Nicko.
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Whatever became of ginger nut Pete?
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Not for the first time this month, can I say "please, please, make some fucking signings"?
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Really hoping we can get a full back in this week. As solid as he was under Bruce when he first came, Taylor seems to have completely lost himself as a footballer.
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We still desperately need a Defensive midfielder to protect the back 4 and i can't believe you can't get one of them in, even on loan
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Very poor window so far, we need more than goalkeepers and someone who hasn't played football in a year.
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Like Smith said the other day, it's not always that easy in January but they do have things they are working on. I'm sure we'll get a couple more in by the end of the month.
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Apart from those that have come in, we haven't lost Tammy; I'd be surprised if there aren't more to come before the window closes.
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If they aren't capable of finding a better left back than gutless Taylor then turn off the lights and drop the keys down the drain, it's game over. He's been an obvious weak link for over a year. It's poor.
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If they aren't capable of finding a better left back than gutless Taylor then turn off the lights and drop the keys down the drain, it's game over. He's been an obvious weak link for over a year. It's poor.
He just probably knows who he wants but he's having to bide his time. Clubs don't sell players just because other teams want them.
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More reports on Twitter that we are signing the young midfielder Colkett on loan from Chelsea.
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More reports on Twitter that we are signing the young midfielder Colkett on loan from Chelsea.
With a view to it being permanent? We must be sending someone else back to their club if we have Hause, El Ghazi, Bolasie, Tammy and Axel already?
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I've read that he's out of contract at the end of the season. Did we send the keeper back?
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I've read that he's out of contract at the end of the season. Did we send the keeper back?
Yes, I think so. Colkett is certainly worth a gamble if he's out of contract in the summer.
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More reports on Twitter that we are signing the young midfielder Colkett on loan from Chelsea.
With a view to it being permanent? We must be sending someone else back to their club if we have Hause, El Ghazi, Bolasie, Tammy and Axel already?
We can name 5 in an 18. We'll find a way.
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
That could be said about a lot of kids at Chelsea. They rarely ever bring their youngsters through. Not sure what to make of him. He’s young, tidy with the ball, left footed and likes to get forward. We need to start getting players in withit blowing the bank and live a little more frugally. I don’t mind Smith building us like Brentford but having the option of spending a bit more where needed for proper quality.
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The Sky Transfer Centre has us linked with Harry Arter of Bournemouth. Mirror and People linking us with Charlie Colkett now too. Let's hope for some transfer action this week.
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
Other than that, how much do you know about him not to be sure?
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
Other than that, how much do you know about him not to be sure?
He was on loan at Shrewsbury, who are a poor side. He only managed one first team appearance.
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The Sky Transfer Centre has us linked with Harry Arter of Bournemouth. Mirror and People linking us with Charlie Colkett now too. Let's hope for some transfer action this week.
Cherries ST holders just told me that it’s just been announced there is no recall option for arter to them so won’t happen
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
Other than that, how much do you know about him not to be sure?
Just going off not playing much for a year and not getting in to the Shrewsbury side. I have never seen him play but the worry is if he can't shine for Shrewsbury then he isn't going to be a saviour in front of our shambolic defense. Hopefully I'm wrong.
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Shame. Imagine the bad jokes on here about a player named Arter. And Limericks. There was a young man named Arter.....
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Shame. Imagine the bad jokes on here about a player named Arter. And Limericks. There was a young man named Arter.....
There was a young Cherry named Arter
To get him we just had to barter
Micah Richards and Ross
A defence made of dross
And Jedinak wearing a garter
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Excellent!
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Shame. Imagine the bad jokes on here about a player named Arter. And Limericks. There was a young man named Arter.....
There was a young Cherry named Arter
To get him we just had to barter
Micah Richards and Ross
A defence made of dross
And Jedinak wearing a garter
Very good!
He isn't really young though, recently notched up 29 years according to Wiki.
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That Colkett really has some quality on the ball, lovely range of pass and vision. Think he could do the biz at this level no problem.
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
Surely if we are going to go down the loan route again, then we need to bring someone in who us ready to play in the first team from the off. We desperately need another option at CB, yet we bring in Hause from Wolves who is seemingly nowhere near match ready and is warming the bench while the defence is a calamity.
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Shame. Imagine the bad jokes on here about a player named Arter. And Limericks. There was a young man named Arter.....
There was a young Cherry named Arter
To get him we just had to barter
Micah Richards and Ross
A defence made of dross
And Jedinak wearing a garter
Very good!
He isn't really young though, recently notched up 29 years according to Wiki.
Anybody with a 2 at the beginning of their age is young.
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Anyone with a 4 at the beginning is young :((
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Not sure about this Colkett, hasn't done anything anywhere and hasn't played much football in a year.
Other than that, how much do you know about him not to be sure?
Probably looked at his loans. Only played 6 times for Vitesse last season (Mason Mount by comparison was outstanding for them). This season only played once for Shrewsbury so no idea what's happened there given he was a regular in league one in 16/17.
Would imagine he's a project signing as can't see him being an immediate upgrade on what we currently have in midfield.
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Anyone with a 4 at the beginning is young :((
I wish this was true.
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Not more short term loan singings, surely?
I thought we were getting away from that and "rebuilding"!?
Have we learned nothing from hindsight?
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Anyone with a 4 at the beginning is young :((
I wish this was true.
Get your youth back and comment on my Spaced reference (P.86 of thread).
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Not more short term loan singings, surely?
I thought we were getting away from that and "rebuilding"!?
Have we learned nothing from hindsight?
Yes, to include an option to buy for talented young players if it works out e.g. Hause and if this Colkett deal is true.
Hugely different thing to just spunking massive wages for someone who goes back in six months leaving us needing to buy a replacement.
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Anyone with a 4 at the beginning is young :((
I wish this was true.
Get your youth back and comment on my Spaced reference (P.86 of thread).
I think you're sitting on my dog.
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I can't see how Colkett is 'loan to buy'? I thought his contract was up in the summer?
If he plays great he can go to any interested club with better prospects, which is quite a few at the moment.
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Really can't get the point of signing Colkett. We need defensive reinforcements, especially at left back, and yet we're being linked to a midfielder who can't get a game for Shrewsbury. If he was anywhere near the quality we need there would surely be more than us and Ostersund in for him.
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I can't see how Colkett is 'loan to buy'? I thought his contract was up in the summer?
If he plays great he can go to any interested club with better prospects, which is quite a few at the moment.
We could quite easily have reached an agreement for first option.
Either way, bringing in a young kid to have a look isn't the same as signing a spine of a team which is then taken away every year. Think of it as an extended trial. If it happens.
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You won't believe this, but there are rumours of Stewart Downing doing the rounds at the mo.
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You won't believe this, but there are rumours of Stewart Downing doing the rounds at the mo.
No chance in hell of a player like that coming in
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Oh Gawd, the one player in recent memory we managed to fleece someone else for instead of being on the wrong end of the fleecing.
We've only got about six wingers and four goalies so Stewie and the young Bulgarian shotsopper who insta'd a pic of him and Terry at Bodymoor the other day are maybe just what we need in these stockpiling no-deal Brexit times.
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Some bloke in Scotland, Aaron Tshibola or something like that. Posting a picture of a lion on his instagram
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Blimey, is he being recalled too?
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but has he been given any real opportunity here? Of course he could be going somewhere else
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but has he been given any real opportunity here? Of course he could be going somewhere else
Twycross Zoo?
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You won't believe this, but there are rumours of Stewart Downing doing the rounds at the mo.
No chance in hell of a player like that coming in
Because with Bolasie, El Ghazi, Adomah and Green, we definatly need a winger.
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Still no new players.
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Is Kodja on the move? https://t.co/KiGb2kaELP
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Is Kodja on the move? https://t.co/KiGb2kaELP
Can't see that happenning unless the club are going to give DS the money for a new striker in January, but can see him being moved on in the summer. Just don't think he's the sort of forward DS prefers and at 29 , its probably our last chance to get some half decent money for him.
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I always though Tshibola had all the physical attributes to be an excellent holding player. He can pass too.
Something must be hugely amiss with his attitude.
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The few times I saw him play for us I thought he looked decent, then we loaned him and he hasn't made an impact anywhere. Strange one.
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You won't believe this, but there are rumours of Stewart Downing doing the rounds at the mo.
No chance in hell of a player like that coming in
Because with Bolasie, El Ghazi, Adomah and Green, we definatly need a winger.
True. But they are all wank with the exception of Adomah (sometimes).
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I always though Tshibola had all the physical attributes to be an excellent holding player. He can pass too.
Something must be hugely amiss with his attitude.
Or Bruce just didn't fancy him? He was hardly the only one who was bombed out for no apparent reason.
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To be fair our midfield has been so desperately poor it can’t do much harm to look at Tsihbola.
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There was some talk in the press last week about some Seria A clubs being interested in Tshibola, as strange as that may seem. Maybe he's coming back to be sold? But I agree, might as well let DS have a look at him.
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We seem to have had a few midfielders who came, looked alright and maybe worth persevering with, then got bombed out never to return. Berson
was another, as were Bradley & Makoun.
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The mystery of Berson !! Didn't he play a game over the Christmas period well and then was never seen again ?
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The mystery of Berson !! Didn't he play a game over the Christmas period well and then was never seen again ?
It took us ages to sign him, when he got here O'Leary said not to expect too much as he wasn't all that good (or words to that effect), he played and looked a decent player, then vanished.
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I always though Tshibola had all the physical attributes to be an excellent holding player. He can pass too.
Something must be hugely amiss with his attitude.
Agree Ads thought Tshbola looked decent in the couple of games I saw him play for us.
He certainly had that physicality and as you say he could pass the ball.
Apart from the shambles of our defence we are crying out for a Petrov type midfielder.
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The mystery of Berson !! Didn't he play a game over the Christmas period well and then was never seen again ?
It took us ages to sign him, when he got here O'Leary said not to expect too much as he wasn't all that good (or words to that effect), he played and looked a decent player, then vanished.
It was all very odd, I wonder how many clubs have a bad record, or bad luck with foreign singings like we do, Stas, Berson, Nilis, Makoun, Balaban, Bienlich, Baros, Brietkrutz, Six, Gil, Ferraresi, Lamptey, Salifou, Sanchez, there's probably more I've forgotten.
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The mystery of Berson !! Didn't he play a game over the Christmas period well and then was never seen again ?
It took us ages to sign him, when he got here O'Leary said not to expect too much as he wasn't all that good (or words to that effect), he played and looked a decent player, then vanished.
It was all very odd, I wonder how many clubs have a bad record, or bad luck with foreign singings like we do, Stas, Berson, Nilis, Makoun, Balaban, Bienlich, Baros, Brietkrutz, Six, Gil, Ferraresi, Lamptey, Salifou, Sanchez, there's probably more I've forgotten.
Some of them were cheap punts of the sort that work or don't, some got injured, but there's five or six there about who you wonder, "Why didn't he get more of a chance?"
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I always though Tshibola had all the physical attributes to be an excellent holding player. He can pass too.
Something must be hugely amiss with his attitude.
Agree Ads thought Tshbola looked decent in the couple of games I saw him play for us.
He certainly had that physicality and as you say he could pass the ball.
Apart from the shambles of our defence we are crying out for a Petrov type midfielder.
Agree with that. We desperately need a leader type in the position who can get a grip on the team and the game in general as that kind of leadership isn't coming from anywhere else. Having witnessed the last few weeks, I would say bringing in someone like that has probably overtaken LB as the number one priority (although the latter position needs to be addressed asap).
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I seem to remember a push for the fans to vote Berson our player of the year once - the year he was on loan somewhere in France while we had an abysmal season. It may have been the O'Leary season with the Doncaster game in it.
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Tshibola has been doing well for Killie in their ascent.
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Being linked to free agent Jordon Mutch now he and Palace have parted.
Sorry if it's already been mentioned
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Our Jordan quota for the decade was reached some time ago.
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I always though Tshibola had all the physical attributes to be an excellent holding player. He can pass too.
Something must be hugely amiss with his attitude.
Wasn't he pictured in the passenger seat of Gabby's car going to or from training? Maybe he go tin with the Richards/Gabby posse (i.e. the wrong crowd) and started behaving like a twat.
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Being linked to free agent Jordon Mutch now he and Palace have parted.
Sorry if it's already been mentioned
my father in law said he is crap
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Being linked to free agent Jordon Mutch now he and Palace have parted.
Sorry if it's already been mentioned
He would probably do a decent job for us at this level but he doesn't contribute much when it comes to goals. He seems too similar to our other holding midfielder types, of which we have a few. Dare I say he would be 'mutch of a mutchness' with what we already have.
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Just like Daryl Sutch.
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Ben woodburn who would be loan from Liverpool , a Welsh person , I like him for attacking side of things
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Ben woodburn who would be loan from Liverpool , a Welsh person , I like him for attacking side of things
Not sure we need to bring in a replacement winger to be honest - Albert, Kodjia, El-Ghazi and Green are plenty there. The wages are needed elsewhere. Unless the rumours of Kodjia going as well are true.
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I'd move Kodjia on if possible, he doesn't seem to be a Smith type player. The problem is, we paid a king's ransom for him and he's on a huge wedge. Yet another poor buy measured in financial terms, as much as I enjoyed watching him n his first season here.
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Ben woodburn who would be loan from Liverpool , a Welsh person , I like him for attacking side of things
Not sure we need to bring in a replacement winger to be honest - Albert, Kodjia, El-Ghazi and Green are plenty there. The wages are needed elsewhere. Unless the rumours of Kodjia going as well are true.
No more wingers please!
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Seems to me that things have changed after it became common knowledge that we dont ‘need’ to go up this season.
It’s almost like the hunger/desire has disappeared since.
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Plenty of desire to close down in the second half, it's why we earnt a point.
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Plenty of desire to close down in the second half, it's why we earnt a point.
Absolutely, but no passion / desire in the first half, or Wigan, Swansea or add any team since WBA away
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Bolasie. He's 29, lazy, and costing 75k a week. This is the polar opposite of what Smith said he wanted at the club last week. Youthful energy that doesn't cost the earth is what is wanted. I reckon, other than SJM, Grealish and Abraham, he'd happily shift any other player at the club.
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I don’t really see where this lazy talk comes from. Always seemed to try to me.
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I don’t really see where this lazy talk comes from. Always seemed to try to me.
You should know by now, with all those posts, that sarcasm does not work on the inter web!!
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I see that Chelsea kid has gone to Ostersunds.
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Ben woodburn who would be loan from Liverpool , a Welsh person , I like him for attacking side of things
Not sure we need to bring in a replacement winger to be honest - Albert, Kodjia, El-Ghazi and Green are plenty there. The wages are needed elsewhere. Unless the rumours of Kodjia going as well are true.
No more wingers please!
I thought he could be an attacking midfielder role behind striker rather than any wide player
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Seems to me that things have changed after it became common knowledge that we dont ‘need’ to go up this season.
It’s almost like the hunger/desire has disappeared since.
Yes it could be that it was told this season is a season of transition and the work is on performance and not results
The whole ' greater good ' argument.
However in professional sports that completely and utterly unacceptable .
The fact that there are expectations too and the club is in a league in which it is expected to compete.
However I can't think for one moment there has been any deliberate easing off or settling for lesser things more a case of a struggle in transition and many many factors .
As it is the long road there is more and more evidence to suggest such it's disappointing that it will be used as excuse in not competing for the play off this season.
I think Villa are still wanting to compete for play offs because there is still a chance.
However current of opinion we wont make play offs as it's taking some time to get things together.
I also struggle to see if we can achieve much in comparison and competition to those teams around us in league even before the play off places this season .
There is little resemble of a team so getting a team play is taking time.
One of the main reasons would be that other squads have had their coach or manager in place since start of season or longer.
I have to say if Bruce was in charge I would have thought he have this team higher and in play offs.
In part because he would have had the time of this season to do it.
Smithy playing catch up.
Stoke with their squad and situation would be interesting to see how they develop for rest of season. And I would think they along with Villa are in a situation to move forward in a seen as progressive direction but now on a more limited budget , less glamour than the premier league status which gave both clubs
I will be highly annoyed if Stoke soar past us into playoffs however as Jones had less time to work with players than Smith has.
But bringing in more in this window means it's a rebuilding job.
The trouble is this route of taking younger players rather than established ones can also be seen as dumbing down and if it doesn't work out left with a squad that has been developed as much for performance as it has for making value in sellable assests.
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I'd move Kodjia on if possible, he doesn't seem to be a Smith type player. The problem is, we paid a king's ransom for him and he's on a huge wedge. Yet another poor buy measured in financial terms, as much as I enjoyed watching him n his first season here.
Depends what the offer is I suppose. If any sort of decent money is offered for him, I would move him on to be honest.
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Plenty of desire to close down in the second half, it's why we earnt a point.
Absolutely, but no passion / desire in the first half, or Wigan, Swansea or add any team since WBA away
Swansea 2nd half we were much better, created plenty and deservedly won. It's not been good since 15th December. Turning point will happen. Hopefully 2nd half was it.
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I think we are actually desperate for another winger, but one that actually has genuine pace! Bolasie was still tricky, but way too slow and very hit and miss off the ball, plus rarely played a decent ball across. El Ghazi is a good player but has struggled without Grealish in the side to feed him. Adomah is so slow at times it hurts watching him. The only one with any pace is Green and he has lost a bit with his muscle injuries. A proper speed merchant would be very useful.
Of course a left back that can run, a holding midfielder that can actually tackle and read the game and another centre half before that would be nice too!
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I think we are actually desperate for another winger, but one that actually has genuine pace! Bolasie was still tricky, but way too slow and very hit and miss off the ball, plus rarely played a decent ball across. El Ghazi is a good player but has struggled without Grealish in the side to feed him. Adomah is so slow at times it hurts watching him. The only one with any pace is Green and he has lost a bit with his muscle injuries. A proper speed merchant would be very useful.
Of course a left back that can run, a holding midfielder that can actually tackle and read the game and another centre half before that would be nice too!
Greedy bastard 😂
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So basically a new team ozzjim? I agree.
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So basically the bulk of our players are poor ozzjim? I agree.
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As do I Brian and it makes my blood boil to see a close neighbour so far in front of us in the table having spent a fraction of the money.
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Jordan Mutch training with us? Why? Another one who hasn't played that much football for half a decade.
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Probably helping him out. Perhaps some sort of Hereford connection maybe with O'Kelly or Smith?
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Mail reporting that Mings most likely to go the Baggies
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noticed last night we have scored twice as many goals in the league from crosses as anyone else, 22 to west broms 11. I was expecting smith to be more of a dominate mf and play through balls type of manager. I wonder if this is the direction he wants to take us or if that stat is merely a product of the players he has available. It has been more noticable the last 5-6 games that the hoof up the line has crept back into our game
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Result of Elphick being in for Tuanzebe?
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Mail reporting that Mings most likely to go the Baggies
With cherries agreeing a fee with Brentford for Mepham now, Mings will be on his way. Decent signing with added height for a full back too but my family on the south coast make him sound like another Bolasie when some days he’s at it and on his game and others he just doesn’t seem to put the effort in. With Taylor the root cause of both goals last sat he might be worth us hijacking though ?
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Jordan Mutch training with us? Why? Another one who hasn't played that much football for half a decade.
I wouldn't get too worked out about a player training with us. Mutch ado about nothing really.
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Bolasie has gone
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Mail reporting that Mings most likely to go the Baggies
With cherries agreeing a fee with Brentford for Mepham now, Mings will be on his way. Decent signing with added height for a full back too but my family on the south coast make him sound like another Bolasie when some days he’s at it and on his game and others he just doesn’t seem to put the effort in. With Taylor the root cause of both goals last sat he might be worth us hijacking though ?
Taylor the root cause of both goals? Hmm.
Have another look.
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Bolasie has gone
The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbour too apparently.
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Bolasie has gone
The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbour too apparently.
It would be very, very wrong to say the Japanese were more accurate with their shooting.
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Sorry ads. I forgot to quote. I was saying bolasie has gone in reply to jordan mutch training with is. He's just cover
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Bolasie has gone
The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbour too apparently.
It would be very, very wrong to say the Japanese were more accurate with their shooting.
Would it be inaccurate to say the Americans had a better defence than us?
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Bolasie has gone
The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbour too apparently.
It would be very, very wrong to say the Japanese were more accurate with their shooting.
Would it be inaccurate to say the Americans had a better defence than us?
That's where we miss General Krulak - if players put their hands up like they were first half on Saturday - I'm sure he would have had a few words about commitment. You only put your hands up if you are surrendering. etc.
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Looks like Moreira next out of the door
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Bolasie has gone
The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbour too apparently.
It would be very, very wrong to say the Japanese were more accurate with their shooting.
Would it be inaccurate to say the Americans had a better defence than us?
That's where we miss General Krulak - if players put their hands up like they were first half on Saturday - I'm sure he would have had a few words about commitment. You only put your hands up if you are surrendering. etc.
Is that the same general who ran away when asked a few tough questions?
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That's where we miss General Krulak - if players put their hands up like they were first half on Saturday - I'm sure he would have had a few words about commitment. You only put your hands up if you are surrendering. etc.
...or dancing to Ottawan
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Looks like Moreira next out of the door
The only thing that surprises me about that is that it's taken as long.
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I’m getting stressed with only 9 days left of window can we really see another def midfielder , LB or CB coming in ?
No substantiated rumours around
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The dip in results plus the lack of transfer activity is a bit of a shitter.
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I’m getting stressed with only 9 days left of window can we really see another def midfielder , LB or CB coming in ?
No substantiated rumours around
Rumours don't normally amount to much anyway. Smith did say something along the lines of having 'several plates spinning' so they are working on a few things.
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The dip in results plus the lack of transfer activity is a bit of a shitter.
Could the two be possibly linked? Maybe it’s a lot harder attracting decent players when you’re mid table in the championship.
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It looks like this season is a dead duck to me now, save the money for sensible signings in the summer if that only players available right now are massively over priced or very short term.
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Now Bournemouth have signed Mepham maybe there is a chance Mings will come in before weekend rather than after.
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He's going to the Albion.
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Why would he want to do that?
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According to Sky we offered Mepham better personal terms than Bournemouth. He might regret turning us down.
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According to Sky we offered Mepham better personal terms than Bournemouth. He might regret turning us down.
I could believe that which is the problem really. Hopefully we'll become a club that attracts players because of the manager and the career opportunity rather than the wages.
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According to Sky we offered Mepham better personal terms than Bournemouth. He might regret turning us down.
If it’s true I’d be encouraged that we were prepared to pay that fee. It’s up to this club to get in a position where Bournemouth are not a more attractive proposition than us.
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The lure of the Premier league eh? even if the biggest crowd you are going to play in front of is always an away game? I hope we have other options on the go.
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I suppose it's one of those times that makes it tempting to compare ourselves to 'the likes of Bournemouth'. The reality is that there is no comparison. Aside from them being in the premier league, on every single conceivable other level, Villa is a giant in comparison. This makes it all the more bizarre for us to be considering 'writing this season off' as some seem to think would be best. We simply have to be back in the big league ASAP.
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I suppose it's one of those times that makes it tempting to compare ourselves to 'the likes of Bournemouth'. The reality is that there is no comparison. Aside from them being in the premier league, on every single conceivable other level, Villa is a giant in comparison. This makes it all the more bizarre for us to be considering 'writing this season off' as some seem to think would be best. We simply have to be back in the big league ASAP.
It does bug me that my son can't collect any Natch Attax cards but his mate who supports Bournemouth can. But the, well done Bornemouth.
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It's a tin pot club, super small in size but has been managed fantastically well and should be a lesson to all bigger clubs.
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It's got some dodgy Russian and is a very affluent area. When you get 10,000 gates and pay 20m for a player the concept of ffp is utterly laughable.
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Mail reporting that Mings most likely to go the Baggies
With cherries agreeing a fee with Brentford for Mepham now, Mings will be on his way. Decent signing with added height for a full back too but my family on the south coast make him sound like another Bolasie when some days he’s at it and on his game and others he just doesn’t seem to put the effort in. With Taylor the root cause of both goals last sat he might be worth us hijacking though ?
Taylor the root cause of both goals? Hmm.
Have another look.
Than you for advice I’ve reviewed and stick by my original statement.
Goal 1...diagonal ball to his side, he bumps into Chester ,kicks ball away from him and straight to goal scorer !
Goal 2...wasn’t facing right direction, it was his post, and he takes a slice to help it into net
Now that’s cleared up....where’s the bloody transfers ?
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According to Sky we offered Mepham better personal terms than Bournemouth. He might regret turning us down.
Sad I have to say but doubt it. I imagine in football circles we're seen as a bit of a basketcase club (and also one to get a quick buck from if you're hitting 30 or had a good run of form).
Bournemouth atm (it will be different when Howe goes of course) are a well run prem club and they also have a very good recent track record of taking young players from outside the top flight and developing them into full internationals. Ryan Fraser, Lewis Cook and Calum Wilson are three who have played for their national teams and David Brooks will probably be in next England squad.
Would never have typed any of this ten years ago but we are where we are for a reason.
At least we do have some money to play with if we were willing to spend 12m on him so please let's spend that sensibly as there's loads of decent players in the 4-6m range ready to be picked up.
Edit: I just typed all that out forgetting Mepham was full Welsh international.
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Think it's a decent window if we can tempt likes of Sawyers and Rico Henry in next 10 days.
They're not world beaters but are good players at this level, DS knows them and they also play in positions where we really struggle in so would improve first 11.
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Think it's a decent window if we can tempt likes of Sawyers and Rico Henry in next 10 days.
They're not world beaters but are good players at this level, DS knows them and they also play in positions where we really struggle in so would improve first 11.
Will Brentford be so desperate to sell them with £12 million just coming in .
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I can't believe that we would have been in a position to offer £12 million for a centre back. I think even at the height of Xia's spending (under RDM), we wouldn't have shelled anywhere near that amount on a defender.
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Think it's a decent window if we can tempt likes of Sawyers and Rico Henry in next 10 days.
They're not world beaters but are good players at this level, DS knows them and they also play in positions where we really struggle in so would improve first 11.
Will Brentford be so desperate to sell them with £12 million just coming in .
Isn't Sawyers out of contract end of season or have I got that wrong?
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Think it's a decent window if we can tempt likes of Sawyers and Rico Henry in next 10 days.
They're not world beaters but are good players at this level, DS knows them and they also play in positions where we really struggle in so would improve first 11.
Will Brentford be so desperate to sell them with £12 million just coming in .
Isn't Sawyers out of contract end of season or have I got that wrong?
No -it's 2 years.
EDIT: 18 months - Ends at the end of next season.
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According to Sky we offered Mepham better personal terms than Bournemouth. He might regret turning us down.
Sad I have to say but doubt it. I imagine in football circles we're seen as a bit of a basketcase club (and also one to get a quick buck from if you're hitting 30 or had a good run of form).
Bournemouth atm (it will be different when Howe goes of course) are a well run prem club and they also have a very good recent track record of taking young players from outside the top flight and developing them into full internationals. Ryan Fraser, Lewis Cook and Calum Wilson are three who have played for their national teams and David Brooks will probably be in next England squad.
Would never have typed any of this ten years ago but we are where we are for a reason.
At least we do have some money to play with if we were willing to spend 12m on him so please let's spend that sensibly as there's loads of decent players in the 4-6m range ready to be picked up.
Edit: I just typed all that out forgetting Mepham was full Welsh international.
And you forget brooks is also one too.
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Think it's a decent window if we can tempt likes of Sawyers and Rico Henry in next 10 days.
They're not world beaters but are good players at this level, DS knows them and they also play in positions where we really struggle in so would improve first 11.
Will Brentford be so desperate to sell them with £12 million just coming in .
Isn't Sawyers out of contract end of season or have I got that wrong?
No -it's 2 years.
EDIT: 18 months - Ends at the end of next season.
Well we will have seen that we are signing Sawyers as someone came on here to proclaim such news about the very man Sawyers coming .
I guess they waiting to bring someone in at Brentford before Sawyers move.
I can't recall who made the claim on the Sawyers move but if they could step forward with an update or more details would be good ! Someone's relative or friend had said they were informed he was villa bound !
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
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Was there not previously a ITK where Sawyers had told someone that he was signing for us - quite a while back I think
Yes.
Came from my lads mate who met him while he was working over Dorridge way.
Sawyers actually told him he was going to sign for us.
Have to admit I expected it to be done by now, so, whether things have changed with a couple of other clubs showing interest I don't know.
We trust you ! He'll be in by end of window then !
That's great info .
These things take time so I think this is a good one other wise you wouldn't post up what your son told you
So I think he'll come then when it's FA cup weekend
They play Monday night 28th and I think he won't play then.
Window closes 31st
There it is !
I myself speculated about his move having heard the rumour here?!
Maybe he won't be playing Monday night so then speculation will really take off again !
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According to Sky we offered Mepham better personal terms than Bournemouth. He might regret turning us down.
Bit of a blow, as seeing him play for Wales a few times now, I think he would have been ideal. Big, mobile, comfortable on the ball and favours the left side of central defence though he is right footed. Not saying he is at or will make it to the same level as John Terry, but he reminds me a bit of him and I think he'll do well in the top flight.
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Brentford have a ground to pay for I guess.
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Brentford have a ground to pay for I guess.
They certainly have made enough in the last few years to put a few quid towards it.
Read this in an article at the start of the season.
"Once Woods’s £7m move goes through in January it will be possible to make an XI of players sold over the last four years which Brentford bought for around £6.7m and sold for approximately £60.8m – a cool £54.1m profit.
Goalkeeper David Button (sold to Fulham), defenders Maxim Colin (Birmingham), John Egan (Sheffield United), Harlee Dean (Birmingham), James Tarkowski (Burnley) and Jake Bidwell (QPR), midfielders Woods (Stoke), Jota (Birmingham) and Stuart Dallas (Leeds) and forwards Andre Gray (Burnley) and Hogan (Aston Villa) are all good examples of the club’s ethos."
I reckon we could put together the reverse version of that - players we've spent about £60m on and got about £5m value.
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We could match that record of astute dealing in any single player sold on for his true value eg Gueye, Amavi, Veretout, Traore. I am not talking football, I am talking money. The paramount need at Villa Park is not to piss money away in pursuit of the "he's shit get rid" business model. He may well be shit (though I think the four I mention above are better than most of our current squad) but football is a business and you DO NOT talk down your assets. Not unless you want to go broke.
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We could match that record of astute dealing in any single player sold on for his true value eg Gueye, Amavi, Veretout, Traore. I am not talking football, I am talking money. The paramount need at Villa Park is not to piss money away in pursuit of the "he's shit get rid" business model. He may well be shit (though I think the four I mention above are better than most of our current squad) but football is a business and you DO NOT talk down your assets. Not unless you want to go broke.
Very true and rumours that Gueye off to PSG for £40million
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And the values we sold them for in reality (approx reported fees)?
Gueye - Signed for 9m - Sold for 7.1 million
Amavi - Signed for 7.7m - Sold for 9 million
Veretout - Signed for 6m - Sold for 6 million
Traore - Signed for 7m - Swapped for Adomah
A grand total assuming Traore and Albert as equals of a net loss 600k
I would say unbelievable, but it's actually only too believable after the last few years.
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You could not run a whelk stall with a balance sheet ,like that. Well actually we were owned by a whelk stall owner back in the day and he balanced the books. Well, there or thereabouts as somebody once said.
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And the values we sold them for in reality (approx reported fees)?
Gueye - Signed for 9m - Sold for 7.1 million
Amavi - Signed for 7.7m - Sold for 9 million
Veretout - Signed for 6m - Sold for 6 million
Traore - Signed for 7m - Swapped for Adomah
A grand total assuming Traore and Albert as equals of a net loss 600k
I would say unbelievable, but it's actually only too believable after the last few years.
That does look bad I'm no business man but I could have got us better deals than that.
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And the values we sold them for in reality (approx reported fees)?
Gueye - Signed for 9m - Sold for 7.1 million
Amavi - Signed for 7.7m - Sold for 9 million
Veretout - Signed for 6m - Sold for 6 million
Traore - Signed for 7m - Swapped for Adomah
A grand total assuming Traore and Albert as equals of a net loss 600k
I would say unbelievable, but it's actually only too believable after the last few years.
It's a bit daft beating ourselves up over not making a profit on players who were largely vilified whilst they were with us.
I think we all knew Veretout & Amavi could be decent players, but neither really performed whilst with us and both were agitating for a move. Getting our money back was ok. Gueye was always decent for us but I doubt many thought he would go on to do as well as he has. The small loss was a bit of a kick in the balls, but that's a relegation fire sale for you.
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Traore is a circus act.
Looking forwards, the Express & Star are suggesting we're stepping up our attempts to land Mings.
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And the values we sold them for in reality (approx reported fees)?
Gueye - Signed for 9m - Sold for 7.1 million
Amavi - Signed for 7.7m - Sold for 9 million
Veretout - Signed for 6m - Sold for 6 million
Traore - Signed for 7m - Swapped for Adomah
A grand total assuming Traore and Albert as equals of a net loss 600k
I would say unbelievable, but it's actually only too believable after the last few years.
It's a bit daft beating ourselves up over not making a profit on players who were largely vilified whilst they were with us.
I think we all knew Veretout & Amavi could be decent players, but neither really performed whilst with us and both were agitating for a move. Getting our money back was ok. Gueye was always decent for us but I doubt many thought he would go on to do as well as he has. The small loss was a bit of a kick in the balls, but that's a relegation fire sale for you.
[/qTraore is a circus act.
Looking forwards, the Express & Star are suggesting we're stepping up our attempts to land Mings.
Traore is a circus act.
Looking forwards, the Express & Star are suggesting we're stepping up our attempts to land Mings.
And the values we sold them for in reality (approx reported fees)?
Gueye - Signed for 9m - Sold for 7.1 million
Amavi - Signed for 7.7m - Sold for 9 million
Veretout - Signed for 6m - Sold for 6 million
Traore - Signed for 7m - Swapped for Adomah
A grand total assuming Traore and Albert as equals of a net loss 600k
I would say unbelievable, but it's actually only too believable after the last few years.
That does look bad I'm no business man but I could have got us better deals than that.
Wasnt there a sell on clause for Traore ?
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Traore is a circus act.
Looking forwards, the Express & Star are suggesting we're stepping up our attempts to land Mings.
Under Dean Smith Mings can only get better
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Thing is, we could have kept those players but they didn't want to stay. Gueye wanted out and had a release clause. So did Vertout.. Traore I never rated anyway. Managers like him for the same reason some of the fans like him - his pace. The fact that he still has little end product and the ball can end up anywhere won't stop managers trying to harness his speed. Amavi, fair enough he claimed after the fact he didn't want to leave, but yknow... At the time Trying to build a promotion team round foreign players who don't want to be there is iffy especially in a division like the championship and with the sour smell in our dressing room. We cut our losses, and didn't lose a fortune. You could make a good argument that we didn't spend the money we got for them well though......
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shit happens - a lot at Villa Park. Let's hope those days are gone.
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We may get Ming In
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We may get Ming In
Haha!
Hoping he more of a sweet Ming
The Bournemouth fans have only got good mings to say about tyronne
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He was a good prospect. Again he's had a mega injury - 15 months out is a bad 'un and he's hardly played since. If we're going to be spending 5m plus on him, they better not still be using the same medical team that passed Richards as fit.
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There's been a lot of managers pass under the bridge since Richards signed! In a sense a softly softly approach to building our squad might be sensible in the long run. Short term thinking has put us in this position. For years we have scrambled to either stay in the prem or, more recently, to try and get back there. As a consequence we have an ageing, bloated squad bolstered by short term loans. With a young and promising manager (I know some of you are already getting hacked but =P to you!!) a period of soldifying may be the long term answer. The best we could hope for this season is to scrape into the play offs, and promotion might not be the final escape from the Championship.
That said we do need to shore up our defence, and the lack of midfield protection/deep playmaking is clear for all to see. I would like to see 2 solid signings that will give us a spring board for next season.
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The main memory I have of mings is his roughing up of Zlatan and trying to put him off his game at old Trafford .
He succeeded and ibrahimovic even missed his pen.
It was flair against brute force and was somewhat surprised Howe had mings getting overly physical with Ibra.
The big I am that is Zlatan didn't like it and was constantly engaged in a battle
Clever but not how I like my football
I was actually shouting for mings to get sent off as in my view his act of violence he stamped on Ibrahimovic.
For footyskillz lovers like me I didn't appreciate that Ibra actually seemed scared in the end as mings stood up to him but in a dirty way.
Of course Zlatan has his own dirty history but that day mings clearly initiated the battle by winding him up and disgraceful stood on his head
Is that what Dean Smith wants ?
I know some enjoy seeing these types of players and maybe there is some small need in rough and tumble of EFL.
But generally I can't stand players who aren't looking to play the match in a fair way and usually it's to compensate for limited ability.
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The footage is on YouTube .
Not for that faint hearted.
Mings v Ibrahimovic fight.
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I always thought Gueye, Ayew and Amarvi were very well scouted signings and would have done just as well here in a more stable environment. Gueye I thought should have moved to Leicester to replace Kante. Not at all surprised that they did well elsewhere.
Veretout I wasn’t impressed by, too slow and physically weak for English football.
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The main memory I have of mings is his roughing up of Zlatan and trying to put him off his game at old Trafford .
He succeeded and ibrahimovic even missed his pen.
It was flair against brute force and was somewhat surprised Howe had mings getting overly physical with Ibra.
The big I am that is Zlatan didn't like it and was constantly engaged in a battle
Clever but not how I like my football
I was actually shouting for mings to get sent off as in my view his act of violence he stamped on Ibrahimovic.
For footyskillz lovers like me I didn't appreciate that Ibra actually seemed scared in the end as mings stood up to him but in a dirty way.
Of course Zlatan has his own dirty history but that day mings clearly initiated the battle by winding him up and disgraceful stood on his head
Is that what Dean Smith wants ?
I know some enjoy seeing these types of players and maybe there is some small need in rough and tumble of EFL.
But generally I can't stand players who aren't looking to play the match in a fair way and usually it's to compensate for limited ability.
Frankly it's exactly what I want. Many top strikers are bullies - Ibra is a perfect example. If a defender is tough enough and smart enough to stand up to them without getting too many fouls or cards against them, then I'm all for it.
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We could match that record of astute dealing in any single player sold on for his true value eg Gueye, Amavi, Veretout, Traore. I am not talking football, I am talking money. The paramount need at Villa Park is not to piss money away in pursuit of the "he's shit get rid" business model. He may well be shit (though I think the four I mention above are better than most of our current squad) but football is a business and you DO NOT talk down your assets. Not unless you want to go broke.
Very true and rumours that Gueye off to PSG for £40million
Wonder if we have sell on clause for Gana or did Xia sell it off during the mad summer.
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I always thought Gueye, Ayew and Amarvi were very well scouted signings and would have done just as well here in a more stable environment. Gueye I thought should have moved to Leicester to replace Kante. Not at all surprised that they did well elsewhere.
Veretout I wasn’t impressed by, too slow and physically weak for English football.
I agree with that. They came in at a time when we'd just lost three key players- Vlaar, Delph and Benteke and everyone saw the void those three left. Not just on the pitch but their experience and leadership in the dressing room (first two).
Add Gana alongside Delph and Cleverley in our 14/15 midfield and that would've worked nicely. I think Ayew playing in number 10 role just off Benteke and linking in midfield would've been right position for him (Grealish staying wider). And Kieron Richardson starting the cup final at left back shows we were as weak then as we are now in that position, an eternal problem for us.
We spent 2014 holidays signing Joe Cole, Senderos, Carlos Sanchez and Richardson of course.
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It shows the short-termist, scattergun approach we've had so often. Start off with one idea then when it doesn't work immediately change to another. First we had Lambert's derided young & hungry approach, which nevertheless brought in Benteke plus Westwood, Lowton & Bennett, all now Premier League regulars. Then we had the Sherwood debacle, when the Sporting Director decided to bring in players despite rather than because of the manager. Veretout, Gueye, Amavi, Traore - all decent players but useless in the circumstances. And last season's loan signings were half-right, with Snodgrass, Johnstone and Grabban all potential buys last May.
If we'd employed joined-up thinking we could have a team of Johnstone, Lowton, Amavi, Ciaran Carke, Chester, Gueye, Veretout, Grealish, Traore, Snodgrass & Benteke, with Bennett, Westwood & Grabban either on the bench or sold to finance new signings and that's without buying anyone else.
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Moreira is returning to Atletico Madrid. Another one off the payroll
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Moreira is returning to Atletico Madrid. Another one off the payroll
Weird signing. Can't say he gave much confidence in the two cup games he had.
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The Gks position is a specialist one and is deemed acceptable in football terms to be a non playing player and pick up a wage .
It's essentially for some a reserve or back up role and a given .
I know several Gks and a few more who don't get the fame time time but accept the situation.
Similarly and how it is these same players have said that there are occasionally an outfielder who will be less inclined to move even if not playing due to the wonderful contract and wage.
There are notable deductions for apparenaces , bonus and not playing as well as even being in squads . I can only imagine championship and premier money is even more extreme.
I talking lower levels but with relative comfort depending on. Size and ambition of club.
Anyhow GKs go on loan and cover and go for experiences and of course to be paid.
You can earn a good living as a back up GK and it's really only a certain amount that will go on to promote their careers when their is either a clear path , opportunity or a recognised talent.
It's now not so uncommon to stock pile gks as some coaches or goal keeping coaches request this in order purely to have effective coaching for a gk and also help boost such things as the mindset of the number 1 being the best at the club.
A given acknowledgement other GK are there basically in a support role
You don't get this attitude and way with any other positions unless a back up to world class players .
You do get favourite or the best players having priority which leads to drop off in performance.
Nyland has had his opportunity and will be either a keen reserve once back or moved on to other things.
Sometimes some GKs aren't cut out to be number 1 and certain levels of football.
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
Its down to the player to decide now as far as ive heard. Both teams doing deals that have a future fee/perm activation. Baggies more likely for promo but playing time more secure with us........
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The main memory I have of mings is his roughing up of Zlatan and trying to put him off his game at old Trafford .
He succeeded and ibrahimovic even missed his pen.
It was flair against brute force and was somewhat surprised Howe had mings getting overly physical with Ibra.
The big I am that is Zlatan didn't like it and was constantly engaged in a battle
Clever but not how I like my football
I was actually shouting for mings to get sent off as in my view his act of violence he stamped on Ibrahimovic.
For footyskillz lovers like me I didn't appreciate that Ibra actually seemed scared in the end as mings stood up to him but in a dirty way.
Of course Zlatan has his own dirty history but that day mings clearly initiated the battle by winding him up and disgraceful stood on his head
Is that what Dean Smith wants ?
I know some enjoy seeing these types of players and maybe there is some small need in rough and tumble of EFL.
But generally I can't stand players who aren't looking to play the match in a fair way and usually it's to compensate for limited ability.
Frankly it's exactly what I want. Many top strikers are bullies - Ibra is a perfect example. If a defender is tough enough and smart enough to stand up to them without getting too many fouls or cards against them, then I'm all for it.
Yeah but be careful or you end-up with that anti-Villa thug Paul Robinson.
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
Its down to the player to decide now as far as ive heard. Both teams doing deals that have a future fee/perm activation. Baggies more likely for promo but playing time more secure with us........
and …….. its us
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
Its down to the player to decide now as far as ive heard. Both teams doing deals that have a future fee/perm activation. Baggies more likely for promo but playing time more secure with us........
and …….. its us
Where you seeing this?
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It shows the short-termist, scattergun approach we've had so often. Start off with one idea then when it doesn't work immediately change to another. First we had Lambert's derided young & hungry approach, which nevertheless brought in Benteke plus Westwood, Lowton & Bennett, all now Premier League regulars. Then we had the Sherwood debacle, when the Sporting Director decided to bring in players despite rather than because of the manager. Veretout, Gueye, Amavi, Traore - all decent players but useless in the circumstances. And last season's loan signings were half-right, with Snodgrass, Johnstone and Grabban all potential buys last May.
If we'd employed joined-up thinking we could have a team of Johnstone, Lowton, Amavi, Ciaran Carke, Chester, Gueye, Veretout, Grealish, Traore, Snodgrass & Benteke, with Bennett, Westwood & Grabban either on the bench or sold to finance new signings and that's without buying anyone else.
It feels like it's been like that a while.
Players still playing, Barry, Milner, Delph, Young, Downing, Kyle Walker....
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
Its down to the player to decide now as far as ive heard. Both teams doing deals that have a future fee/perm activation. Baggies more likely for promo but playing time more secure with us........
and …….. its us
Where you seeing this?
He's a mole, digging from a hole, don't make him give away his hideout!
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The footage is on YouTube .
Not for that faint hearted.
Mings v Ibrahimovic fight.
Mings was merciless that day
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
Its down to the player to decide now as far as ive heard. Both teams doing deals that have a future fee/perm activation. Baggies more likely for promo but playing time more secure with us........
Cheers VC
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8 days to go I like to look back on some of these snippets ?!
An Arsenal supporting friend of mine told me today that he heard from a reliable source that Koscielny could be coming in Jan. Emery has told him he’s not wanted at Arsenal.
Can’t see it myself though
Good you had the foresight , your mates on the wind up or Man's source is sour!
Maybe the player was meant Ozil ?
The creative type we need .
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Nyland is fine for where we are now.
Ok.
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I think midfield is the least of our problems. Defence, attack and goalkeeping is more of a worry. Someone mentioned Heaton at Burnley as a goalkeeping option and Forster at Southampton might be another one. They have both been out with fairly long term injuries however, which is why they lost their places.
Applause !
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How about getting back some of our players out on loan now for starters.....Steer, De Laet, Clark, Elphick, Green????
This is the best !
Well played Eddie Munster good reading of the situation and foresight !
Great post !
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Tyrone Mings Loan to buy once Bournemouth get Mepham has legs
Any more on this VC?
Its down to the player to decide now as far as ive heard. Both teams doing deals that have a future fee/perm activation. Baggies more likely for promo but playing time more secure with us........
and …….. its us
Where you seeing this?
He's a mole, digging from a hole, don't make him give away his hideout!
sorry I meant in terms of choosing between us and the Tesco bags , didn't mean to give anyone a bum steer
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Leave or Romain ?
Are they still best Mates ??
Was this building a Chinese restaurant and that's why it's a sawyer source?
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I think Centre-back is going to be the problem position in January. Aberdeen are only 3 points of the top of the league, so they;re not going to let Mckenna leave cheaply, and Brentford will also want big money fro Moepham.
We've been linked with Ampadu on loan, which might make sense, although Smith has suggested that we're going to be looking more at permanent signings than loans, so I woudln't be surprised if we buy a left-back (Knudsen at Ipswich??) and just bring Elphick back from Hull, as cover.
Fair play Russel good reading of situation !
Will check out this left back on Saturday
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Sky reporting we are in for sawyers
It does seem a very obvious move if Jack is injured for a while
Tbf sky have reported the leave and Romain stuff on Sawyers .
Do think rumour or not it could be one that occurs late on in window to
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Leave or Romain ?
Are they still best Mates ??
Was this building a Chinese restaurant and that's why it's a sawyer source?
Always a worry posting ITK.
Loos like I might get egg fu yung on my face 😂
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Tbf Nigel you only reported what you heard mate!
Fingers crossed it happens !
Sort of player we need in the midfield
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Leave or Romain ?
Are they still best Mates ??
Was this building a Chinese restaurant and that's why it's a sawyer source?
Good work, footy. Enjoyed that one.
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Hot off the press:
My lads best mate was working at this big house and in walks Romaine Sawyers. Told him he was coming to Villa
Leave or Romain ?
Are they still best Mates ??
Was this building a Chinese restaurant and that's why it's a sawyer source?
Good work, footy. Enjoyed that one.
Acknowledgement appreciated !
Keep warm !
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The footage is on YouTube .
Not for that faint hearted.
Mings v Ibrahimovic fight.
Mings was merciless that day
I think he's more likely to join West Brom due to most their fans being from the planet "Mongo"
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99 pages and we've signed another dodgy keeper and a dodgy centre back. Let's hope all of our eggs are in the basket of the last week of the transfer window. And no more dodgyness.
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99 pages and we've signed another dodgy keeper and a dodgy centre back. Let's hope all of our eggs are in the basket of the last week of the transfer window. And no more dodgyness.
I just hope there is a sensible approach in place and we don't laden ourselves with more ill suited players on good money who contribute very little. I'd rather we didn't do any more business than go out an make those kind of signings.
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I have 99 pages buts left back ain’t one
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I don't see why Kalanic is dodgy. Because Bowen scored a from 10 yards out, unmarked?
What about stopping us losing 6-0 twice on the spin or from losing against Hull? We're ridiculous with our rush to judgment.
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The footage is on YouTube .
Not for that faint hearted.
Mings v Ibrahimovic fight.
Mings was merciless that day
I think he's more likely to join West Brom due to most their fans being from the planet "Mongo"
He'll like the Hawthorns, it's a "DIVE!!!!"
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The futures of the cluster of Aston Villa's out-of-contract players - including Micah Richards, Alan Hutton and Mile Jedinak - will be resolved once the transfer window closes, manager Dean Smith has revealed. (Birmingham Mail)
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It'd be great if we could get Mings - he'd bring up the average height to give us a bit more at the back. From his Ipswich days he was quality at this level too.
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it would be even better to get him and Sawyers.
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It would - but Brentford are going to ask for £10m + I'd imagine. He's 27 and never played above the Championship.
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Brentford charge like a wounded bull for their players. DS was brilliant at it.
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I'm not bothered about Sawyers, he's not the answer. We need someone who plays 15-20 yards deeper and can be the shield in front of the defense (like Jedinak can and Bjarnason can almost do) but can also start attacks and move the ball quickly and accurately to the attacking players (We have no one who can do this in the first team).
Mings would be ok but it would mean him and Hause being the cover at left back and I don't think either of them is good enough in the opposition half to do that long term. Of the players we've been linked with Rico Henry would be better than Mings for our immediate needs.
Once we have those 2 spots sorted then people like Mings and Sawyers would be good to give us a bit more depth in positions where we're a little short on quality if the first choice players are unfit or out of form.
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A few of the usual rumour sites, along with the sun, are linking us with a kid called Omer Beyaz, he's only 15 but has been scouted by almost everyone. Watching the youtube footage he's very similar to Jack in the way he makes space and draws defenders in. The problem is the same stories also link Liverpool, Man City, Man U and Chelsea. Always a risk but it'd be one hell of a coup to get a kid like this. If we're serious about using our academy to create the future of the club these are the sort of players we should be looking at.
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im very surprised we aren't showing an interest in the 20yo Maja at Sunderland. Hes hammering in the goals and could be available for as little as 2m. Looks like hes heading Bordeaux but surely worth a punt at that price?
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im very surprised we aren't showing an interest in the 20yo Maja at Sunderland. Hes hammering in the goals and could be available for as little as 2m. Looks like hes heading Bordeaux but surely worth a punt at that price?
Smith's already said we're top heavy. We aren't looking at a striker as far as i can see
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im very surprised we aren't showing an interest in the 20yo Maja at Sunderland. Hes hammering in the goals and could be available for as little as 2m. Looks like hes heading Bordeaux but surely worth a punt at that price?
Smith's already said we're top heavy. We aren't looking at a striker as far as i can see
Are we looking for anyone?
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Apparently there's lots of spinning plates
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Apparently there's lots of spinning plates
The plates spinning or not will be more use than Bolaisie, Taylor and Whelan
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It'd be great if we could get Mings - he'd bring up the average height to give us a bit more at the back. From his Ipswich days he was quality at this level too.
He had hardly played in recent years due to injury. We already have our quota of that lot in the club.
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im very surprised we aren't showing an interest in the 20yo Maja at Sunderland. Hes hammering in the goals and could be available for as little as 2m. Looks like hes heading Bordeaux but surely worth a punt at that price?
Smith's already said we're top heavy. We aren't looking at a striker as far as i can see
But if the right one comes along at the right price, we would have to consider it. Maja's contract ends at the end of this season - The outlay will be wages, not the transfer fee, which we could probably match. With Abraham leaving at the end of the season, it would be inconceivable that Smith hasn't considered Maja at some point.
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im very surprised we aren't showing an interest in the 20yo Maja at Sunderland. Hes hammering in the goals and could be available for as little as 2m. Looks like hes heading Bordeaux but surely worth a punt at that price?
Smith's already said we're top heavy. We aren't looking at a striker as far as i can see
Are we looking for anyone?
Linda?
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im very surprised we aren't showing an interest in the 20yo Maja at Sunderland. Hes hammering in the goals and could be available for as little as 2m. Looks like hes heading Bordeaux but surely worth a punt at that price?
Smith's already said we're top heavy. We aren't looking at a striker as far as i can see
Are we looking for anyone?
Linda?
Supporting Villa is a labour of love.
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Unless there's a new LB, CB and attacking midfielder coming in, we can forget any hopes of the play-offs. Season is petering out fast.
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I think we have to win 10 on the bounce starting very soon to have any chance of making the playoffs.
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We need 7 wins from 10.
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I think we have to win 10 on the bounce starting very soon to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Not really.
If that happened and everybody else maintained their average points per game we'd be;
7 ahead of Derby
6 ahead of Boro
1 ahead of Sheffield United
1 ahead of West Brom
Sat in 3rd;
3 behind Norwich
4 behind Leeds
With that momentum and with both the top 2 to play, we'd win the league.
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We are not winning 7 out of the next 10 unless we urgently bring in players.
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There's no point putting arbitrary we need to win x games in y period. We've already lost or drawn too many 'must wins' over the last few weeks. We just need to get back into a decent run and tighten up at the back. With a couple of astute signings and Jack returning I'm pretty confident we will and we'll sneak into the play-offs.
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we have been saying we need to ‘tighten up at the back’ all season. It isn’t going to miraculously happen. Even if we signed a top quality CH and LB today it takes time for those players to settle and build up an understanding.
A decent run of not losing games this a scattering of wins not see us sneaking into the playoffs. We need to go on a sustained run of winning games to not only build up points but to build momentum and belief.
Leeds and Norwich do not have better teams than us, but they now have momentum and belief and what it’s what Wolves and Fulham had last year.
We are absolutely nowhere near that right now.
For me, as a team, we now look every bit as fragile a team as we have been for the last 3-4 years.
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I think we have to win 10 on the bounce starting very soon to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Not really.
If that happened and everybody else maintained their average points per game we'd be;
7 ahead of Derby
6 ahead of Boro
1 ahead of Sheffield United
1 ahead of West Brom
Sat in 3rd;
3 behind Norwich
4 behind Leeds
With that momentum and with both the top 2 to play, we'd win the league.
OK you win the prize for optimistic post of the day.
A Balti pie (in the sky)
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I can't get excited about signings any more, for me it's a case of read about it when it happens and hope for the best. I mean, we were all getting quite moist at the prospect of steaming turds such as McCormack, Lansbury and Bolasie, myself included, and look how they turned out.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
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I can't get excited about signings any more, for me it's a case of read about it when it happens and hope for the best. I mean, we were all getting quite moist at the prospect of steaming turds such as McCormack, Lansbury and Bolasie, myself included, and look how they turned out.
I still hold out hope for Lansbury. Hes been unlucky with injuries, probably not suited at all to SB's style of play and has had to compete with two in form players in his position in Grealish and McGinn. He had one opportunity recently under Bruce, 2 days after having a baby and was made the scapegoat for an awful team performance. I saw enough in his latest cameo to suggest he could thrive under DS.
He just needs a decent bit of luck and a good run in the side, if he doesnt perform then bomb him off but I dont think we should write him off yet.
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I think we have to win 10 on the bounce starting very soon to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Not really.
If that happened and everybody else maintained their average points per game we'd be;
7 ahead of Derby
6 ahead of Boro
1 ahead of Sheffield United
1 ahead of West Brom
Sat in 3rd;
3 behind Norwich
4 behind Leeds
With that momentum and with both the top 2 to play, we'd win the league.
OK you win the prize for optimistic post of the day.
A Balti pie (in the sky)
I'm not being optimistic, I'm saying what the posterbive quoted has said is wrong and dramatically so.
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Ads, if you don’t want the balti pie, can I have it?
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I can't get excited about signings any more, for me it's a case of read about it when it happens and hope for the best. I mean, we were all getting quite moist at the prospect of steaming turds such as McCormack, Lansbury and Bolasie, myself included, and look how they turned out.
I still hold out hope for Lansbury. Hes been unlucky with injuries, probably not suited at all to SB's style of play and has had to compete with two in form players in his position in Grealish and McGinn. He had one opportunity recently under Bruce, 2 days after having a baby and was made the scapegoat for an awful team performance. I saw enough in his latest cameo to suggest he could thrive under DS.
He just needs a decent bit of luck and a good run in the side, if he doesnt perform then bomb him off but I dont think we should write him off yet.
When did Henry have his babby?
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Ads, if you don’t want the balti pie, can I have it?
Never had one, so by all means!
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You've never lived. It combines the greatness of both Balti and Pie in one convenient and delicious package.
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You've never lived. It combines the greatness of both Balti and Pie in one convenient and delicious package.
Seconded
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Not a pie man really. Been going down the Villa 27 years and never had one home or away.
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Smith seems reasonably confident we'll get someone in - if that's a decent midfielder then I'd have some hope for the playoffs.
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I cant believe we haven't sorted out the left back position by now, he identified it as a weakness the day after he walked through the door, I'd hoped that there would have been a plan and scrabbling round for last minute deadline deals would have been a thing of the past with the new structure. I'll cut them some slack as it's their first window, but a bit frustrated!!!
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You have to wait for quality. It's a rubbish window, but Taylor will be fine these next two games.
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In most windows the bulk of the deals seem to happen right at the end of the month. We would rather players came in at the start of the window but they don't tend to.
I think selling clubs sit tight and wait for things to happen and a deal is often a link in a chain of several deals involving several clubs. All managers seem to come out with overused phrases like "plate spinning" or "balls in the air"; target A is open to a move but his club are waiting on XYZ etc. Transfer windows are always like that.
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In most windows the bulk of the deals seem to happen right at the end of the month. We would rather players came in at the start of the window but they don't tend to.
I think selling clubs sit tight and wait for things to happen and a deal is often a link in a chain of several deals involving several clubs. All managers seem to come out with overused phrases like "ball spinning" or "balls in the air"; target A is open to a move but his club are waiting on XYZ etc. Transfer windows are always like that.
That reads pretty accurate assessment of how past windows have gone and certainly true with the cliches?!
So I wondering how many on incomings by end of window?
I guess 2 signings .
Maybe one signing and one loan
(Makes 4 overall)
No itk just a guesstimate?
How about you and rest of us ?
How many more signings expecting by window end
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Actually, thinking about it, they did have Kalinic done and dusted for day 1 of the window to be fair!!
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In most windows the bulk of the deals seem to happen right at the end of the month. We would rather players came in at the start of the window but they don't tend to.
I think selling clubs sit tight and wait for things to happen and a deal is often a link in a chain of several deals involving several clubs. All managers seem to come out with overused phrases like "ball spinning" or "balls in the air"; target A is open to a move but his club are waiting on XYZ etc. Transfer windows are always like that.
That reads pretty accurate assessment of how past windows have gone and certainly true with the cliches?!
So I wondering how many on incomings by end of window?
I guess 2 signings .
Maybe one signing and one loan
(Makes 4 overall)
No itk just a guesstimate?
How about you and rest of us ?
How many more signings expecting by window end
Maybe two permanent signings and a loan to buy.
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I'd agree with that, permanent left back and DM, loan to buy attacking midfielder to cover Grealish now and be settled with the squad if he needs to become a long term replacement in the summer.
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I'd guess they're going for at least 2 permanents - Whether they come off or not is a different matter. You don't have that many spinning plates if you're just looking to bring 1 permanent in.
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I can't get excited about signings any more, for me it's a case of read about it when it happens and hope for the best. I mean, we were all getting quite moist at the prospect of steaming turds such as McCormack, Lansbury and Bolasie, myself included, and look how they turned out.
I still hold out hope for Lansbury. Hes been unlucky with injuries, probably not suited at all to SB's style of play and has had to compete with two in form players in his position in Grealish and McGinn. He had one opportunity recently under Bruce, 2 days after having a baby and was made the scapegoat for an awful team performance. I saw enough in his latest cameo to suggest he could thrive under DS.
He just needs a decent bit of luck and a good run in the side, if he doesnt perform then bomb him off but I dont think we should write him off yet.
I think that waiting for Ange to come good makes you the most optimistic poster (as opposed to Ads). He has had every opportunity to take games by the scruff of their neck and has under-delivered massively. The only time I really had some hope for him was Leeds away last season, when he came on and looked like a decent midfielder - scoring and tightening things up. Since then, he has been entirely underwhelming.
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His 60 minutes (or so) debut turned out to be his apotheosis. And that was two years ago. Another total waste of money.
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You have to wait for quality. It's a rubbish window, but Taylor will be fine these next two games.
Now that really is optimism of the highest order, based on past performances! :)
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Smith seems reasonably confident we'll get someone in - if that's a decent midfielder then I'd have some hope for the playoffs.
I wouldn’t without a left back.
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Just looking at Villa Talk on transfer news there is a Guy on Twitter posting that Cahill deal is live, his name Dave Jenkins @ Davejenkins56
Some doubters on there recon he has a good record in the past.
My main concern if true would be is he match fit enough?
Has anyone heard about this
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Villa view podcast said we were still in for cahill
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I'm not sure we really need a loan marquee signing. I'd prefer to keep the money and use it in the summer. Or, spend it now on a permanent signing. That said, I think the Cahill think is BS. It goes completely against what Smith said about lowering the age of the squad.
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Perhaps Bolaises`return to Everton has freed up the dosh for this to happen .......unfinished business at B6 ?
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
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Cahill would be brought in (if true) to relieve Chester who is clearly knackered and play alongside Elphick while a Hause settles in. It doesn’t mean the long term objectives of lowering squad age have been abandoned. The back four needs a leader. We still need a LB badly though, even a strong RB as even the best of leaders will be working double time to make up for the toss we have in those positions.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
Always looking on the bright side, were lucky to have you on the site.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
Always looking on the bright side, were lucky to have you on the site.
and 5 out of 9 with Jack and Smith, it's not a massive leap to get from that to 7 in 10, especially if you consider we scored 21 goals in that run.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
Because half of those games were played with Bruce as manager with his “thereabouts” policy rather than our current manager’s “there” policy.
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It took a while to get Jack further up too. Think on Loftus Road where he was collecting the ball from.the half way line.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
Always looking on the bright side, were lucky to have you on the site.
and 5 out of 9 with Jack and Smith, it's not a massive leap to get from that to 7 in 10, especially if you consider we scored 21 goals in that run.
No. But it's a bit leap to "10 on the bounce", which is actually want I was responding to, if you read it properly.
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Ads, if you don’t want the balti pie, can I have it?
If you sit in the Deadly Doug upper. I would buy you one. Only problem is I gave in to the non stop emails from the club, and put £20 on my season ticket card last week. But when I tried to use it it would not work. Supervisor said very few ST cards work. So why does the club keep telling people to put money on them.
I had a nice pie at Preston. Think it was all steak.
Never had one, so by all means!
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Ads, if you don’t want the balti pie, can I have it?
Best Balti Pie in the Football League served at Glanford Park, Scunthorpe United. Please don’t ask me how I know. All I can say is that it’s just as well as the Football’s shite. As the kids would say # secret shame.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
Always looking on the bright side, were lucky to have you on the site.
and 5 out of 9 with Jack and Smith, it's not a massive leap to get from that to 7 in 10, especially if you consider we scored 21 goals in that run.
No. But it's a bit leap to "10 on the bounce", which is actually want I was responding to, if you read it properly.
and it had already been said that we don't need to do that anyway so you just seemed to want to have yet another go at the glass half empty routine that you've been pushing for about 2 weeks. We get it, you're a bit annoyed at the recent results, give it a rest.
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Winning 10 on the bounce is something we could do with Grealish fit.
What makes you think that?
With Jack in the side this season, we won 8 out of 22.
Always looking on the bright side, were lucky to have you on the site.
and 5 out of 9 with Jack and Smith, it's not a massive leap to get from that to 7 in 10, especially if you consider we scored 21 goals in that run.
No. But it's a bit leap to "10 on the bounce", which is actually want I was responding to, if you read it properly.
and it had already been said that we don't need to do that anyway so you just seemed to want to have yet another go at the glass half empty routine that you've been pushing for about 2 weeks. We get it, you're a bit annoyed at the recent results, give it a rest.
You're right. I'm fucked off at our recent capitulation. I'll give it a rest though.
Maybe I'll feel a little better after a win today.
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What makes me think that is that Grealish playing further up the pitch gives us an irresistible goal threat. We have the potential to simply blow teams away. A couple of wins, some reinforcements and Jack back... Well you never know.
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Charlie Austin anyone? Total bollocks I would hope.
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Well, left back, defensive midfielder, Jack back, montage music from Rocky IV...there's a chance.
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Charlie Austin anyone? Total bollocks I would hope.
Other than Tammy, better than what we have got, but not a priority area and goes against what Smith said about being top heavy. I can't see this happening but if it did, we would have to change the shape, unless he moved Tammy out wider.
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Charlie Austin anyone? Total bollocks I would hope.
He's always come across to me as being a bit of a ******.
Other areas should be priority anyway.
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Telegraph broke this one so there might be a grain of truth in it, but it hardly accords with the things Dean has been saying recently - maybe there might be something in the Kodjia rumours?
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I'd agree with that, permanent left back and DM, loan to buy attacking midfielder to cover Grealish now and be settled with the squad if he needs to become a long term replacement in the summer.
I'd be satisfied if we got the first two you mention in to be honest Paul (LB and DM). The only caveat though is that they would be players coming in with the longer term future in mind.
Although I'm still holding out hope that we can go on a strong run at the end of the season and perhaps even sneak into the play offs, we need to start piecing a side together for the longer term. I think any signings in this window should be made with that in mind.
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Charlie Austin and Kevin McDonald (Fulham variety )have both been rumoured
Ok both names we could all bring up through research of who hasn't been playing much in premier and speculate that villa could move for them.
Seems also like old linkage from previous windows or something as quite rightly no way accurate to what has clearly been said about the profile of players wanting to be signed
I think this is pure speculation
Kevin McDonald 30 Fulham would be decent loan signing but I think it's been suggested loans are not what we after.
And loans of a player despite experience this calibre doesn't seem very in tune with the message of what villa are wanting to do.
Unless Whelan is going this window ?!
Charlie Austin too decent goal scoring wise however at 29, fitting in system and work rate /pace off the ball against what Smith and villa transfer remit.
Why block Davis with this permanent signing ?
Unless been re think I imagine it's just speculation and villa been added to it.
Both would be good addition but are more Bruce than Smith players under profile
And both are for the situation suitable ability wise.
That said , neither are suitable for this development idea but in terms of pushing for play offs both of them signed would really add the quality.
I just a bit confused if either were signed after what everything was said so excuse this post probably sounding contradictory!
On the potential for 2 in I wasn't thinking it would be either of these non playing premier league players!
What do others think on McDonald and Austin?
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Kevin McDonald? Thought we were looking into sacking him, not redeploy him in our midfield.
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Ive genuinely never heard of Kevin McDonald (the player).
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Charlie Austin anyone? Total bollocks I would hope.
Why don’t you post a video so that I am convinced? It’s a disgrace that in this day and age with video available we are still relying on written word.
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Ive genuinely never heard of Kevin McDonald (the player).
Sure. Well I only came across him from last season. Kind of initially thought of him as an enforcer in the middle field but perhaps disservice as comparable to rest of the Fulham ball players.
McDonald being the least ability wise. But knitted some things together . Not exactly flair and not in side to score goals.
Mainly because he's a defensive midfielder .
So more of a sitter or patrolling midfield area .
Not a general by any means
Hope that gives some indication.
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Is he any good Footy? How old is he?
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Kevin McDonald? Thought we were looking into sacking him, not redeploy him in our midfield.
I don't know, we could do with a bit of a bully in the middle of the park... (whistly thingy).
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He played against us in all 3 games against Fulham last year didn’t he?
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We must be close to a signing if they are letting O’Hare go on loan.
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Is he any good Footy? How old is he?
30
He's good enough at this level .
For what we want now.
Has good experience for play off and top end championship.
Irrelevance and side note: he's not quite premier quality(though premier quality these days seems somewhat diluted -no offence to less established clubs players ?! But really?!! Some lucky to be top level)
A loan makes sense. And only a loan if taking him please?!
But a loan makes no sense too due to 'player profile ' and the re-building idea
May be case of an option to do the job for the short term yes- should just say word loan again then?!
Would he get in team
Yes.
Midfield Dm.
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He played against us in all 3 games against Fulham last year didn’t he?
Well he was a mainstay for a while now
Yes played in all matches v villa .
He gaves Fulham a platform to play and helped control the tempo of the game so actually thinking on that front he fits Dean Smith remit in football style.
The main thing is his cover and patrol of midfield and has been playing for Fulham last season displaying the abilities needed in the middle with his ball possession and obvious success and passing football Fulham had last season he was a key factor.
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We must be close to a signing if they are letting O’Hare go on loan.
Where have you seen this about O'Hare? Official Twitter bigging him up with a pic earlier so I was assuming he might be in the squad or even team today?
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We must be close to a signing if they are letting O’Hare go on loan.
Where have you seen this about O'Hare? Official Twitter bigging him up with a pic earlier so I was assuming he might be in the squad or even team today?
I forget, but it said he’s gone to Carlisle.
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I'd agree with that, permanent left back and DM, loan to buy attacking midfielder to cover Grealish now and be settled with the squad if he needs to become a long term replacement in the summer.
I'd be satisfied if we got the first two you mention in to be honest Paul (LB and DM). The only caveat though is that they would be players coming in with the longer term future in mind.
Although I'm still holding out hope that we can go on a strong run at the end of the season and perhaps even sneak into the play offs, we need to start piecing a side together for the longer term. I think any signings in this window should be made with that in mind.
Me too, I think Hourihane and McGinn in front of someone who can give us the structure that's been missing will be enough for a few weeks until Jack is fit. If we do get a 3rd though I expect an attacking midfielder who can play central or tucked in on 1 wing. Smith played 2 wingers who were wide when defending but often came inside in attack at Brentford and that's also how Green plays so I suspect we'll see players who fit that.
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Neither McDonald or Austin fit in with the new policy of addressing our aging squad, so I'll be extremely surprised if there's any truth in either player being on the club's radar. That said, I do expect a couple of additions before the window slams shut, so fingers crossed we don't get mugged off (again) with other people's sloppy seconds.
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Whether we need to or not, we're not going to win 10 successive games. Our current form is piss poor and too many of our players aren't good enough. I don't see that Grealish and Tuanzebe returning is going to miraculously change our form to that extent.
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We must be close to a signing if they are letting O’Hare go on loan.
Where have you seen this about O'Hare? Official Twitter bigging him up with a pic earlier so I was assuming he might be in the squad or even team today?
I forget, but it said he’s gone to Carlisle.
He's on the bench, happily!!!
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Whether we need to or not, we're not going to win 10 successive games. Our current form is piss poor and too many of our players aren't good enough. I don't see that Grealish and Tuanzebe returning is going to miraculously change our form to that extent.
yep, there's more chance of gabby re-signing and scoring 25 this seaason than us getting automatically promoted
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Ive genuinely never heard of Kevin McDonald (the player).
Was key played for Fulham at this level although they've judged him not to be good enough for premier league so he hasn't featured much. Also had good seasons for Wolves, Burnley and Sheffield United at this level.
Ball playing DM so would actually be logical signing.
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Ive genuinely never heard of Kevin McDonald (the player).
Was key played for Fulham at this level although they've judged him not to be good enough for premier league so he hasn't featured much. Also had good seasons for Wolves, Burnley and Sheffield United at this level.
Ball playing DM so would actually be logical signing.
just the age though ?
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I have been told by someone I know, who knows someone at Villa (yes I know, I know, please bear with me) that the agents of Jedinak, BB & Kodjia were called to meetings and told to find new clubs as they don’t feature in Deans plans.
The guy who told me is a nice bloke, but I have nothing to substantiate this.
Just thought I would put it out
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Seems credible just in the sense that I get the impression that Smith doesn't fancy them. All older players that you imagine probably don't fit very well into Smith's style of player.
I think there will be a big turnover of players before next season and we'll look a lot more fresh and youthful and have a much more aggressive pressing game.
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Not doubting you Three Spires, but we will need replacements in if all three are allowed to go. I hope you are right though, big wages and they don't offer enough any more.
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If what I was told is true, doubt it would be next week, think more likely in the summer. It’s not really ground breaking info, interesting though
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Rumours still of Gary Cahill on loan. We could afford a large chunk of his wages now Bolasie has left?
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I have been told by someone I know, who knows someone at Villa (yes I know, I know, please bear with me) that the agents of Jedinak, BB & Kodjia were called to meetings and told to find new clubs as they don’t feature in Deans plans.
The guy who told me is a nice bloke, but I have nothing to substantiate this.
Just thought I would put it out
Not you, you're just a messengere but the person who told you - nonsense - regards Kodjia.
Based on these direct quotes your source is out of touch.
"He is second top scorer at the club and there is no reason we would be looking for Jonathan to leave.
“He (Kodjia) has been the one who would come in for Tammy Abraham and he has played wide left for us as well.
“I do not know of any interests or bids for our players and we are not welcoming any"
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and yet i'll almost guarantee he'll be gone this summer
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It’s been a very disappointing window so far.
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It’s been a very disappointing window so far.
Agreed - underwhelming to say the least - a keeper who does not appear , at this stage, to be much of an improvement on the others on our books and another unfit defender
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and yet i'll almost guarantee he'll be gone this summer
I give credence to that . Sure. That advisor of Kodjia could be told prepare for off in summer.
Getting rid now . Well no not from what Smith has said
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and yet i'll almost guarantee he'll be gone this summer
I give credence to that . Sure. That advisor of Kodjia could be told prepare for off in summer.
and yet i'll almost guarantee he'll be gone this summer
I give credence to that . Sure. That advisor of Kodjia could be told prepare for off in summer.
Getting rid now . Well no not from what Smith has said
Yes agree, don’t think any of the three I mentioned will go this window, maybe the summer? But I am guessing as I am certainly not ITK
Getting rid now . Well no not from what Smith has said
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Magnificent quote fail there chaps
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Well jedinak is out of contract in the summer so you'd hope so. Bjarson is arse so again you'd hope so? Kodjia is 29, doesn't striker me as a DS player so i wouldn't be surprised if he will be sold as one of the few probably able to generate some cash.
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I could not see the sense in calling managers in to tell them their players are no longer wanted half way through the season what incentive does that give the players if they are needed at any time.
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I could not see the sense in calling managers in to tell them their players are no longer wanted half way through the season what incentive does that give the players if they are needed at any time.
I nearly posted the very same earlier but I guess, the theory goes, that they play at their maximum to bolster their next contract elsewhere.
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Hogan being linked with a move to Sheffield United again by the Daily Mail. Brizzle City too.
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Hogan being linked with a move to Sheffield United again by the Daily Mail. Brizzle City too.
The worry is he’ll go to a play off rival and score 10 goals but we can’t keep him on that basis as he’ll never do it for us.
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I can't see Scottie scoring ten in a brothel let alone on a football pitch
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Hogan being linked with a move to Sheffield United again by the Daily Mail. Brizzle City too.
I hope we don't loan or sell players to a Championship play-off rival!
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why? Do you honestly think Hogan is going to metamorphose into Abraham?
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It's very possible he could go to a play off rival and while he may not score a hat full, he might score some important goals along the way. I'm not sure it's a wise thing to do either.
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We really need to get a left back and an aggresive centre half (I don't know if Hause is that man?). Taylor was better than usual but it's what he doesn't do that costs us. No aggression and always on the back foot.
If we can get a 7/10 LB who can add to the attacking play and get Jack and Jedinak back in the side we'll be OK for play offs I think.
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It's very possible he could go to a play off rival and while he may not score a hat full, he might score some important goals along the way. I'm not sure it's a wise thing to do either.
ha ha
I would sell him to any one of our play off rivals
Virtually guaranteeing their downfall
it’s not a risk it’s a cunning plan
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Even if we have to pay some of his wages to offload him then it’s better than him staying around. I honestly would get shot at the first sign of interest. He will never make the grade with us and needs a fresh start for himself
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If selling Hogan frees up space for a player who actually contributes something to Villa then let's get on with it. I couldn't really care less what he does at another club, we can't be stockpiling useless players on that basis. If he goes on to fire Sheffield United to the title it'll be annoying, but all the evidence suggests it's as likely as Steve Bruce becoming the new face of Armani.
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It's very possible he could go to a play off rival and while he may not score a hat full, he might score some important goals along the way. I'm not sure it's a wise thing to do either.
Wouldn't be able to play against us though.
He hasn't made the 18 last two games so that gives an idea of DS thinking on him now.
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If selling Hogan frees up space for a player who actually contributes something to Villa then let's get on with it. I couldn't really care less what he does at another club, we can't be stockpiling useless players on that basis. If he goes on to fire Sheffield United to the title it'll be annoying, but all the evidence suggests it's as likely as Steve Bruce becoming the new face of Armani.
Can we please avoid the phrase "let's get on with it".
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I'm pretty gutted about this one as I backed him to the hilt under Bruce when we were playing football that was not fit to get the intended purpose out of him. I'd of expected him to be galvanised with Smith coming in but it does look more and more likely that we've signed a bit of a dud on the back of 6 months form.
A lazy signing with no thinking behind it other than 'well he's scoring goals', We're better off selling him to anybody willing to offer us a fee really and cutting our losses. Whoever he goes to in this division, he's not going to improve them.
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If we did loan him out and he did do well, I suppose we could get some money back on him, a little like Bournemouth did with Grabban. It would just be our luck if we did loan him to a team fighting for play off spot and he clicked for them.
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If selling Hogan frees up space for a player who actually contributes something to Villa then let's get on with it. I couldn't really care less what he does at another club, we can't be stockpiling useless players on that basis. If he goes on to fire Sheffield United to the title it'll be annoying, but all the evidence suggests it's as likely as Steve Bruce becoming the new face of Armani.
Can we please avoid the phrase "let's get on with it".
Perfectly good phrase, I stole it off the side of a bus.
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If we did loan him out and he did do well, I suppose we could get some money back on him, a little like Bournemouth did with Grabban. It would just be our luck if we did loan him to a team fighting for play off spot and he clicked for them.
Can't see him getting a game at Sheffield United, they have Leon Clarke, McGoldrick, Billy Sharp, Washington and Gary Madine as out and out striker options for them.
Bristol City probably better move for him if he wants regular game.
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If selling Hogan frees up space for a player who actually contributes something to Villa then let's get on with it. I couldn't really care less what he does at another club, we can't be stockpiling useless players on that basis. If he goes on to fire Sheffield United to the title it'll be annoying, but all the evidence suggests it's as likely as Steve Bruce becoming the new face of Armani.
Can we please avoid the phrase "let's get on with it".
Perfectly good phrase, I stole it off the side of a bus.
Apparently if we loan Hogan out we'll have £350k a week extra to comit to wages.
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If selling Hogan frees up space for a player who actually contributes something to Villa then let's get on with it. I couldn't really care less what he does at another club, we can't be stockpiling useless players on that basis. If he goes on to fire Sheffield United to the title it'll be annoying, but all the evidence suggests it's as likely as Steve Bruce becoming the new face of Armani.
Can we please avoid the phrase "let's get on with it".
Perfectly good phrase, I stole it off the side of a bus.
Apparently if we loan Hogan out we'll have £350k a week extra to comit to wages.
Let's get on with it!!
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We could gazump that Chinese club for Aunamatovic.
I totally guessed the spelling there, how did I do?
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We could gazump that Chinese club for Aunamatovic.
I totally guessed the spelling there, how did I do?
I can hear the words of Morcambe and Wise here, 'you have all the right letters, but necessarily in the right order!'
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The fact that DS is willing to offload Hogan who scored goals for him at Brentford shows how far Hogan has fallen down the pecking order.
We can't afford to keep players who won't contribute for us but might for a rival team.We need to improve the team but also keep within the constraints of FFP in case we don't achieve promotion this year.
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Scott Hogan's a footballer, but not as we know it.
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We aren’t being linked with many incomings. Are we just being quiet about them?
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We aren’t being linked with many incomings. Are we just being quiet about them?
It is quiet isn't it? The only link I've seen for a while is Tyrone Mings and the tenuous Charlie Austin one. Hopefully, Smith's phone is constantly on the go.
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Well we've sent 2 players back so that's got to have released some money - in bolasie's case probably enough wages for a LB and DM. Now it depends if we have any transfer funds left or not in this period, or whether we'll be looking to loans until the end of the season.
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We aren’t being linked with many incomings. Are we just being quiet about them?
Spinning plates make no noise.
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The fact that DS is willing to offload Hogan who scored goals for him at Brentford shows how far Hogan has fallen down the pecking order.
We can't afford to keep players who won't contribute for us but might for a rival team.We need to improve the team but also keep within the constraints of FFP in case we don't achieve promotion this year.
and if any manager knows what Hogan is capable of its Smith,
so if he's given up on him already it must mean he feels he is past redemption
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The fact that DS is willing to offload Hogan who scored goals for him at Brentford shows how far Hogan has fallen down the pecking order.
We can't afford to keep players who won't contribute for us but might for a rival team.We need to improve the team but also keep within the constraints of FFP in case we don't achieve promotion this year.
and if any manager knows what Hogan is capable of its Smith,
so if he's given up on him already it must mean he feels he is past redemption
I am sure Dean Smith has recently said that we can rebuild him, like the 6 Million Dollar Man, or the 12 Million Squids Man in our case.
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We aren’t being linked with many incomings. Are we just being quiet about them?
Spinning plates make no noise.
"If a plate spins in the forest with no ears to hear does it make a sound?"
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If we are to rebuild Hogan, that's Tammy's legs gone, John McGinn's engine and Jack Grealish's hair sacrificed for starters.
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Maybe we are keeping our powder dry until the summer when Smith can really bring in the players he wants and offload some. Draw a line under this season and give it a proper go next with his squad.
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He said at the last press conference that he was confident business would get done in the next few days so we have trust him on that. I expect both ways. The January window is crap always with most things getting done late. It will be no different this time. I'd rather they went back to the old system of just keeping it open except maybe the close it at the end of Feb instead versus March or whatever it used to be.
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The meaning evil has us linked to three Fulham players; Johansen, Ayite and Neeskins Kebano. All played lots last season but have hardly played and Ranieri says they can go.
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In the next few days there will be loads of players being tossed around. Loans galore I imagine because permanent deals will be stupidly priced. Instead I reckon we will get one permanent in and the rest in and out will be loans with options to buy.
My guess
In:
Mings - loan to buy
CM - permanent
CB - loan to buy
Out
Hogan - loan to buy
O'Hare - loan
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Maybe we are keeping our powder dry until the summer when Smith can really bring in the players he wants and offload some. Draw a line under this season and give it a proper go next with his squad.
There are financial consequences that have to be considered,perhaps balanced by outgoings,but if we can improve the team with 2 or 3 signings,then the promotion lottery that is the play offs is feasible.Then Smith has a financial bonanza to sign his desired players and more.
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Lot's of Gary Cahill talk yesterday afternoon. i think getting Jack back and someone like GC would be perfect for an end of season assault on the play-off's
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Sorry GC isnt a Smith or Villa signing at this time .
Bruce would have had him as he does love an experienced player.
Firstly for Smith style of play doesn't suit as one of his weakness would be his passing.
And then there is the profile of player villa want to sign and Cahill is aged, not match fit , lacks pace.
The only way this happens if JT gets involved and it's a short term loan.
However I think GC may want something more substantial as he would be out of contract on summer.
Nice idea but really don't see it happening.
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Maybe we are keeping our powder dry until the summer when Smith can really bring in the players he wants and offload some. Draw a line under this season and give it a proper go next with his squad.
Although I think Smith can do that and I think we'd have a great shot at promotion next year, and I'm not in any rush to get out of the Championship (it's been enjoyable). I'd be gutted to lose Tammy and Jack.
Saying that, there's no guarantees we'd keep them if we do go up.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
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It's really up to Cahill and what offers may be on the table. He might quite like the idea of coming back and helping us back into the Premier League, be that this year or next. It's a long shot I grant you but you never know.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
It is shit.
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The football in our division is pretty awful and as each season goes by the gap in quality seems to widen.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
I couldn't agree more. Every win feels hollow at this standard despite winning being the only thing that will take us upwards. It's so frustrating being down here and I'm desperate to rub shoulders with the big boys, especially with these owners. What an absolute shambolic way we have been run over the last 8 years or so.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
Agreed.
If we'd smashed the division first time of asking, and showed we still belonged in the top division, I could have just about enjoyed the first season. But this is tedious, drawn out, shite.
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The Championship is enjoyable provided you're not in it. If you are, you'd better be a team steamrollering the rest because if not it's frustrating, badly-officiated and full of petty manufactured rivalries.
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In the next few days there will be loads of players being tossed around. Loans galore I imagine because permanent deals will be stupidly priced. Instead I reckon we will get one permanent in and the rest in and out will be loans with options to buy.
The problem with this window is that most teams will have just played their 8th match in 5 weeks, it means loads of clubs just want o concentrate on games and get to the end of the month before they really think about transfers, particularly if the players involved are actually involved in the first team at their current club.
Personally I'd love for the 2nd and 3rd weekends of January to be cleared and the window to be restricted to the 'break' so everyone can concentrate on it, get some mid-season training done (probably in a camp somewhere a bit warmer) and come back and concentrate on playing again without all the silliness. They've already changed the summer window so doing something to tidy up this one would make sense really.
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If we are losing £300k per week then how can we afford to buy anymore players and pay then stupid salaries each week?
I thought that FFP will have to kick in soon for us?
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I'll be surprised if we spend any more money in this window on transfer fees. At best, one or two further loans, then a massive clear out in the summer, with results between now and then determining whether Dean presides over that rebuild or not.
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The Championship is enjoyable provided you're not in it. If you are, you'd better be a team steamrollering the rest because if not it's frustrating, badly-officiated and full of petty manufactured rivalries.
My thoughts entirely.
Boy are we paying for absolute shite business decisions and basket case management.
Something which is impossible to reverse quickly.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
I suppose we all want to see our team competing at the top but I haven’t minded watching us in the championship. At least it’s competitive. I absolutely hate the fact that the same 6 teams dominate the premier. When I think back on all the years I’ve watched Villa, I have fond memories of the 2 years in the old division 3. For me the key is doing well in whatever division we are in.
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I haven't minded it as much as I thought I would but it's time we got back up.
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Sad truth is that we are in no shape to survive a season on the top flight, we hardly have player that is good enough, Bruce left us with a squad top heavy with has beens and no hopers and when two of the more capable players get injured we get the results of the last few weeks. I hope Smith doesn't get desperate and sign players for the short term.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
I suppose we all want to see our team competing at the top but I haven’t minded watching us in the championship. At least it’s competitive. I absolutely hate the fact that the same 6 teams dominate the premier. When I think back on all the years I’ve watched Villa, I have fond memories of the 2 years in the old division 3. For me the key is doing well in whatever division we are in.
The problem is maintaining and growing our fanbase. Half of Birmingham already seems to support Liverpool and Man Utd, let alone further afield like Worcester. My boy will go into school today full of going to Villa Park on Saturday only to be told Villa are rubbish. When he tells them Tammy Abraham has scored more goals than Mo Salah, they'll tell him Tammy can't even get in the Chelsea team. If I wasn't a Villa fan, there's no way on earth he would be.
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Fuchs on loan bid rejected by Leicester - if true, looks like we've learned nothing.
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Fuchs on loan bid rejected by Leicester - if true, looks like we've learned nothing.
I appreciate building a squad of loanees is short term thinking, but most clubs benefit from sensible use of the loan system.
If we don't have money to spend then we are shopping in a limited pool of players Smith thinks can help get us into the playoffs. Fuchs isn't ideal but we are desperate for a leftback and if Smith can't get the player he wants this window and Fuchs becomes available on a sensible salary then surely that is better than sticking with Taylor for the rest of the season?
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Fuchs is not an upgrade in my opinion and is on big money at Leicester. Mercifully it looks like they aren't going to play ball.
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Taylor is the equivalent of having an outfield player in goal, you are always releived when he doesn’t make a complete hash of everything but are nervous anyway.
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This is Aston Villa - we will be back after Fuchs and we will probably pay his full wages and a loan fee of a couple of Million
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that's what worries me
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Fuchs isn't an upgrade on Neil Taylor? I appreciate the age and wages factor but just player for player it's delusional to say Fuchs isn't a massively better player. Gauge a Leicester fans opinion on him, playing in the premier league against some of the best players in the world, then gauge a Villa fans opinion on Taylor playing against Ipswich and Rotherham.
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January, when we're a 5 game run from being in the playoffs isn't a transfer window to squad build for the long term. The time to do that is the summer unless you are complete out of the promotion picture. So, I can see the point in buying / loaning on a short term view.
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Joe Bennett is better than Neil Taylor.
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Joe Bennett is better than Neil Taylor.
As is Enda Stevens.
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Joe Bennett is better than Neil Taylor.
As is Enda Stevens.
Edna Stevens, the cleaner at Bodymoor Heath, is better than Neil Taylor.
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Joe Bennett is better than Neil Taylor.
As is Enda Stevens.
Edna Stevens, the cleaner at Bodymoor Heath, is better than Neil Taylor.
Little Steven aka Miami Steve aka Soprano's Silvio Dante could do a better job than the benighted Taylor. Might have to negotiate with Bruce though, which could be tricky. As in Springsteen, I should add to avoid any confusion.
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January, when we're a 5 game run from being in the playoffs isn't a transfer window to squad build for the long term. The time to do that is the summer unless you are complete out of the promotion picture. So, I can see the point in buying / loaning on a short term view.
I quite agree. If we effectively write this season off, we've then got to contend with the loss of loanees like Tammy and Axel in the summer, plus the likely/possible departures of Grealish and McGinn. That's a whole lot of rebuilding to do. I would massively prefer that we at least make some some of effort in January.
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January, when we're a 5 game run from being in the playoffs isn't a transfer window to squad build for the long term. The time to do that is the summer unless you are complete out of the promotion picture. So, I can see the point in buying / loaning on a short term view.
I quite agree. If we effectively write this season off, we've then got to contend with the loss of loanees like Tammy and Axel in the summer, plus the likely/possible departures of Grealish and McGinn. That's a whole lot of rebuilding to do. I would massively prefer that we at least make some some of effort in January.
Agreed.
We will have a huge rebuilding project in the summer whether we go up or not. If we don't go up we'll lose the loan players, Jack and possibly McGinn & Chester and our ageing out of contract players.
I'd much rather rebuild with PL money and with Jack & McGinn as key parts of our team.
Loaning too many expensive players can obviously be a problem, but a few astute loans on sensible salaries could make a big difference.
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January, when we're a 5 game run from being in the playoffs isn't a transfer window to squad build for the long term. The time to do that is the summer unless you are complete out of the promotion picture. So, I can see the point in buying / loaning on a short term view.
Agreed. I also don't think we should be worrying about not being good enough for the Premier league. The club will be in a much much healthier position by going up and coming back down with parachute payments rather than not going up at all. We shouldn't be fully short term focused but it needs to be a dual strategy this January...behind the scenes for the long term and a couple of short term loans if needed to push into the play offs in the short term.....IMHO
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Joe Bennett is better than Neil Taylor.
As is Enda Stevens.
Edna Stevens, the cleaner at Bodymoor Heath, is better than Neil Taylor.
Little Steven aka Miami Steve aka Soprano's Silvio Dante could do a better job than the benighted Taylor. Might have to negotiate with Bruce though, which could be tricky. As in Springsteen, I should add to avoid any confusion.
Negotiating with Bruce won't be easy, he's tougher than the rest.
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If it's looking likely that we're not going up then would we have the guts to drop Jack and try and get on without him? I must admit not going up this year could be painful as relatively speaking this is a poor season for points and we're bang mediocre. I think I'd prefer to get as good as we can now even if they are loans and see where we end up.
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If it's looking likely that we're not going up then would we have the guts to drop Jack and try and get on without him? I must admit not going up this year could be painful as relatively speaking this is a poor season for points and we're bang mediocre. I think I'd prefer to get as good as we can now even if they are loans and see where we end up.
I’m struggling to see the benefit of dropping our best player, who we are missing desperately whilst he’s out injured, to be honest.
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Fuchs isn't an upgrade on Neil Taylor? I appreciate the age and wages factor but just player for player it's delusional to say Fuchs isn't a massively better player. Gauge a Leicester fans opinion on him, playing in the premier league against some of the best players in the world, then gauge a Villa fans opinion on Taylor playing against Ipswich and Rotherham.
Trouble is he's hardly played for Leicester this season, Chillwell has been their first choice LB all season so Fuchs got the odd cup game.
It would be better to go after someone who might not be first choice at their club but has still played a decent amount e.g. Aaron Cresswell at West Ham.
Just going after players who hardly play in months and expecting them to hit the ground running for us simply dosen't work as we've seen with Hause and Bolasie.
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Sorry but I have hated every nano second of relegation from the Premiership. I have found nothing whatsoever pleasurable about being a mid table second division club.
Agree entirely. It’s a poxy tinpot league which we are helping to stink out. I’m tired of watching our games on grainy AVTV footage or off streams wherever I can find them. We’re a top division side. We need to get back there and stay there. At most I’m willing to stay down for one more year so we build properly. But we have to get out.
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Good point, only 6 games this season, to his credit he did play 30 odd last season though so it would be slightly unfair to him to put him in the Bolasie and Hause class who put together have just about played 30 games over 2 years. There's always the tipping point with the older players to think about aswell, we always seem to catch them just after they're had their last hurrah. Point withstanding though, Taylor urgently needs replacing, Hutton too for me.
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We’re a top division side
Oh no we're not.
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Just out of interest, in the opinion of those who were at VP against Ipswich, how did James Collins play?
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Just out of interest, in the opinion of those who were at VP against Ipswich, how did James Collins play?
He certainly wouldn't add to our mobility!
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Just out of interest, in the opinion of those who were at VP against Ipswich, how did James Collins play?
He certainly wouldn't add to our mobility!
Only useful as cannon fodder in a game of Battleships.
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but actually loooked better than some in our defence
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Or for beating up the youth team coach. Allegedly.
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I wonder how true this Fuchs talk is bearing in mind what Smith has said about future transfers. If he's having trouble bringing in the left back he wants, I'd stick with Taylor until the end of the season and maybe recall the reserve left back who's gone out on loan who's name escapes me at the moment.
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Just out of interest, in the opinion of those who were at VP against Ipswich, how did James Collins play?
We dodged a bullet
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I wonder how true this Fuchs talk is bearing in mind what Smith has said about future transfers. If he's having trouble bringing in the left back he wants, I'd stick with Taylor until the end of the season and maybe recall the reserve left back who's gone out on loan who's name escapes me at the moment.
With you on that Clampo !
And I have no idea on reserve left back ?! But would like to think there are other options out there at left back than fuchy
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We’re a top division side
Oh no we're not.
Top division club in status but I question the team.
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Joe Bennett is better than Neil Taylor.
As is Enda Stevens.
But better than a 38 year old ashely cole?
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We’re a top division side
Oh no we're not.
Off course we bloody are. Aston Villa is a Premier League club.
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No it is a Championship club. It should be a prem club, but we are not.
This left back thing - I would sooner recall Clarke and play him there than have Fuchs, but I would take a punt on Mings if we could get him fairly cheaply. Bags of potential when he was younger.
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Premiership club with a championship team at the moment
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Premiership club with a championship team at the moment
Agreed. Pretty much everything about the club is PL standard except the product on the pitch. Obviously that’s the critical element that needs to be fixed.
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I hope we don't loan Hogan to Sheffield United or Bristol City - both play-off rivals. But, I suspect we might.
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has Hogan done anything in two years to suggest he would come back to haunt us?
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Pretty sure Mitch, our would-be left back saviour, is injured.
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If there's no one else and the wages are sensible I'd much rather go to the end of the season with Fuchs and Taylor rather than just Taylor. If we buy someone we'd be paying wages for that period, so it's hardly like we'd be significantly worse off if we agree a (sensible) loan.
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We’re a top division side
Oh no we're not.
Off course we bloody are. Aston Villa is a Premier League club.
We are, in no shape or form a 'top division side'.
It's this kind of nonsense that drives me and no doubt countless others mad.
We are, an average Championship side. That's all that matters right now.
Whether we ever get back to being a Premier League level club isn't in our hands.
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We're definatley a top division club, just not at the moment obviously.
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We’re a top division side
Oh no we're not.
Off course we bloody are. Aston Villa is a Premier League club.
We are, in no shape or form a 'top division side'.
It's this kind of nonsense that drives me and no doubt countless others mad.
We are, an average Championship side. That's all that matters right now.
Whether we ever get back to being a Premier League level club isn't in our hands.
In whose hands is it then?
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Of course the club is top flight, we have the reputation, ground, facilities, fanbase and history of a top flight club, we just currently don't have the team for it. There is no way that anyone bar a few of the most one-eyed of fans would consider clubs like Burnley, Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Brighton to be bigger than us (or Leeds to be fair). The job of everyone involved in the club currently is to restore parity and get us back into the top half of the premier league. It won't be easy, the financial gap between the divisions ensures that, and we're clearly not ready to get there yet but 90% of the club is already ready for it to happen.
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What state are we in ?
3 days of transfer window left and I glance to recent posts on left of screen and none of them are connected with this....
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Of course the club is top flight, we have the reputation, ground, facilities, fanbase and history of a top flight club, we just currently don't have the team for it. There is no way that anyone bar a few of the most one-eyed of fans would consider clubs like Burnley, Bournemouth, Huddersfield and Brighton to be bigger than us (or Leeds to be fair). The job of everyone involved in the club currently is to restore parity and get us back into the top half of the premier league. It won't be easy, the financial gap between the divisions ensures that, and we're clearly not ready to get there yet but 90% of the club is already ready for it to happen.
But it's meaningless. Villa, Leeds, Wednesday and Forest are all much bigger clubs than Huddersfield, Watford, Bournemouth and Burnley, but Leeds haven't been in the top flight for 12 years; Wednesday 19 years; Forest 20 years; us three years and very likely to be four.
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So, another very quiet day in B6 then?
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We are chasing a Luton Town player, James Justin, according to someone on twitter/another forum.
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Just read that. Hope there's some truth in it as I know a bit about him from my Luton supporting mates, should have a good future in the game, seems like a talent.
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We are chasing a Luton Town player, James Justin, according to someone on twitter/another forum.
The same forum also says that Tyrone Mings has arrived at BMH with a fee agreed.
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So, another very quiet day in B6 then?
The whole window has been quiet really.
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for me the only way forward is with younger players, our own or ones we buy in
the older experienced ones just arnt good enough or don't last long we really need some younger fresh blood in and around the first team
it's just become very staid, flat, boring even, just seeing the team sheet every week isn't the most exciting thing in the world
our three top players this season our Jack 23 SJM 24 Tammy 21
we should be going all out to bring in some exciting young talent from wherever we can find it, not all will make it but the ones that do will be the backbone of our promotion push and the foundation of the team in the premier league
sorry to keep banging on about it but I'm convinced it's the right way to go
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Just read that. Hope there's some truth in it as I know a bit about him from my Luton supporting mates, should have a good future in the game, seems like a talent.
We are chasing a Luton Town player, James Justin, according to someone on twitter/another forum.
What's his playing position please
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Footy, apparently can play RB, CB or LB.
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Best as an attacking right back. Can play left too.
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so if 3 in a left back centre half and a defensive midfielder?
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Left back, Right back and Jack cover would be nice. Holding midfield I think we will do what we can to cobble through with Whelan, Hourihane and Jedinak. Can see Axel playing there when he's fit too.
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2 of my relatives on south coast who are cherries ST holders have just sent the following info to me that was passed to them
“ I’m hearing from my sources that Tyrone Mings has arrived at Aston Villa’s training ground this evening. £2 million fee agreed “ in the Twitter post it does include #avfc and #afcb
If it’s the case there doesn’t seem to be any other reports on it though
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Some random pretend journo Tweeted some bollocks.
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Some random pretend journo Tweeted some bollocks.
Okies, sorry, bugger !
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Footy, apparently can play RB, CB or LB.
Ah ha a mirror image of Taylor who can't play LB, CB or RB.
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Footy, apparently can play RB, CB or LB.
Ah ha a mirror image of Taylor who can't play LB, CB or RB.
Haha good one.
Ok
Left back please , center back please , but please no more right back types !!
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apparently Richards is retiring at the end of his contract after failure to recover from injury in shock
other News well I never !!!
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apparently Richards is retiring at the end of his contract after failure to recover from injury in shock
other News well I never !!!
Devastating. Hope there's a testimonial to reward him.
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apparently Richards is retiring at the end of his contract after failure to recover from injury in shock
other News well I never !!!
I probably already know the answer, but why not just offer him a settlement now and get him gone?
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Footy, apparently can play RB, CB or LB.
Ah ha a mirror image of Taylor who can't play LB, CB or RB.
Reminds me of that comment to Stuart Downing on a fan forum asking him how he felt about being neither footed.
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Daily Mail reckon Mings is in talks.
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That rumour keeps surfacing mercilessly.
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He looks a big lad. Chalk and cheese to soft touch Taylor.
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He looks a big lad. Chalk and cheese to soft touch Taylor.
Is that where you think he'd play? I'd assumed he would be in the centre.
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He's a full back I think.
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Stoke have signed a defender from wolves....does this leave the door open for our rumoured signing of stoke defender ? Moritz Bauer
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Primarily a left back but can play centre back. Could be very useful if he can stay fit - but seems like that's a very big 'if'
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Has Mings got pace? If we're using him as a flanker he'll need a bit of rocket fuel to go with his strength and niggly-bastardism.
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apparently Richards is retiring at the end of his contract after failure to recover from injury in shock
other News well I never !!!
I probably already know the answer, but why not just offer him a settlement now and get him gone?
If he's got to retire due to injury, couldn't we claim on the insurance we must have?
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apparently Richards is retiring at the end of his contract after failure to recover from injury in shock
other News well I never !!!
I probably already know the answer, but why not just offer him a settlement now and get him gone?
If he's got to retire due to injury, couldn't we claim on the insurance we must have?
Insurance you say.
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If he's retiring when his contract ends because of injury why hasn't he retired before hand?
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wasn't there some talk of us giving him a contract knowing we couldn't get insurance?
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If he's retiring when his contract ends because of injury why hasn't he retired before hand?
My guess would be we will have offered him a reduced settlement and he will have refused to accept anything less than full payment of his contract, so we will have insisted on him coming training in the hope he would say fuck it at some point and take the reduced amount on offer.
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Has Mings got pace? If we're using him as a flanker he'll need a bit of rocket fuel to go with his strength and niggly-bastardism.
Think that is a good point Eamonn. The better modern full-backs are almost like traditional wingers in that they are often in an 1 v 1 situation out wide and are able to beat players in the opposition half. I've noticed over the past few months, that whenever our full-backs are in a 1 v 1 situation in the opposition half, they often don't even attempt to take on the defender and instead turn back, stopping all attacking momentum.
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If he's retiring when his contract ends because of injury why hasn't he retired before hand?
They have amortized his contract rather than take a one off hit, if he had an insured injury I am sure they would have claimed. I would also guess that he has honored his contract by turning up and Villa have continued to enable him to honor his contract to avoid any potential unfair or constructive dismissal claims.
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Well it looks like it's going to the wire. Mings would be okay providing he's not broken- we don't need a Richards replacement thank you. Now where's the effing midfielder?
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Alan Nixon saying Forest now in for Mings too.
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Mings, Cahill and Isaac Hayden all being linked today. Don't know much about Hayden but he can't be any worse than Whelan or Bjarnason surely?
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I refuse to believe anyone would choose to work with Roy Keane over Smith if they had a choice. I mean, unless you enjoy the daily threat of violence, all your teammates trying to leave etc...
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Alan Nixon saying Forest now in for Mings too.
Strange one unless Mings is a hoofer.
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Cahill would steady the ship, Hayden I have no idea about but he's young and played in the Premiership. Mings would also be a good solid signing. If we got all 3 I would say playoffs would be possible. With 2 maybe. With 1 no.
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Hayden is a decent player at this level. Good age too. Would be a good signing I reckon.
Mings, if it is loan to buy we are not losing much and have then got ample cover on the left side of the defence. Think he and Hause might be a bit different to Taylor and Chester if we can get them both fit, plus give Chester a break.
Cahill will end up at Arsenal I reckon.
The Luton lad that has been linked would be worth doing. I'd be tempted to send them Bree and tell them to get his confidence back while we are at it.
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Just seen a triple link to Fulham : Stefan Johansen, Floyd Ayite and Neeskens Kebano - they all played in the season they went up so they can pass and run, which is a step up on some of our lot. Hopefully we'll get another couple in at least.
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Johansen is good
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Has Mings got pace? If we're using him as a flanker he'll need a bit of rocket fuel to go with his strength and niggly-bastardism.
Think that is a good point Eamonn. The better modern full-backs are almost like traditional wingers in that they are often in an 1 v 1 situation out wide and are able to beat players in the opposition half. I've noticed over the past few months, that whenever our full-backs are in a 1 v 1 situation in the opposition half, they often don't even attempt to take on the defender and instead turn back, stopping all attacking momentum.
My reliable source says he has no pace of note. He’s 6’ 5” though and plays left back or centre back. Mid 20’s also fits our new criteria . I think he’ll be a great addition esp on loan with view to buy. With pace in front of him I don’t see that he has to continually overlap and run full length every 5 mins..... well worth a go for his benefits I think
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signed Nicola Ibbetson from Chelsea
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She's purdy.
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I say.
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But can she play left back?
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And yet another link to Adidas as well as Purslow and owners, I’d be amazed if they were not involved in our club somehow next year
Anyway , who is our spy at BMH ? All this transfer activity is weighing me down
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Has Mings got pace? If we're using him as a flanker he'll need a bit of rocket fuel to go with his strength and niggly-bastardism.
Think that is a good point Eamonn. The better modern full-backs are almost like traditional wingers in that they are often in an 1 v 1 situation out wide and are able to beat players in the opposition half. I've noticed over the past few months, that whenever our full-backs are in a 1 v 1 situation in the opposition half, they often don't even attempt to take on the defender and instead turn back, stopping all attacking momentum.
My reliable source says he has no pace of note. He’s 6’ 5” though and plays left back or centre back. Mid 20’s also fits our new criteria . I think he’ll be a great addition esp on loan with view to buy. With pace in front of him I don’t see that he has to continually overlap and run full length every 5 mins..... well worth a go for his benefits I think
He might be a reasonable addition in view of his age, but his fitness record would be a concern as well as the number of games he has played - only 53 starts in six and a half years.
I also remember him getting a lengthy ban after a run in with Zlatan.
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SSN breaking news we have made Burnley an offer for defender BEN Gibson , loan with view for permanent
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Is he the Boro's owner son ?
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Daily Mail saying Mings could happen today.
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prefer Gibson than Mings
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why did Burnley buy him for 15m and then not play him at all? odd.
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Is he the Boro's owner son ?
nephew
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Cheers for that Juan, I remember him being suggested as a good young player a couple of years ago.
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Gibson was highly regarded as one of the best defenders in this division. I actually did not know that he had left Boro.
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Cheers for that Juan, I remember him being suggested as a good young player a couple of years ago.
he looked really good a few years ago , England potential . I didnt realise Burnley spent £15 million on him but hes only played one game.
Would be great signing for us .
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I'd be very happy if we got Gibson, always looked a good prospect to me. Miles better than what he'd be replacing at least.
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is Gibson a centre half ?
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is Gibson a centre half ?
CB and LB
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Left footed centre half. Yes please. If Mings and Gibson come in I reckon we will be playing 3 at the back some weeks.
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He's a centre back isn't he? Tiny Penis just did what he loves doing with centre halves and having your of them on the pitch.
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Cheers for that Juan, I remember him being suggested as a good young player a couple of years ago.
Seem to remember Albion having a bid of around £20m turned down for him at the start of last season.
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prefer Gibson than Mings
Fuck that. Let's have both of them. Left sided centre half, left back, Hause as cover. Tuanzebe at right sided centre half, Chester having a rest and it's starting to look like a defence.
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Tuanzebe screening the defence...
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Left footed centre half. Yes please. If Mings and Gibson come in I reckon we will be playing 3 at the back some weeks.
Would like to see it, but if we bring both in the Hause loan deal looks a bit unnecessary doesn't it?
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Tuanzebe screening the defence...
Could well be an option Ads. He seems to have the attributes to do that role.
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Left footed centre half. Yes please. If Mings and Gibson come in I reckon we will be playing 3 at the back some weeks.
Would like to see it, but if we bring both in the Hause loan deal looks a bit unnecessary doesn't it?
Gives us a left sided cover though. This would be a big improvement on what we've had in terms of options.
RB - Hutton, AEH, Bree
LB - Mings, Taylor
LCB - Hause, Gibson
RCB - Chester, Tuanzebe, Elphick
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Kalinic
Mings
Gibson
Chester
Hutton
Tuazebe
McGinn
Grealish
Is somewhat stronger than what we've been putting out all season at the back and in midfield.
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Kalinic
Mings
Gibson
Chester
Hutton
Tuazebe
McGinn
Grealish
Is somewhat stronger than what we've been putting out all season at the back and in midfield.
Axel (when fit) has been cpmfortably our best CB this season. I'm not sure he'd be the one I'd move out of position. We had pretty good balance in the centre with a midfield 3 of Hourihane, McGinn and Grealish, although logic might say you'd want someone more defensive minded at the base of the three. Maybe if the Hayden links are true, thats a job for him. Might be getting a bit greedy though!
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Gibson would be a class signing at this level
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I'm struggling to get my head round the Gibson move. Why would Burnley sell him 5 months after they signed him for £12m? And will he want to drop back down to the Championship and if he does wouldn't he want to go back to his boyhood club?
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I still can’t get my head around knowing our defensive requirements plus potential of DMF, with 2.5 days of window left , we haven’t got them. Hope the club have learnt from panic buying, but if so why leave these rumoured names till last minute ?
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Burnley have rejected our offer for Gibson
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We won’t be in for Gibson and Mings after signing Hause will we, that seems over the top getting in 3 utility defenders and still no specialist left back.
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Shame we always do well with a Gibson in the team.
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We won’t be in for Gibson and Mings after signing Hause will we, that seems over the top getting in 3 utility defenders and still no specialist left back.
Mings would play left back I'd imagine.
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BBC reporter saying we're interested in Chalobah on loan from Watford.
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God we're such greedy bastards.
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this all sounds a bit desperate to me
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signed Nicola Ibbetson from Chelsea
Mrs Terry will be happy......
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Hayden would be an excellent move, giving cover at CB whilst playing primarily as holding MF.
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this all sounds a bit desperate to me
Its not really though even if it comes across that way. Smith said a couple of weeks ago we were working on things. We can only bring players in if clubs are wiling to let them go and besides, Sky Sports always throw names around to keep the interest going until Thursday.
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I would always rather us have a proper plan of first class targets and wait for them before moving onto plan B/C.
Mings, Hayden, Chalobah would be superb additions for us. All defo have that pace and athleticism that Deano requires
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Nigel will be happy if we play Hayden
I do know the composer was Franz Josef Haydn.
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Nigel will be happy if we play Hayden
I do know the composer was Franz Josef Haydn.
but is he a full Bach?
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Nigel will be happy if we play Hayden
I do know the composer was Franz Josef Haydn.
but is he a full Bach?
I don’t think so. Not sure whether we will get him, he’s not on the transfer Liszt.
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Depends whether we play three or Faure across the back.
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Depends whether we play three or Faure across the back.
We need consistency, no good Chopin and changing every five minutes.
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Let’s hope they miss his ankle.
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Really smart move that. Loaning a striker to a promotion rival.
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Depends whether we play three or Faure across the back.
We need consistency, no good Chopin and changing every five minutes.
It'll probably all un-Ravel by the time the window closes.
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BBC reporter saying we're interested in Chalobah on loan from Watford.
Chalobah is class .
And is actually too good for championship.
Please let this happen.
He's a quality footballer
A midfield quality like Abraham is to the forward department.
Feel chalobah should really stay premier league but I would be very happy and will be impressed to bring him in.
Gibson another who at this level is more than capable.
Instead of Drinkwater/McDonald and Cahill.
On hayden is a poor Footballer and limited ability.
I would be surprised if Smith went with him .
He's better trying to win the ball rather control tempo and lacks any decent passing ability.
Issac Hayden :It's not a Smith move.
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Hayden would be an excellent move, giving cover at CB whilst playing primarily as holding MF.
Hayden would get by at this level but he's a very poor footballer.
No decent passing skills.
Smith type of dm isn't a Hayden who fouls and I really no fan of his abilities.
Basic. I just don't see him being a Dean Smith because his game isn't up to what smith wants.
He can tackle/foul and do a slight press and at this level be ok off the ball I would say on the ball Dean Smith wouldn't fancy him at all and neither do I.
Rubbish footballer
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Cheers for update VC .
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Chalobah and Cahill would be fantastic
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Really smart move that. Loaning a striker to a promotion rival.
However based on opinions from most posts on here he will considerably weaken Sheff Utd.
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Not many championship clubs can attract likes of Chalobah or Cahill I think villa would be only one of a few if any .
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OHare move has been done also
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Fingers crossed he gets plenty of game time.
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Really smart move that. Loaning a striker to a promotion rival.
However based on opinions from most posts on here he will considerably weaken Sheff Utd.
Villa should have several attacking options but playing one central striker means only one position .
Smith will have Davis as reserve then after Kodjia of course.
But are 3 strikers enough ?
Andre Green will be stepping up to for a wide forward role.
Hogan will be used here and there by sheff utd but they have plenty options so he may be getting duped into thinking more game time. They do play 3-5-2. So will see .
Hopefully defence and central midfield will be key areas but now thinking maybe 3 signing?
I'll stick to 2 in before window .
Any one else think any more than 2 ??
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I agree on Chalobah, I've liked him whenever I've seen him but he's 24 and hasn't really make the breakthrough with anyone yet so there's some concern, which is why I think he's a realistic target either permanently or as a loan to buy. Like Hause he's another who's looked good for England at age level football and will know Jack as they were all part of the very good England team that won the toulon tournament in 2016, many of which are now in the main England squad.
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I agree on Chalobah, I've liked him whenever I've seen him but he's 24 and hasn't really make the breakthrough with anyone yet so there's some concern, which is why I think he's a realistic target either permanently or as a loan to buy. Like Hause he's another who's looked good for England at age level football and will know Jack as they were all part of the very good England team that won the toulon tournament in 2016, many of which are now in the main England squad.
He had a nasty knee injury too.
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Id be happy w chalobah or hayden from the little ive seen
We definitely need some combo of energy and passing ability in one player for that DM role
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OHare move has been done also
Ware?
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I agree on Chalobah, I've liked him whenever I've seen him but he's 24 and hasn't really make the breakthrough with anyone yet so there's some concern, which is why I think he's a realistic target either permanently or as a loan to buy. Like Hause he's another who's looked good for England at age level football and will know Jack as they were all part of the very good England team that won the toulon tournament in 2016, many of which are now in the main England squad.
When I read that many of that squad 2016 I didn't think was accurate.
I checked out.
??! Sorry only Pickford, Loftus Cheek and recently Chilwell.
Chalobah has had full international recognition but like most of the squad haven't kicked on
He was on loan at Napoli at time.
Individuals from squad itself have overall performed at nothing higher than premier league level and not even top 4.
Apart from Loftus Cheek(barely at chelsea) who has played at highest level both club and country.
Some have had loaned spells or sold to championship level a few lower.
And struggle for top flight experience
Success?! What success
Goalkeepers:
Angus Gunn
Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Calum Chambers
Ben Chilwell ,Brendan Galloway ,Kortney Hause ,Dominic Iorfa ,Jack Stephens ,Matt Targett
Midfielders: Lewis Baker Matt Grimes, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, John Swift, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Jack Grealish, Kasey Palmer, Nathan Redmond, Duncan Watmore, Cauley Woodrow
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OHare move has been done also
Ware?
Carlisle for rest of the season.
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OHare move has been done also
Ware?
Carlisle for rest of the season.
Oh dear. League 2. That suggests they think he’s nowhere near ready or worse still, not likely to make it.
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OHare move has been done also
Ware?
Carlisle for rest of the season.
Oh dear. League 2. That suggests they think he’s nowhere near ready or worse still, not likely to make it.
Still a much higher level than u23/reserves football. Time will tell if he's good enough. At present, he isn't for the Championship.
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OHare move has been done also
Ware?
Carlisle for rest of the season.
Oh dear. League 2. That suggests they think he’s nowhere near ready or worse still, not likely to make it.
Is that the league 2 that Grealish played for while at Notts County?..No he will never make it.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Maybe they will Handel him better
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Would've been expecting a similar standard loan to league one that Andre Green had for O'Hare tbh.
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Thank God it is Carlisle. I thought he was off to Ware. Spud U Like Hertfordshire Unattached League.
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He better not be radioactive when he comes back. They all glow in the dark up there.
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OHare move has been done also
Ware?
Carlisle for rest of the season.
on loan ....they must have Borodin :)
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That Aberdeen centre back, was it McKenna? Not in their side tonight, is he injured or on the move?
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
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Hogan off to sheff united on loan. Having a medical
Really smart move that. Loaning a striker to a promotion rival.
However based on opinions from most posts on here he will considerably weaken Sheff Utd.
It's a cunning plan alright.
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McKenna may well be the backup to Gibson. Right age and profile.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
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McKenna is out injured.
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McKenna is out injured.
Has he been out long or is this a convenient, just out for this game type decision?
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'Tight hamstring' was the update today/yesterday. So certainly not something to scupper a deal for a motivated buyer (assuming he hasn't got a history of hamstring injuries - which I don't know).
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He better not be radioactive when he comes back. They all glow in the dark up there.
50 miles from Sellafield, it's a big county.
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'Tight hamstring' was the update today/yesterday. So certainly not something to scupper a deal for a motivated buyer (assuming he hasn't got a history of hamstring injuries - which I don't know).
That could be a diplomatic injury.
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'Tight hamstring' was the update today/yesterday. So certainly not something to scupper a deal for a motivated buyer (assuming he hasn't got a history of hamstring injuries - which I don't know).
That could be a diplomatic injury.
I do enjoy a conspiracy theory. He'll probably end up in Sheffield with the Kebab man.
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'Tight hamstring' was the update today/yesterday. So certainly not something to scupper a deal for a motivated buyer (assuming he hasn't got a history of hamstring injuries - which I don't know).
That could be a diplomatic injury.
If only he had diplomatic immunity.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Too many managers in the past only thinking about the present, rather than the future of the club. This is why it is important to have a DoF or Sporting Director that looks at the bigger picture. The development (or, more to the point, non-development) of our young players post-U21 has been negligent, considering the resources we have had.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Suliman did go out on loan 2016/2017 to Cheltenham
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Too many managers in the past only thinking about the present, rather than the future of the club. This is why it is important to have a DoF or Sporting Director that looks at the bigger picture. The development (or, more to the point, non-development) of our young players post-U21 has been negligent, considering the resources we have had.
I get the feeling it was more we wanted to keep them to make our reserve team/youths look good and attractive for young players to join us. Had this issue with us slow to loan out players since Clark/Fonz/Albrighton era. We then have to throw these players in when we had injuries and wondered why they didn't look ready for first team level.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Suliman did go out on loan 2016/2017 to Cheltenham
Didn't get games though, that might be because he didn't impress in training or they only had him as cover or whatever but all it really meant was that he got no benefit from it. I do worry that he's now had a couple of loans and not really stepped up. I like him in the U23s and have wanted him to do well but he may well be too soft to make it.
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If your planning on blooding the youth then you start playing them at 17/18/19 either in the 1st team or no more than a division down. Our ones at 22/23? forget it. their time has passed.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Suliman did go out on loan 2016/2017 to Cheltenham
Didn't get games though, that might be because he didn't impress in training or they only had him as cover or whatever but all it really meant was that he got no benefit from it. I do worry that he's now had a couple of loans and not really stepped up. I like him in the U23s and have wanted him to do well but he may well be too soft to make it.
To be honest Paul, I think the days of young players being sent to the lower reaches of the football league to 'toughen up' are on the way out and that more and more clubs (especially in the top flight) are sending their younger players to clubs in other countries. League Two and to some extent League One are pretty unique in terms of the physicality and the direct type of football played at that level.
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If your planning on blooding the youth then you start playing them at 17/18/19 either in the 1st team or no more than a division down. Our ones at 22/23? forget it. their time has passed.
I'm against the idea of age teams playing in the competition, but I'm not sure why we haven't taken the opportunity to enter a young side in the Check-a-Trade Trophy.
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well it's mindset really. i'd love to be able to throw this in Bruce's direction, but the reality is we've always had better players to use than the youth going back ages. the likes of sulliman......England u16/17/19. should have been progressing here at 19. never got a game. jorden lynden, basically ignored after we got relegated. i'm not saying either of them would have made it but its too late now to find out.
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If your planning on blooding the youth then you start playing them at 17/18/19 either in the 1st team or no more than a division down. Our ones at 22/23? forget it. their time has passed.
And what about those in the middle, ie aged 20 like Cal and Rush?
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I’d have thought with O’Hare he needs to play proper games, with Green he went to League One & was essentially a bit part player so with O’Hare they needed to pitch him at a level that he will get good game time. With Carlisle being managed by Steven Pressley whose son is in our academy you might imagine that there is a relationship there betw Pressley & Villa that will see O’Hare play
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Suliman did go out on loan 2016/2017 to Cheltenham
Didn't get games though, that might be because he didn't impress in training or they only had him as cover or whatever but all it really meant was that he got no benefit from it. I do worry that he's now had a couple of loans and not really stepped up. I like him in the U23s and have wanted him to do well but he may well be too soft to make it.
They thought he wasn’t up to the job physically and sent him back early.
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If your planning on blooding the youth then you start playing them at 17/18/19 either in the 1st team or no more than a division down. Our ones at 22/23? forget it. their time has passed.
And what about those in the middle, ie aged 20 like Cal and Rush?
well if you're going with youth you try them because by 20 you really should be playing a bit. Now in our recent bad run i wouldn't have been that annoyed if smith had tried a kid instead of taylor - the worse that would have happened is he'd have been as shit. or any of the other deadwood. whelan or someone who can run and could possibly improve? managers don't want to risk it though.
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Didn't get games though, that might be because he didn't impress in training or they only had him as cover or whatever but all it really meant was that he got no benefit from it. I do worry that he's now had a couple of loans and not really stepped up. I like him in the U23s and have wanted him to do well but he may well be too soft to make it.
They thought he wasn’t up to the job physically and sent him back early.
I knew there was something about that but I couldn't remember where it came from (it's why I put the bit about being too soft). The thing is when he came back with that feedback we should've been working with him to do something about it but we seem to have just let him stagnate for a couple of years instead. I think Sickbeggar is massively over-the-top with his cut off points, there's plenty of players who've come through as 22/23 year olds and had good careers, but as soon as a player has 6months of looking too good for the U18s/U23s or has a pre-season where they look ready for the first team we should be getting them first team football somewhere. Clarke, Revan, Doyle-Hayes, Walker and maybe even Ramsey should all be on the list to get first team football somewhere in 2019.
To be honest Paul, I think the days of young players being sent to the lower reaches of the football league to 'toughen up' are on the way out and that more and more clubs (especially in the top flight) are sending their younger players to clubs in other countries. League Two and to some extent League One are pretty unique in terms of the physicality and the direct type of football played at that level.
I think that depends on the player. Suliman is technically sound and reads the game well but can be bullied, I'd like to see him get 8-10 games agianst teams that know that and target him because he needs to prove to himself that he can stand up to that. O-Hare showed in the cup that he's knocked off the ball too easily, a run of games against lower quality opposition where he can practice shielding the ball and keeping his centre of gravity low will help him, so long as our coaches have given him things to work on. RHM is slightly different, he's strong and quick enough but he's struggled to make a run of starts, he needs 3-4 games a fortnight consistently for a few months to prove to everyone that his fit enough to cope with it. If he can get that at a level where he gets 7-8 goals and makes a difference for a team then that's better still.
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Players that come through at 21/22 at our level? baker, clarke, cahill all made the breakthrough before 21/22. Some players may come through once they've joined another club and worked their way back but that's what we're trying to prevent. The likes of Grealish who come through once every 15 years and everyone realises is good anyway, is not what we are after anyway. it's the players who find their feet at another club when they weren't given that chance with us.
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Players that come through at 21/22 at our level? baker, clarke, cahill all made the breakthrough before 21/22. Some players may come through once they've joined another club and worked their way back but that's what we're trying to prevent. The likes of Grealish who come through once every 15 years and everyone realises is good anyway, is not what we are after anyway. it's the players who find their feet at another club when they weren't given that chance with us.
Like Hogg and Daniel Johnson, for example.
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meanwhile, are we actually going to sign anybody?
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Anyone today or a deadline day frenzy ?
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Tumbleweed.
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Hogan going/gone? He must have been one of our worst ever signings
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Watch him knock the goals in at Sheffield United!
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Watch him knock the goals in at Sheffield United!
If he does we might get some money back.
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Hogan going/gone? He must have been one of our worst ever signings
Stephen Ireland, Djemba Djemba,Micah injured Richards
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Hogan going/gone? He must have been one of our worst ever signings
He's got some competition there
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Watching all these plates spinning is making me feel sick.
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so a triple shirt stretching photo tomorrow then in the dark ???? all very quiet today
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Hogan going/gone? He must have been one of our worst ever signings
Stephen Ireland, Djemba Djemba,
Ireland was OK at the start and the twins were average rather than poor
In terms of lack of contribution, Micah was a worse signing than Hogan
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I liked Hogan, that spell post Xmas 2017 he looked more than decent. Not sure if the injuries did for him and really not sure he'll get much game time at Sheff Utd, but he needs to move on.
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Nathaniel Chalobah from Watford according to the E&S.
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I dislike Ireland the most out of those as he always gave off the air of not giving a fuck, and of thinking we were beneath him. The twat couldn't even be arsed to smile at his signing press conference, as I recall. Djemba-Djemba just wasn't very good, Richards' legs had gone when he signed and Hogan always tries, he's just rubbish.
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Is Chalobololololol any good?
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Bosko Balaban?
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Ross Mcormack?
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Is Chalobololololol any good?
He was really highly rated a few years ago but he couldn't breakthrough at Chelsea and he's not been able to get ahead of Capoue and Doucoure at Watford after a fairly long injury through last season and the summer. He did get an England cap a few months ago though so getting him to drop down in the championship would be a big statement of intent.
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Is Chalobololololol any good?
He was really highly rated a few years ago but he couldn't breakthrough at Chelsea and he's not been able to get ahead of Capoue and Doucoure at Watford after a fairly long injury through last season and the summer. He did get an England cap a few months ago though so getting him to drop down in the championship would be a big statement of intent.
He was very good when on loan at Watford during their push for promotion from the Championship. Doesn't seem to have pushed on since.
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Wouldn't be the mobile defensive player we need? Capable of finding a pass?
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What's his style, where does he play?
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Couple of questions; What about that defender from Aberdeen we didn't quite sign in August, and Where's Tone?
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Is Chalobololololol any good?
For where we are, yes.
I actually thought he was a regular at Watford (started the season in their team and got called by England in October) so surprised they're letting him out on loan.
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Couple of questions; What about that defender from Aberdeen we didn't quite sign in August, and Where's Tone?
Injured.
I just saw a toilet 🚽 and he wasn't on it. He couldn't shit.
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The usually reliable Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko on Twitter) has just said that Bournemouth want a £1m loan fee for Mings and that is holding things up.
That seems steep to me, but then I don't have the insight to know if that is the case. If it is a loan with an option to buy and if the loan fee is offset in the event of a transfer happening, then maybe it is worthwhile.
I guess it will also depend on the progress on other prospective deals and the costs attached to them. UTV
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The fact we've got Bolasies wages off the bill should mean all the 1M business and in fact any 'relatively' small fees will be just a mexican stand off - it'll happen just depends how much. I do hope we get Cahill - though I simply can't see it.
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I dislike Ireland the most out of those as he always gave off the air of not giving a fuck, and of thinking we were beneath him. The twat couldn't even be arsed to smile at his signing press conference, as I recall. Djemba-Djemba just wasn't very good, Richards' legs had gone when he signed and Hogan always tries, he's just rubbish.
Ireland and N'Zobia for me. Utter charlatans. Plenty of talent but no application. Lazy moneygrabbing bastards.
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The usually reliable Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko on Twitter) has just said that Bournemouth want a £1m loan fee for Mings and that is holding things up.
That seems steep to me, but then I don't have the insight to know if that is the case. If it is a loan with an option to buy and if the loan fee is offset in the event of a transfer happening, then maybe it is worthwhile.
I guess it will also depend on the progress on other prospective deals and the costs attached to them. UTV
That's taking the piss when we'll be paying his wages and if he's successful rehabbing him and enhancing his transfer value for them.
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It's only taking the piss if noone else would be willing to pay it.
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Nicked from Wiki :
Chalobah is known for his versatility, work-rate, and fitness levels, both in defending and attacking sense. He is described as, tall, athletic and can operate in either midfield or defence, being notably quick in the tackle.
No Glenn Whelan then.....
Has played 9 times this season and is 24.
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It’s true about Mings, shame as he was at BH yesterday while negotiations ongoing.
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But does he meet our strict criteria of being injured or has not played for 18 months due to a serious injury?
Sorry to be so cynical but it comes with the territory of following the Villa for so long :(
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Is Chalobololololol any good?
I used to get told off for doing that as a kid, ie crunching boiled seets in case I broke my teeth.
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Chalobah is one that won’t be happening either
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Is Chalobololololol any good?
He has previously appeared for Scrabble.
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Chalobah is one that won’t be happening either
...are you ITK or is this and your post on Mings based on your opinion?
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It's going to be gutting if we've waited til the last day and then any deals fall apart on terms.
Surely we've known they want a 1m loan fee for Mings before now ?
I'm not sure how it gets to the last minute and that only comes up in the conversation then.
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Chalobah is one that won’t be happening either
...are you ITK or is this and your post on Mings based on your opinion?
Defo wouldn’t class myself as ITK, the occasional snippets I put on here are from people who are more connected than myself and what they have passed on. All in good faith.
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It's going to be gutting if we've waited til the last day and then any deals fall apart on terms.
Surely we've known they want a 1m loan fee for Mings before now ?
I'm not sure how it gets to the last minute and that only comes up in the conversation then.
Treated as an auction from Bournemouth’s end. Ask for a set fee and start negotiations around it. If another club comes in and meets those terms (Forest) then we no longer have negotiation room. Forest only came in this am after they sold Fox last night
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You read a Tweet too from some bloke saying it won't happen? Who then said it might happen?
That's some quality ITK from the Twitterati.
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After all the talk from DS and co about how hard they're working to get in the reinforcements we so desperately need, things have been pretty crap so far. A so so GK and yet another injured defender. Maybe we'll be surprised tomorrow but I'm not holding my breath.
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You read a Tweet too from some bloke saying it won't happen? Who then said it might happen?
That's some quality ITK from the Twitterati.
Just seen that. Genius twitter comments.
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I would hope we'd pay a £1m for Mings. Seems a small.price to pay not to see Taylor again.
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It's always the same in the January window. Just look at the other clubs. If we don't make another signing it won't necessarily be that we didn't try it's just a case other clubs couldn't make replacement signings or that they are just trying to create an auction.
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No. Grealish was in division 3 with Notts County, not division 4. O'Hare should have been loaned out to div 3 or 4 a couple of years ago imo, the same kind of age Jack was at Notts County.
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification. He's finished.
Easy tiger. The Russian is in League Two too, I think it's far too early to cast the die on their Villa careers.
Both should've gone out 2-3 seasons ago. They have lots of quality but both need to learn how to handle being roughed-up, that's what the notts county loan did for Jack more than anything else. If they realise they need to look after themselves better and develop they'll be fine. Suliman is another who needed to go out and get regular games a couple of years ago as well.
Suliman did go out on loan 2016/2017 to Cheltenham
Didn't get games though, that might be because he didn't impress in training or they only had him as cover or whatever but all it really meant was that he got no benefit from it. I do worry that he's now had a couple of loans and not really stepped up. I like him in the U23s and have wanted him to do well but he may well be too soft to make it.
He actually made 12 appearances for Cheltenham - and his next loan was Grimsby where he made 2 appearances.
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If your planning on blooding the youth then you start playing them at 17/18/19 either in the 1st team or no more than a division down. Our ones at 22/23? forget it. their time has passed.
just for context - we do not have any 23 yr old players who are not in the 1st team picture. We have only one 22 yr old - Lyden who is injured
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Knowing our luck Mings will sign and then be off injured for 2 months, before he has kicked a ball for us
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If your planning on blooding the youth then you start playing them at 17/18/19 either in the 1st team or no more than a division down. Our ones at 22/23? forget it. their time has passed.
just for context - we do not have any 23 yr old players who are not in the 1st team picture. We have only one 22 yr old - Lyden who is injured
And we have two 20 year olds out on loan or who have been on loan and who have played first team football.
But let's not let facts interupt the complaint.
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Argue all you like our record of bringing youth through to become first teamers is rubbish
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Not contradicting you john but in truth what aspect of the performance of all the playing parts of the club have not been rubbish for the last 8-10 years?
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And there may well have been extenuating circumstances if we believe the word of former academy players.
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Not contradicting you john but in truth what aspect of the performance of all the playing parts of the club have not been rubbish for the last 8-10 years?
i agree Brian
we seem to do well at bringing other clubs recovering from injury, young, inexperienced, out of form players through though or at least give them chances
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And there may well have been extenuating circumstances if we believe the word of former academy players.
I’m sure there’s loads of excuses some will be fair
but for the money spent on the academy the state of the art facilities we are all told about etc it’s been a pretty poor show
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Can we divert the yoof talk to another thread, most people's hopes of us signing Stephen Bywater and the likes are dashed when we click back and we're still discussing those who didn't live up to the likes of agent Ridgewell's prowess.
From now on let it be Mings and such things!
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This isn't going well. It's make or break to our season. Try everything to get Gary Cahill in on loan. Disappointed so far. Loaning Hogan to a play-off rival is madness. The decision making at times is stupid.
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This isn't going well. It's make or break to our season. Try everything to get Gary Cahill in on loan. Disappointed so far. Loaning Hogan to a play-off rival is madness. The decision making at times is stupid.
What you on about
Loaning Hogan to a play-off-rival is a master stroke
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Loaning Hogan to a play-off rival is madness. The decision making at times is stupid.
Darn right, Sheff Utd must be insane to take the useless lump.
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If we don't make the play offs, it won't be because we've loaned Scott Hogan to Sheffield United.
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If we can get Hayden or Chalobah in tomorrow I would be fairly content. Grealish is nearly back, and while we would all love to see the back of Hutton and Taylor, January is a difficult time to get any players, so it may be that we have to wait to the summer. Also gives the new DOF more time to scout properly and us not waste money on crap, which is our favourite pass time.
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Chumbleywumbley isn't in Watford's squad tonight.
I think we'll get 3 in. Mings, Hayden and Chumberwumba.
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This isn't going well. It's make or break to our season. Try everything to get Gary Cahill in on loan. Disappointed so far. Loaning Hogan to a play-off rival is madness. The decision making at times is stupid.
What you on about
Loaning Hogan to a play-off-rival is a master stroke
We'll see. Why take the risk and potentially give a rival an advantage?
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He isn't going to play.
Why would you drop Billy Sharp for Scott Hogan?
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Although Hogan is a bit more pacey but also creative and a brilliant finisher. Someone who can create something from nothing. The kind of striker we’ve been crying out for for a long time
I think these Sheffield United fans ought to prepare for disappointment.
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Why sign both Hayden or Chalobah, surely it's one or the other? Hopefully the later, although I just saw he played well last night v Man City
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Are they both defensive players?
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This isn't going well. It's make or break to our season. Try everything to get Gary Cahill in on loan. Disappointed so far. Loaning Hogan to a play-off rival is madness. The decision making at times is stupid.
What you on about
Loaning Hogan to a play-off-rival is a master stroke
We'll see. Why take the risk and potentially give a rival an advantage?
Who else is going to buy our cast-offs from us other than teams in our league though? They aren't going to Premier League clubs and I doubt anyone in lower leagues will pay anywhere near the wages.
So we either sell to Championship teams or keep hold of players who clearly aren't good enough and eventually don't have the budget to bring in new signings.
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Argue all you like our record of bringing youth through to become first teamers is rubbish
In the last 11 years or so the academy has paid for itself through the market value of Gary Cahill,Grealish and early period Agbonlahor Then there's the first team appearances and the monies received from selling Whittingham,S.Davis,C.Gardner ,Ridgewell and Bannon and not persevering with Albrighton,Johnson Robinson and Hogg who would be welcome additions to our present day squad.
It's the mismanagement of the first team that has been the problem.
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Hogan may miraculously find his groove and start scoring, but as Luke said, loaning him out won't be the reason we don't go up, he could play here for the next ten seasons and would barely score 10 goals. The fact that DS is willing to loan him out, says it all.
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If Smith can't get the targets he wants now maybe the thinking is we sacrifice promotion this season and concentrate on a major rebuilding in the summer
I agree that the January window is a difficult time to recruit or even offload players and maybe we have been frustrated in our efforts
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Hogan may miraculously find his groove and start scoring, but as Luke said, loaning him out won't be the reason we don't go up, he could play here for the next ten seasons and would barely score 10 goals. The fact that DS is willing to loan him out, says it all.
He's a poacher and we have Tammy to do that job so little point in keeping him hanging around. Good luck to him.
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Why sign both Hayden or Chalobah, surely it's one or the other? Hopefully the later, although I just saw he played well last night v Man City
it won’t be “both ... or”: it’ll be “either ... or”. Both could do the job but we don’t want both, presumably.
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He isn't going to play.
Why would you drop Billy Sharp for Scott Hogan?
Exactly. Smith must know what Hogan is capable of, and he clearly doesn’t see a role for him in the current Villa set-up.
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we really sacrificed promotion before we kicked the season off by almost going out of business. But Bruce still had some wiggle room when NSWE came in and royally fucked up. TBH it's remarkable we are still in touch with the play off places.
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If they think Hogan is "pacey" those Blades fans have been watching the wrong player.
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They've definitely been watching the wrong player if they think he can 'create something out of nothing'. Creating nothing out of something is much more his forte.
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Bag of shite.
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The Emperor signing tomorrow.
2 more to follow.
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The Emperor signing tomorrow.
2 more to follow.
Where have you heard this? Are we really going to pay the £1m loan fee?
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The Emperor signing tomorrow.
2 more to follow.
The Emperor?
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Gregg Evans. To be honest I don't think a million on a loan fee is steep.
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Gregg evans has twittered it
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If Smith can't get the targets he wants now maybe the thinking is we sacrifice promotion this season and concentrate on a major rebuilding in the summer
I'm sure similar was uttered following our lack of business in Jan 2016.
That went well.
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The Emperor signing tomorrow.
Ricky Otto?
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Gregg Evans. To be honest I don't think a million on a loan fee is steep.
It sounds a lot for 3 and a half months. It might not be that much anyway.
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Chumbleywumbley isn't in Watford's squad tonight.
I think we'll get 3 in. Mings, Hayden and Chumberwumba.
Nicely expressed in 80's style there.
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Maybe it's contingent on number of appearances/promotion.
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The Emperor signing tomorrow.
2 more to follow.
Rosco?
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Gregg Evans. To be honest I don't think a million on a loan fee is steep.
It sounds a lot for 3 and a half months. It might not be that much anyway.
If he plays every game he will be cheaper than MacCormack, Hogan, Richards etc
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Seems Mings has been the one to get this deal done. He’s pushed for the move
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The Emperor signing tomorrow.
2 more to follow.
The Emperor?
Barry Penguin from Southend
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Our whole season hinges on these signings. That’s not to say I want us to sign Evadne Hinge.
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Our whole season hinges on these signings. That’s not to say I want us to sign Evadne Hinge.
Don’t bracket me in with this viewpoint.
I’ll get me coat.....
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FWIW Toon mate says Hayes is good in the championship, nowhere near good enough for the PL. Played well against citeh but it was his first good game for ages.
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Interesting how we fit two midfielders in. Unless Grealish goes wide? Smith doesn't really play with wingers usually, so maybe a change of shape. McGinn has to play, as does Jack.
Curious times.
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Percy reporting we're sealing the Minger now.
Interrupting me ironing the runes into my Hugo Boss all this transfer lark.
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Interesting how we fit two midfielders in. Unless Grealish goes wide? Smith doesn't really play with wingers usually, so maybe a change of shape. McGinn has to play, as does Jack.
Curious times.
Need proper competition in there and players to rotate. McGinn needs a break otherwise he’ll break down.
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Interesting how we fit two midfielders in. Unless Grealish goes wide? Smith doesn't really play with wingers usually, so maybe a change of shape. McGinn has to play, as does Jack.
Curious times.
I’d be very surprised if we signed two midfielders. I’d have thought it would be either Chalobah OR Hayden.
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If it's Mings and on of the midfielders, who would the third be?
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Any news from the Villa Transfers guy?
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His account has been shut down.
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If it's Mings and on of the midfielders, who would the third be?
Don’t know, but maybe a CB? Or Charlie Austin? Can’t see it myself however he was left out of the Southampton squad tonight so he’s off somewhere.
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I reckon Mings and Hayden for sure tomorrow with Hogan to be completed. Wouldn’t shock me to see one more surprise incoming deal late on.
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It won't mean a thing if we ain't got that Mings.
One for the old music fans.
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I reckon Mings and Hayden for sure tomorrow with Hogan to be completed. Wouldn’t shock me to see one more surprise incoming deal late on.
Salifou
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Sylla was the one that made the difference. Brilliant debut at...Reading.
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I reported on the thread a couple of days ago that Mings fills most of our criteria and my relatives are ST holders there. After their great result tonight I asked them, having some reasonable level contacts there, to get some quoted re him moving.
At 22;45 I had a text saying we are the most likely destination now.
Talksport announced at 23;00 that he’s coming after turning down forest and derby.
If we do announce him tomorrow along with guys from Watford and toon, I’ll be happy with the windows business
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I'd like us to sign Mings just because he'll be the first Villa player that I've played in the same team as.
He was pretty decent.
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Didnt you have some connection to Scott Sinclair too?
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I reckon Mings and Hayden for sure tomorrow with Hogan to be completed. Wouldn’t shock me to see one more surprise incoming deal late on.
Salifou
Or Djemba-Djemba. Maybe all three
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If it's Mings and on of the midfielders, who would the third be?
Don’t know, but maybe a CB? Or Charlie Austin? Can’t see it myself however he was left out of the Southampton squad tonight so he’s off somewhere.
I could see another CB coming in, though that would make the Hause signing a bit of a strange one.
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It won't mean a thing if we ain't got that Mings.
One for the old music fans.
GP and the Rumour, one of my faves.
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Didnt you have some connection to Scott Sinclair too?
Only a very tenuous one - a mate of mine played in the same boys team as him in Bath, and they'd still occasionally catch up during his Villa days.
They probably still do, I just don't care enough about Scott Sinclair to ask about him anymore!
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Just a question, when we send a player out on loan - we seem to pay 50% + of their wages, why is it when we loan a player from another club (even a premier league club) we pay 100% of the wages and a loan fee?
Who ever has been in charge of us at CEO level, does not do a very good job at negotiating fees and wages - our current CEO needs to remember we are an average championship club!
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Just a question, when we send a player out on loan - we seem to pay 50% + of their wages, why is it when we loan a player from another club (even a premier league club) we pay 100% of the wages and a loan fee?
Who ever has been in charge of us at CEO level, does not do a very good job at negotiating fees and wages - our current CEO needs to remember we are an average championship club!
Probably because our players are amongst the best paid in the division so smaller clubs need help with the wages. We want players to gain experience so we are open to loan moves but the “borrowing” club need help to meet the wage.
Also we are trying to attract players on loan who will improve our squad so we tend to look in at Loan players from PL clubs who will be on higher wages still.
It’s the same situation in reverse.
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Aston Villa have made an offer to bring back Preston striker Callum Robinson, Derby and Stoke are also interested.
Would you have him back? Another one we sold too early?
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I could be CEO of the Villa with regards to transfers - it is easy - we just pay whatever the selling club want!
You have hit the nail on the head with regards to the wages we pay being the best in the division - that is why we can never get rid of anyone deemed "surplus to requirements" and they stay until the end of there contracts - as Paul Merson said "it is easy playing for Aston Villa as long as you have 1 good season in 5 the fans are happy, there is no expectation on continued success"
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I didn’t realize Mings is 6ft 5. How on earth is he a LB and not a straight up CB at that height?
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It won't mean a thing if we ain't got that Mings.
One for the old music fans.
He's got a lot of potential ... Mings can only get better
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Just a question, when we send a player out on loan - we seem to pay 50% + of their wages, why is it when we loan a player from another club (even a premier league club) we pay 100% of the wages and a loan fee?
Who ever has been in charge of us at CEO level, does not do a very good job at negotiating fees and wages - our current CEO needs to remember we are an average championship club!
I don’t think we know what the arrangements are,some no mark on so some social media site says we are paying 75k a week and it becomes gospel.
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Merson said that about one good season in five being enough at the Villa? He might be thinking of Agbonlahor and extrapolating but that's horse-shit.
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I could be CEO of the Villa with regards to transfers - it is easy - we just pay whatever the selling club want!
You have hit the nail on the head with regards to the wages we pay being the best in the division - that is why we can never get rid of anyone deemed "surplus to requirements" and they stay until the end of there contracts - as Paul Merson said "it is easy playing for Aston Villa as long as you have 1 good season in 5 the fans are happy, there is no expectation on continued success"
Yep, that sounds like the sort of baseless rubbish I'd expect Merson to come out with. He should come on here and see how happy we are to tolerate one good season in five. Funny, because most other pundits of his type are falling over themselves to tell the world how quick our fans are to start booing when things aren't going well. It's almost as if they're all completely thick.
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I could be CEO of the Villa with regards to transfers - it is easy - we just pay whatever the selling club want!
You have hit the nail on the head with regards to the wages we pay being the best in the division - that is why we can never get rid of anyone deemed "surplus to requirements" and they stay until the end of there contracts - as Paul Merson said "it is easy playing for Aston Villa as long as you have 1 good season in 5 the fans are happy, there is no expectation on continued success"
Yep, that sounds like the sort of baseless rubbish I'd expect Merson to come out with. He should come on here and see how happy we are to tolerate one good season in five. Funny, because most other pundits of his type are falling over themselves to tell the world how quick our fans are to start booing when things aren't going well. It's almost as if they're all completely thick.
I could be CEO of the Villa with regards to transfers - it is easy - we just pay whatever the selling club want!
You have hit the nail on the head with regards to the wages we pay being the best in the division - that is why we can never get rid of anyone deemed "surplus to requirements" and they stay until the end of there contracts - as Paul Merson said "it is easy playing for Aston Villa as long as you have 1 good season in 5 the fans are happy, there is no expectation on continued success"
Yep, that sounds like the sort of baseless rubbish I'd expect Merson to come out with. He should come on here and see how happy we are to tolerate one good season in five. Funny, because most other pundits of his type are falling over themselves to tell the world how quick our fans are to start booing when things aren't going well. It's almost as if they're all completely thick.
I think we are a tolerant bunch to be honest
I know we get tarred with that fickle stuff but that normally as far as it goes
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If it's Mings and on of the midfielders, who would the third be?
Don’t know, but maybe a CB? Or Charlie Austin? Can’t see it myself however he was left out of the Southampton squad tonight so he’s off somewhere.
I think that Hause might have been in case we didn’t get anyone else plus it’s extra protection for a position that’s has shit cover and in light of Chester’s knee finally giving up or needing an op
I could see another CB coming in, though that would make the Hause signing a bit of a strange one.
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I think the worst of the ‘fickle’ label comes from ‘more patient’ supporters calling out ‘less patient’ fans.
Mersons comment seems to prove that the players are pretty oblivious to it.
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There's no doubt we pay too much in wages whether that's a hangover from the Lerner years and that the fact all the agents know we do pay over the odds so expect the same for their clients. I mean if the Hogan contract was to be believed its still going on and you do wonder would a player really scupper a move from Brentford for the sake of 5k a week when they're still going to be earning 10k more
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Mings having a medical. Let's hope we've finally cured the left back spot.
If Hause comes in we'll have 2 players of significant height and pace in the back four.
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I didn’t realize Mings is 6ft 5. How on earth is he a LB and not a straight up CB at that height?
Blimey and with a bit of a reputation. Got to be better than powderpuff Taylor
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He seems quick too so I hope he offers something going forwards.
I'm more confident that the last left back we loaned who clearly is a good player, who just succumbed to Lambert's idiocy.
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Bournemouth journalist reckons we have no option to buy Mings.
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Bournemouth journalist reckons we have no option to buy Mings.
That doesn't matter. Once he is at Villa and sees how big a club we are and the potential he won't want to go back to Bournemouth (hopefully).
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Bournemouth journalist reckons we have no option to buy Mings.
If not then I really hope we're not paying the fuckers a million pounds for the privilege of rehabbing their player.
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yes, if he does a Bolaise we have no on-going commitment
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well lets see if he's a)any good and b)able to play 2 games per week before buying him.
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I hope that we don't have to wait get Mings fit enough to start games
Hopefully we can move Taylor on in the summer, although he may be like Richards and just let his contract run down.
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Aston Villa have made an offer to bring back Preston striker Callum Robinson, Derby and Stoke are also interested.
Would you have him back? Another one we sold too early?
He's the sort of player who would fit well in the 'winger' roles that I expect to see Smith use going forward.
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I hope that we don't have to wait get Mings fit enough to start games
Hopefully we can move Taylor on in the summer, although he may be like Richards and just let his contract run down.
Yes but one thing I like about Taylor is his attitude. Much different from Richards. Being a crap fullback at this level is not his fault.
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Worth tuning into Talksport if not near a tv for sky sports
The ITK himself Jim White
Jim White and Natalie Sawyer are on talk sport show called red alert I think ?!
Till 1pm .
Anyway Jim White said Purslow and Smith were up all night in belfry doing deals !!
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They just announced
Hogan joining on loan
And that Mings having medical
And Hayden is expected as long as Newcastle bget a replacement.
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They just announced
Hogan joining on loan
And that Mings having medical
And Hayden is expected as long as Newcastle bget a replacement.
Who's announced this?
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On Hayden ,like Kalinic , he was on radar before Smith came in
As I don't see him as the best type of footballer . And one Smith wouldn't necessarily go for and neither would I (irrelevant)
Just a basic dm though at this level more than capable.
Just don't like his lack of footy ability and that he's a fouler first.
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Anyway Jim White said Purslow and Smith were up all night in belfry doing deals !!
They were however in the Bel Air as Wednesday night is 80's night. (and footy I accept that you are probably far too young to relate to that)
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They just announced
Hogan joining on loan
And that Mings having medical
And Hayden is expected as long as Newcastle bget a replacement.
Who's announced this?
Read above Jim White show Talksport.
Jim White is Mr ITK isn't he ?!
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Newcastle now highly unlikely to let Hayden leave as the deal for a new midfielder has collapsed.
Also, Watford saying no outgoings today.
So our two midfield signings may have just become zero.
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I hope that we don't have to wait get Mings fit enough to start games
Hopefully we can move Taylor on in the summer, although he may be like Richards and just let his contract run down.
Apparently the initial plan for Mings is to give Chester some recovery time and to partner Elphick, not to replace Taylor . Therefore not really sure what the plan for LB is short term
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With heavy snow expected tonight - what's the betting we make a late signing and they can't be flown in to sign the contract?
Not heard any ITK from BHX workers yet. No sign of Messi coming out of the arrivals gate??
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BBC Sport is reporting that Newcastle are set to sign Miguel Almiron in a club record £20m deal. As per wiki, he is a midfielder.
If that happens then presumably Hyden is released?
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Apparently Bacuna is going to Cardiff, did anyone see him getting back into the premier league before us?
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BBC Sport is reporting that Newcastle are set to sign Miguel Almiron in a club record £20m deal. As per wiki, he is a midfielder.
If that happens then presumably Hyden is released?
I thought he was a forward, rather than a midfielder.
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Apparently Bacuna is going to Cardiff, did anyone see him getting back into the premier league before us?
Further proof that we really have screwed several players over in the last few years. Veretout, amavi, Gueye et al. Robinson, Hogg, Bennett etc from further back.
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Newcastle now highly unlikely to let Hayden leave as the deal for a new midfielder has collapsed.
Also, Watford saying no outgoings today.
So our two midfield signings may have just become zero.
Not good news. Only hope as Newcastle are apparently doing a club record deal for Almiron that they need/want to recoup some money and will let Hayden leave. On this occasion we may potentially benefit from that t*at Ashley being his usual t*attish self.
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Any news on Cahill?
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Apparently Bacuna is going to Cardiff, did anyone see him getting back into the premier league before us?
Guess they are preparing for next season back in the Championship.
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Any news on Cahill?
Looks like he's staying at Chelsea unless somebody is prepared to pay his 130k wages. Juventus have been linked but will probably wait until the summer and get him on a free.
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BBC Sport is reporting that Newcastle are set to sign Miguel Almiron in a club record £20m deal. As per wiki, he is a midfielder.
If that happens then presumably Hyden is released?
Don't know the fella - quoting what it says on wiki.
In other news, BBC Sport reporting that Hogan to Sheff Utd on loan is done. Big wages off the bill - either to address FFP or get in someone expensive. Cahill?
I thought he was a forward, rather than a midfielder.
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I'd sell my grandnan for an Olof Mellberg.
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Newcastle now highly unlikely to let Hayden leave as the deal for a new midfielder has collapsed.
Also, Watford saying no outgoings today.
So our two midfield signings may have just become zero.
Not good news. Only hope as Newcastle are apparently doing a club record deal for Almiron that they need/want to recoup some money and will let Hayden leave. On this occasion we may potentially benefit from that t*at Ashley being his usual t*attish self.
Good on Hayden . I don't like his style
Not good on Chalobah.
Those plates can be put aside then ?
Are you saying ?
I think Hayden was a long term option and others can't be achieved so was re looked at.
Maybe they found an old transfer list option on thir device from scouts reports /agents
Chalobah sounds more a Smith move and JT Chelsea influence would have liked that.
What we don't want are signing for sake of getting bodies in leaving unbalanced squad.
No more right backs please !
Esp at expense of a left back
Please can we sign a specialist left back
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BBC Sport is reporting that Newcastle are set to sign Miguel Almiron in a club record £20m deal. As per wiki, he is a midfielder.
If that happens then presumably Hyden is released?
No. Hayden being released was dependent upon them signing a different midfielder (Samiris?), and that deal has fallen through.
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Stoke have had a bid rejected for McKenna from Aberdeen who we were linked with in the summer. Interested to see if we are still interested.
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BBC Sport is reporting that Newcastle are set to sign Miguel Almiron in a club record £20m deal. As per wiki, he is a midfielder.
If that happens then presumably Hyden is released?
No. Hayden being released was dependent upon them signing a different midfielder (Samiris?), and that deal has fallen through.
Please Almiron is a attacking flair player (Hayden just a young Glenn Whelan without the dead ball responsibility )
Its ironic Almiron , am interested to see how he gets on as top player in MLS, signed from America as that where you see likes of Hayden level is at !
But he certainly no replacement entirely different position (and ability )
I will be scathing on any non footy skilled players !
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Stoke have had a bid rejected for McKenna from Aberdeen who we were linked with in the summer. Interested to see if we are still interested.
Well that ship has sailed ?
Seemed a Bruce and those lot move as if had legs should have got him in and Aberdeen essentially didn't sell in summer as had no time for replacement!
Stoke trying their luck! Move shouldn't happen same reason
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Stoke have just got Danny Batth in so I'm surprised they are linked with McKenna.
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Any news on Cahill?
Over the hill?!
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They just announced
Hogan joining on loan
And that Mings having medical
And Hayden is expected as long as Newcastle bget a replacement.
Who's announced this?
Read above Jim White show Talksport.
Jim White is Mr ITK isn't he ?!
No.
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Corey Blacket-Taylor gone to Walsall on loan, JDH going to Cambridge and Bedau going to Scunthrope.
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Oh Jim White have to concede does have some ITK but ok maybe not Mr ITK (no one knows everything?!) But he's more than a facilitator
Jim White does seem to have contacts in the game
He gets messages and phone calls .
Makes sense if he has some knowledge as he's a front presenter in radio and tele sports news.
I mean he gets told selected info but from all the sky folk I don't think any have as much as know as him
As for those other s on sky sports they just junior facilitator s who seem to get info off Twitter and forums and then use that .
Darmeseth is just a facilitator
BBC have Ian or Phil Dennis ?? Often seeming 3 hours behind !? They lack a lot of exclusives but they aren't a commercial outlet like Sky.
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BBC do have the local news touch and like to give the idea of credibility .
Talksport outside of Jim White non of the other sports presenters have any knowledge and reporters are hit and miss.
The ex players / managers are worse than there punditry! When they on they just fluff and pad as have little knowledge
I remember Danny Murphy saying Benteke going to man utd not Liverpool who couldn't see him there .when leaving villa.
I posted it so I remember.
Hit or miss?!
( I guess they never miss huh :D )
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@footyskillz - not questioning your insight or opinion (as I know very little about the player) but is Hayden as limited, technically, as you suggest?
Seems strange for him to have 3 years at Arsenal under Wenger if he could not trap a ball and pass it adequately.
I appreciate that is some way sort of being a playmaker, but if we are after someone disciplined, someone to disrupt and regain possession and then to move the ball simply and quickly to attack-minded players, then is he not capable of that?
Cheers. UTV.
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double post, sorry.
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I have no idea if Jim White is ITK or not. Every time I see or hear him I switch off, can't stand the twat.
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No one leaving Watford today apparently so seems like Chalobah isn't an option.
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Jim White will still be giddy after Zombie FC beat Cowdenbeath last night.
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I hope that Michelle Owen is on with Jim White tonight - but it will probably be Hayley!
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Bacana 3 million to prem ?
footballs gone crazy
Reading now weaken as they play us
-
Bacuna - he was truly awful for us, that stupid smile even when we were losing - he could not have cared less! - just read elsewhere Bree could be joining Ipswich
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@footyskillz - not questioning your insight or opinion (as I know very little about the player) but is Hayden as limited, technically, as you suggest?
Seems strange for him to have 3 years at Arsenal under Wenger if he could not trap a ball and pass it adequately.
I appreciate that is some way sort of being a playmaker, but if we are after someone disciplined, someone to disrupt and regain possession and then to move the ball simply and quickly to attack-minded players, then is he not capable of that?
Cheers. UTV.
Hey Russ.
You're spot on with break up play and spoiler type of player
I just don't like this type of player
Yes suited to some types of teams but I just didn't see Smith playing with one.
Though technically he could be better he would do what you say !
I maybe ambitious or slight inaccurate to how smith likes his football but his deep playing midfielder is one to dictate anf control the game with the ball
I question on the ball
Off the ball he's fine and will help regain control
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Thanks footyskillz.
Though I think every great team has to have an intelligent, disciplined and disruptive/determined player in midfield. The role used to be, unfairly, called a 'water carrier' then got elevated in status when people raved about Petit, Makelele, and others.
Increasingly they have become more athletic (as has the game more generally) but every team needs someone with the skills to snuff out danger and regain possession, i.e. Kante.
A midfield menace. If they are capable in possession, great, but those are really rare and expensive. We are crying out for this kind of player to give us protection and a platform to attack.
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Re; Bree to Ipswich (if true). I’d rather see one of the other right backs go and him get a run of games here.
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I hope that Michelle Owen is on with Jim White tonight - but it will probably be Hayley!
Michelle Owen is great !
Jo Wilson is my favorite one who broadcasts
I like how she speaks Scottish accent and I find her most attractive without wanting to be inappropriate
I hope that doesn't sound sexist.
(Will delete if offended)
Anyway. Jo Wilson I think you appreciate her facilitating
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I have no idea if Jim White is ITK or not. Every time I see or hear him I switch off, can't stand the twat.
Jo Wilson has a Scottish accent you can abide!
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Frédéric Guilbert .??
Breaking | Aston Villa are signing Frédéric Guilbert from Caen for €5m, but will loan him back until the end of the season
Our reliable colleague Mohamed Toubache-TER is reporting that French full-back Frédéric Guilbert is currently undergoing a medical with Championship side Aston Villa, who will loan the player back to Caen until the end of the season.
The deal will cost Villa €5m plus €1.5m in bonuses and a sell-on percentage fee clause will be included in the deal. Guilbert will sign a 4.5 year contract with Villa should the medical go to plan.
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Lots of snippets appearing on twitter, some bloke posted a picture saying it was McKenna at the Belfry but it looked like Wayne Rooney to me. I have no idea whether it was the Belfry, just looked like two guys standing there thinking about playing a round with one obscured by a baseball cap and looking very Rooney like.
**Yes also saw the Guilbert one, reckon we've agreed a 5m euro fee
-
Bacana 3 million to prem ?
footballs gone crazy
Reading now weaken as they play us
Reading wouldn’t notice he’d gone. He’s been mince for them.
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I think we've had this discussion before but I like mince, beef mince, lamb mince, turkey mince, its all good.
Faeces mince would be less tasty though I'd imagine.
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Thanks footyskillz.
Though I think every great team has to have an intelligent, disciplined and disruptive/determined player in midfield. The role used to be, unfairly, called a 'water carrier' then got elevated in status when people raved about Petit, Makelele, and others.
Increasingly they have become more athletic (as has the game more generally) but every team needs someone with the skills to snuff out danger and regain possession, i.e. Kante.
A midfield menace. If they are capable in possession, great, but those are really rare and expensive. We are crying out for this kind of player to give us protection and a platform to attack.
I like to move away from those old school types
But we have Jedinak and Whelan two of the best experience dm but as all the opposition are set up to counter attack due to our front foot football then get caught out
So yes it makes sense to have an energetic deep lying playing .
But also a deep lying who is like a playmaker who can control tempo
And make passes.
Clearly hourihane hasn't got ability to learn that role and play that , lack of tackling and pace. Also the complete cowardice on ball rarely takes responsibility.
I like Jorginho
Or Modric when he plays deep.
These players who on the ball are facilitators
A Fernandino in premier league, A Busquets A Tony Kroos or even a dembele this style of midfielder also adds the edge in the combative style
Ruben Neves types coped in championship so let's find someone like that.
In order to play that game of control and tempo
We need those style of players.
So obviously not getting those players but I felt Smith was saying that's how he likes to play his football
-
Bacana 3 million to prem ?
footballs gone crazy
Reading now weaken as they play us
Seem to be doing a Villa - signing him on the basis of one great goal he scored against them five years ago.
-
Frédéric Guilbert .??
Breaking | Aston Villa are signing Frédéric Guilbert from Caen for €5m, but will loan him back until the end of the season
Our reliable colleague Mohamed Toubache-TER is reporting that French full-back Frédéric Guilbert is currently undergoing a medical with Championship side Aston Villa, who will loan the player back to Caen until the end of the season.
The deal will cost Villa €5m plus €1.5m in bonuses and a sell-on percentage fee clause will be included in the deal. Guilbert will sign a 4.5 year contract with Villa should the medical go to plan.
anyone heard of him? did the standard google search. he's a right back although I guess that lines up with the loan back and come in the summer when Hutton & Elmo will be off
-
Frédéric Guilbert .??
Breaking | Aston Villa are signing Frédéric Guilbert from Caen for €5m, but will loan him back until the end of the season
Our reliable colleague Mohamed Toubache-TER is reporting that French full-back Frédéric Guilbert is currently undergoing a medical with Championship side Aston Villa, who will loan the player back to Caen until the end of the season.
The deal will cost Villa €5m plus €1.5m in bonuses and a sell-on percentage fee clause will be included in the deal. Guilbert will sign a 4.5 year contract with Villa should the medical go to plan.
anyone heard of him? did the standard google search. he's a right back although I guess that lines up with the loan back and come in the summer when Hutton & Elmo will be off
I've asked the only french person I know who follows football and he said he's the best player at a pretty poor team. I don't know anything more than that.
As an aside, the press conference was moved back from 13:30 to 14:00 and now still hasn't started, something is definitely going on.
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I think we've had this discussion before but I like mince, beef mince, lamb mince, turkey mince, its all good.
Faeces mince would be less tasty though I'd imagine.
Are you GregNash?
I like Pork Mince. In Moo Pad Kra Pao. chilli Thai Holy Basil, nice.
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We are desperate for a holding midfielder. FFS make it happen.
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Back in the day I waited in vain for a Man City midfield of Bell, Book and Kendall so I am not going to hope for a defensive pairing of Guilbert and Suliman.
-
Frédéric Guilbert .??
Breaking | Aston Villa are signing Frédéric Guilbert from Caen for €5m, but will loan him back until the end of the season
Our reliable colleague Mohamed Toubache-TER is reporting that French full-back Frédéric Guilbert is currently undergoing a medical with Championship side Aston Villa, who will loan the player back to Caen until the end of the season.
The deal will cost Villa €5m plus €1.5m in bonuses and a sell-on percentage fee clause will be included in the deal. Guilbert will sign a 4.5 year contract with Villa should the medical go to plan.
anyone heard of him? did the standard google search. he's a right back although I guess that lines up with the loan back and come in the summer when Hutton & Elmo will be off
I've asked the only french person I know who follows football and he said he's the best player at a pretty poor team. I don't know anything more than that.
As an aside, the press conference was moved back from 13:30 to 14:00 and now still hasn't started, something is definitely going on.
it's Mings - splashed in yellow on SSN
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I think we've had this discussion before but I like mince, beef mince, lamb mince, turkey mince, its all good.
Faeces mince would be less tasty though I'd imagine.
Are you GregNash?
I like Pork Mince. In Moo Pad Kra Pao. chilli Thai Holy Basil, nice.
Sounds good.
No, not GN, I always felt a bit sorry for him. He was much maligned but he did make me laugh at times unlike the occasional much maligned dickheads we get on here these days. :-)
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Bacana 3 million to prem ?
footballs gone crazy
Reading now weaken as they play us
Reading wouldn’t notice he’d gone. He’s been mince for them.
So why do a Prem League team want him?
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Back in the day I waited in vain for a Man City midfield of Bell, Book and Kendall so I am not going to hope for a defensive pairing of Guilbert and Suliman.
A 90's midfield Emerson, Paul Lake and Carlton Palmer, would have filled stadiums.
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This Frederic Guilbert from Caen we have been linked with is (another) Right Back. A buy and loan back deal until end of season.
So Bree out on loan?
No new contract for Hutton this summer I guess and Elmo to go as well?
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Bree linked with a loan move to Ipswich
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crouch to burnley odd one
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Back in the day I waited in vain for a Man City midfield of Bell, Book and Kendall so I am not going to hope for a defensive pairing of Guilbert and Suliman.
A 90's midfield Emerson, Paul Lake and Carlton Palmer, would have filled stadiums.
And Villa's pairing of (Oscar)Arce and (Barrie)Hole would have emptied them.
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Barcodes have signed Almiron so maybe Hayden might still happen....?
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Bree linked with a loan move to Ipswich
He'll be excellent
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He will go again.
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Any sign of a left back?
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A couple of mentions on twitter about McKenna again.
It’s only Twitter, but here’s hoping
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I don't think DS will be given £8 million for McKenna.
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So far a really shit end to a really shit window. Hopefully more will happen later, but a crocked centre back from Wolves, a left back to play at centre back and another addition to our ever growing collection of so-so keepers is up there with Bruce in terms of transfer acumen.
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Any sign of a left back?
Other than the one we just signed? No
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Proper cringe on ssn just turned on and they have a pole of best deal of the day.
Hardly any big news !
Lacking in activity and martial signing a new contract for man utd is in it !
The other 2 deals are Suarez loan from Barca to arsenal
Newcastle signing Almiron
That Newcastle deal will be headline on the hour every hour so hope something else happens !
But I doubt anyone going to eclipse their records transfer fee
Jim White on later I guess and hope some villa activity late on ?
But really on villa front all they mention is Hogan and mings
Window closes at 11pm not 5pm or 6pm
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Any sign of a left back?
Other than the one we just signed? No
Is that the one Dean Smith said had been brought in as a centre back? I was kind of hoping for a proper 'fishel left back, you know, as in somebody who has been brought in to play left back.
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Boaise to anderlecht
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A couple of mentions on twitter about McKenna again.
It’s only Twitter, but here’s hoping
As Brian green says and I've just heard that sky sports news sources say Aberdeen want 8 mil for McKenna
Apparently deadline is midnight in Scotland .
That will keep Jim White excited !
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Be lovely if we could sign players match fit and ready to start games.
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West Brom news they are in talks to take Fulham's Stefan Johansen . He's a fouling midfielder .
Jacob Murphy is close to completing a loan move he be the Harvey Barnes replacement and is decent signing would have liked him at Villa !
It's really important villa make some strong moves in the midfield department
I like to think another deal as thought there would be 2 today.
Would like 3 deals in though
How many more do others want ?
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Be lovely if we could sign players match fit and ready to start games.
Yeah some sure match ready players would be better !
Those sort of deals require money moves and fees rather than loans (smaller fees) merely because it's these mings and hause types that are mostly moving in order to get some opportunities to play.
Unless moving up a league or moving from or to overseas.
Maybe some curly ball before bell rings
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I am glad there is not much going on all around other clubs. Sky are searching for needles in hay....
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A disappointing window. Oh well, another year in the Championship beckons. Opportunity missed.
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A disappointing window. Oh well, another year in the Championship beckons. Opportunity missed.
Theres 6 hours to go?
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I am glad there is not much going on all around other clubs. Sky are searching for needles in hay....
Or like trying to find a needle in a low funded hospital that has a short supply of sharp objects
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I am glad there is not much going on all around other clubs. Sky are searching for needles in hay....
Or like trying to find a needle in a low funded hospital that has a short supply of sharp objects
Like it.
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McKenna to Stoke for £7mill.. Leroy Fer being linked.
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Fulham's Stefan Johansen would be a good signing
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Fer details being ironed out.
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Fer details being ironed out.
This happening Brian? Thought he was in France completing a move?
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I am glad there is not much going on all around other clubs. Sky are searching for needles in hay....
Or like trying to find a needle in a low funded hospital that has a short supply of sharp objects
Like it.
And an urban version is like trying to find an un used needle in a house of people who are drug addicted
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The way things are going they will need to build an extension at BH to accommodate more treatment tables
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Fer details being ironed out.
This happening Brian? Thought he was in France completing a move?
This rumour is vulgar
I saw fer has his coat on !
But without underwear
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Back in the day I waited in vain for a Man City midfield of Bell, Book and Kendall so I am not going to hope for a defensive pairing of Guilbert and Suliman.
A 90's midfield Emerson, Paul Lake and Carlton Palmer, would have filled stadiums.
And Villa's pairing of (Oscar)Arce and (Barrie)Hole would have emptied them.
Especially if Jimmy Brown was playing right side midfield!
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"Villa in for Fer for free" sounds like the Dr in "Steve Martin's`Man with two brains"
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Better still if he wanted to go to Scotland 'Forfar in for Fer for free'.
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I'd love Fer even if he is 29
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Are we actually signing anyone else today?
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Gregg Evans has spoken: 5pm he said this :
"Still busy at #avfc . Guilbert should get done and then loan back to Caen. Late push for a midfielder is expected. No sign of a striker at this stage. Unlikely to happen. Bonus if it does"
So Fer?! As the midfielder ?
Nothing said but I guess it's he?
From what others are inferring !
Footballer fer sure!
He's decent and can play a bit has experience Dutch international , physical like mings.
Also hadls that leader ship quality captain sort.
Both these two are big and strong give some presence to the team and can kick the ball and man in equal message so that helps. (For those concerned for the non football)
Hause is not exactly light weight either !
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Are we actually signing anyone else today?
Fer sure we are.
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James Justin LB from Luton has just tweeted too.... 👀👀
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Didn't that used to be a men's clothes shop? Oh no that was John Justin.
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James Justin LB from Luton has just tweeted too.... 👀👀
I didn’t realise he literally tweeted a bunch of eyes lol
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Alan Nixon just tweeted re Leroy Fer..... don’t understand how he would fit in ?
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"Villa in for Fer for free" sounds like the Dr in "Steve Martin's`Man with two brains"
Or that Icelandic side we played back in the day.
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If we had Thierry Henry we would have signed Fabregas .
I only coming back here tonight if villa sign 2 more players and one a high flying left full back who isnt a right back that's coming in summer
I'm off to pee UTV the snow !
Bye
Up the villa!
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Alan Nixon just tweeted re Leroy Fer..... don’t understand how he would fit in ?
good player .. ran the show against us thou we were crap
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James Justin LB from Luton has just tweeted too.... 👀👀
I didn’t realise he literally tweeted a bunch of eyes lol
Yep he did !
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It's all a bit well Bruce isn't it all this.
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I'd love Fer even if he is 29
What , Leroy Fer, the dirty niggly git from Swansea who dominated our midfield recently? Great stuff , we need someone like him, get him in !
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Have they signed the French bloke? And loaned him back? Must be the oldest player ever to be considered 'one for the future'. Suppose the French club wouldn't let him go otherwise.
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I'd love Fer even if he is 29
What , Leroy Fer, the dirty niggly git from Swansea who dominated our midfield recently? Great stuff , we need someone like him, get him in !
I would be very, very happy with Fer. He was head and shoulders above everyone in the cup game a few weeks ago. Just what we need alongside McGinn and behind Jack.
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Leroy Fer, would be great, get it done. Left back too please, lets get the Luton lad in.
Fer, SJM and Jack would be very good.
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Fer is OK at this level; didn't do much in the league games against us so can be hot and cold.
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Fer, would prove a good signing. Great to have a bit of muscle and guile in the midfield.
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Fer God's sake Villa stop peeing around and get Fer transFERred over.
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I'd love Fer even if he is 29
What , Leroy Fer, the dirty niggly git from Swansea who dominated our midfield recently? Great stuff , we need someone like him, get him in !
I would be very, very happy with Fer. He was head and shoulders above everyone in the cup game a few weeks ago. Just what we need alongside McGinn and behind Jack.
Me too. Apart from his 'combative' qualities he looks a pretty good footballer and mobile too. Just not sure he fits into the age range that we are supposed to be looking at so I'm worried there's probably nothing in it...
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He would but a bit of iron into our midfield.
One for BE.
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Fer has just landed in France at 4;30 according to french football ....how’s that gonna happen with a medical ? Late night coming
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Apparently, Dean, Purslow and Jesus have been up all night working on deals.....to move people out.
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Fer details being ironed out.
Look what you've done.
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French football news reporting that Angers are still hopeful of Kodja on loan !
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French football news reporting that Angers are still hopeful of Kodja on loan !
Can only see this happening if we get another forward to replace JK especially with Hogan leaving.
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I suggest French Football is no more reliable than anything else.
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James Justin LB from Luton has just tweeted too.... 👀👀
On twitter says he's staying to see the season out at Luton
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French football news reporting that Angers are still hopeful of Kodja on loan !
Can only see this happening if we get another forward to replace JK especially with Hogan leaving.
Hopefully we learnt our lesson after Elphick's departure on August 31st and no replacement coming in?? I'm not so sure having loaned Hogan to a play-off rival. That was a daft decision....
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French football news reporting that Angers are still hopeful of Kodja on loan !
Can only see this happening if we get another forward to replace JK especially with Hogan leaving.
Hopefully we learnt our lesson after Elphick's departure on August 31st and no replacement coming in?? I'm not so sure having loaned Hogan to a play-off rival. That was a daft decision....
You'd hope so. I get the impression/feeling that JK isn't a DS favourite, but letting JK go this window, in my opinion, would be foolish if we are looking to get into the play offs.
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He would but a bit of iron into our midfield.
One for BE.
I got diagnosed with iron overload last week. Will be giving blood regularly for the rest of my natural... Wish I could spread some to our anaemic midfield.
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French football news reporting that Angers are still hopeful of Kodja on loan !
French Football can report what they like Kodjia must stay. He changed the game when he came on in the last two matches.
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He would but a bit of iron into our midfield.
One for BE.
if we get him at a decent price he will be a steel
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Well at the moment our transfer activity has a distinctly next season look to it
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James Justin LB from Luton has just tweeted too.... 👀👀
On twitter says he's staying to see the season out at Luton
I reckon this one will happen in the summer, young left back who can also play all across the midfield. I reckon we've held off on a new left back because Smith is happy to wait and use a mix of Taylor, Hause and Mings until then.
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I'd love Fer even if he is 29
What , Leroy Fer, the dirty niggly git from Swansea who dominated our midfield recently? Great stuff , we need someone like him, get him in !
Yes, that one.
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Fer was like a cross between Pele, Cruyff and Terry Hurlock in that cup game, it's a yes from me.
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Jacob Bedeau has just left Villa on a free transfer to Scunthorpe.
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Jacob Bedeau has just left Villa on a free transfer to Scunthorpe.
Came with suggestions of being a real talent. Left without making a mark
-
We paid nearly a million for Jacob Bedeau.
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Fer was like a cross between Pele, Cruyff and Terry Hurlock in that cup game, it's a yes from me.
I missed that game but if you're saying he had a perm, a cigarette and an erection then I agree, get him in.
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bloody hell, even our youth players cost a fortune and leave on a free.
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Scunthorpe. So good they named it once.
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Are you sure Bedeau isn't a loan? Bit of a shame, he came highly lauded.
-
Back in the day I waited in vain for a Man City midfield of Bell, Book and Kendall so I am not going to hope for a defensive pairing of Guilbert and Suliman.
A 90's midfield Emerson, Paul Lake and Carlton Palmer, would have filled stadiums.
And Villa's pairing of (Oscar)Arce and (Barrie)Hole would have emptied them.
Especially if Jimmy Brown was playing right side midfield!
Don't forget Micky Wright and Charlie Aitken in this back five.
-
We paid nearly a million for Jacob Bedeau.
That was crackers
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Are you sure Bedeau isn't a loan? Bit of a shame, he came highly lauded.
Yes, Scunny website confirms it’s a free
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Are you sure Bedeau isn't a loan? Bit of a shame, he came highly lauded.
Yes, Scunny website confirms it’s a free
Another one we've ruined? Or just really poorly scouted? That's a lot of money to throw away.
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And after completing the signing of Bedeau, the Iron are contemplating a bid for Fer.
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It is true Bedeau has joined Scunthorpe on a free transfer .Strange signing paying a million for a Bury player who i believe had only played 7 games and then to give him away more or less a year later. I guess the writing was on the wall when despite our lack of central defenders he never got a look in.
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Fer is having a medical.
A holding midfielder!
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Fer is having a medical.
A holding midfielder!
A medical with Villa?
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Fer is having a medical.
A holding midfielder!
Where did you get that info? I thought he was in France today.
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It is true Bedeau has joined Scunthorpe on a free transfer .Strange signing paying a million for a Bury player who i believe had only played 7 games and then to give him away more or less a year later. I guess the writing was on the wall when despite our lack of central defenders he never got a look in.
He's been here 2 years and was out of contract anyway in the summer.
I don't mind us taking cheap punts (in footballing terms at least) on young players.
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The biggest figure suggested for Bedeau when we bought him was £900,000 including add-ons, and as he never so much as got a sniff of the first team he probably cost us less than half that. It's still money thrown away but he isn't the first promising youngster who never made it and he won't be the last. We very likely spent just as much on Harry Forester.
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He was a bit of a punt and it hasn’t come off, it happens.
Hogan is the case to get upset about the waste of money.
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Just seems the latest in a long line of inexplicable moves. 900k for youth player on only a 2 year contract. Makes you wonder if the manager had anything to do with it at all.
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Harry Forester...blimey, name from the past. Did he end up in Scotland with Falkirk or someone?
Also what came of that Dan Crowley chap who left us for Arsenal?
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Not sure about Fer.... Looked impressive against us in the cup, but I’d have looked good against that shower!
We’re so desperate for a shithouse in midfield, it’s a case of ANYONE but Whelan or Hourihane!
The alarm bells are ringing reading comments from fans of his previous clubs.... ‘1 good game in 12’, ‘lazy b’stard’, etc.
This, along with his age, feels far too much like deja vu for me.
Hope it works out, but let’s just wait and see before we start booking Wembley trips 🤨
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Harry Forester...blimey, name from the past. Did he end up in Scotland with Falkirk or someone?
Also what came of that Dan Crowley chap who left us for Arsenal?
Wasn’t he a Satanist?
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Harry Forester...blimey, name from the past. Did he end up in Scotland with Falkirk or someone?
Also what came of that Dan Crowley chap who left us for Arsenal?
Forester went to Rangers, then Iran and joined a club in the MLS this month. Crowley is on loan in the Dutch second division. I wonder if all three of them had a touch of the too much too soons?
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Just seems the latest in a long line of inexplicable moves. 900k for youth player on only a 2 year contract. Makes you wonder if the manager had anything to do with it at all.
Two and a half year contract. If he was shit and on a 5 year contract people would moan. If he was good and was leaving on a free, people would moan. If he was good and it came out we'd turned down the chance to sign him, people would moan.
Every single club takes punts on youngsters, it's a bizarre thing to complain about.
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Just seems the latest in a long line of inexplicable moves. 900k for youth player on only a 2 year contract. Makes you wonder if the manager had anything to do with it at all.
Two and a half year contract. If he was shit and on a 5 year contract people would moan. If he was good and was leaving on a free, people would moan. If he was good and it came out we'd turned down the chance to sign him, people would moan.
Every single club takes punts on youngsters, it's a bizarre thing to complain about.
Suit yourself. i tend to think if you're buying a player at 17 for 900k you are sort of expecting him still to be developing at 19, especially when we have players who are older and done nothing yet and didn't cost anything
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Just seems the latest in a long line of inexplicable moves. 900k for youth player on only a 2 year contract. Makes you wonder if the manager had anything to do with it at all.
Two and a half year contract. If he was shit and on a 5 year contract people would moan. If he was good and was leaving on a free, people would moan. If he was good and it came out we'd turned down the chance to sign him, people would moan.
Every single club takes punts on youngsters, it's a bizarre thing to complain about.
Suit yourself. i tend to think if you're buying a player at 17 for 900k you are sort of expecting him still to be developing at 19, especially when we have players who are older and done nothing yet and didn't cost anything
We didn't pay anything like £900,000 for him.
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Just seems the latest in a long line of inexplicable moves. 900k for youth player on only a 2 year contract. Makes you wonder if the manager had anything to do with it at all.
Two and a half year contract. If he was shit and on a 5 year contract people would moan. If he was good and was leaving on a free, people would moan. If he was good and it came out we'd turned down the chance to sign him, people would moan.
Every single club takes punts on youngsters, it's a bizarre thing to complain about.
Suit yourself. i tend to think if you're buying a player at 17 for 900k you are sort of expecting him still to be developing at 19, especially when we have players who are older and done nothing yet and didn't cost anything
We didn't pay anything like £900,000 for him.
Well 400k then. point still stands
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Crowley was the same age when Arsenal let him go.
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As Dave says, anyone thinking he's cost us 900k is off the mark. And maybe it's a case of he hasn't progressed so the manager/coaches don't see any point keeping him. Some players just never develop how it's thought they will.
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He cost us pennies. You're never gonna have a guaranteed star, or even a first team player, at that price.
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He cost a lot less than Barry did over 20 years ago, one made it, the other didn't. It's hardly the end of the world.
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As Dave says, anyone thinking he's cost us 900k is off the mark. And maybe it's a case of he hasn't progressed so the manager/coaches don't see any point keeping him. Some players just never develop how it's thought they will.
We do seem to have a poor record at bringing players through though chaps. Hopefully, some of these players going out on loan, JHD, RHM and O'Hare, this will really help them develop.
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He cost a lot less than Barry did over 20 years ago, one made it, the other didn't. It's hardly the end of the world.
Talking of which, it's a realisation of the insanity of current transfer fees that he probably cost us less in real terms than Michael Standing did.
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As Dave says, anyone thinking he's cost us 900k is off the mark. And maybe it's a case of he hasn't progressed so the manager/coaches don't see any point keeping him. Some players just never develop how it's thought they will.
mebbe, but he's seemed to be rated the better prospect than Suliman from those who watch the youth
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Just seems the latest in a long line of inexplicable moves. 900k for youth player on only a 2 year contract. Makes you wonder if the manager had anything to do with it at all.
Two and a half year contract. If he was shit and on a 5 year contract people would moan. If he was good and was leaving on a free, people would moan. If he was good and it came out we'd turned down the chance to sign him, people would moan.
Every single club takes punts on youngsters, it's a bizarre thing to complain about.
Suit yourself. i tend to think if you're buying a player at 17 for 900k you are sort of expecting him still to be developing at 19, especially when we have players who are older and done nothing yet and didn't cost anything
We didn't pay anything like £900,000 for him.
Well 400k then. point still stands
We have new owners, manager, back room staff and scouting network. Move him on, at least we don’t have to pay wages on a player we do not need.
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Agent Ridgewell joining Hull. Can depend on those points.
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Or three months of micha richards.
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New keeper - check
Left sided CB - check (two of dems)
Dominant midfielder - check
Now we just need a non Neil Taylor at LB and we'll be in good shape.
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I always get this little bit of excitement when we sign a young, unknown talent from lower league clubs. Bowery was one, cost relatively nothing, did nothing and moved on, it happens, but every so often you get a David Platt.
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Mings or Hause instead of Taylor?
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Another thing is that maybe we're doing the right thing by him. He's going to be released in the summer so we let him go now rather than waiting for a time when he'll be competing for a new club with hundreds of lads in the same position.
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He cost a lot less than Barry did over 20 years ago, one made it, the other didn't. It's hardly the end of the world.
Talking of which, it's a realisation of the insanity of current transfer fees that he probably cost us less in real terms than Michael Standing did.
Hopefully, we do the sensible thing and seek a sell on fee for him in the future. Talking of Michael Standing, I still play the old Championship Manager game, 00-01 season and got £7.5m for him the other day.
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He cost a lot less than Barry did over 20 years ago, one made it, the other didn't. It's hardly the end of the world.
What I'd give for my boy to be able to see players like Gareth Barry, James Milner and Ashley Young play for Villa, not to mention Laursen and Olof. At least he's got Jack to be his Ian Taylor.
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Agent Ridgewell joining Hull. Can depend on those points.
I'm willing to bet we won't get any more points from Hull games this season, if you like?
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Another thing is that maybe we're doing the right thing by him. He's going to be released in the summer so we let him go now rather than waiting for a time when he'll be competing for a new club with hundreds of lads in the same position.
That's a good point.
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I was thinking more about points won and lost by threats to our march towards Wembley. Liam never lets us down.
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At 6ft 5, I'm not sure how mobile Mings will be up the wing - which is a big part of playing that position now. Though I'd probably accept defensive stability there over the muck we've had to endure these past few years.
Hause is a big unit as well, so similar with him.
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I can see us being much more dangerous at corners, in the opposition box, just for the sake of clarity!
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New keeper - check
Left sided CB - check (two of dems)
Dominant midfielder - check
Now we just need a non Neil Taylor at LB and we'll be in good shape.
Add in the French full back and the fact that we're sending the kids on loan to get some game time in a competitive league. Dare I say it, but it looks like we actually have an actual strategy....
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At 6ft 5, I'm not sure how mobile Mings will be up the wing - which is a big part of playing that position now. Though I'd probably accept defensive stability there over the muck we've had to endure these past few years.
Hause is a big unit as well, so similar with him.
Smith has said he’s using him as centre back. Gives Chester some recovery time. Thought we were signing the french full back but loaning back
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Harry McKirdy to Newport on loan for the rest of the season according to SSN.
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Harry McKirdy to Newport on loan for the rest of the season according to SSN.
Good. I'm pleased that they are getting proper game time in tough, rough and tumble leagues to prepare them.
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Mings is pretty quick.
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As someone else mentioned earlier we are following a great strategy wether it’s to nip into playoffs or already prepare for next year in championship... signing decent quality youngsters in this window to replace those that prob won’t get contracts renewed or that have left already. Plus the better talented youngsters or U23 squad we already had going out on loan to get a few months big boy football in readiness for next year.
Purslow and Smith both did say they want to think more of a reserve team as opposed to U23’s
Well done all those working on this so far UTV
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Mings at centre half with Elphick. Chester to be given a rest. Hause at left back?!
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As someone else mentioned earlier we are following a great strategy wether it’s to nip into playoffs or already prepare for next year in championship... signing decent quality youngsters in this window to replace those that prob won’t get contracts renewed or that have left already. Plus the better talented youngsters or U23 squad we already had going out on loan to get a few months big boy football in readiness for next year.
Purslow and Smith both did say they want to think more of a reserve team as opposed to U23’s
Well done all those working on this so far UTV
Agreed. It's about time we loaned out our better youngsters and got them some real playing hours. It'll be interesting to see how RHM, Doyle-Hayes, Bree and O'Hare do in particular.
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Guilbert now a done deal as per SSN Transfer Centre on-line.
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RHM has had two good games for Cam U against Northampton and Exeter. D-H will benefit from having a mate with him. They will cope with the football well. The 100 miles of roadworks on the A14 and the M6 is a different matter.
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Elmo and Hutton's replacement sorted. Pity we have to wait 7 months!
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well whatever happens tonight, its unlikely to be as disturbing as 10 years ago where Arsenio Halfhuid, Benjamin Siegrist and Emile Ivanhoe Heskey walked through the door. Now that was a transfer window..........
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Guilbert now a done deal as per SSN Transfer Centre on-line.
Apparently we have signed 3 Frederic Guilberts.
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Guilbert now a done deal as per SSN Transfer Centre on-line.
Apparently we have signed 3 Frederic Guilberts.
Two Leroy Fer's
And Kalinic as a goalie.
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As someone else mentioned earlier we are following a great strategy wether it’s to nip into playoffs or already prepare for next year in championship... signing decent quality youngsters in this window to replace those that prob won’t get contracts renewed or that have left already. Plus the better talented youngsters or U23 squad we already had going out on loan to get a few months big boy football in readiness for next year.
Purslow and Smith both did say they want to think more of a reserve team as opposed to U23’s
Well done all those working on this so far UTV
Having said all that, how on earth are we going to hit FFP !
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Batshuayi off to Palace.... How about bringing Benteke home for the rest of the season to support Tammy? 😗
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T. Abrahams has gone to Yeovil.
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WE got Fer?
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Pete O'Rourke
@SportsPeteO
17m17 minutes ago
Aston Villa have signed Swansea midfielder Leroy Fer. #avfc #SwanseaCity
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One left back short of a decent window.
Oh well, never mind eh?
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Yes I think LB was the position we are weakest in so a little surprised that we don’t seem to have tried to hard to solve it immediately
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Yes I think LB was the position we are weakest in so a little surprised that we don’t seem to have tried to hard to solve it immediately
Hause has obviously been brought in for l/b with mings as cover/cb how is this not "solved"?
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I reckon, and it's based on nothing but a feeling, that Rico Henry will be in come the summer. I read somewhere that he'd said he wanted to stick with Brentford until the summer because they'd stuck by him through his injury (which if true shows a good attitude). So I think the plan is to use Hause/Mings as LB and LCB until then, which is still an upgrade on Taylor.
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When we get Axel back, a four of Mings, Chester, Axel, Hutton doesn't look terrible, especially if we can get Fer to sit infront of them. I know he's signed Mings with an eye on CB initially so we might have to put up with Taylor for a bit longer.
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Hause is a left footed centre half.
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What a piss poor transfer window. That's this season written off.
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We desperately needed a proper left back and a defensive midfielder this week, and got neither.
Massively disappointing.
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Looks like we have used the window to slash our wages bill.
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Bet McGinn is chuffed he’s got to carry the midfield till next summer.
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Defence strengthened, but left with that problem at the base of the spine.
Pity about Fer.
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No left back, no right back until next season, no defensive midfielder, and a defender with an absolutely chronic injury record who has played less than 20 games in four years. Marvellous chaps, well played all round.
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This window has been a huge let down.
To me it appears almost like an implicit confirmation or resignation that we aren't really going for the play-offs, let alone direct promotion, which is not what fans were led to believe when we changed manager.
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Oh well Hourihane it is then to add that steel in the defensive midfield position the rest of the season.
Fun!
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Agreed. They’ve given up on the play offs.
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What a piss poor transfer window. That's this season written off.
We'll see.
There's plenty who were delighted with the players we bought in previous transfer windows who turned out to be fucking useless.
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No left back, no right back until next season, no defensive midfielder, and a defender with an absolutely chronic injury record who has played less than 20 games in four years. Marvellous chaps, well played all round.
Not exactly a statement of intent is it?
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We go again.
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Arseholes.
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How'd you work that out?
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I don't think that's fair when they were literally trying to sign a player minutes ago. If we had given up on the playoffs we wouldn't have added Mings.
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No left back, no right back until next season, no defensive midfielder, and a defender with an absolutely chronic injury record who has played less than 20 games in four years. Marvellous chaps, well played all round.
There's this player that's been on my mind
All the time, Su-Su-Sussodio oh oh
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Apparently webpage another midfielder up the sleeve.
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Kids (I haven’t got) are in tears
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Tom Carroll instead.
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Tom Carroll confirmed see thread ....you watch Fer be next
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We are Arsenal. We’ll have more signings tomorrow
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So, if the Fer deal is off, that's a centre midfielder and a left back short of a good window. I guess that's about 50% ? Be interested to see how much game time Tommy Elphick gets now we've got 2 more centre backs and Axel is due back in a month or so. He's probably going to be well pissed off and I wouldn't blame him.
Ok back 75% 😜
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Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here but this window we have: -
1. Got a new keeper which was a priority before Nylands injury.
2. Reinforced the defensive options with Hause, Mings and recalling Elphick.
3. Kept Tammy
4. Reduced the wage bill significantly with Bolasie and Hogan going.
We would have liked extra but surely they must have been the priorities at the start of Jan?
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Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here but this window we have: -
1. Got a new keeper which was a priority before Nylands injury.
2. Reinforced the defensive options with Hause, Mings and recalling Elphick.
3. Kept Tammy
4. Reduced the wage bill significantly with Bolasie and Hogan going.
We would have liked extra but surely they must have been the priorities at the start of Jan?
Added a CM in Carroll
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Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here but this window we have: -
1. Got a new keeper which was a priority before Nylands injury.
2. Reinforced the defensive options with Hause, Mings and recalling Elphick.
3. Kept Tammy
4. Reduced the wage bill significantly with Bolasie and Hogan going.
We would have liked extra but surely they must have been the priorities at the start of Jan?
Added a CM in Carroll
More reason for me to be optimistic.
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Perhaps I’m being overly optimistic here but this window we have: -
1. Got a new keeper which was a priority before Nylands injury.
2. Reinforced the defensive options with Hause, Mings and recalling Elphick.
3. Kept Tammy
4. Reduced the wage bill significantly with Bolasie and Hogan going.
We would have liked extra but surely they must have been the priorities at the start of Jan?
When you summarise it like that it’s a very good window.
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No left back, no right back until next season, no defensive midfielder, and a defender with an absolutely chronic injury record who has played less than 20 games in four years. Marvellous chaps, well played all round.
It’s been a decent window. We’ve brought players in and you should be elated. Hogan is gone
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No left back, no right back until next season, no defensive midfielder, and a defender with an absolutely chronic injury record who has played less than 20 games in four years. Marvellous chaps, well played all round.
I sense you’re less than enthusiastic about our performance in this transfer window.
We have got Tom since then, though.
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1) The jury's out on the new keeper.
2) Hause had a nightmare debut, Mings has played less than 100 games in 7 years
3) Keeping Tammy I agree was great news, but he was here already
4) Not that fussed about our wage bill
As TV says, we've brought players in but there's much more to it than that.
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I'm pretty happy. We gave better options jn goal, a much better depth in defence and someone to help set the tempo in midfield. Add Jack and we'll be much better and remember Axel is an option as the big guy in midfield now we have 4 other centre halves.
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We haven't brought in a single outfield player who can come in and hit the ground running. Hause, Mings and Carroll have all had injuries and have hardly played this season. Mings has hardly played at the last three years, and Carroll has been crap for Swansea for the last two years. Even when fit he's not the player we need.
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Eval Kineval would have fitted right in here
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All this fitness stuff can be overplayed. Look at Bruce Lee - so fit he was offed by a paracetamol, the soft div.
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All this fitness stuff can be overplayed. Look at Bruce Lee - so fit he was offed by a paracetamol, the soft div.
Aspirin, to be really pedantic. Still a soft div though.
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It wouldn't surprise me if Axel came back and played in midfield. He can pass, run with the ball and get his shorts dirty.
If you were choosing attributes on a blank canvass for a defensive midfield player, he'd have most of them.
With Chester and Elphick for the right hand side and Mings and Huase for the left, it's stronger anyway than Chester and erm...
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And Wba have made 3 ridiculously good signings at this level- loan signings of Stefan Johansen, Jefferson Montero and Jacob Murphy. Gauling. They are seeking automatic.
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All this fitness stuff can be overplayed. Look at Bruce Lee - so fit he was offed by a paracetamol, the soft div.
Aspirin, to be really pedantic. Still a soft div though.
That's even worse. Asprin's like a training paracetamol for kids and small dogs.
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And Wba have made 3 ridiculously good signings at this level- loan signings of Stefan Johansen, Jefferson Montero and Jacob Murphy. Gauling. They are seeking automatic.
I'm guessing they didn't fit Dean Smith criteria
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Jacob Murphy is a sensational get for Albion. The other 2 are a bit inconsistent, but fair play their squad should walk automatic now, and probably will. Leeds and them straight up and then I reckon Derby will win the play offs.
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Blimey! I went to be at 11pm, Fer is in the bag and we have addressed that midfield physicality issue we had. I get up, as I'm catching a flight, and we have the, er super muscular Tom Carroll instead. Weird window for me. We buy another dodgyish keeper, loan two unfit or certainly undercooked central defenders, albeit left sided and capable of playing left back (ish), send the one complete fit jigsaw of a right back, back to his club and bring in another, slightly inferior John McGinn! I presume Fer failed the medical and Carroll was the alternative? We have not properly addressed the balance but have a few new shiny players to have a look at. Play off's? I don't think so, not now. I hope I'm wrong though and the defenders are excellent at preventing us from giving silly goals away. Going forward, we can do anyone, but that midfield still concerns me. The window? 6 out of 10 for me.
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Pretty awful transfer window on the face of it. Why do we keep buying / loaning players who aren't fucking fit?
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I think they were in for both and pulled out of Fer. Can only think a midfielder carrying an injury pushing 30 on big wages might have been reconsidered at the last minute.
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I get a sense that people are somewhat underwhelmed and I feel that to a point, however looking at the three seasons we've had in this league the teams that are successful are just that, teams. Greater than the sum of their parts.
How often to we decry "average" or "little known" players for bossing defeats against us? We had the big players at Wembley in May but Fulham had the team and tactics.
And finally, our previous manager would buy players that looked good elsewhere only not to have the nous to build them into a team. I hope our current manager can bring in players that didn't tantalise during the highlights on Quest but who become a vital part of our team.
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The reason we sign players who are not fit is because we are desperate, and as a club we are seen by other clubs as stupid and almost a soft touch.
Also we have to pacify our fan base who demand that we make 3-4 signings during each transfer window, and therefore end up with a squad of about 30 players, most of these will just sit in the stands each Saturday laughing there arses off that they are being paid premier league wages by an average Championship team.
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I don't mind signing the unheralded players at all. I like the sound of the French guy and am pleased we're building for next season.
Also don't have a problem with loans to buy so we can change our mind
But getting three players in who've all had massive injury problems is clearly a risk. You'd have to assume at least one of them suffers more injury issues, just on the law of averages
But it was clearly a tough window. Only really west brom appear to have Done well.
But then we kept Abraham and they lost Harvey Barnes. So I'd still say they were down overall whereas we're up
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I don’t demand we sign fuck loads of players every window. I’d just like the ones we do sign to be, you know, able to play. As for building for next season... let’s do that on the summer when we know which league we’ll be playing in.
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Reading a few posts on here, it looks as though there would have been a melt down if we had not signed anyone?
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I'm always curious at people heralding players or slagging them off and what it's based on. Fully accept though that some people watch significantly more football on TV than me, as unless a player crosses our path, I probably won't watch them a great deal. I guess the advent of chipped Firesticks means Swansea or Newcastle could be watched every week so strong opinions of Carroll and Murphy can be formed. No idea why anybody would waste finite time on earth watching Swansea or Newcastle mind.
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I am guessing that with Hogan, McCormack and Bolasie all going, together with the other bits and pieces, we have massively reduced the wage bill.
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I doubt Sheffield United and the like can afford much of probably the thick end of £40k p/w. Bolasie going will have freed up more.
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I'm always curious at people heralding players or slagging them off and what it's based on. Fully accept though that some people watch significantly more football on TV than me, as unless a player crosses our path, I probably won't watch them a great deal. I guess the advent of chipped Firesticks means Swansea or Newcastle could be watched every week so strong opinions of Carroll and Murphy can be formed. No idea why anybody would waste finite time on earth watching Swansea or Newcastle mind.
Yep. I'll wait until they're playing until I decide whether they are shit or not. And in the case of the former, most of us are well versed in spotting that trait lately.
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With heavy snow expected tonight - what's the betting we make a late signing and they can't be flown in to sign the contract?
Not heard any ITK from BHX workers yet. No sign of Messi coming out of the arrivals gate??
Oh great, another thirty-something looking for one last pay-day. Will we never learn.
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Underwhelming, hope I’m wrong.
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Does very much feel Meh with some of these signings.
For me not having an out and out left back is the worst part. Now Hause has had behind closed doors minutes I would like to see him get a run at left back.
Biggest concern is previous injury records. Hopefully mings has enough to just last next 12 weeks 🙏🏻
We were battering teams a few weeks ago with axel and jack. Throw mings into they mix and my hope is we revert to type.
West Brom aside, no one in the league did special business. Still think we’ve got plenty to make the play offs. Scrape 6th place and shithouse our way up :-)
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Underwhelming, hope I’m wrong.
Yeah, a bit underwhelming but I think it is becoming more and more difficult to do deals in January now. I think it's more a bit of a 'bits and pieces' window as opposed to one where major investment is made. Might see it scrapped altogether in the future, with maybe just a loan window replacing it.
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didn’t follow the transfer window so I’m out of the loop
catching up with the comments this morning the posters that are always positive are positive and the posters who are always negative are surprise surprise negative
but as no one knows anything we’ll just have to wait and see
the chap from France that doesn’t clock on till next season looks interesting,
that’s the sort of transfer I think we should be making, youngish, properly scouted (hopefully) actual signing rather than loan that fits into the bigger picture of team building
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With heavy snow expected tonight - what's the betting we make a late signing and they can't be flown in to sign the contract?
Not heard any ITK from BHX workers yet. No sign of Messi coming out of the arrivals gate??
Oh great, another thirty-something looking for one last pay-day. Will we never learn.
Only 5 7 too. Far too lightweight.
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Yes, but does Messi track back?
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Joe Ledley has cancelled his contract at Derby as he'd rather find somewhere to play than just sit, watch and pick up his wage. What a good bloke, if only some of our leaches could have had that attitude.
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
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Whilst the signings may appear underwhelming to some, the loan one's are the kind of players we can realistically sign whether we go up or not. They'll have been here for a few months and will be ready to go next season should we decide to keep them. I'm surprised no left back came in but maybe the one he wanted wasn't available.
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Time to build a team....we as fans have to let DS and co get on with the job. Will we never learn that the likes of Bolaise and other 'glamour' names will NOT get us promoted. At last we have let a number of the youngsters go on loan to see if they cut the mustard. Most probably won't but the likes of Jack grew up quickly and look at him now.
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As a quick aside, does anyone expect us to get anyone in the last 6 months of their contract in foreign leagues signed up on pre-contracts?
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
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We were the real envy of the league when we signed BB, Hourihane, Landsbury and Hogan. Then got twatted 3-0 at Brentford and had an awful run, finishing 13th.
I don't really care if the signings get you firm of the loin. We've scores 50 plus goals. We're already very good going forwards.
Defensively we're shite.
We've improved the goal keeper. His kick is suss, but he makes me feel a lot more confident than Nyland.
We've signed two utility left sided players, both 6' 3". One of which in Mings is fit to start and hopefully will give Chester a much needed break.
Elphick has returned and looked...good?! Which is a pleasant surprise.
We've not improved on Taylor and we've not got the physical specimen I personally would have liked in midfield. But we have a player that suits the way Smith played with a passing metronome at the base of the midfield. Maybe Axel will play there?
It could have been better, but I feel we're stronger than we were before. Surely now we can cut out the stupid errors with two fit centre halves. I hope.
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Have to ask what people were expecting. We're a Championship side and have to plan as though we will be to next year too, when we'll have to work on a smaller budget and comply with FFP rules. It appears as though we're being run sensibly.
I'm sure the squad that starts next season will be massively different to this season. The wage bill will be down, the squad will be a lot more youthful, we'll play more as a balanced team, we'll own more players outright so we'll look more like a team and Smith will have had a full pre-season with them.
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Really needed to get our transfer targets this window. I don't see us going up now so probably best to use it to assess the loans and build a team for next season.
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
I’m not sure relying on a bunch of players on loan is planning for the future but hey ho
-
The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
I’m not sure relying on a bunch of players on loan is planning for the future but hey ho
We have the option to buy them which I think is the difference this time.
-
The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
I’m not sure relying on a bunch of players on loan is planning for the future but hey ho
We have the option to buy them which I think is the difference this time.
Let’s hope
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We don’t have the option to buy Mings, from what I have read.
We have the ability to match any bid/offer made for him....although I don’t exactly understand how this gives us any advantage over anyone else if he does well and other clubs want to buy him.
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Looking at the loans and deferred signings you get the feeling the money wasn't there anyway. i guess April to April we've spent the best part of 15m on players and the cupboard was bare.
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We don’t have the option to buy Mings, from what I have read.
We have the ability to match any bid/offer made for him....although I don’t exactly understand how this gives us any advantage over anyone else if he does well and other clubs want to buy him.
Provided that a Prem side aren't in for him, I'd back a player to choose Villa out of all the Championship sides.
That is if we don't have automatic option to buy, which appears to be the club's policy.
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I was expecting Rico Henry and Sawyers at least in this window, I think Carroll is a strange one to be honest.
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I’m not a fan of building teams around loan players
unless they help you get promotion in the time they are with you it’s been a complete waste of time effort and money
imo anyway
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It's a mixed bag and I'm a bit disappointed not to get Fer, but if even we though the medical was no good then surely we dodged a bullet? However it is January and 4 in and another ready for next season is good going. I think it will give the squad a lift and hopefully some fresh legs will get our tempo up again. And I hear Lansbury will be fit in a week or so - just like a new signing! <hides>
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Well I think we now know the club aren't looking at promotion this season. At best we're trying out loans to buy for next season, and clearing the decks to bring in players in the summer. Shame we'll lose Tammy this summer but he was always part of Bruce's plans that don't exist anymore.
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
Chris Mepham turned villa down despite a more lucrative offer
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Have to ask what people were expecting. We're a Championship side and have to plan as though we will be to next year too, when we'll have to work on a smaller budget and comply with FFP rules. It appears as though we're being run sensibly.
I'm sure the squad that starts next season will be massively different to this season. The wage bill will be down, the squad will be a lot more youthful, we'll play more as a balanced team, we'll own more players outright so we'll look more like a team and Smith will have had a full pre-season with them.
Fully agree with this.A sensible and progressive approach by us.All the permanent and potential signings are of the right age group,Kalinic,Guilbert,Mings and Hause.
Carroll looks a good player at this level.The imbalances have been addressed in a transfer window which offers limited options .
We are only 4 points off the play offs and we are only a few weeks away from selecting Kalinic,Mings at LB and the return of fully fit Chester and Grealish with Carroll or Lansbury offering alternatives to Hourihane.A better team than the one that was dismantling other promotion rivals.
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
I said in a previous post - I liken it to when Brian Little took over from Big Ron. The signings were similar but it was noteworthy that with the new (younger) signings came energy. That is what is happening this time.
The best midfielders and striker in the division are way off starting in the first 11 (except Hourihane who will most likely make way for Carroll)
Previous signings have generally been poor and most are not in the starting 11. Bruce was here less than 2 years and he was already replacing mediocre signings with more mediocre signings. We were stagnating.
It might be that the loan to buy policy is because we can't spend until the end of the season (when the RDM outlay falls out of the 3 year cycle).
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
I’m not sure relying on a bunch of players on loan is planning for the future but hey ho
We have the option to buy them which I think is the difference this time.
Or send them back if they don’t work out.
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Well I think we now know the club aren't looking at promotion this season. At best we're trying out loans to buy for next season, and clearing the decks to bring in players in the summer. Shame we'll lose Tammy this summer but he was always part of Bruce's plans that don't exist anymore.
I think we are looking at promtion but as it's not guaranteed ,the club is not gambling as it did last year.
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
What we did in previous windows did not work, we spent a fortune and we are still stuck in the Championship. It now appears that we are planning and building rather than just throwing money at it.
I’m not sure relying on a bunch of players on loan is planning for the future but hey ho
We have the option to buy them which I think is the difference this time.
Or send them back if they don’t work out.
Try before you buy
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Looking at the loans and deferred signings you get the feeling the money wasn't there anyway. i guess April to April we've spent the best part of 15m on players and the cupboard was bare.
Yet we allegedly made cash offers for Mepham (who has just been transferred for £12m), Rico Henry and Fer.
I think the cupboard is far from bare, we just have people in charge now who think before they empty it.
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
I said in a previous post - I liken it to when Brian Little took over from Big Ron. The signings were similar but it was noteworthy that with the new (younger) signings came energy. That is what is happening this time.
That's a good point. It's often forgotten that Little was unpopular when he started because he was replacing the folk hero and was accused of getting rid of the big names and replacing them with the level of players he was used to working with.
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Despite all the soundbites from Smith about improving the market value of our players and avoiding loans, we have only gone out and done the exact opposite.
All three loans have hardly played this season and two (Mings/Hause) are effectively competing for the same position. Carroll is a shit Barry Bannan and exactly what we didn't need in midfield.
It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
Only positive really is that a number of our young players have gone on loan.
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The problem is that if we don't get promotion this season we will definitely lose Axel and Tammy and potentially Jack and McGinn, our four best players by a mile and we could end up with a very bog average championship side.
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Brief look at those that moved and could have tried to get in at least got loan
Defence /Full back:
Reece Oxford
Victor Moses
Mason holgate
Ashley Cole
Midfield:
Jon obi mikkel-midfield general
Andy King - goal scoring midfielder
Lewis Baker
Kasey Palmer
Attacking midfield
Ryan Gauld
Oliver Burke
Jefferson Montero
Jacob Murphy
But also I glad in some ways Villa didn't take Crouch or Defoe for example. Ashley Cole or John obi mikkel on a short term loan would have been ok though.
But a couple of those Chelsea boys like Baker and Palmer would have been ok and are decent footballers.
Montero is most skill ful winger in championship and Murphy will be very good.
Missed a trick in not getting Ryan Gauld hes quality and gone back to Scotland on loan probably homesick but he's a great skill full player and dribbler. My type of guy.
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Have to ask what people were expecting. We're a Championship side and have to plan as though we will be to next year too, when we'll have to work on a smaller budget and comply with FFP rules. It appears as though we're being run sensibly.
I'm sure the squad that starts next season will be massively different to this season. The wage bill will be down, the squad will be a lot more youthful, we'll play more as a balanced team, we'll own more players outright so we'll look more like a team and Smith will have had a full pre-season with them.
Check the list above . Some of these would have got us going
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The reality has set in.
The transfer dealings indicate to me the window was all about cost cutting.
Previous winter windows were buying the best midfielders or striker in this division , champions League midfielder.
Other windows seen us be envy of the league with players who probably only drop division for villa.
This time it's under whelming.
Expectations are being quashed
The biggest signing (literally) of Kalinic the now Croatia number one seems like it was a deal re-cycled.
It wasn't perhaps one that was thought of from this regime just an existing player from an old scout list or arranged contact with his agent .
I said in a previous post - I liken it to when Brian Little took over from Big Ron. The signings were similar but it was noteworthy that with the new (younger) signings came energy. That is what is happening this time.
The best midfielders and striker in the division are way off starting in the first 11 (except Hourihane who will most likely make way for Carroll)
Previous signings have generally been poor and most are not in the starting 11. Bruce was here less than 2 years and he was already replacing mediocre signings with more mediocre signings. We were stagnating.
It might be that the loan to buy policy is because we can't spend until the end of the season (when the RDM outlay falls out of the 3 year cycle).
Interesting last point about the loan to buy policy.I don't think it's about cost cutting,otherwise we wouldn't have been talking to Mepham or Fer,I think it's about being forward looking and being aware of FFP.
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I don't necessarily think that it was a bad window, but it does seem to me that the strategy was more about starting next season in the Championship than it was about making a serious push for the play-off this.
Both Mings and Hause are good players, but with very little record of 'durability'. Carroll is a very good footballer at this level, but again injury-prone, and also not necessarily the defensive midfielder that we seem to require so much when McGinn and Grealish are both in the side. we haven't addressed the long-standing left-back issue, although I'm hoping that's just because Smith has his heart set on Rico Henry and would rather wait until the summer than buy a 2nd/3rd/4th choice (the kind of thinking that lead us to sign the likes of Taylor in the first place).
The positives parts are that the wage-bill will have certainly come down. It's obvious that the owners are prepared to back Smith financially, and we're obviously looking to build a team for the future. The worrying part is that we now have 6 loan-players, so will have to leave one out of the matchday squad when all fit. Either that, or we're not expecting Tuanzebe to be fit again before the end of the season...
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Despite all the soundbites from Smith about improving the market value of our players and avoiding loans, we have only gone out and done the exact opposite.
All three loans have hardly played this season and two (Mings/Hause) are effectively competing for the same position. Carroll is a shit Barry Bannan and exactly what we didn't need in midfield.
It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
Only positive really is that a number of our young players have gone on loan.
Wow.
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Chris Mepham turned villa down despite a more lucrative offer
Says who ?
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Chris Mepham turned villa down despite a more lucrative offer
Says who ?
Isn't the rumour that we offered him more but he wanted Premier League football?
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Despite all the soundbites from Smith about improving the market value of our players and avoiding loans, we have only gone out and done the exact opposite. It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
It suggests to me that this is where we are and the sooner people start to accept it the better.
We aren't a 'pull' now, we're an average championship side that play in front of big crowds. Same as Leeds have been for years.
The reason we've signed some 'names' since we've been in this league is down to us willingly paying them ridiculous wages nobody else would clearly.
Finally we now appear to have people in charge of the purse strings that see the folly in that approach and where it's left us.
Now we try a new way.
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We're not an average championship club in any sense. We're a huge draw for players down here. We routinely have in each window beat other clubs down here to players. Two more in this window alone.
There's absolutely no evidence there's chaos behind the scenes or rifts. I'm not surprised Beontebilly reads that into it though, as he does his best to bring everybody down at every possible occasion.
He could win the Euro Millions and be devastated that his chances of gout would increase or dying in an air disaster become more likely from all the round the world trips.
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I don’t get some of the hysteria. No window is ever perfect and most of us going into this season didn’t even think we could sign anyone and were being wound up.
We’ve got players in and back who will help us based on our needs. We have to trust Dean Smith on the types of players he wanted now and in the future with the deals made this month and those he will make. I don’t give a fuck who Albion got in. A couple of months back we outplayed them and should have won comfortably.
Smith has way more work to do than this window would have solved. We worked within the constraints of FFP, shifted some players and wages, got a bit younger, got players out on loan. And next season we will be very different again to this squad, promotion or not. Let’s wait to see this play out.
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We're not an average championship club in any sense. We're a huge draw for players down here. We routinely have in each window beat other clubs down here to players. Two more in this window alone.
Because we've been willing to pay them silly wages
I don't call beating Derby and the Baggies to loan Mings a reason to think we're a huge draw
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Chris Mepham turned villa down despite a more lucrative offer
Says who ?
Isn't the rumour that we offered him more but he wanted Premier League football?
A rumour yes.
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Despite all the soundbites from Smith about improving the market value of our players and avoiding loans, we have only gone out and done the exact opposite.
All three loans have hardly played this season and two (Mings/Hause) are effectively competing for the same position. Carroll is a shit Barry Bannan and exactly what we didn't need in midfield.
It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
Only positive really is that a number of our young players have gone on loan.
Wow.
That's way off the mark,not the 'wow'.Mings and Hause wouldn't be here if they were playing for their Premier League teams.Carroll is not like a shit Bannan.He's played more times in the Premier League despite being 3 years younger and being picked initially for Spurs was harder than getting into the Villa and Palace teams.If he's an improvement on Hourihane,he's exactly what we need.A holding midfielder doesn't have to be a Jedinak or Whelan type.
Mings and Hause offer flexibility as both can play CB and LB and you could play both.Also we are better covered for injuries,unlike the reckless Bruce approach.
The 2 permanent signings,Kalinic,28,youhg for a keeper and Guilbert,24,do correspond to raising the market value approach.
And how do you come to the conclusion that there is chaos behind the scenes and that Smith and his DOF are at loggerheads ?
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We have 6 loan signings because nobody knows what league we will be playing in next season.
Get promotion and we have first refusal on signing some of them permanently.
Stay where we are, and we can return them.
No promotion or bust type signings, just sensible business decisions for where we are right now.
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We're not an average championship club in any sense. We're a huge draw for players down here. We routinely have in each window beat other clubs down here to players. Two more in this window alone.
Because we've been willing to pay them silly wages
I don't call beating Derby and the Baggies to loan Mings a reason to think we're a huge draw
You can't have it both ways. We beat the Albion to Hause and Mings. They wanted to sign them, the players came here instead.
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The one thing we can say for certain about what the runes read about this transfer window is that no-one knows anything for certain. I'll just wait and see what happens, be it good, bad or otherwise. If Mings and Hause can stop a couple of clangers a match then we're already on a better footing.
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All this loaning bollocks does get on my tits though. We need stability on the pitch so I do hope that the 2/3 of them are sitting down regularly now in preparation for a summer of signing half a dozen players of the right age, right attitude, right skill set for what we need and at the right price within sustainability on 4 year deals. I do understand January is difficult and that loans are required for where we're at currently, Mings and Hause in particuglar with view to buy is fine, but I wish we could get into a strategy where we only need to loan players to cover long term injuries and nothing else. We will regularly be playing with 5 loaned players from 11 for fucks sake. Of the 6 we have, 3 of them are try outs, 2 are players that were pretty certain well need to replace (again) in the summer and one shows the half arsed mentality that you expect from someone who knows his stay is only temporary. Then there's the one that went back. It's no long term strategy, and that's what we need.
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Despite all the soundbites from Smith about improving the market value of our players and avoiding loans, we have only gone out and done the exact opposite.
All three loans have hardly played this season and two (Mings/Hause) are effectively competing for the same position. Carroll is a shit Barry Bannan and exactly what we didn't need in midfield.
It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
Only positive really is that a number of our young players have gone on loan.
Wow.
That's way off the mark,not the 'wow'.Mings and Hause wouldn't be here if they were playing for their Premier League teams.Carroll is not like a shit Bannan.He's played more times in the Premier League despite being 3 years younger and being picked initially for Spurs was harder than getting into the Villa and Palace teams.If he's an improvement on Hourihane,he's exactly what we need.A holding midfielder doesn't have to be a Jedinak or Whelan type.
Mings and Hause offer flexibility as both can play CB and LB and you could play both.Also we are better covered for injuries,unlike the reckless Bruce approach.
The 2 permanent signings,Kalinic,28,youhg for a keeper and Guilbert,24,do correspond to raising the market value approach.
And how do you come to the conclusion that there is chaos behind the scenes and that Smith and his DOF are at loggerheads ?
Carroll has struggled to get game time in the championship this year for Swansea. Bannan is more than competent at this level over a number of years. Neither, nor Fer for that matter, are the mobile holding midfielder we so desperately need. That's poor scouting and the kind of deal that the likes of Bruce would have been justifiably been slated for.
It's genuinely bizarre how we go all out for Fer but at the last minute pick up his team mate instead. Definitely a Doug Ellis Teddy/Tony type job as an OP referred to it.
Mings (22 games in 4 years) and Hause (24 games in 3 years) aren't just recently out of favour in their previous clubs, they are desperately short of match practice as Hause so clearly illustrated in his one game for us so far. Very strange duo to sign in Jan. At least Elphick has come back match fit.
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Was that definitely true about the Cascarino/Sherigham thing? Pretty hilarious if so.
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It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
2 + 2 = 5
Chaos behind the scenes? I'd say that might be pure speculation on your part.
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It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
2 + 2 = 5
Chaos behind the scenes? I'd say that might be pure speculation on your part.
Yep, posted without any proof whatsoever.
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Despite all the soundbites from Smith about improving the market value of our players and avoiding loans, we have only gone out and done the exact opposite.
All three loans have hardly played this season and two (Mings/Hause) are effectively competing for the same position. Carroll is a shit Barry Bannan and exactly what we didn't need in midfield.
It suggests to me that the chaos behind the scenes at Villa Park has only continued and likely problems already between this Jesus/Suso character and Smith.
Only positive really is that a number of our young players have gone on loan.
Wow.
That's way off the mark,not the 'wow'.Mings and Hause wouldn't be here if they were playing for their Premier League teams.Carroll is not like a shit Bannan.He's played more times in the Premier League despite being 3 years younger and being picked initially for Spurs was harder than getting into the Villa and Palace teams.If he's an improvement on Hourihane,he's exactly what we need.A holding midfielder doesn't have to be a Jedinak or Whelan type.
Mings and Hause offer flexibility as both can play CB and LB and you could play both.Also we are better covered for injuries,unlike the reckless Bruce approach.
The 2 permanent signings,Kalinic,28,youhg for a keeper and Guilbert,24,do correspond to raising the market value approach.
And how do you come to the conclusion that there is chaos behind the scenes and that Smith and his DOF are at loggerheads ?
Carroll has struggled to get game time in the championship this year for Swansea. Bannan is more than competent at this level over a number of years. Neither, nor Fer for that matter, are the mobile holding midfielder we so desperately need. That's poor scouting and the kind of deal that the likes of Bruce would have been justifiably been slated for.
It's genuinely bizarre how we go all out for Fer but at the last minute pick up his team mate instead. Definitely a Doug Ellis Teddy/Tony type job as an OP referred to it.
Mings (22 games in 4 years) and Hause (24 games in 3 years) aren't just recently out of favour in their previous clubs, they are desperately short of match practice as Hause so clearly illustrated in his one game for us so far. Very strange duo to sign in Jan. At least Elphick has come back match fit.
Well I don't think Carroll was ever brought in as the holding midfielder, but you don't just stop looking at other positions just because you need players more urgently somewhere else. They're obviously struggling to get the players they want in, but this is the way it is January window - less choice and more cost. Agree about Hause and Mings, but its Smith's decision and at the end of the day, if they are crooked or shit, we send them back
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There’s been chaos behind the scenes and in front of the scenes for nearly a decade now
I’m hoping the new lot will put a stop to it but we shall see
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Chris Mepham turned villa down despite a more lucrative offer
Says who ?
Well I heard Mark Clement on BBC say it and also heard it on sky sports news I personally haven't heard any direct quotes Dean Smith or Thomas Frank or Eddie Howe .
Since doing online search it seems it was reported in the sun :" Aston Villa were also keen on Mepham and even offered him better terms – and promised to pay The Bees a bigger transfer fee."
So there Sorry if you don't like it but getting rejected happens!
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I don’t get some of the hysteria. No window is ever perfect and most of us going into this season didn’t even think we could sign anyone and were being wound up.
We’ve got players in and back who will help us based on our needs. We have to trust Dean Smith on the types of players he wanted now and in the future with the deals made this month and those he will make. I don’t give a fuck who Albion got in. A couple of months back we outplayed them and should have won comfortably.
Smith has way more work to do than this window would have solved. We worked within the constraints of FFP, shifted some players and wages, got a bit younger, got players out on loan. And next season we will be very different again to this squad, promotion or not. Let’s wait to see this play out.
Would agree with that TV. From the outside, it looks to me like a consensus has been reached that the best way forward was to do some patching up in this window and then with Grealish and Tuanzebe we might be able to have a tilt at the play offs.
A number of players are out of contract in the summer, so I would imagine the younger players have been sent out to get game time, with a view to them being in contention in pre season.
I think that's a better approach than spending big money and offering big contracts to players just for the sake of it.
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We're not an average championship club in any sense. We're a huge draw for players down here. We routinely have in each window beat other clubs down here to players. Two more in this window alone.
There's absolutely no evidence there's chaos behind the scenes or rifts. I'm not surprised Beontebilly reads that into it though, as he does his best to bring everybody down at every possible occasion.
He could win the Euro Millions and be devastated that his chances of gout would increase or dying in an air disaster become more likely from all the round the world trips.
Sounds like my Mrs.
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Chris Mepham turned villa down despite a more lucrative offer
Says who ?
That Pete O'Rourke bloke. The one who broke the news about us having completed the deal for Fer.
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Pete O'Rourke
@SportsPeteO
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Bournemouth are understood to have fended off interest from Aston Villa for Mepham. Villa offered a higher transfer fee and more lucrative personal terms, but Mepham chose to play under Eddie Howe who has been chasing his signature for over a year. #afcb #avfc #BrentfordFC
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It's genuinely bizarre how we go all out for Fer but at the last minute pick up his team mate instead. Definitely a Doug Ellis Teddy/Tony type job as an OP referred to it.
According to the Express & Star bloke we were working on BOTH deals at the same time. Not one or the other. Which would make complete sense seeing as they're very different types of players
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We're not an average championship club in any sense. We're a huge draw for players down here. We routinely have in each window beat other clubs down here to players. Two more in this window alone.
There's absolutely no evidence there's chaos behind the scenes or rifts. I'm not surprised Beontebilly reads that into it though, as he does his best to bring everybody down at every possible occasion.
He could win the Euro Millions and be devastated that his chances of gout would increase or dying in an air disaster become more likely from all the round the world trips.
😂
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
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Could you expand a bit on that Paul
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
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Worth bearing in mind that Mings didn't play a senior game until 2013.His record for Ipswich was excellent and Bournemouth paid £8m for him.Two different injuries restricted his progress in his first 2 years but has been available this year.If it was an immediate permanent deal,it might have been a risk.Forest were also willing to pay £1m for his loan.
As regards Carroll playing in a deep or holding role,we expect him to be challenging Hourihane's place and that's where Smith likes to play Hourihane when Grealish is fit.A different style to the Jedinaks and Whelans but quick accurate passing through the lines will be better and that fits in with Smith's philosophy.
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
Martin Laursens record was worse than that and we bought an alcoholic who's knees were shot called Paul McGrath. Just sayin.
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
Martin Laursens record was worse than that and we bought an alcoholic who's knees were shot called Paul McGrath. Just sayin.
If he turns out to be as good as Mcgrath or Laursen I'll eat my sou'wester
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Clear to me our proper business will be in the summer, going to be a huge squad turnover when you look at who's out of contract then.
If we use this window to integrate likes of Mings and Carroll and they look good enough to sign full time in the summer then I don't think that's too bad.
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Loans are a lot lower risk so don't bother me so much. But I guarantee the record of players signed with a dodgy history by any club is going to be a lot higher on the "well that didn't work out" side than it does on the "what a great deal that was" side, even Laursen was a push as he was here for 5 years and played about 2 season's worth of football.
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
Martin Laursens record was worse than that and we bought an alcoholic who's knees were shot called Paul McGrath. Just sayin.
Remember concreate Ron
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
Martin Laursens record was worse than that and we bought an alcoholic who's knees were shot called Paul McGrath. Just sayin.
Micah Richards was another injury prone player we bought....
Don't understand bringing them in now either , we need guys who are match fit and ready to make an instant impact. Grabban last season or to a lesser extent Elphick this time have come in and done that. Even Steer would have been fine as first choice until the summer, given his time at Charlton .
Pre-season would be far better to get these guys up to speed.
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Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
Mings is the only one where the idea of him being injury prone has any merit but even still the truth is he's just had 2 bad injuries, 1 10 minutes into his debut and 1 at the start of last season that was, by all accounts, as much of a freak accident as Grealish had last year. Everything else has, it appears, just been a result of him not being match fit when he's come back into things. This season he's been fit all year (and on the bench a number of times) but Bournemouth just seem to have already replaced him. It's a bit like us with Gardner, where the squad when he was fit and ready to play was so different to the one before that he just didn't really have a place any more.
I just can't agree with this idea that we've just signed players who are going to be out injured all the time ad it's somehow something we do all the time because of Richards. For me the time to worry is when a player is regularly getting similar injuries keeping them out for a few months at a time (this is the situation with Richards for example who injured his knee and needed surgery and ever since has had a regular run of thigh and knee injuries, all suggesting an underlying issues that won't be fixed).
We all saw that Hause wasn't ready but we have no point of reference with Mings and Carroll (although Smith said Mings was fit to play in the presser yesterday) so all we can do is see how things go tomorrow. If they both look off the pace and we struggle then it's time to criticise, right now it's just an assumption that they're going to be useless for a few weeks and I just don't see it that way.
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Practically all of Ming's appearances were during December - started 2 games and came off the bench 3 times. He has not made the matchday squad for their last 3 games
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What none of us has access to is how other clubs operate when they sign players with some injury history. Let’s not broad brush this like Aston Villa is the only club that signs players with some level of fitness doubt or have been burned by players who get injured soon after signing.
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What none of us has access to is how other clubs operate when they sign players with some injury history. Let’s not broad brush this like Aston Villa is the only club that signs players with some level of fitness doubt or have been burned by players who get injured soon after signing.
This is probably point I was trying to make but making a fucking mess of. I get the concerns with Mings, but he was pretty much back involved until the window when it became obvious he was going out somewhere so he's probably the most 'match ready' of the 3 despite having the bigger list of injuries.
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I don't think anybody has said that they'll always be injured, but it's undeniable that in Hause, Carroll and Mings, we have signed three players who have hardly played this season and will therefore be short of match fitness. Chucking Hause in at Wigan was shown to be a mistake in no uncertain manner. In fact, rarely have I seen a poor decision in football be so instantly and cruelly exposed.
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Agreed but two different issues. The concern will be is of the club are looking to next season and considering this season one really of building without giving up on promotion. It won’t surprise me if Smith has looked at with Purslow and said privately we’re not ready for promotion.
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Management have faced reality in that we have to prepare for the summer trading period, they have reduced the costs by a substantial amount and with more high earners to leave in the summer we will be in a better financial position fair play wise to get better players in.
Thought it was a mistake bringing Hause on after so long without match practice i still think he will be good for us as for the newcomers lets wait and see.
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I think there are a fair few false assumptions being made on here about Hause, Mings and Carroll.
Firstly none of them are injury prone:
Carroll had a hip injury in October and has been back in full training for a couple of weeks, that's his first meaningful injury in about 3-4 years.
Mings picked up a back injury which saw him miss most of last season but he's been available all season, he was just down the pecking order after they had to sign a replacement for him last year.
Hause isn't match fit but that appears to be a result of a couple of small niggles and the fact that he just wasn't a first choice for the current manager.
We didn't go for Carroll in desperation after the Fer deal fell through, if nothing else there's no way we'd have had the time for that, it's pretty clear we had both in for medicals at he same time and for whatever reason the Fer one fell through (most reports are saying he failed the medical).
We aren't tightening our belts or giving up, Kalinic and Guilbert cost somewhere around £12m and we seem to have had a big bid for Mepham as well, that's the sort of things you'd expect from a club that's not trying to get into the top 6.
We did try to sign left backs, Justin and Henry (it's messed up that they're both surnames) were both heavily linked.
Final one, we're not building the team around loans, we apparently have buy out options on Hause and Carroll, so they're signings with delayed payment. so the only loan that doesn't have an option is Mings and that's pretty well established as being because Bournemouth refused and insisted on an option to inform us of acceptable bids instead, so we can choose to match them. They clearly feel that his value will increase whilst he's here and don't want to get screwed, which is fair enough.
Mings has played 17 games in 3 years. He's 25, nearly 26, and has played 76 senior games.
Martin Laursens record was worse than that and we bought an alcoholic who's knees were shot called Paul McGrath. Just sayin.
Two players in 30 years? And even Laursen is arguable as he missed about 60% of his games here.
Micah Richards says hello. Just sayin.
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It won’t surprise me if Smith has looked at with Purslow and said privately we’re not ready for promotion.
When will we be ready? When we lose Abraham, Grealish and McGinn next season?
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Why are we losing them?
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I don't understand the pessimism. People need to chill.
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If we don't go up. Abraham certainly won't be here, I'd say the chances of Grealish hanging around would be maybe 10%, and only McGinn might be prepared to give it another go. All guesswork of course. I just don't buy into this "let's forget about this year and plan for next year" defeatism. Football doesn't work like that. If we were to get into the play offs and go up, I'd fancy us to keep that trio and use them as a basis for a decent team in the Premier League. Outside of the top 6, there's not much difference between the other 14 teams. I'd rather go up this year personally.
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I just don't agree. The squad today is, in my opinion, far more balanced than it was on 31/12. That's really all we could hope for. As with any transfer window there's a potential for disruption over the next few weeks but I'm much happier looking at the options we have now.
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It won’t surprise me if Smith has looked at with Purslow and said privately we’re not ready for promotion.
When will we be ready? When we lose Abraham, Grealish and McGinn next season?
Teams this season will be promoted with lesser players than those. We are sitting 10th with them in our squad. I love what each offers but it’s takes more than three players to get promoted. And I love McGinn and he’s a super player but I don’t see him being glamorous enough for the PL. For what we will want clubs looking for that type of player will have lots of foreign, cheaper options.
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If we don't go up. Abraham certainly won't be here, I'd say the chances of Grealish hanging around would be maybe 10%, and only McGinn might be prepared to give it another go. All guesswork of course. I just don't buy into this "let's forget about this year and plan for next year" defeatism. Football doesn't work like that. If we were to get into the play offs and go up, I'd fancy us to keep that trio and use them as a basis for a decent team in the Premier League. Outside of the top 6, there's not much difference between the other 14 teams. I'd rather go up this year personally.
We need more than a team. More than just a few key players. We need a squad of players. We need to commit to a style of play and have players who are bought to play that way. We’re a complete mixed bag right now and you can see that every week. That is a long term approach, somethignwe bave all been saying we need to do. If it doesn’t happen this season I don’t fear any of the sides who will comprise the league next. I expect us to be better prepared and the strongest side in the league.
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I just don't agree. The squad today is, in my opinion, far more balanced than it was on 31/12. That's really all we could hope for. As with any transfer window there's a potential for disruption over the next few weeks but I'm much happier looking at the options we have now.
We still don't have a decent right back or left back. OK we've got two new centre backs, but both of them have hardly played this season, so their contribution remains to be seen. We also needed a defensive midfielder, and didn't get one either. We'll get the first glimpse of what Smith has in mind tomorrow, but I'm not holding my breath. Just can't see that any of those players really improves us much.
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We need more than a team. More than just a few key players. We need a squad of players. We need to commit to a style of play and have players who are bought to play that way. We’re a complete mixed bag right now and you can see that every week. That is a long term approach, something we have all been saying we need to do. If it doesn’t happen this season I don’t fear any of the sides who will comprise the league next. I expect us to be better prepared and the strongest side in the league.
If not this year then definitely next year? No-one wants two more seasons down here. But it seems to me that putting all our eggs in next season's basket is dangerous. Assuming we improve, which isn't a given, we won't be the only side to improve, we may not be the side to improve the most, we'll almost certainly not have our best current players still here. I'm not sure why you expect we'll be the strongest side in the league - we're miles off that currently, we'll take a hit on quality if we don't go up, and an enormous amount of fixing will have to take place in the close season. That suggests to me yet another season of consolidation.
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We need more than a team. More than just a few key players. We need a squad of players. We need to commit to a style of play and have players who are bought to play that way. We’re a complete mixed bag right now and you can see that every week. That is a long term approach, something we have all been saying we need to do. If it doesn’t happen this season I don’t fear any of the sides who will comprise the league next. I expect us to be better prepared and the strongest side in the league.
If not this year then definitely next year? No-one wants two more seasons down here. But it seems to me that putting all our eggs in next season's basket is dangerous. Assuming we improve, which isn't a given, we won't be the only side to improve, we may not be the side to improve the most, we'll almost certainly not have our best current players still here. I'm not sure why you expect we'll be the strongest side in the league - we're miles off that currently, we'll take a hit on quality if we don't go up, and an enormous amount of fixing will have to take place in the close season. That suggests to me yet another season of consolidation.
There would be decent money available if our best players are sold.
January is notoriously difficult. Nobody has really set the world alight this window and our business is better than most, if not all Championship sides. Adding Fer as well would have made the window look a lot better.
Clearly there was no LB available or if there was, we were priced out. There is no way we would have ignored this position out of choice. The RB is in place for next season and providing that one of Mings/Hause turns out OK, our central defence will be OK. The loans work both ways and it is an ideal opportunity to assess a player whilst having him play for you at the same time.
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I'm in agreement, I don't feel the squad has been sufficiently strengthened. You're asking a lot of these newbies to go in and deliver with little game time under their belts. Maybe they can, I hope they can - but they're far from guarantees so we're probably unlikely.
I think it looks like business aimed at next year, personally. talented players who've lost their way as short term signings with options if we like them.
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We will have a basis for next season with the likes of Kalinic, Guilbert, Grealish, McGinn. Hopefully, Mings, Carroll and Hause are decent and we buy them. I reckon we will add Rico Henry and Romain Sawyers but we will need a quality striker. That said, the squad has some deficiencies and will really need attention. We will, and need to lose the likes of Whelan, Elphick, Richards, Hutton etc to bring the wage bill down but there is still a long way to go in building a squad that can challenge.
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Name me a side in this division that is strong in every position, apart from Wolves last season I can't think of one.
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We will have a basis for next season with the likes of Kalinic, Guilbert, Grealish, McGinn.
If we don't go up there has to be a strong doubt that Grealish will be here. Maybe McGinn also. No idea whether Kalinic and Guilbert are good signings or not.
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I don't understand the pessimism. People need to chill.
I’m guessing it might have something to do with people saying exactly what you just said over the past 8 years then seeing us drop from 6 th in the league to mid table championship and still being told what’s with the pessimism and all we need to do is chill
if the last few years have told us anything it’s that we have had quite a bit to worry about and people saying just chill have been consistently wrong over a long period of time
we all hope it’s going to change, I personally still believe in Smith although my faith sometimes weakens
but you can’t blame people for being pessimistic and even a bit paranoid when you look at the state we’ve got ourselves into this past decade,
I doubt it’s going to help people ‘just chill’
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The internet is full of fans from various teams moaning about the disappointing January window.
We've addressed the two most critical positions and may even see one of the new guys at LB as well.
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For those who think grealish will almost certainly go, I have two questions:
Given he's got a lengthy bumper contract, what do you think we'd sell him for?
Who do you imagine might pay that?
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For those who think grealish will almost certainly go, I have two questions:
Given he's got a lengthy bumper contract, what do you think we'd sell him for?
Who do you imagine might pay that?
I think first we need to know whether there's a non-promotion clause, a buy out clause, or some such.
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I don't understand the pessimism. People need to chill.
I’m guessing it might have something to do with people saying exactly what you just said over the past 8 years then seeing us drop from 6 th in the league to mid table championship and still being told what’s with the pessimism and all we need to do is chill
if the last few years have told us anything it’s that we have had quite a bit to worry about and people saying just chill have been consistently wrong over a long period of time
we all hope it’s going to change, I personally still believe in Smith although my faith sometimes weakens
but you can’t blame people for being pessimistic and even a bit paranoid when you look at the state we’ve got ourselves into this past decade,
I doubt it’s going to help people ‘just chill’
"We'll be fine" was the equivalent mantra to "just chill" for many seasons so I think your point is well made, John.
Nonetheless, I think Dean Smith will get the job done. There will be obstacles along the way, which may be tremendous.
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For those who think grealish will almost certainly go, I have two questions:
Given he's got a lengthy bumper contract, what do you think we'd sell him for?
Who do you imagine might pay that?
25m, Maddison went for 20m last year so we wont be getting too much more than that.
Tottenham, they went for him before and will do so again. Brilliant coach and would be a superb move for him.
Liverpool have the likes of Lallana on the bench, Grealish is a long way better than him with far more potential.
Arsenal with Ramsey and Ozil off...Chelsea need a replacement for Hazard, West Ham have plenty of dough
Grealish and McGinn will almost certainly be gone in the summer, both far too good for our poxy division
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I don't understand the pessimism. People need to chill.
I’m guessing it might have something to do with people saying exactly what you just said over the past 8 years then seeing us drop from 6 th in the league to mid table championship and still being told what’s with the pessimism and all we need to do is chill
if the last few years have told us anything it’s that we have had quite a bit to worry about and people saying just chill have been consistently wrong over a long period of time
we all hope it’s going to change, I personally still believe in Smith although my faith sometimes weakens
but you can’t blame people for being pessimistic and even a bit paranoid when you look at the state we’ve got ourselves into this past decade,
I doubt it’s going to help people ‘just chill’
The counter argument there is that employing Bruce/Sherwood/Lambert/McLeish is a consequence of the panic (but at board level). Signing shite like McCormack, Whelan, Hogan, etc is another. A calm and considered plan on how to stop us falling and turn things around, implemented as soon as Houllier was taken ill, would've seen things go very differently.
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For those who think grealish will almost certainly go, I have two questions:
Given he's got a lengthy bumper contract, what do you think we'd sell him for?
Who do you imagine might pay that?
My guess is that he signed a bumper contract with the knowledge that he will be free to go if we don't go up.
Spurs, I reckon, would pay between £30-40m.
I've a feeling that Jack would only leave for a PL team that would challenge for top 6, though, as he wants to play European Football
It wouldn't surprise me if a German, Spanish or Italian team show interest
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Jack as a replacement for Hazard?
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Jack as a replacement for Hazard?
He's very good but he's nowhere near Hazard, and he's not that type of player (Clive) anyway. I can't see him wanting to leave for a bottom half PL team unless the money is astronomical (which I guess it would be). I think any PL side apart from Man City and Man Utd could find a regularish place for him in their squads.
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It won’t surprise me if Smith has looked at with Purslow and said privately we’re not ready for promotion.
When will we be ready? When we lose Abraham, Grealish and McGinn next season?
Teams this season will be promoted with lesser players than those. We are sitting 10th with them in our squad. I love what each offers but it’s takes more than three players to get promoted. And I love McGinn and he’s a super player but I don’t see him being glamorous enough for the PL. For what we will want clubs looking for that type of player will have lots of foreign, cheaper options.
If we aren't one of them, I'd say one of the promoted sides this year could find a spot for McGinn. Plus the likes of Brighton (should they stay up) or Burnleh.
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It won’t surprise me if Smith has looked at with Purslow and said privately we’re not ready for promotion.
When will we be ready? When we lose Abraham, Grealish and McGinn next season?
Teams this season will be promoted with lesser players than those. We are sitting 10th with them in our squad. I love what each offers but it’s takes more than three players to get promoted. And I love McGinn and he’s a super player but I don’t see him being glamorous enough for the PL. For what we will want clubs looking for that type of player will have lots of foreign, cheaper options.
If we aren't one of them, I'd say one of the promoted sides this year could find a spot for McGinn. Plus the likes of Brighton (should they stay up) or Burnleh.
That would be a good indicator of why big teams like Leeds and Villa stay down for so long; smaller clubs enjoying happier times represent a step up now more than ever.
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There’s no way Grealish is staying if we don’t go up and I’d be amazed if he’s not got some sort of release clause in his contract.
Odd window all round this year. Questions marks on all the players we’ve signed and of the critical positions that needed addressing - keeper, left back, centre half & holding midfielder- we’ve only really addressed 50%. That said, you want to leave these transfer windows stronger than you started them - are we?
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Are we stronger than December?
The answer is unequivocally yes. We have a better keeper and two left sided defenders, one of whom will start today.
We missed out on the screening player we all fancied, but perhaps Axel can fill that role?
We've a great chance to close the gap to the Play Offs to 2 points today. With Jack coming back, the best striker in the league, the capability of playing the best football by a mile and now perhaps a solid defence, I'm surprised at the absecence of belief. Only rather I'm not, not surprised in the least.
Edit:
I also wonder what people watch in this league as their expectations of our squad seems divorced from the reality of our opponents. For sure Hutton and Taylor aren't what I consider good enough. But did anybody watch Derby last night? Did you see them and think despite our deficiencies they're impossible overcome? That they're absent of deficiencies themselves? As if that's the conclusion you've come to, you have some strong powder round your parts.
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We all love Jack and I doubt we'd accept less than 30
If I were spurs would I pay 30? I'm really not sure. He's still really only had half a season, plus a few runs here and there, where he's looked that value. And even then he's never really more than a 3-5 goals a season man
Would spurs have looked back and wished they'd got him this summer? I doubt it. He wouldn't get in their team at the moment and if eriksen left for example I think they'd want more of a proven goal and assist meister
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Grealish will surely have a release clause if we don't go up. I have this horrible feeling he and Tammy will end up at Wolves.
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I don't understand the pessimism. People need to chill.
I’m guessing it might have something to do with people saying exactly what you just said over the past 8 years then seeing us drop from 6 th in the league to mid table championship and still being told what’s with the pessimism and all we need to do is chill
if the last few years have told us anything it’s that we have had quite a bit to worry about and people saying just chill have been consistently wrong over a long period of time
we all hope it’s going to change, I personally still believe in Smith although my faith sometimes weakens
but you can’t blame people for being pessimistic and even a bit paranoid when you look at the state we’ve got ourselves into this past decade,
I doubt it’s going to help people ‘just chill’
"We'll be fine" was the equivalent mantra to "just chill" for many seasons so I think your point is well made, John.
Nonetheless, I think Dean Smith will get the job done. There will be obstacles along the way, which may be tremendous.
The point I was trying to make was (and Paul e touches on it) is that we're trying a different approach now. People didn't want another old school manager who brought in 29-30 year old's. They wanted what we've got. Smith wants to lower the age of the squad and the player's he's brought in so far are in the mid 20's range so he's sticking to his word on that. Besides, this is not just his first transfer window, it's also Purslow's and Jesus Pitarch's but so far I've read a few comments like 'He's only played so and so many games in 4 years or 'He's too much like Ashley Westwood' etc. Let's give these guy's and the new broom a chance rather than worry because we've made past mistakes.
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I thought my world had come to an end when we sold Gerry Hitchens (RIP) to Inter Milan. I was devastated when we sold Bruce Rioch to Derby and likewise Andy Gray to Wolves. I will also be disappointed if/when Grealish and/or McGinn are sold but, to quote TSM11, "we go again". Why? because we have to. At the moment we are nothing more than a feeder club and until that one season when it all comes together, that, sadly is what we are going to stay.
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Dwight :'(
Platt and Sid to a tinpot Italian club.
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Really off the wall suggestion this, I know, but perhaps we see how the new signings get on for a few games and then make a judgement.
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You're a mentalist Richard.
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Shocking suggestion Richard, shocking.
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Why can’t we continue our long tradition of writing players off before they’ve set foot on the pitch?
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Really off the wall suggestion this, I know, but perhaps we see how the new signings get on for a few games and then make a judgement.
Go in to a corner and consult yourself! How dare you bring common sense into a fans' forum?
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Some of you lot spent the majority of last summer worrying about Grealish leaving, now you're doing exactly the same about next summer with Grealish and McGinn. How do you manage to leave the house without worrying about the possibility of being run over?
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Troglodytes?
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Some of you lot spent the majority of last summer worrying about Grealish leaving, now you're doing exactly the same about next summer with Grealish and McGinn. How do you manage to leave the house without worrying about the possibility of being run over?
Leave the house!
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I don’t think I will be satisfied with a transfer window until the day comes when the hangers on, not good enoughs and passed semi retirees have all gone.
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I don’t think I will be satisfied with a transfer window until the day comes when the hangers on, not good enoughs and passed semi retirees have all gone.
Don’t hold your breath. Ross is here until 2020
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Grealish will surely have a release clause if we don't go up. I have this horrible feeling he and Tammy will end up at Wolves.
Wouldn't be a bad move on paper I suppose. Wouldn't have to up sticks and it pains me to say, but the Bilston Barcelona (as someone recently called them on WM) are a decent prospect at the moment.
Not sure he would join another local club though and might prefer to get away.
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
Trying to defend his controversial move to AEK after one good season.
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
Trying to defend his controversial move to AEK after one good season.
I thought it was Harry Stottle when he demanded a move from Neasden FC after constant abuse from the fans, Sid and Doris Bonkers.
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I thought it was the jumpers for goalposts guy, but defer to your greater knowledge. It's all Greek to me.
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
Trying to defend his controversial move to AEK after one good season.
But the manager said " you are talking out of Uranus son "
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Being linked with Joe Lolley. 12 mill. Isn’t he out of contract in the summer? Villa fan too. Left mid?
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Being linked with Joe Lolley. 12 mill. Isn’t he out of contract in the summer? Villa fan too. Left mid?
Fab.
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yes please
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
'No man can step into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.' I know what Heraclitus is getting at, but I have been in the Waveney several times so he'll be disappointed when he looks at that one again.
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Being linked with Joe Lolley. 12 mill. Isn’t he out of contract in the summer? Villa fan too. Left mid?
His contract at Forest is until 2022.
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Being linked with Joe Lolley. 12 mill. Isn’t he out of contract in the summer? Villa fan too. Left mid?
His contract at Forest is until 2022.
That is why the price might be 12 mill then!
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
'No man can step into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.' I know what Heraclitus is getting at, but I have been in the Waveney several times so he'll be disappointed when he looks at that one again.
He summed up our state most lucidly:
“All things are in flux; the flux is subject to a unifying measure or rational principle. This principle (logos, the hidden harmony behind all change) bound opposites together in a unified tension, which is like that of a lyre, where a stable harmonious sound emerges from the tension of the opposing forces that arise from the bow bound together by the string.”
We are well fluxed.
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Well I can't remember who first said it, but the one constant in life is change; Jack and others will go but others will take their place.
It was the Panathinaikos midfielder Heraclitus.
'No man can step into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.' I know what Heraclitus is getting at, but I have been in the Waveney several times so he'll be disappointed when he looks at that one again.
He summed up our state most lucidly:
“All things are in flux; the flux is subject to a unifying measure or rational principle. This principle (logos, the hidden harmony behind all change) bound opposites together in a unified tension, which is like that of a lyre, where a stable harmonious sound emerges from the tension of the opposing forces that arise from the bow bound together by the string.”
We are well fluxed.
He's clearly been reading Russell Brand.
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L'Équipe has claimed we blocked Kod going to Angers on loan as we couldn't find a replacement.